Foster a Friend: The Benefits of Fostering a Shelter Dog
Fostering a dog from a shelter is a rewarding experience that can make a significant impact on an animal’s life. By opening your home to a furry friend in need, you’re not only providing a temporary safe haven but also contributing to a larger cause. Here’s why fostering is so important:
Benefits of Fostering
* Saving Lives: The most obvious benefit is saving a dog's life. Shelter life can be stressful for dogs, and fostering provides a much-needed break from the kennel environment.
* Helping Dogs Thrive: Foster homes offer dogs a chance to relax and learn basic manners in a home setting. This helps them become more adoptable and increases their chances of finding a permanent family.
* Providing Valuable Feedback: Foster parents can offer valuable insights into a dog's personality, behavior, and needs. This information helps us match dogs with suitable adopters.
* Enriching Your Life: Fostering can be incredibly rewarding. You'll experience the joy of watching a dog blossom in a loving home and gain a deep sense of satisfaction from helping an animal in need.
* Flexibility: We offer flexibility, allowing you to choose the type of dog and the length of time you can foster.
The Importance of Fostering
* Reducing Shelter Overcrowding: By fostering a dog, you're freeing up space in our shelter, allowing us to take in more animals in need.
* Building Confidence: Many shelter dogs lack confidence due to their past experiences. A foster home provides a safe environment for them to build trust and social skills.
* Accelerating Adoption: Fostered dogs are often more adoptable because potential adopters can see how they behave in a home setting.
* Raising Awareness: Fostering can help raise awareness about the plight of shelter animals and encourage others to consider fostering or adopting.
Fostering a dog is a selfless act that can change lives. If you're considering opening your home to a shelter pet, please reach out to us for more information.
Becoming a Foster Parent: Challenges and Steps
Challenges of Fostering a Dog:
While fostering is incredibly rewarding, it's essential to be aware of potential challenges:
* Behavioral Issues: Some foster dogs may have behavioral problems due to their past experiences. This can require patience, training, and sometimes professional help.
* Emotional Attachment: It's natural to form a bond with a foster dog. Saying goodbye when they find their forever home can be emotionally difficult.
* Time Commitment: Fostering requires time and dedication. You'll need to provide care, training, and socialization.
Steps to Becoming a Foster Parent
If you're ready to take the leap, here are the general steps involved:
* Complete an Application: We will require you to fill out an application to assess your suitability as a foster parent.
* Home Visit: A representative, on behalf of our rescue would visit your home to ensure it's a safe environment for a dog.
*The Sava's team would always be available for help and advice throughout your time fostering.
Preparing Your Home for a Foster Dog
Creating a safe and welcoming environment is crucial for a foster dog. Here are some essential steps:
Dog-proofing Your Home
* Secure hazardous items: Put away medications, chemicals, and small objects that could be swallowed.
* Protect wires: Cover or secure electrical cords and cables to prevent chewing.
* Secure furniture: Ensure furniture is stable to prevent accidents if the dog jumps or climbs.
* Consider gates: Baby gates can be useful to restrict access to certain areas.
Setting Up a Dedicated Space
* Create a quiet area: Designate a calm space for the dog to relax and sleep.
* Provide essential supplies: Prepare a bed, food and water bowls, toys, and a crate if necessary.
* Easy cleaning: Choose flooring that's easy to clean, such as tile or hardwood.
Additional Considerations
* Introduce other pets gradually: If you have other pets, introduce them carefully and supervised.
* Establish a routine: Consistency helps a foster dog feel secure.
* Be patient: It may take time for a foster dog to adjust to a new home.
Remember: Every dog is different, so be prepared to adapt your plans based on the individual needs of your foster pet.
Information a Fosterer Can Provide to a Potential Adopter
A fosterer can offer invaluable insights into a dog's personality and behavior, helping potential adopters make an informed decision. Here's what they can share:
Personality and Behavior
* Temperament: Is the dog calm, energetic, or a mix?
* Socialization: How does the dog interact with people, children, and other animals?
* House manners: Does the dog have accidents, chew, or bark excessively?
* Training: What commands does the dog know? How is their leash walking?
* Play style: What kind of toys does the dog enjoy? How does the dog play?
Lifestyle Compatibility
* Energy level: How much exercise does the dog need?
* Living situation: Would the dog be suitable for a home with other pets or chidren?
* Crate training: Is the dog crate trained? How does the dog react to being crated?
Medical Information
* Health history: Any known medical conditions, allergies, or vaccinations.
* Diet: What kind of food does the dog eat? Any dietary restrictions?
Personal Observations
* Favorite things: What does the dog enjoy most (toys, treats, activities)?
* Quirks or habits: Any unique characteristics or behaviors.
* Potential challenges: Any areas where the dog might need additional training or support.
By sharing this information, fosterers can help potential adopters find the perfect match and ensure a successful adoption.
Preparing a Foster Dog for Adoption
Helping a foster dog transition smoothly into their forever home is a crucial part of the fostering process. Here are some tips:
Create a Positive Adoption Experience
* Gather information: Keep detailed records of the dog's behavior, medical history, and response to different situations.
* Provide clear instructions: Offer potential adopters clear guidance on diet, training, and exercise routines.
* Be honest: Share any challenges or concerns about the dog's behavior.
* Offer support: Provide contact information for follow-up questions or concerns.
Socialization and Training
* Continue socialization: Keep the dog exposed to various people, places, and situations.
* Reinforce training: Continue practicing basic commands and good manners.
* Address behavioral issues: Work on any specific behavioral challenges to improve adoptability.
Preparing for Separation
* Gradual independence: Encourage the dog to spend time alone to prepare them for being away from their foster home.
* Create a comfortable space: Provide the dog with a safe and cozy area in their new home.
Emotional Support
* Understand the process: Be prepared for emotional attachment and the potential for sadness when the dog is adopted.
* Celebrate the adoption: Focus on the positive impact you've made on the dog's life.
By following these steps, you can help ensure a successful adoption and a happy ending for your foster dog.
Over the years, I've found creating a detailed biography for each foster dog to be invaluable. Each biography becomes a comprehensive record capturing the dog's unique personality, quirks, and progress. It's more than just a list of facts; it's a snapshot of their life with me. From their favorite toys to their training milestones, these biographies provide potential adopters with an in-depth understanding of the dog's character. It's a tool that helps match dogs with the perfect homes and ensures a smoother transition for everyone involved. Additionally, when the excitement of meeting a potential new family member kicks in, it's easy for potential adopters to overlook specific details. A well-crafted biography serves as a valuable reference, ensuring no crucial information is missed.
Here are some examples of past "Foster Biographies", which I hand to the new family.
Biography of a Romanian Rescue Dog
Life for dogs in Romania and other parts of the world.
Romania is a European country and the expectation for animal welfare should be among the highest, sadly this is not the case. Dogs are regarded as vermin by the vast majority of Romanians. Almost every city has a state funded shelter where hundreds of stray dogs, most abandoned by owners, or the result from strays breeding, are rounded up, caught by dog catchers and subjected to unimaginable horrors. These shelters are run by corrupt vets and abusive employees. Sending a dog into the public shelter is a death sentence unlike any other. The barbaric ways they dispose of them is by poisoning, burning, clubbing, starvation etc.
If it wasn’t for rescue organisations like Sava’s Safe Haven and others, thousands more would die.
Bella’s Biography/Information List.
Some details about me.
My name is Bella and I come from Romania. I travelled for 3 days through Hungary, Austria, Germany, Belgium and France to be with my foster mum. Before that I was with Oana Sava in her home at Sava’s Safe Haven rescue in Romania - she rescued me from the streets after my owner didn’t want me anymore and threw me out.. I was very frightened and lonely and had to survive on scraps of food. People guess at my breed - I am unique. But possibly some terrier, maybe even a bit of Cavalier King Charles, but definitely some Spaniel, somewhere in my genes.
What my foster mum (FM) says about me.
Bella came into foster care with us after a very long journey to Wales. She was exhausted and was left in our kitchen to decompress for 24 hrs behind the safety gate that allowed her to see and smell our four dogs but not feel threatened or pressurised. She was ready to meet the family the following day. She was very relaxed towards our dogs, with her tail wagging all the time and didn’t show any signs of nervousness or aggression. She was extremely friendly to the family members and just wanted lots of attention and love. She appears not to be a “flight risk” and really enjoys the freedom she has of the back door being open during the day, with free access to the garden. She has settled well into our home and has shown to be an incredibly affectionate little girl who loves cuddles and being on someone’s lap. She has lots of character! And has really blossomed and has totally stolen our hearts. We are sure that she will settle well in any home with the right family and with loads of love and affection, which she so deserves. Bella is a very inquisitive girl and loves to wander around checking her environment out. She is proving to be a very good house dog, barking if someone comes to the door and barking with excitement when a family member comes home.
HERE IS SOME USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT ME.
Food: I currently eat dried food (Step Up To Naturals, Grain Free, Chicken & Sweet Potato), purchased from Pets At Home, with a small spoonful of wet food (a few times a week) mixed in as a treat. I will also have a small amount of healthy food scraps mixed in instead of the wet food. I have tea around 4pm. For breakfast I have 2 chicken sticks or a piece of dried chicken breast,which my FM (foster mum) buys from a local pet store. They are really healthy for me and do not have any additives, they are yummy! If I am to change the brand of dried food, it needs to be introduced gradually over a week so as to not upset my tummy. I eat anything, even leftover vegetables from Sunday dinner, ham,chicken or sausages. I also like raw carrots which are nice as a treat.I am a slow eater, but always clear my bowl. My FM said that I should never eat rawhide chews in any form as they are made with chemicals and when dogs eat them they can be poisoned, choke or develop into an intestinal blockage and need surgery.
Vitamins: I am not having any vitamins but I do have a squirt of Salmon Oil in my food, which tastes amazing 🐟. My FM says it is good for my coat as it is full of Omega 3, whatever that is, and it is good for my joints which can be affected as I get older. My FM buys Salmon oil from Amazon.
FLEAS/WORMS AND OTHER NASTIES: I was de-flead and wormed before I left Romania but will need to be treated regularly. My FM buys a treatment called ADVOCATE, which she buys from the vet, as this kills all the bugs and worms including LUNGWORM which I can easily pick up from eating or licking something that a slug 🐌or snail has been on. Lungworms can be deadly to dogs so I need to be protected.
WALKING: Since arriving I have had to wear a collar with a disc on and I don’t mind wearing it all, although I do scratch at it sometimes. I get a little nervous when my FM puts my harness on but that’s because I am not used to it .She takes me for walks to the local park with my doggy friend Loki. I was amazed at all the new smells and sights I experienced, it was great. It was a slow walk though, because I stopped to look and listen and sniff then walk on then stop again, it was a whole new experience for me and really exciting. I wanted to run after Loki but wasn’t allowed 😔. My FM took me to meet some strangers and I was happy for them to touch me and make a fuss of me.I loved meeting other dogs in the park and was very friendly to them. I love going out for walks and wasn’t at all worried about the traffic on the road. My FM says I’m very well behaved on the lead and don’t pull. I am sure that I will love going out on walks in the future with my new family.
WHAT I LIKE: I like to get up on the settee and have cuddles with my FM even when I know I’m not supposed to. I have learned there are lots of other rooms upstairs with lovely beds to climb on and was so pleased when I overcame my fear of the stairs and climbed up. Now I like going up and down the stairs to see what everyone is up to. Also up there I can look out of the window at the people going past. I do like being out in the garden and enjoying the fresh air and lying in the sun. When I’m in the garden exploring, I see my FM watching me and i think to myself “I’m not doing anything….honest!”😉 I like to show my affection to everyone by giving lots of kisses!
WHAT I DON’T LIKE: I do hear the word “No” sometimes and I’m not keen on it but realise that I have to learn that I’m doing something wrong and and need to be told but with POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT I will get to understand what my boundaries are. I’m still a very young girl and need to be shown what is acceptable and what is not. This will come in time.
TRAINING: I love doing the right thing as this leads to treats and I love treats they are yummy 😋. Learning what my boundaries are will allow me to be a happy, positive and well balanced dog who will enjoy life to the full. I do recognise my name when it’s called but before I am allowed off lead I will have to learn my recall 100% so I return to my family and don’t get lost.
TOYS: I love playing with toys but I am a bit of a destroyer, one moment I’m playing and chewing a toy then as if by magic, it has exploded and all the stuffing has come out and I don’t know how it happened? I like to chase a ball but haven’t yet learned that if I give it back to my FM she will throw it again for me. I have a large teddy that I like to latch onto, my FM says it must be like a comfort blanket for me. The teddy has been repaired a few times and my FM says she doesn’t know how long it will survive 😇
WHO I HAVE MET: I have met all the members of my foster family and love them all and get very excited when they come home. I have been living with 4 other dogs and have got on well with them all. I have met some people and other dogs out on my walk and wasn’t at all nervous of them. I have also come across some very strange creatures in my FM’s garden called chickens but I'm not really interested in them unless they were cooked and in my food bowl!
HOUSE TRAINING: My FM says I am a very good girl as I have learned very quickly that I have to toilet outside and as long as I have access to the garden I will be fine. My FM does put training pads on the floor by the back door in the kitchen overnight and I have had to use them sometimes. However when I arrive in my forever home I might be a bit upset so could have an accident, but I will learn to be clean in the house 100% with praise and POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT.
SLEEPING: I sleep quietly in the kitchen behind a safety gate in my own bed with some of the family dogs in theirs. After my bedtime biscuit, I just curl up in my bed and sleep quietly. When I hear the family getting up in the morning, I bark a little as I’m excited that they are coming down to see me.
My FM says I love companionship so much I would probably be quite happy sleeping upstairs with my new family.
RUNNING AWAY: My FM doesn’t think I have any flight tendencies but I could possibly run if I get frightened by something or someone. This is why it is important that I learn recall so that I come back every time without fail. This can be achieved with POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT and treats.
OUT AND ABOUT: I am loving the freedom I now have to explore and experience new sensations like bees buzzing, birds flying and different plants to smell. I am looking forward to lots of outings with my new family. As long as I have reassurance and POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT if I get nervous. I am going to love my new life and will thrive to be a happy, well balanced girl.
AND FINALLY:
Look after me well, take me for lots of lovely walks, make me part of your family.
Love me loads and I will love and trust you unconditionally for the rest of my days.
Thank you for adopting me💓😍
Love Bella xxxx
A very special little dog is now becoming a part of your life. This brave little survivor has endured unpleasantries we can only imagine and has emerged a very unique individual who is now counting on your help in overcoming her past experiences.
It takes a very special person to do this - and if you’re ready and willing to take on this challenge, it will be life changing for both you and your new companion.
Biography of a Romanian Rescue Dog
Life for dogs in Romania and other parts of the world.
Romania is a European country and the expectation for animal welfare should be among the highest sadly this is not the case. Dogs are regarded as vermin by the vast majority of Romanians. Almost every city has a state funded shelter where hundreds of stray dogs, most abandoned by owners, or the result from strays breeding, are rounded up, caught by dog catchers and subjected to unimaginable horrors. These shelters are run by corrupt vets and abusive employees. Sending a dog into the public shelter is a death sentence unlike any other. The barbaric ways they dispose of them is by poisoning, burning, clubbing, starvation etc.
If it wasn’t for rescue organisations like Sava’s Safe Haven and others, thousands more would die.
Thank you, on behalf of Sava’s Safe Haven for adopting this deserving soul and giving him a second chance of happiness with a loving family in his “Forever Home”
Twix’s Biography/Information List.
My name is Twix and I come from Romania.
I had an owner for the first year of my life but they decided they didn’t want me anymore, I don’t know why. They could have taken me to the shelter but instead they tied me up in a bag and dumped me in the woods. I was very scared on my own and found it difficult to breathe in the bag and I was very thirsty. I managed to claw and chew my way out of the bag but I was confused as I didn’t know where I was as this wasn’t my home. I waited by the bag for my owner to come back but they didn’t return. I don’t now how long I waited in the woods but one morning a car drove past and stopped and a lady got out and came towards me speaking in a very kind voice. I didn’t now her but somehow I knew she could help me.
She gave me some food and water and I let her pick me up and put me in her car. She drove me to her home “Sava’s Safe Haven shelter” where she let me rest and the next day I was seen by a vet in their clinic to check I was healthy. The lady who rescued me was called Alexandra Sava and while I stayed with her she could see how friendly and loving I was.
I went with her into local schools to meet children when she was doing a campaign to educate the next generation on how important animal welfare is and I loved meeting the children despite being a little shy at first.
I lived in the shelter for a while and then everything changed.
I travelled for 3 days through Hungary, Austria,Germany, Belgium and France to the UK to come and live with my Foster Mum (FM) and her family.
People guess at my breed - I am unique. But possibly some corgi, but definitely some Spaniel, somewhere in my genes.
What my Foster Mum (FM) says about me.
Twix arrived late on a Thursday night from Romania after a 4 day journey, very tired and a little unsure of his new surroundings. He was left for 24 hours to chill out and recover before meeting the family and our dogs. It was clear that Twix was very friendly to our dogs and to our family and was let out to explore the house the next day. Overnight he had been quiet and slept soundly in his bed in the kitchen with the door closed. Despite being exhausted from his long journey and the trauma of leaving his kennel mates behind he was a happy dog and very keen to have attention. He was kept indoors for the first day as I needed to establish if he was a “flight risk” before being given the freedom of the garden. However on taking him out on the harness and lead it was observed that he was not a flight risk so the lead was removed. He was good at responding to his name when called so I removed his harness and let him have free reign to come and go in the garden as he wished.
His appetite was poor for the first couple of days, which was to be expected but he soon got into the breakfast and dinner routine with our dogs. Twix house trained himself within the first day by following the lead of our dogs and copying them.
He has been fine with all our family but when my son’s girlfriend arrived, he did bark and show his teeth, almost in a grin😬. He did this for the first 2 days when she visited but after that he was very excited to see her when she called here. I think he might be a little nervous of strangers until he gets to know them, but there was no aggression just a slight showing of teeth and a bark. Now he loves spending time in her company. My impression is that Twix will make a very good “ house dog” as he has now started to bark if a stranger comes to the door. He loves having attention and lying across your lap if you’re sitting down. He does jump up when he comes near you which we are in the process of addressing with the “Down” command. This sometimes works… when he remembers. He has taken to living in a home in his stride and has adapted incredibly quickly. Twix loves being in the garden and being a typical puppy will put everything in his mouth and has probably tasted every plant in our garden! When he arrived he had no idea what toys were for but now enjoys playing with them particularly soft toys and has now realised that a soft ball can be lots of fun.
Twix is a typical pup and therefore likes to chew. We have lost slippers, shoes and the arms of a pair of glasses so any objects you dont’t want him to chew should be put up out of his reach. But what has helped is a buffalo horn. He spends hours chewing on it which he clearly enjoys.
Twix is our 36th foster dog and he has been the only dog that has settled into family life withing a few weeks and was ready to be adopted in such a short space of time.
He is a very affectionate, loving little dog full of character and will make a fabulous companion for the right family. He has shown no signs of aggression or “guarding” behaviour since he has arrived here. He is a fabulous little boy whose character is starting to shine through.
HERE IS SOME USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT ME … FROM ME.
Food:
My current diet is “Chappie, chicken” dried kibble around 180gms mixed with a small spoonful of wet Chappie. I will also have a small amount of healthy food scraps mixed in instead of the wet food for a change. I have tea around 4pm.
I like cooked vegetables, fish, chicken and ham but not too much.
For breakfast I have 1 ½ “Bonio” biscuits🦴 which are really good for my teeth. Breakfast is usually around 7-7.30am.
I enjoy my food and always clean my bowl but I don’t gulp my food down.
If I am to change the brand of dried food from my current one, it needs to be introduced gradually over a week so as to not upset my tummy.
I always have small treat before I go to bed, after I come in from the garden. And a treat when I come back from a walk.
My Foster Mum (FM) does give me healthy treats during the day when I’ve done something she has asked, like come when called or “sit” or “down”. I am very food orientated so training should be easy with a small amount of treats handy.
Vitamins:
I am not having any vitamins but I do have a squirt of Salmon Oil in my food, which tastes amazing 🐟. My FM says it is good for my coat as it is full of Omega 3, whatever that is, and it is good for my joints which can be affected as I get older. My FM buys Salmon oil from Amazon.
Fleas/Worms and other Nasties:
I was de-flead and wormed before I left Romania but will need to be treated regularly. My FM buys a treatment called ADVOCATE, which she buys from the vet, as this kills all the bugs like fleas, ticks, earmites and worms including LUNGWORM which I can easily pick up from eating or licking something that a slug 🐌or snail has been on. Lungworms can be deadly to dogs so I should be protected.
Walking:
Since arriving I have had to wear a collar with a disc on and I don’t mind wearing it all, although I do scratch at it sometimes. I get a little nervous when my FM puts my harness on but that’s because I am not used to it. She took me for walks to the local park with my doggy friend Loki. I was amazed at all the new smells and sights I experienced, it was a complete sensory overload. It was a slow walk though, because I stopped to look and listen and sniff then walk on, then stop again, it was a whole new experience for me and really exciting. I wanted to run after Loki but wasn’t allowed 😔. My FM took me to meet some strangers and I was happy for them to touch me and make a fuss of me but I was a little nervous. I loved meeting other dogs in the park and was very friendly to them. I love going out for walks but I am a little worried about the traffic on the road but I know I will get used to it. My FM says I’m very well behaved on the lead and don’t pull. I am sure that I will love going out on walks in the future with my new family.
What I Like:
I like to get up on the settee and have cuddles with my FM even when I know I’m not supposed to. I have learned there are lots of other rooms upstairs with lovely beds to climb on and was so pleased when I overcame my fear of the stairs and climbed up. Now I like going up and down the stairs to see what everyone is up to. Also up there I can look out of the window at the people going past which is fascinating. I do like being out in the garden and enjoying the fresh air and lying in the sun. When I’m wandering around the garden I see my FM watching me and i think to myself “I’m not doing anything….honest!”😉 I show affection by licking everyone’s faces, even if they don’t want me to!😂
I love being on the bed and having a cuddle with whoever is still in bed when I go upstairs in fact I think I would like sleeping on a big bed every night…. If I had a chance!😂
I love playing with my friend Loki which usually results in me doing “Zoomies” around the house and garden and I am pretty fast!
I do love being brushed and it’s not only good for my coat but helps me strengthen my bond with you. I have had a bath because I was a bit smelly when I arrived in my foster home and I didn’t mind a lot but was glad when it was over and i must admit I did smell a lot better afterwards.
What I don’t like:
I do hear the word “No” sometimes and “Down” and I’m not keen on them but realise that I have to learn that I’m doing something wrong and need to be told, but with POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT I will get to understand what my boundaries are. I’m still a very young boy and need to be shown what is acceptable and what is not. This will come in time. I’m still a puppy and I need to have clear boundaries set up from the start. Sometimes my FM says no and points her finger at me… I then give her my big puppy dog eyes and she always smiles and I know I’ve got away with it!😉
Training:
I love doing the right thing as this leads to treats and I love treats they are yummy 😋. Learning what my boundaries are will allow me to be a happy, positive and well balanced dog who will enjoy life to the full. I do recognise my name when it’s called but before I am allowed off lead I will have to learn my recall 100% so I return to my family and don’t get lost.
My FM has started teaching me not to jump up by saying “down”, when I do she rewards me for getting it right. I’m also trying to learn the word “sit” and I do get it right, sometimes.
I’m quite a smart dog and taking me to socialisation/obedience classes will help me to become a more rounded and confident dog. I would love to learn new skills with my new family and it would be great to learn together which in turn would help with my bonding and confidence. I’m sure that with plenty of positive reinforcement ( like tasty treats🤫) I will learn lots of new commands and tricks.
Toys:
I’ve just learnt that I love playing with toys but I am a bit of a destroyer, one moment I’m playing and chewing a toy then as if by magic, it has exploded and all the stuffing has come out and I don’t know how it happened? And I’m amazed how great it is to chase a ball🥎 and bring it back to my FM and she will throw it again for me, but I’m still learning that I have to let go of it for her throw it again for me🤔. Before coming to my foster home, I hadn’t had any toys to play with but every day I’m learning new things.
I do find it hard to understand that shoes left on the floor or things left on the coffee table are not toys for me to play with and my FM isn’t very pleased when I chew things that don’t belong to me…. Like a £70 pair of Skechers shoes…. Whatever they were🥴 and the arms off a pair of glasses and just for fun the dog bed in the kitchen exploded and the stuffing was everywhere… it must have been one of the other dogs that did that😇, they can’t prove it was me…can they?
My FM has given me a “buffalo horn” to chew on and I love it! She’s happy for me to chew it and I have to admit it tastes better than the shoes! She tells me that I should NEVER EVER be given any form of RAWHIDE chews as I could become very unwell as they are made by using chemicals that can be poisonous and they are very difficult for dogs to digest as they can enter my stomach in large pieces which I won’t be able to digest. This could cause a blockage in my tummy and I would need surgery or I could die. So my FM always buys healthy natural treats and chews that are good for me and my teeth and are full of vitamins. If i’m lucky my FM will let me take my buffalo horn with me when I leave with my new family.
Who I have met:
I have met all the members of my foster family and love them all and get very excited when they come home. I have been living with 3 other dogs and have got on well with them all. I have met some people and other dogs out on my walk and was a little nervous of them at the start but then realised they were not going to hurt me. I’ve experienced workmen doing some work on the house and barked at them as they were strangers but within a few hours I accepted they were ok.
I have also come across some very strange creatures in my FM’s garden called chickens🐓. I stand near the fence and wag my tail to get them to come and play but they aren’t interested and are a bit boring so I'm not gong to bother with them them unless they were cooked and in my food bowl!😋🍗
House Training:
My FM says I am a very good boy as I have learned very quickly that I have to toilet outside💩 and as long as I have access to the garden I will be fine. My FM did put training pads on the floor by the back door in the kitchen overnight but I didn’t need to use them, however when I arrive in my forever home, as I might be a bit upset leaving my FM so could have an accident but I will get back in the routine of toileting outside.
I always need to go outside first thing in the morning, after I’ve been playing, always after I’ve eaten my meals and always last thing at night.
During the day in my foster home, the back door is always open so I’m free to go outside whenever I want to.
Sleeping:
After my bedtime biscuit, I just curl up in my bed and sleep quietly in the kitchen behind a safety gate in my own bed with some of the family dogs in theirs. When I hear the family getting up in the morning, I bark a little as I’m excited that they are coming down to see me. I’m happy sleeping in a crate or a bed but my FM says I love companionship so much I would probably be quite happy sleeping upstairs with my new family.
My FM does give me “quet time” every day where I stay in the kitchen behind the safety gate and do my own thing. She says this is important for me to get used to as there are going to be times in my life when I am going to have be on my own and getting used to it will stop me having any separation anxieties. I don’t mind being on my own as long as I have a bed to lie in and my buffalo horn to chew on.
Running Away:
My FM doesn’t think I have any flight tendencies but I could possibly run if I get frightened by something or someone. This is why it is important that I learn recall so that I come back every time without fail. This can be achieved with POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT and treats but I know my name and come when I’m called unless I see something like a squirrel…. Then I have to investigate!🐿️. I shouldn’t be allowed off lead for at least 3 months and until I have really good recall.
Out and About:
I am loving the freedom I now have to explore and experience new sensations like bees buzzing, birds flying and different plants to smell. I am looking forward to lots of outings with my new family. As long as I have reassurance and POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT if I get nervous. I am going to love my new life and will thrive to be a happy, well balanced boy. The more I can socialise with other dogs and people the better for me as I really want to be able to go everywhere with my new family and be a well adjusted, calm and friendly dog and live life to the full.
Having gone with Alex Sava to the schools to help educate the next generation about animal welfare I found out that I love children and would love the opportunity to be adopted by a family with a child. I can think of nothing better than growing up together and being “Best Buddies”🤗
When I go to my new family I need to spend a minimum of 2 weeks in my new home and garden before I’m taken out on walks. This is to give me time to settle and to start bonding with you and trusting you as when I’m out on a walk I will sometimes reassurance from you and this comes with trust.
My Health:
Before I travelled to my FM,I had all my vaccinations and had a health check in the clinic at the shelter by the vet. I had blood tests for different diseases and my tests were all negative. The vet has written a document providing you with all my health checks which you can put with my passport to show your vet that I’m a healthy puppy. But some vets in the UK are wanting another blood test, to test for Brucella after I’ve been in the UK for 3 months. My FM has a list of vets that are more sympathetic to dogs from Europe as UK vets prefer people to adopt from this country rather than abroad.
AND FINALLY:
Look after me well, take me for lots of lovely walks, make me part of your family.
Love me loads and I will love and trust you unconditionally for the rest of my days.
Thank you for adopting me💓
Love Twix
XXX
A very special little dog is now becoming a part of your life. This brave little survivor has endured unpleasantries we can only imagine and has emerged a very unique individual who is now counting on your help in overcoming his past experiences.
It takes a very special person to do this - and if you’re ready and willing to take on this challenge, it will be life changing for both you and your new companion.
If after reading this and you are passionate about animal welfare, consider fostering a dog from Sava’s Safe Haven.
We provide all the support you need, and you’ll experience the incredible reward of helping a dog find their forever home.
Please contact us for further information or complete an application form to join our rescue support team!
Thank you.
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