WHY I FOSTER
By Tracey Hamilton
My husband and I have had rescue dogs as family members for as long as I can remember and we first opened up our home to foster dogs around 20 years ago , we are now into double figures .
The foster who had the most impact on us and for me sums up all the reasons why fostering is so important was Rosie . Rosie endured horrendous suffering along with many of the other dogs she was living with . Rosie arrived at West Hatch so emaciated you could see every bone , she had sores and open wounds all over her body and had lost most of her fur . Her feet were so sore she could hardly stand and was completely shut down . This broke my heart and I knew from the first time I saw her that she would be coming home with me . Rosie was with us
When we moved to Somerset with our dog Hank in 2016 , we wanted to continue fostering and I was keen to get involved with the local RSPCA Centre at West Hatch . I have now been volunteering at West Hatch for the past three years , helping with fundraising activities and fostering .
We currently foster case dogs from West Hatch . These are dogs brought into the Centre via an Inspector as their welfare needs weren ’ t being met . Sometimes case dogs can stay in kennels for months and months whilst waiting for their owners to appear in court .
Our first foster for West Hatch was Sandy , a 17 year old cross breed . She had lived her whole life outside tied to a kennel and had many health problems . We were able to make her last few months a wonderful experience , giving her the love and freedom she so much deserved .
Rosie for 16 months and in that time she blossomed into the most wonderful dog and I am so happy to say she is now living her best life in her forever home .
At present we are fostering Britney . Britney came from a puppy farm and hadn ’ t had much contact with the outside world and very little positive handling ; this made her a worried and sensitive girl . She has been with us for around four months and is making slow but steady progress and is now more settled and starting to build trust . She enjoys her walks and loves snuggling with Hank , she is beginning to realise that home life is a wonderful and loving experience .
Hank our German Shepherd has been a huge asset , he has a wonderful kind and gentle nature and loves life , this confidence is a reassurance to many dogs .
Sandy