In this season of giving it’s not just people who are in need but animals too. Several different rescue groups are stepping up and asking families to consider fostering a pet in the coming weeks to make sure they aren’t alone during the holidays.
“They have feelings too and they are so special and we are their voice,” said dog foster parent Mechelle Heath.
Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control said they have about 30 to 40 animals come through their doors every single day. While finding forever homes are always the goal, right now they are focused on finding foster homes for a majority of the dogs and cats.
“The cool thing too is there is no cost to the foster parent. We are going to supply you with a loving dog or cat, all the food and supplies you need to care for them and a lot of times our hope is that the foster family is going to fall in love and that pet is not going to have to come back here,” said community outreach manager Elizabeth Harfmann.
That’s exactly what happened for Tina Ferguson. She was considering the various options but after meeting Snow, a pitfall mix she knew she found her forever friend.
“I came wanting to get like a small 30 lb dog and I’m leaving with a 66 lb. dog,” said Ferguson.
One of the biggest reasons for the push right now to foster is to make sure the pet is a good fit inside the home. Also when you foster you can tell ACC exactly how long or short of a commitment you can give, allowing for flexibility.
“Just two weeks gets the animal out of the building and gives it the chance to be networked for a permanent home,” said dog foster Sommer Talerico.
Unfortunately for the dogs who are continuously overlooked or extremely sick, there’s always a chance they could be euthanized.
“Those animals deserve to be saved,” said Heath.
A lot of the foster families say the experience is as much of a gift to them as it is to these dogs.
“They know that they are going to be loved, and they are so grateful the animal is just so grateful,” said Talerico.
If you are interested in fostering an animal: CLICK HERE
ACC is closed for Thanksgiving and Black Friday, however, they will reopen Saturday at 10 a.m.