hiya bucks in Bourne End, Flackwell Heath, Marlow, Wycombe, Wooburn October 2014 | Page 20

Volunteer foster carers - for dogs
Re-homing to a permanent new home is, of course, the main goal for each of the homeless dogs at
Stokenchurch Dog Rescue, but finding good homes for all of them within a reasonable time frame
is not always easy. Some of the dogs’ mental as well as physical welfare would benefit immeasurably
from living in a home, rather than a busy kennel environment, which, for many is just too stressful. It
may be that some are simply getting on a bit in years and, although they are quite healthy, they really
do need that bit of extra love, comfort and peace that can only be provided in a home environment.
Then there are others who have either been badly traumatised by previous events in their lives, or
become too distressed in a noisy kennel environment. For these reasons it is important that these
resident dogs are taken out of the confines of a kennel environment where, all too often, behavioural
and stress-related issues begin.
Alan Durrant, dog welfare manager at SDR, believes that by fostering a dog in an experienced home
environment, any possible issues can be addressed at an early stage, including
socialisation and contact with caring humans. This ultimately increases its
chances of being adopted permanently. It is also important to remember that
fostering, by definition, is a temporary arrangement until a dog can be found a
permanent home. Any vet bills needed for a foster dog will be paid for by SDR
once the treatment has been authorised by the kennel manager. So, could you
foster a dog? Stokenchurch Dog Rescue is seeking kind and understanding
foster carers for some of the dogs in the charity’s kennels, for whatever length
of time they may be able to commit to. Fostering a dog in need can be an extremely
rewarding role, but it does call for a high level of commitment, understanding and
patience. If any Hiya reader feels that they can give that commitment to the welfare
of an abandoned dog, would like to share their home with a dog in need and can
meet the basic requirements, then the charity would love to hear from them. It’s
perhaps ideal for people who for various reasons cannot permanently take on a dog
but would just love to have one for a while.
Just call Alan Durrant or Lisa Morley on 01494 482695 for a chat.
Stokenchurch Dog Rescue has lots of dogs of all types and they need caring for and then new homes. Extra
volunteers to help with fund raising - or inclusion in a will - are always wanted.
For more details call the kennels on 01494 482695...Thanks...Geoff Perfitt, publicity officer, SDR.

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