Becoming Foster Parents

So today Matt and I finally got to go to our orientation for volunteering at Wayside Waifs as foster parents.  We had thought about doing this for quite some time, both while we were still living in Bloomington and when we first moved to Kansas City in our apartment.  It seemed way to complicated to do it while renting but now that we have our own place we can finally get it started.


We thought it would be a good idea to be foster parent and use it kind of as a dry run to owning a dog.  Matt is mostly concerned about the time it takes to care for a dog since we both usually work full time.  I still don't have a full time job yet but I'm sure one will come up soon so we definitely need to see if our schedule will allow us to adopt a pet and give it a forever home.  I would hate to jump right into dog ownership and then find out it's not for us and feel terrible about having to return the dog.

front main entrance

I wanted to do fostering not only because it give animals a better chance at find a home, but because I want to become a "Foster Flunkie" as I have learned it's called.  These are people who end up adopting the dog they are fostering.  I think fostering is a great way to really get to know a dog and see in real life what they will be like in your home, without the commitment of adopting first.   I hate to say it, but the only thing I am worried about owning a dog is weather or not I will be able to not freak out about the small scratched the dogs claws will inevitable leave.  Considering how much I freaked about the scratches Erick left on the guest bedroom floor when he moved out it will be a hard task but hopefully I will overcome.  I have read up on making sure the nails are filed round (no just trimmed) every week to help with it. 



foyer and welcome desk

I also saw they cool things you can put on their nails, which are smooth plastic caps you glue on after trimming the nails.Online it says they should stay on for 4-6 weeks (so long as the dog doesn't figure out how to chew them off) and you can get them on Ebay for like $1.45 for a full set, and free shipping.  I would like to give these a try, but I'll have to ask Wayside if it's ok if I use them.  They seem to get good reviews.  The only downside is the dogs chewing them off sometimes, but that's not something the product can really help.  Here's to hoping they can save my floors.

We had our meeting at 6pm at the shelter.  I have never been and I have to say I was amazed at the facilities.  I thought Vanderburg Humane Society in Evansville was awesome, but this place is like a castle version of a shelter.  They have tons of indoor kennels with glass doors instead of chain link so people can't touch each dog and possibly spread illness.  Cats have nice big cages and special cat rooms and even a sun room.  One thing I loved the most is they have an insane amount of training available for people.  They really don't want their volunteers to feel lost so they have classes in everything from basic dog walk to bully breed classes and dogs who are shy and fearful.

I learned that they are also hiring for quite a few positions within, so I have applied for any I might qualify for.   I would love to work there.  They really seem to value good communication and honesty at least with their volunteers and hopefully the same goes for their employees.

Our next meeting is this Saturday for the foster animal class and hopefully not long after that we can get our first little cutie to take home.