What It’s Like Fostering A Dog

What It’s Like Fostering A Dog

The thought of welcoming another dog into the household is contagious. Once the seed is planted, the thought grows and becomes hard to ignore. For some, the decision to get another dog is an easy one. For others, it’s the perfect time to foster.

One unexpected, but wonderful byproduct of the pandemic and more people working from home is the increase in foster requests. We’ve even heard reports of rescue groups needing a wait list for foster parents. That’s a trend we hope continues well after we find a way through COVID-19.

We’ve worked with numerous rescue groups and their dogs in need. Our supplements are vital for dogs (and puppies) who’ve been neglected and found in dire states. Complete nutrition is an essential part of bringing a dog back to optimal health. But beyond what goes in their food bowls, we thought it would be a great opportunity to share the day-to-day experience of what it’s like to welcome a foster dog into your home.

To do so, we reached out to good friends of ours, asking them share their first experience fostering a puppy.

Meet Christian, Lilly and Moose

(Lilly & Moose pictured)

1. Tell us about yourselves. What was it that made you want to foster a dog?

Lilly and I started dating during quarantine and realized that there was no better time than now to foster a good boy or good girl. We both love dogs and with working from home we had more than enough time and energy to focus on taking care of a pup. Also it can be tough dealing with everything that’s happening during 2020, so fostering an adorable loving puppy just seemed obvious.

2. Who was it you fostered from?

The LaBelle Foundation located in Beverly Hills.

3. What was the outreach and application process like?

They have an easy application process through their website but we actually ended up direct messaging them through their Instagram account and we were also referred to the foundation by a good friend of ours who fostered a beautiful baby pit bull through them.

4. Who was your dog (name and breed) and what was his story before coming to you?

Our puppy’s name was Moose and he was a gorgeous white and brown American Staffordshire Terrier. We didn’t actually get the full background, but he was rescued at two weeks old.

5. What was the personality of your foster dog?

Moose was an incredibly sweet and loving pup. He had a ton of energy during the day and was very gentle with other dogs. His favorite thing to do by far was nap and was easily the greatest snuggle buddy of all time.

6. Can you tell us any great or funny moments you had? Any unexpected surprises?

What we forgot about taking care of a puppy is that they are constantly teething. We let Moose run around our apartment a lot and he very sneakily made his way under the bed. He completely shredded the bottom of the box spring and burrowed into it. Lesson learned.

7. What was his adoption like?

We found a lovely girl from West Hollywood who adopted Moose and although it was nearly impossible to give the little guy up, we were confident she would provide him with an amazing home.

8. What was the hardest part of the journey?

Saying goodbye was one of the hardest things we have ever had to do. After two weeks we were completely attached to him and it was heartbreaking letting him go.

9. What did you learn from fostering?

Puppies are a ton of work, but the love you get in return is completely worth it.

10. Last question: any words of advice to anyone interested in fostering?

I would have loved to have a backyard or some grass for him to easily access. It is a big responsibility. You can not take your focus or attention off of them for a second but I promise it’s worth it.

Interested in fostering a dog?

The best place to go is a local rescue group. They will be able to work with you to place the dog best suited for your home and lifestyle to foster. If you're in the LA region, The LaBelle Foundation has an easy online application for you.

Interested in donating to The LaBelle Foundation?

If you are not in a position to foster or adopt, you can still help out pups in need. Donations to The LaBelle Foundation directly cover medical needs like illnesses or injuries, support obedience or behavioral training, and help find them new homes. 

Thank you from the K9 Power Team!

No matter if you foster, adopt, or already have a loving dog at home, nutrition is key to a happy healthy life. Check out our suite of supplements, and find one that's right for you and your pup.