These days there are many ways for dog lovers to obtain dogs. Two options are adopting or rescuing them. Some dogs are unfortunate in that, for different reasons, they lose their homes and the owners they have bonded with. Some are given away, some are rescued from irresponsible owners, and some get dropped off at shelters such as the SPCA or smaller rescue organizations or they get lost and are sent to kill shelters.

Many dogs stay at no-kill shelters for months and months and some live with foster parents until they are adopted. Wherever they end up, these dogs go through a major emotional roller coaster ride while they are being re-homed. Despite the efforts of shelter workers or volunteers doing what they can to prepare and make the dogs adaptable, they still may have some difficulties. In many cases, dogs are released to rescue groups or foster parents due to a lack of space in the shelters and some are adopted by dog lovers.

One thing that is very important to know is that foster parents are one of the key factors in the adoption process. Without them, dogs may not have the chance to be re-homed. Good foster homes are hard to find and have very difficult duties. The foster home acts as a bridge between a dog’s past and future as a first-hand observer. The problem that these well-meaning people and groups or even people who adopt the dogs are facing is that some dogs start misbehaving and causing headaches for the new dog owners or foster parents after a few days or a few weeks. This is normal and there are reasons for that.

I also want to emphasize that all the information that you will get from this read is coming from an individual who has spent over sixteen years learning about dogs and has devoted all of his time and energy to improving dogs’ lives and helping dogs and their owners live together harmoniously.