Ok, well here is what I've been thinking about these past couple days.  Since our loss of Lacey we haven't talked about getting another dog yet.   But my thoughts are that what if my husband agreed to fostering for ratbone.  Before when I was interested he said no because we already had 2 dogs and he didnt want anymore even if they were only going to be here for a while.  But now that we have room in our home this is a great opportunity for fostering because it will give Jack a playmate and help keep him socialized and it would give us the wonderful satisfaction that we are doing something to help those pups in need.  I've been talking to my 13yr old about it and she is very excited.  She loves animals and is willing to take part in the care a foster may need.  Now if my husband will agree........that is another thing.  But I will talk to him about it and get a feel to see if maybe he could be persuaded.  Its not that he doesnt like dogs its just that it wouldnt be "his own dog".  I know it doesnt make sense, but I guess it does to him.

Now.....after all of that this is my question.  I know that a foster parent cant adopt the dog they are fostering, but what if we decide to adopt one of our own that we arent fostering...is that still a possiblity or would we have to go anouther route?  And if we did get another dog would it have to be approved of first by ratbones (even if adopted elsewhere)?

Thanks for the infor.  I looked on the ratbone website and didnt find any answers for this question.  Sorry this is so long, but thank you for reading.

Oh yay!! We need more fostermoms!! I'm not exactly sure what you're asking in the last part of your post. Please email me and I'll try to answer your questions on Monday. suzie_redhead01@yahoo.com

Until then, here's a link to our foster FAQs:

http://www.ratbonerescues.com/fosterparent_faq.php

Teresa,

I am not sure if you got a repsonse so I thought I would post.  You can adopt another Ratbone dog that you are not fostering and if you decided to adopt from another rescue or shelter on your own that would be okay too.  If you wanted to adopt a Ratbone dog that someone else was fostering you would just fill out the application and go through the standard process.

It would be great to have another foster mom for sure!  There are plenty of ratties to go around.

Yeah!  I see you are in Washington State.  Kathy Young is the state coordinator.  If you have further questions I can put you in touch with her and she also does adoption days so you could meet her and the local fosters too. 

Sorry to hear of your loss as well.  It is very sweet that you are looking to help other ratties.

Teresa,

Kathy is the State Coordinator and she flies does from Texas and other states to foster since Washington State seems to have the pet population under control.  Her email is: kj62001@aol.com  Hopefully she is not too far from you and can get you on the team to help in one way or another.  There are so many ways to help.

If you have any trouble getting in touch with her feel free to email me directly at smiles4lifepkn@yahoo.com.

another foster parent in WA state would be so amazing!!

Let me know if I can help or answer any questions.  I am in Seattle.

Kathy is State Coordinator and she is wonderful and knows everything!

I have 3 dogs, we'll 2 dogs plus Wally (5# chi mix) and 2 cats and 2 daughters who are 12 and 14.

They have liked fostering, one daughter more than the other daughter.  But it has been great.

leveckemas@yahoo.com