Ditto!  Fostering is a such great experience. We get the chance to help so many pups that really NEED to be loved & cared for until they find their new family! 

I don't think I've ever done anything in my life that was more rewarding than fostering for Ratbone. The love and appreciation shown to us by our foster "kids" would be more than enough for me... but even beyond that... like MB said, regular vet costs are covered, and other expenses like food, collars, leashes, toys, volunteer miles etc. can be deducted on your tax return, since Ratbone is a non-profit org.  

Hard to think of any reasons NOT to foster!

or if you do like me you just say..oh well "I'll just adopt it now" and save the trouble...that is how I ended up with 4!!

bless you! I'm a retired (special ed teacher0 and ANY time we can TEACH our kids a Better way is A BLESSING !~

Ashlee,

That is great news!  If you want to get her done sooner I am sure the rattie foster moms in Michigan can hook you up.  But, if you need to wait we'll still love to have you as a volunteer now and a foster mom at the end of Summer!

It is time for another post on this topic.  The timing is due to a huge surge in ratties of all ages in need.  There has been 8 sent to WA from TX (1 mom 7 pups if I remember right), various ratties in shelters in AL (2), IN (1 or 2) and here in GA a mom and her 5 puppies!!!

This proves we need more foster homes, funds to care for medical needs, transport volunteers, HV volunteers, applications members and anyone in between to help these sweethearts out.

If you still think you can't foster or temp foster think about it again.  Ask questions that you have on your mind here in chat world or to me directly. 

Ask yourself or other rattie lovers like you:

• Can you keep a rattie for a few days or weeks?  (Temp Foster)
• Can you go to the shelter to pull the dog and/or take to vet? (as requested by RBR State Coordinator)
• Can you make phone calls to vets offices, personal referrences and interview applicants?  Have a good judge of character and what a rattie needs?  (Apps team)
• Can you inspect somones home to make sure it is safe for a rattie?  (Home Visit Team Member)
• Can you travel an hour or two to get a rattie to his/her forever family or foster home?  (Transport Team Member)
• Do you travel a lot and can willing to take a small dog on the plane with you to get to safety in a foster home?  (Transport Team Member via Air)

If you have questions please ask.  I am here for you and the ratties and would love help!

Thanks for taking the time to read this and consider assisting in some small or large way.  The ratties think every single volunteer effort is HUGE in their book.

I can do all of those except foster...where do I sign up?

Ashley,

Here is the link.  Check off all the things you are interested in and when you complete it and hit send email me at smiles4lifepkn@ yahoo.com (take out the space) so I can follow-up on it for you.

http://www.ratbonerescues.com/ratbone_volunteer_app.php  (If you are unable to foster then just don't fill out that section.  If you could temp foster go ahead and fill it all out so you can be ready for anything.)

THANK YOU from the Ratties and Me!

I just wanted to add a note here that I temp. foster dogs....  and it does go a long way......    just by saving a life of a rattie or any dog(s) in general.... since all kinds of dogs deserves a chance.... but like i said in the rescue forum....  "uh,..... guess what i did yesterday".  I or RBR in general saved Jazzi from the high kill shelter in my county.  and she's getting ready to go to her long term foster home this weekend.....    so sometimes just one day, or even one hour...... of saving a pup/dog in need.... makes it all worthwhile.  I really enjoy having Jazzi.... in fact, i'm falling in love with her!  I don't think i could just let that slide knowing and without worrying at nights about her at the high kill shelter because of some people makes poor choices.... or even choices that were difficult..... that couldn't be helped......  But I am glad that i took that chance... (without my husband's "okayed"  ) and it is all working out...    But at this time, i can't do long term foster, I do what I can..........   by starting to give her/him the love that they deserve, and help to build up their self-esteems, and get them ready to go to their long term foster home to their forever home.....   

(Paula, i'm sending you a message off chat.....) 

I filled out the application last week, hope to hear something soon...I don't have a flexible work schedule, but I would love to start w/ transports, home visit, interview, references, etc...I hope to work my way up to pull & eventually foster.  We have only had our 2nd for about a month now, and want her to be adjusted before pulling or fostering...I also have a deep fear of not being able to let any of my fosters go...also have to clear with my hubby...but I figure anything will help, so I just need to start somewhere  (I am in Louisville, KY)

DaisyDeux - I had that fear of not being able to let go, too!  But you aren't allowed to adopt your own foster so you know from the beginning that a foster is not your dog.  It's ok to get attached though (how could you not!).  This just makes you more determined to find a good forever home for your foster!

When my first foster got adopted everything went smoothly and I was fine.  Then I saw a pic of her with her new forever mommy - and just burst out in happy tears!  Bill came running, thought something was wrong, I just pointed at the photo and said "happy tears, happy tears"

thanks mary Beth, i have been reading your posts and your experience w/Danica.  i know if it came down to it I would pull w/out hesitation...my 2 are such joys...does anyone know how long it takes to hear from someone once your app is completed?

Hey daisydeux,

I just sent you and email.  Let me know if you get it.

Everyone,

If you are interested in volunteering just let me know when you complete the app so I can follow up on it.  You know how email can be with black holes so I like to keep them in check.  =) 

Paula, I am so sorry, I just checked this today.  Please e-mail me again...I don't think I got anything but I may have missed it, I will go home tonight and check again.  I think it's been almost two weeks since I did my app.  I also put this message in "just chat" to your attention today.

thanks!

Julie

Julie (and anyone else who volunteered),

Please email me at smiles4lifepkn @ yahoo.com (remove spaces) to let me know your email address, location and what you signed up for so I can follow-up on it for you.

Thanks so much!