Compassion for Greyhounds -- Michigan's Greyhound Adoption Specialist

The Fostering Experience...

A key component of CFG's rescue program is the foster home. Without adequate numbers of foster homes, we are limited in how many Greyhounds we can take in at one time. The principle behind fostering is to provide the dogs entrusted to our care with a home environment in order to evaluate their habits and behavior, and to offer the new owner more information on the dog, as well as acclimate them to home life. CFG needs caring, responsible Greyhound lovers to join our foster home team by opening their homes and their hearts to our rescued Greyhounds.

Here are some common questions people ask about being a foster parent.

WHAT WILL I NEED TO DO AS A FOSTER PARENT?

Foster homes are responsible for the daily care of the foster dog, including feeding, exercising, socializing, grooming, reinforcing basic obedience commands, observing and evaluating general behavior and temperament, and of course providing love and security to a special Greyhound at an often difficult time in his or her life.

HOW LONG DOES A DOG STAY IN FOSTER CARE?

The foster stay varies with each dog. Dogs with special needs may need to stay in foster care for a period of months. It really depends on the individual dog's situation.

DO I HAVE TO BE HOME WITH THE DOG ALL DAY?

No. Many foster family members are employed outside the home and still provide a quality environment for the dog. We do require that any time you are unable to directly supervise the foster dog, he/she must be crated. This results in a safe secure place for the dog and keeps concern for the foster family's safety and home in the forefront.

DO I NEED A FENCED YARD?

A fenced yard is preferred. As Greyhound owners know, greyhounds may never be allowed to run free, tied out or put on a clothes line type run. If your yard is surrounded by a secure fence, with a minimum height of 4' and all gate closers are locked with a padlock, the Greyhound may be exercised there off leash. Outside the yard the dog must be on leash at ALL times.

MAY I CHOOSE WHICH DOGS I FOSTER?

The application allows you to set limits on the kinds of dogs you foster. You may always decline a dog, and if your foster dog proves too much for you to handle he can be placed elsewhere.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Lack of funds shouldn't prevent you from fostering, but you will have some expenses: a good quality dog food, telephone calls and any toys you choose to provide. Necessary veterinary care is provided by authorized veterinarians and paid for by CFG. All necessary medical work will be completed before the greyhound enters the foster home. The only medical work that may be necessary is, emergency medical care through an authorized veterinarian. Medications including monthly heartworm preventative are provided, as well.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVE QUESTIONS OR PROBLEMS WITH A FOSTER DOG?

All foster homes receive a Foster Home Manual, which provides guidance on handling all aspects of fostering. Volunteers are also available for telephone consultation on problems not covered in the manual. Being a foster home is extremely rewarding. However, you should keep in mind that most, but not all rescue dogs are housebroken, some may be ill, or may have had little socialization or obedience training. We find that when given a chance these dogs not only improve, they flourish in their foster care.

WHAT IF WE WANT TO TRAVEL?

If you are fostering and want to go away for a weekend or take a vacation, the foster dog can be returned to the coordinator's care while you are away. Just arrange in advance as soon as you know and we will reserve a spot.

WILL I BECOME ATTACHED TO MY FOSTER DOG?

Yes, of course. However, when you meet the new family who is ready to provide a permanent loving home you will feel more than satisfied to see him move on to his new and better life.

WHAT IF I WANT TO ADOPT THE GREYHOUND I AM FOSTERING?

If you decide to be a foster home, it should be with the understanding that you are working toward helping a deserving Greyhound to a final home. If you think you might like to adopt a Greyhound, we require that a completed CFG Adoption Application be on file.

I'D LIKE TO FOSTER. WHAT DO I DO NEXT?

If you are interested in fostering, please fill out the application on line and note fostering some where on your application.

If you prefer to have the application mailed to you, please call our hotline at 616-997-1381 and request an application. Please mention that you are interested in fostering on the message, and a volunteer will send you an information packet and application. Thank you!!!!

WHY IS FOSTERING SO IMPORTANT?

The number of foster homes dictates how many dogs we can save. It's as simple as that!! Won't you consider fostering a Greyhound today!!


The Fostering Experience... A key component of CFG's rescue program is the foster home. Without adequate numbers of foster homes, we are limited in how many Greyhounds we can take in at one time. The principle behind fostering is to provide the dogs entrusted to our care with a home environment in order to evaluate their habits and behavior, and to offer the new owner more information on the dog, as well as acclimate them to home life. CFG needs caring, responsible Greyhound lovers to join our foster home team by opening their homes and their hearts to our rescued Greyhounds. Here are some common questions people ask about being a foster parent. WHAT WILL I NEED TO DO AS A FOSTER PARENT? Foster homes are responsible for the daily care of the foster dog, including feeding, exercising, socializing, grooming, reinforcing basic obedience commands, observing and evaluating general behavior and temperament, and of course providing love and security to a special Greyhound at an often difficult time in his or her life. HOW LONG DOES A DOG STAY IN FOSTER CARE? The foster stay varies with each dog. Dogs with special needs may need to stay in foster care for a period of months. It really depends on the individual dog's situation. DO I HAVE TO BE HOME WITH THE DOG ALL DAY? No. Many foster family members are employed outside the home and still provide a quality environment for the dog. We do require that any time you are unable to directly supervise the foster dog, he/she must be crated. This results in a safe secure place for the dog and keeps concern for the foster family's safety and home in the forefront. DO I NEED A FENCED YARD? A fenced yard is preferred. As Greyhound owners know, greyhounds may never be allowed to run free, tied out or put on a clothes line type run. If your yard is surrounded by a secure fence, with a minimum height of 4' and all gate closers are locked with a padlock, the Greyhound may be exercised there off leash. Outside the yard the dog must be on leash at ALL times. MAY I CHOOSE WHICH DOGS I FOSTER? The application allows you to set limits on the kinds of dogs you foster. You may always decline a dog, and if your foster dog proves too much for you to handle he can be placed elsewhere. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? Lack of funds shouldn't prevent you from fostering, but you will have some expenses: a good quality dog food, telephone calls and any toys you choose to provide. Necessary veterinary care is provided by authorized veterinarians and paid for by CFG. All necessary medical work will be completed before the greyhound enters the foster home. The only medical work that may be necessary is, emergency medical care through an authorized veterinarian. Medications including monthly heartworm preventative are provided, as well. WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVE QUESTIONS OR PROBLEMS WITH A FOSTER DOG? All foster homes receive a Foster Home Manual, which provides guidance on handling all aspects of fostering. Volunteers are also available for telephone consultation on problems not covered in the manual. Being a foster home is extremely rewarding. However, you should keep in mind that most, but not all rescue dogs are housebroken, some may be ill, or may have had little socialization or obedience training. We find that when given a chance these dogs not only improve, they flourish in their foster care. WHAT IF WE WANT TO TRAVEL? If you are fostering and want to go away for a weekend or take a vacation, the foster dog can be returned to the coordinator's care while you are away. Just arrange in advance as soon as you know and we will reserve a spot. WILL I BECOME ATTACHED TO MY FOSTER DOG? Yes, of course. However, when you meet the new family who is ready to provide a permanent loving home you will feel more than satisfied to see him move on to his new and better life. WHAT IF I WANT TO ADOPT THE GREYHOUND I AM FOSTERING? If you decide to be a foster home, it should be with the understanding that you are working toward helping a deserving Greyhound to a final home. If you think you might like to adopt a Greyhound, we require that a completed CFG Adoption Application be on file. I'D LIKE TO FOSTER. WHAT DO I DO NEXT? If you are interested in fostering, please fill out the application on line and note fostering some where on your application. If you prefer to have the application mailed to you, please call our hotline at 616-997-1381 and request an application. Please mention that you are interested in fostering on the message, and a volunteer will send you an information packet and application. Thank you!!!! WHY IS FOSTERING SO IMPORTANT? The number of foster homes dictates how many dogs we can save. It's as simple as that!! Won't you consider fostering a Greyhound today!!