What do rescues look for in foster homes?

[crazydog]

I would really like to help homeless dogs in by fostering them, but I'm not sure rescues would consider me an ideal place. I live in a medium house, with a medium yard, 3 roommates (all male), and between us we have 2 dogs. I rent, but have permission to own dogs from the landlords (who are one of my roommates parents). The boys all love dogs and are very good with them. It is a loud house, since the boys are all in a hippie jam band. Yes, we're all very hippie-like. Very laid back people, but there are always people coming and going. All the dogs who live around us are very friendly. There is always someone around, although we all do work and go to school. Both our pups are very dog friendly. Mine especially likes small dogs. I love obedience training, the dog would get plenty of that. I'm also starting to jog with my dog (I suck at it, haha. Haven't jogged in months).

I'm trying to volunteer with rescues to help drive the dogs around, but I don't want to get my hopes up too high about fostering if no one will allow it.

The specific breeds I was interested in are pits (because I have a lot of experience with them and I love them), rat terriers/JRTs (like my dog), or puppymill rescue dogs. I'm assuming it would be harder with the puppymill dogs...I was thinking probably medium sized, active ones like our girls (the other dog is a rottie/basenji), like more JRTs or Shibas.

What do you think?

[FairyDogMother]

I think that's as varied as the rescues out there. I sent emails out basiclly questioning different rescues and shelters and decided from that info who I wanted to foster for that also wanted me.
I decided against the local shelter because if the pup "didn't make it" I would feel horrible. I went with a rescue that was newer and have the same mindset that I do.
I'm not sure about you not owning your own place though? Dogs can cause damage to a place. I've had doors scratched, screens on the windows jumped through, furniture chewed on (including couch cushions), drapes torn, floors soiled on...
They are not all as friendly as your dogs with other dogs. I have one here now that is awesome with people but not cats at all and not so great with some other dogs so I have to seperate her from the rest.
I've purchased a variety of crates for the untrained when I can't watch them and have been redoing my fencing too.
I think it's awesome that you would like to foster! There is certainly always a need for more fosters everywhere. If you can find a rescue to work with, go for it! If not, there are always alot of other things you can do to help and continue to do meanwhile until you find the right organization. If you have any specific questions, ask away. There are other fosters here too with different rescue structures than what I work with.
I wish you the very best success in your search!

[crazydog]

Haha, yeah...my pup jumped through the screen door a couple days ago. I can't seem to fix it, ugh. My dad is coming to town in a week or two though and he's the screen door master since my dog back home jumps through all the screens too! Luckily all of our stuff is basically thrift shop furniture...there are a couple pieces I'd hate to see destroyed though (I reconstruct furniture ocassionally, one of my pieces has been featured in a national craft magazine). I'm sure those are the first ones dogs would go for

[RoughCollies]

Do you have a fenced in yard? That's generally a big one.

[dobermom]

I agree a fence is a BIG one.

It really does depend on the rescue and the dog.
As an example, the rescue Doberman Kobie I have would NOT to well in your house, it would just be too much for him.

[crazydog]

yeah, we have a fenced in yard. Its not a tall fence, so the dogs only go out there with supervision (my girls a climber). Wears out the little dogs well enough, though, haha. I don't know how they do it...but after that yard they are tired little dogs.