URGENT! Be a Foster, Save a Life! Foster a Dog, Puppy or Cat, Kitten -or- Foster to adopt!

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DID YOU KNOW...

• You can work full time and still foster.
• You can have a family and still foster.
• You can have other pets and still foster.
• You can live in an apartment and still foster.
• You can be a student and still foster.

Fostering is such an important part of rescue for so many reasons.
- It gives the dog a chance to decompress from the awful life left behind and a glimpse into a bright future.
- By taking in even one pet that we have saved from a kill shelter, you allow us to take in another. The more pets we get into foster homes, the faster we can save more lives.

Animals that require foster care are dogs and cats that are too young for adoption, recovering from illness or injury, need extra socialization or training or because our kennel is overflowing.

Fostering a dog, cat, puppies or kittens doesn’t take much, just love and a desire to want to help save lives!


LENGTH OF TERM:
The average length of stay for our pets is approximately 2-3 weeks, but we ask for a commitment from the foster family to continue caring for their foster pet until that pet is adopted.

OTHER REASONS TO FOSTER:

1. -Fostering is highly rewarding.
2. -Fostering is tax deductible.
3. -In certain circumstances we provide the food, toys, bedding, crate/puppy play pens, and water bowls. Vetting is done by the rescue.

QUALIFICATIONS:
 You must live on Long Island, New York. You must be willing to drive to West Islip, New York for an interview and to pick up and drop off dog(s)/puppy(ies) or kittens.
 Head of Household must be at least 18 years old.
 You must be home enough hours to care for your foster animals, but you don't have to be retired or a stay at home mom/dad.
 We have a foster application, and once you are approved, we can find the right dog for your home.

**Read below for one of our Foster's words (as of 10/2019 fostered 52 dogs)

OPTION 2: FOSTER-TO-ADOPT PROGRAM
The Foster-to-Adopt program is unique-it allows potential adopters to take a dog home for up to 2 weeks to ensure that the pet is the right fit for the family. Situations in which this program is beneficial include, but are not limited to: a) Your current pet needs some transition time to accept a furry friend and vice versa, b) The pet needs to complete heartworm treatment, or c) The pet has a medical condition. If you are interested, please visit our website at www.ruffhouserescue.org or email us at ruffhouserescue@gmail.com.

NEXT STEPS FOR FOSTERS:

1. -VolunteerMatch directions: Please click on the red button labeled "I want to help" on the upper corner of the page and include in the comments: 1) If you completed the online Volunteer Application.,2) Your address, and 3) Your question(s).
2. -Complete the foster application on our website in about five minutes. Go to www.ruffhouserescue.org, Go to "Foster" tab, and scroll down the page.
3. -Check out the dogs in need of fostering on our Facebook page "Ruff House Rescue NY" or Instagram or Twitter: "Ruff House Rescue".
4. -If you do not get a response from us within 4 business days please reach out to us at ruffhouserescue@gmail.com.

WORDS FROM ONE OF OUR FREQUENT FOSTER
(MAURA RESSEGGER, Thank you!!):
In the last year and a half our family has had 52 foster dogs pass through our house. Ruff house is rescuing more and more dogs every month, and they need help. I want you to know what fostering entails.

When the pups come to us, they are coming from the kennel. Before the kennel, they were in a kill shelter down south, many pulled off the kill list right before the list is carried out. They then take the long freedom ride to NY. In NY they come to Ruff House’s kennel, and are now safe. But they need love! They need to learn how to play and be a dog. This is what fostering does.

As soon as they get to our house from the kennel I put them in the backyard. It is amazing to watch them enjoy grass, dirt and freedom. They roll around, run and "introduce" themselves to our permanent pups. Some are more nervous than others and it takes them a while to trust humans. Eventually they do. There is it much work involved in our part. If we are watching tv, we pet them. If we are in the kitchen we might throw them some snacks. If we are in yard we throw some toys around. It’s not hard work at all. We just teach them love.

Many people say "I can’t because I work". I work 2 jobs, Big E works full time, and the kids go to school. So we crate when we are out. But in the kennel they are also crates. At least in your house they get love and freedom in the morning while you are getting ready, and love and freedom when you get home in the afternoon. It is more freedom then they get at the kennel.

"It must be so hard when they leave". The first one or 2 were tough. But we would refill, and know that we made a difference to that soul. And some we fell in love with and almost "foster failed" at. And 2 we did "foster fail" with and they ended up becoming permanent residents of our house. And each time one leave for their forever home, you might be a little sad. But mostly you are excited to see them go to a loving, safe place!

One other requirement. You have to take pictures and write a little bio about each dog once you get to know them. You post them on social media and people see how great the dog is. So simple. Let people see how cute they are, if they like kids, if they are shy or outgoing, if they love to play or are they are more of a couch potato. It is so easy and takes about 10 minutes to do.

Ruff house will provide you with a crate if needed. They will provide you with food if needed. They will pay for all vetting if needed. You are really just giving up some of your love and time to a pup in need.

Think about fostering!! Our whole family is so happy we can help these dogs in the easiest way. Just give them a bed, food and love. And you will see the rewards are amazing!! You can let Ruff House know you would do better with big, small, older, younger, etc. they work with you.

VIDEO OF PJ & CLOVE (scroll down to the bottom of the page):
PJ had been sober for 2 years and he didn't have a job, he didn't have any accountability, he made the decision to start looking for a dog. A rescue group (Ruff House Rescue) had pulled Clove from a kill shelter. PJ just found a place to live. He got a call from the rescue and she was like, "PJ can you pick up Clove right now?" The first day PJ got Clove she was so scared and shut down, it was very awkward. She just cowered in his presence. And she was very timid. Watch the VIDEO to see how their story unfolds ...

MORE INFORMATION:
RHR’s website - www.ruffhouserescue.org

COMMUNITY HOURS:
Yes, a letter is provided for this opportunity.

MORE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Please see below.

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One animal is euthanized in the U.S. every 16 seconds, 4 million annually (Humane Society of US)

"If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito." ― The Dalai Lama

Our mission is to rescue homeless pets that suffer from abuse, neglect, and indifference. Our goal is to create awareness of the epidemic of homeless pets and educate on the importance of spaying and neutering, ID tagging, and training these pets. Through our rescue efforts we are both saving lives and cultivating the natural connection between man and his best friend.

THANK YOU FOR LOOKING AT OUR VOLUNTEER POST AT RHR!