Fostering is vital at Kent Greyhound Rescue—it’s a lifeline for many dogs!
Opening your home can help us save even more dogs’ lives. To inspire potential foster carers, we contacted Jill, one of our dedicated foster volunteers who has been with Kent Greyhound Rescue for over 10 years. She has some incredible insights to share about this rewarding experience.
Let’s dive into her journey and discover what fostering is all about!
Have you owned greyhounds or sighthounds before? (If yes, what drew you to them? If no, what made you decide to foster one?)
I adopted my first greyhound about 12 years ago. He was a gorgeous, big boy and simply an angel. From then on, I have been hooked on greyhounds. I love their gentle temperament and kind nature.
What inspired you to become a foster carer for Kent Greyhound Rescue?
Fostering was an excellent way for my dog to have canine friends. I couldn’t afford a dog, but I knew looking after another homeless hound would be easy.
How long have you been fostering?
I have been fostering greyhounds for about 10 years now. It is addictive, and I feel so proud of many of them.
What has been the most rewarding part of fostering?
The dog goes from tense and worried to so very tired. Their little faces soften, and they will invariably sleep and sleep. They love their first experience of being tucked up with a blanket. You can start getting to know them once they have rested (a few days later).
How long do your foster dogs typically stay with you?
You never know! Usually, my foster dogs stay with me until they find their own family. Sometimes, they will find their forever home in a few weeks, but it can take longer. Some very nervous dogs have stayed with me for many months.
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about fostering a greyhound/sighthound?
You do get used to handing your dog to his new family. Occasionally, it can feel hard, but you invariably get a photo from the adoptive family the same day – showing a very happy dog! That’s so very rewarding. For me, the best medicine is to drive to kennels for a new foster dog as soon as possible!
Have there been any surprises or special moments while fostering?
I have had so many special moments. Most of all, I love how my dogs enjoy it, too. Foster parents think they have become experts at introducing a new dog to the family, but the permanent dogs are the stars. They learn social skills and are invariably happy to say hello and show the new dog the ropes.
How does fostering fit into your daily routine?
Most of my foster dogs easily fit into my daily routine. Sometimes, I need to do extra walks to ensure the dog sleeps when I go to work, and sometimes, I need to sleep on the sofa for a few days if the dog is scared. Life quickly returns to normal, though.
What advice would you give to someone considering fostering but feeling unsure?
Give it a go! I would suggest that you start with an older black greyhound. They are the easiest to look after by far. A young brindle or blue greyhound is for more advanced foster parents! You might laugh, but seasoned foster parents know I’m right. They are all gorgeous, though.
Fostering is rewarding but emotionally challenging, so please think carefully before applying.
If you are interested in fostering, you can read more about it here. If you wish to apply, please click here.
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