for those about to adopt a pet or considering pet adoption

We've learned a tremendous amount about caring for puppies and also older dogs over the past 4 weeks.  One of the most important things that stands out (that at least we hadn't understood amongst all the chaos that this particular family of momma + her 10 pups has gone through) is the vital role that all the volunteers and fosters play in ensuring that all adoptable animals actually make it to the adoption stage.  Many animals don't make it and some have very close calls along the way.  The volunteers and fosters that care for these animals in their offices and homes are many times, the lifeline between those wanting to adopt a puppy, dog, kitten or cat and the adopted.  These most generous people endure sleepless nights (sometimes weeks of sleepless nights), meds administration and overall care, loads of stress and mess, socializing assistance, etc, etc, etc.  It's really, in many cases, a full time job on top of what each individual volunteer and foster is already handling in their lives.  It's pure giving and solid commitment and stewardship on their part. When you adopt one of these pups, or any other animal, if possible, find out who played a role in making this adoption possible for you and thank them.  It's surprising how it literally does take a village.

~ The Animal Foster Newbies