LOVE ANIMALS?
Consider Becoming a Foster Family BY LISA S. T. DOSS
In
October of 2020, a malnourished mountain cur and plot hound puppy, estimated at 10-monthsold, accepted the friendly call to approach a stranger on a city street in Mount Airy. The immediately affectionate brindle puppy was taken to Surry Animal Rescue to be medically checked and assessed for aggression. Within days, the puppy, named Zeke, arrived at a farm and found comfort in a foster family with acres of land and dogs. Within two weeks, Zeke received a request to meet his forever family. THE RESPONSE FROM ANIMAL LOVERS Dogs and cats arrive weekly at animal shelters and rescue centers due to age, health, behavior, or the inability of owners to continue care. In cities and towns, concerned people stepped up during the response to Covid-19’s business site closures, starting in April 2020. Animal lovers called, sent e-mails, and filled out foster applications, willing to welcome some lucky person’s forever friend into their home and daily life. Within months, rescue centers and animal shelters became quickly alarmed. Almost every pet that went into the tender hands of a foster family applied for adoption. And, the need for new, approved applications increased! PERSONAL EXPERIENCE Dani writes, “The role of an animal foster parent allows you to get to know the true
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