Fostering

Fostering

FOSTER HOMES NEEDED

Fostering Application
Online Mail in

GPA/East Texas is always in need of foster homes. By providing a foster home, you become a temporary home for one of the greyhounds that has been brought into our program by acclimating them with home life. They have only known a kennel and it is vital to teach them what it is like to be part of a family in order for us to find them a forever home. This can be one of the most rewarding experiences, and sometimes quite challenging. Many people fear they will get too attached and it will be too hard to send their foster greyhound off to their forever home. While this might be true, please keep in mind that if you adopt, you save one. If you foster, you save many!

As a foster home, you teach the greyhound, well, what it's like to be a dog; part of the family. Here are a few vital tasks that will help tremendously in the transition in their forever home.

-Teach him to walk on a leash. Go for a walk around the block or go to the park a couple of times a week.

-Play with him. Show him how fun a stuffie or a rope toy can be. You'd be surprised...some greyhounds even learn to fetch!

-Teach him some manners. Track dogs have no etiquette. They may not know that noses and/or feet don't belong on countertops. They may not understand that sofas and coffee tables are not chew toys. And sometimes they may not understand that you're not going to hurt them-show them lots of love and patience.

-Many people claim that greyhounds can't sit. Au contraire....they can! It may not be the most comfortable position for them since all their weight is bearing on the back legs and their butts don't touch the floor (hee hee), but alas, it can be done. At least long enough to politely wait for a treat. They can easily be taught to shake, lay down, etc. Please try to teach them these commands.

-Housetraining is fairly easy. They are used to a "kennel", therefore crate training is usually the most effective technique. It teaches them not to mess in their area. They will quickly learn that your home is their area.

-We ask that you bring your foster greyhound to at least 1 meet and greet a month. This helps with socialization as well as draws in potential adopters.

If you are interested in fostering a greyhound, please print out the foster application and mail it to:

GPA/East Texas
P.O. Box 7485
Texarkana, TX 75505