The Humane Society & SPCA of Sonoma County is launching a foster dog program to place current canine residents of the Humane Society into loving and highly trained foster homes. The program was created for those dogs that have special-training needs and that require one-on-one attention. It is also for dogs that have been at the shelter for an exceptionally long time and need a break from their everyday life at the shelter.
The dogs require time, attention and love as well as a strong leader, consistency and training techniques to overcome any behavioral faults. This will help transform them into wonderful companions and give each dog a greater chance of finding that perfect “forever” home. Volunteer foster parents for this program will receive special training by our dog trainers and will be given the skills they will need to help rehabilitate the dog in their care. Dogs will be matched with appropriate home settings and families that will provide the animal with the right training and exposure needed. Pat Engel, one of the dog trainers at the Humane Society, said, “The program places dogs in a home where they receive the intensive training they need to help them overcome these behaviors before being placed for adoption. This results in more dogs finding permanent homes and fewer being brought back to the shelter. We are very excited to have this new program to help rehabilitate our shelter dogs!”
Opening your home to a special pooch not only gives the dog a second chance at a long and happy life but is a fulfilling and rewarding experience for the foster parent. The Humane Society will cover the expense of all food, training equipment, medications, exams, and toys. If you or someone you know would like to volunteer as a foster parent, and give deserving dogs the extra time they need, please contact Susan Holzer, volunteer coordinator, at 707.542.0882, ext. 218.
The Humane Society & SPCA of Sonoma County has cared for homeless, neglected and abused companion animals for 75 years. The Society depends on local community support and does not receive government tax dollars or funding from any national organization. The Center for Animals is located five miles west of Highway 101 at 5345 Highway 12 West, just past the Llano Road intersection, and is open 7 days a week from noon till 6 p.m. For more information, call 707.542.0882, or visit the Society’s Web site at www.sonomahumane.org.
