How did you start volunteering with ARF?

Initially I was rescuing and rehome dogs from the Queanbeyan Pound privately. The Pound would let me know when there was a dog that they really wanted to find safety for. Shortly after ARF started in 2001, the Pound let me know about the new rescue group and it all started from there. I took on a foster role in late 2001.

What is your role as a foster carer like?

It is one of the most rewarding and challenging things I have done. Fostering has given me skills in dog behaviour that I would never have had otherwise. I am so grateful for all that. I have learned through the many years that I have fostered dogs of many different personalities. Learning from the dogs as well as taking part in the numerous courses and training sessions provided by ARF. There has been the whole gamut of emotions experienced during that time, happiness of seeing dogs blossom and get fabulous homes, challenges of working with dogs that need rehabilitation and with people, and sadness for those dogs that have battled injuries and for those who were not able to saved. There was also a bit of frustration for the house that came off second best from time-to-time (especially the wooden door and window frames)

What is has been the most difficult/most surprising moment of being a foster carer for you?

Some dogs are great most of the time, but there is that very small percentage of the time that makes them not safe to rehome into the community. These dogs are humanely put to sleep. I have always been with them at these times. Given that everyone that fosters is there to save dogs, this is always heartbreaking. Thankfully this does not happen often. The other difficult moment/s is when you need to tell wonderful families that they have been unsuccessful in their application for a foster dog. It isn’t that they aren’t a great home, but just that there is another that is a little better matched to that particular foster. Saying ‘no’ is never easy but a necessary part of the role.

What makes a good foster carer?

Commitment to working with the foster dog to help prepare it to successfully move into its new home. Quite a lot of the fosters need to learn general house manners, toilet training, how to walk on lead, social skills, etc. A foster carer that puts in the leg work makes a huge difference to the future of that dog. Like us, learning is a good thing 😊 and of course equally important is a whole lot of love. 😊

What drives you to continue to support ARF?

There are many dogs that find themselves homeless through no fault of their own. They deserve an opportunity to find a loving home. We meet so many wonderful families through rehoming our rescue dogs. Some of the new owners of my foster dogs have become friends and we keep in touch via email or Facebook. Seeing the dogs living not just a good life, but a great life, and giving as much love as they receive, makes it all worthwhile.

What else can you say about your time in ARF?

Firstly, I need to thank my husband Malcolm, for always being supportive even when we had several dogs and constant activities to be done. He often was called on to transport, release dogs from the pound and generally help out. While not the primary foster carer, he also played a large role. Having the support of your family makes a world of difference to the fostering experience. ARF has been a very supportive organisation through all my years of fostering. They provided training, vet work, donated food and equipment to make the experience easier. ARF has always been at the forefront of rescue groups through its dedication to the rescue and rehoming of needy dogs, while working to support those carers that facilitate this.