By Marcus Uhe
If you’ve ever considered fostering a large dog in need of some tender loving care, the Lost Dogs’ Home of Cranbourne need your support now more than ever.
A letter-box drop campaign is set to begin shortly, encouraging people to provide a temporary home for dogs larger than 15 kilograms as the home struggles to keep up with demand for their services.
Shelter manager at the Cranbourne Home, Allie Small said the home needs the support of the community.
“We’ve had a sustained increase in dogs coming as strays and surrenders and a massive decrease in the number of people adopting or interested in adopting,” Ms Small said.
“The number is increasing faster than we can home the dogs.
“The community are telling us they want dogs to be adopted. Regardless of why they come in, we will do everything to work with dogs that are suitable for community. But we need community to engage with the dogs.”
Ms Small attributed the swell in surrenders at the home to a number of factors including cost of living pressures, a return to pre-covid living conditions and travel, and a high number of dogs that were bred in recent years unmatched by community desires.
Those who do decide to foster will be supported by the Home, with bedding, food, toys and vet care all supplied, along with wellbeing support for the animal itself.
Meagan Carter has been a foster carer for the last 12 months and is currently looking after her sixth foster pet, Jackson.
She said fostering suited her life circumstances better than undertaking a bigger challenge of adopting.
“I wanted a dog but wasn’t sure if I was ready for the commitment,” Ms Carter said.
“I know a dog is a big commitment and I wasn’t sure if I could give it everything it needed.
“If I did want to travel, I know that it’s not an issue.”
Not only does the fosterer benefit for having a four-legged friend in the house, but the dog will appreciate the new surrounds and being able to live outside of a cage.
“One of my fosters, I picked her up because she was self-harming in her pen.
“Seeing her relax when I got her home and see her calm and happy was amazing.
“It gives you a sense of satisfaction helping to work them and find their forever home.”
Her advice to anyone considering offering a temporary home?
“Just do it.
“The Home are really supportive and if you feel overwhelmed there’s a wealth of knowledge and support available. There’s absolutely no reason not to, there’s a dog for everyone.”
Those interested in fostering can head to dogshome.com/foster-care/pet-foster-care/
