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Not Sure which Dog is Right for You -- How about Fostering

© John Hopkins

So you want to get a dog, but aren't really sure what kind. Have you considered helping a local rescue group as a foster home? Fostering may give you the opportunity to compare several varieties of dogs - purebred and mixed-breed, large and small - to determine the right sort of dog for you.

We have two small, mixed-breed dogs of our own, but recently decided to be a foster home for a local rescue group called Molly's Militia. We had learned of their need for foster homes while visiting their Web site and after careful consideration decided to volunteer. It has proven to be a rewarding experience for us all. Well, maybe for everyone but our cat.

We attended a pet adoption they were holding at a local pet superstore and left with a small, sweet, terrier-mix dog named Amy. Amy was somewhat shy at first, but quickly adapted to us, our dogs, and her new surroundings. I am happy to report that a nice family recently adopted her and that I will soon be going to our local shelter to select another dog to foster.

Molly's Militia visits local animal shelters on a weekly basis in search of dogs and cats that they think have the best chances of being placed into loving homes. There are doubtlessly rescue groups in your area that do much the same thing and are also in need of volunteers. You would be performing an important service and perhaps finding yourself the perfect pet in the process. I can honestly say that if we hadn't already had our two dogs, we would have kept little Amy for ourselves.

Fostering isn't for everyone, but if you have the love and the time give it a try. Some dogs fresh from the shelter need a lot of one-on-one care and attention before they are ready for a new home, I know Amy did. However, I can't tell you how good it felt to watch her leave the store with her new family.

Want to locate a rescue group in your area? Check PetsMart's Dog Rescue Directory, Kyler Laird's Animal Rescue Resources, Rescuers.org, or try your favorite search engine. You'll be glad you did, and so will some lucky dog.

The copyright of the article Not Sure which Dog is Right for You -- How about Fostering in Mixed-Breed Dogs is owned by Deborah Kompare. Permission to republish Not Sure which Dog is Right for You -- How about Fostering in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.