Trades & Services Animal foster carers needed RSPCA Qld is looking for enthusiastic and compassionate people who can provide a safe and loving temporary home for an animal that needs time away from the shelter environment. The team of foster carers at RSPCA Qld dedicate their time to nurturing and loving those animals who need it most. This includes young puppies and kittens too young to be adopted, animals recovering from injuries or illness, dogs or cats that are not coping well in a shelter environment, and animals that are victims of abuse, neglect or abandonment and are awaiting court case outcomes. RSPCA Qld’s State Foster Care Coordinator, Julie Herbert, said one of the most rewarding experiences for foster carers is seeing a previously uncared-for animal enjoying life and learning to trust once again. “For many foster carers, the experience of fostering an abused or neglected animal is tremendously rewarding,” she said. “These animals are in desperate need of human contact and to the special few fostering these animals, the experience can change their lives.” This was the case for foster carers Nicky and Scott, who provided a loving home for gentle giant Bruce, a four-yearold Mastiff-cross, while he waited for adoption. Found as a stray, Bruce was a long-term RSPCA guest – chalking up more than 500 days – most of which were spent at their home, in between popping into the Brisbane Animal Long-term guest of RSPCA Qld, Bruce the four-year-old Care Campus occasionally to try to find a new forever home. Mastiff-cross, was adopted at Christmas by his foster Bruce did not have to look far to find his second chance carers who could not bear to part with him. after all. Just before Christmas his foster carers decided to adopt him. “We finally caved in when we realised that if someone else took him now, we wouldn’t be able to say goodbye,” Nicky said.Nicky and Scott said Bruce was learning to be a foster brother for all the little kittens that the family continues to foster for RSPCA Qld.RSPCA Qld has a range of different animals that need the love and assistance of foster carers. Some animals only need a week or two in foster while others require long-term care. Carers can specify the duration of care they are able to provide. RSPCA Qld provides all food, equipment, veterinary care and training for foster carers. Currently, RSPCA Qld is in greatest need of foster carers who can take large breed dogs and adult cats. Bruce was Nicky and Scott’s first large breed dog. “I have never owned a big dog in my life. The biggest dog we have ever had was a Springer Spaniel, so Bruce was a huge change. And I would happily get a giant breed again. They are gentle (especially with little kids) and so goofy, and everyone wants to meet them when you go for a walk. So he has helped us meet all of our neighbours, and he is great company when I am home alone,” Nicky said. For more information on becoming a foster carer visit www.rscpaqld.org.au or contact RSPCA Qld’s foster care team on 3426 9997 or fostering@rspcaqld.org.au.
The Greater Springfield Times -March 2014 - Page 21