Virtual Fosters Change Lives

March 4th, 2022
Virtual Fosters Change Lives
IKEA Meatball is an adventurous pup who was found as a stray next to Applecart Headquarters. We aren’t sure if he was trying to catch a bus or find some snacks. Either way, this meatball found his way to us. After spending 81 days in the shelter, we knew he needed a little push to find his forever family. This is where our virtual foster program comes in. On a day out with his foster buddy, Meatball's true personality shone. He attracted lots of attention and ultimately, found his new forever person.
His foster had cards to give to anyone who showed interest in him along with a coupon for 10% discount on his adoption fee. He caught the attention of one person in particular; the one who would come in, along with the discount card, and take him home.
Virtual fostering is a fun and productive way to help our dogs get out of the stressful shelter environment. This can be as simple as time in one of our meet and great rooms, spending time in our play yard or a walk on our trails. Or, it can mean going out for a doggie date for a pup cup, a ride with a pup's head hanging out a window, or a walk on a public trail. This is not only good for the dog, but allows us to gain information on our animals when they are out of the shelter environment. Giving them an opportunity to show off for their public is a bonus!
Although the number of animals we take in has decreased in recent years, the dogs that find their way here sometimes stay longer due to health and behavior issues or simply their age. We are grateful to partner with The Grey Muzzle Organization who is funding the expansion of our virtual foster program with an emphasis on senior pups. This funding gives us the opportunity to highlight our senior dogs and speed up the adoption process for them.
 
"You can't change a dog's past, but you can rewrite the future."
- Agnes Carass
 
Thank you to our current Virtual Fosters
Patty, Maddy, and Emily!
 
For more information on becoming a Virtual Foster, please contact volunteer@wataugahumanesociety.org.
Help shelter dogs like Lana, Sadie, Rocky, Dixie, Stella, or Marshmallow find their forever homes!