Being a foster home for a dog or cat—what does it really mean? What are the limits and responsibilities? What decisions can a foster home make? Not knowing what you're doing, but knowing how to do the right thing, is the best approach.
This is a compilation of several testimonials about animals rescued from the streets, though not always with a happy ending. However, these stories offer a glimpse into the importance of foster homes, the responsibilities and commitments of both parties, the agreements made, and the eventual outcome, whether happy or not.
Charlie
Charlie was rescued on the highway. He was terrified; no one stopped, but many saw him, others reported it or took a picture and moved on. Ana only saw the dog and, without thinking, turned around. She parked with her hazard lights on and cautiously noticed that Charlie was still alive, but on the verge of giving up: he was cold. There were no cameras, reports, or social media; she just put him in her car and rushed him to the vet.
The dog was weak, with a guarded prognosis: he'd been hit by a car. But the truth is, he only had lacerations and was in shock, quite underweight. He was very lucky, the vet said, because the seriousness of the illness was due to a severe case of ehrlichiosis, the shock, and the injuries, and there was no myiasis (maggot infestation) yet; Ana arrived just in time. The bill was high, but his rescuer's commitment was immense.
He was hospitalized for four days, and Ana managed to find a neighbor to take care of Charlie. The conditions were clear: food, cleaning supplies, and only for one month. The neighbor agreed to take him for walks whenever she could, give him his medication, and treat his wounds only if Ana helped her; together, they made it through his recovery.
Charlie no longer needed a foster home; he needed a family, a forever home. But several steps remained: neutering, vaccinations… The neighbor only agreed to let him stay for about 15 more days, while they waited for another foster or permanent home. However, the deadlines were approaching. Ana took him to another house, but the dog wasn't being cared for, he lost weight, and communication, as well as the agreements, broke down.
After many calls and attempts to visit, the storm finally agreed to surrender Charlie. Ana kept him alone at her house all day with her cats, and thus, without realizing it, she trained him and managed to find him a family. Charlie is a beloved dog; the effort paid off, and the decisions were key to everything.
Príncipe
At the garbage dump on the road to El Junquito, Rosa found a pair of puppies, about three months old. They were clearly siblings, and covered in fleas and with skin lesions, she put them in her car against her husband's wishes. She bathed them, cleaned them up, and posted them online. The female puppy didn't have any obvious injuries, so luckily, she found a home; but the male wasn't so fortunate.
Like any good puppy, he was demanding and broke a few things; the ultimatum was clear, so a coworker told her, "Bring him to me." The agreement was just the food and seeing if she could convince the people at home… Sadly, a week later, the puppy got sick.
The expenses were high. Rosa went to the vet, who explained that the puppy had distemper. He was already in the most critical stage; the dog deteriorated very quickly. Rosa wanted to put him down, but her coworker didn't… Rosa then agreed to leave the responsibility to her, because the costs of medication and the impact on his quality of life were enormous. There was conflict, there was pain, and responsibilities were left unacknowledged.
At first, Rosa tried to be as supportive as possible, but her partner couldn't see the suffering of that puppy: Príncipe, as his foster home called him, clung to caring for him and covering expenses until the very end. Príncipe didn't make it and left behind a huge debt; there were serious conflicts between them because Rosa explained from the beginning that she couldn't take it on, especially if the puppy's quality of life was compromised.
Miracles
Milagros arrived at the beach as if she were with the family and was treated as such. That Sunday, she was even given food, and when it was time to clean up, the big question arose: whose dog is this? The family didn't leave her behind; they took her home. But the truth is, it was a farewell trip: very soon, the family that had welcomed her would be emigrating to another country.
After considering whether or not to take her, they chose to place her in a foster home, to which they would send money monthly for living expenses and to help prepare for the trip. It didn't exactly go that way. The foster home took her in, but only for the first two months.
Milagritos was happy in her temporary home. The woman, with great effort, cared for her, never wanted to give her up for adoption, and made her part of her family. She never heard from those who had promised to help her again: they abandoned her, and she had to take on everything herself.
Odin
A dog was reported with an obvious infestation of maggots on its back: the poor thing was searching for shelter in every direction, and the stench of the myiasis caused many to simply run away. Until Alejandra took on the case; it wasn't the only one she was responsible for, but she wanted to help it.
He took him to the vet; there the instructions were clear: he had to stay indoors. He took him to a foster home that offered him a yard, a small house, care, food, and hygiene. He never got better: the myiasis (maggot infestation) returned.
Another visit to the vet and arranging a new temporary home. There were expenses, and due to a lack of knowledge and willingness to provide treatment, the dog, after a month, was almost the same as before.
She found another temporary home, but this family was clear: "I can feed him and clean him, but I need you to help me with the food; I don't know how to treat his wounds, and I don't dare give him any medicine." Days passed: there was no maggot infestation, but there was no treatment either, and the wound became infected. Alejandra never went to clean it, and the family was very clear about that.
Odin, as they called him, was very well-behaved; he'd been there for two months already, but he had a painful scab, and it was clear he needed to see a vet. The foster home notified them several times, but they only received food deliveries downstairs. There was no veterinary assistance, only messages that made it clear Alejandra didn't want to take him to the vet.
The foul odor began to surface… The myiasis returned… The smell was unbearable. Odin didn't want to be bathed or touched; he was very uncomfortable and his discomfort was becoming increasingly evident. Alejandra only brought food, but after three weeks of the stench, calls, and complaints, this family sought help from another animal rescue organization.
Oriana took charge: she took him to the vet and went every day to treat him. Once recovered, Odin was taken to a permanent home arranged by this animal rescuer. Calls to Alejandra stopped, and no more food was provided; she simply abandoned him. All of this happened after two months. Odin spent almost six months with this family.
A month after giving Odin up for adoption, Alejandra showed up to check on the dog. She had complaints: she claimed that this family "shouldn't have sought help from anyone else." She insisted on knowing who had the dog, since she was responsible... Odin is happy and healthy with his family, thanks to Oriana and this family's commitment to saving and caring for a life.
The kiosk kitten
They were on their way to an adoption event when Sofía got out to buy something at a kiosk. She saw a cat, petted it, and asked the kiosk owner if the cat had any owners. The woman replied that it didn't and that it was constantly giving birth… so Sofía picked it up and took it with the other cats to the event. The goal was to spay the cat, but they needed a temporary home.
On the same day, an animal rights activist offered to help her during the storm in exchange for sawdust and/or sand for the cage and food. Sofia's commitment lasted only two months, and the activist was upset.
She took her in, had her spayed, and found her a home, but without realizing it, she had formed a bond with that cat. She reached out to friends and family until she found a home that would allow them to have contact. She put her up for adoption. Sofia is blocked.
Then?
However, not all the stories are bad. There are foster homes that take on the responsibility, training, teaching, and even spoiling the animals. These dogs and cats are well-fed, sleep with someone at home, go on walks and vacations. In these cases, these foster homes support rescue efforts, protect the animals, and before abandoning a furry friend on the street, take them on for a few more weeks.
The farewells are always tearful, but there's also the satisfaction of having been a key link in the life and recovery of an animal that had no chance of being loved or escaping the streets. These temporary homes are unique and they do exist, which is why the commitment that animal rescuers must make to these homes is essential. There are many animals in vulnerable situations, but few foster homes, few families willing to take on the challenge.
How far does a foster home's responsibility extend? How far should an animal rescuer manage or take on a case? How far does the commitment to saving a life go?
Experience makes it abundantly clear: responsibility and commitment. Taking on a case isn't just for when everything goes smoothly. When more commitment is required, this must be communicated clearly. Remember the reason why you took on the case.
Rescuing a dog or cat involves commitment, expense, willingness, love, and responsibility. Asking for help is key, but fulfilling those commitments is vital.
The street is not a safe place. Open your heart and rescue a furry friend. But make sure you commit to caring for and loving them until the end of their days.
