The future just got brighter for FOHA’s senior dogs and cats. The organization’s newly-launched paid fostering program focuses on older dogs and cats who have been at the shelter waiting patiently for loving, forever homes. This is great news, because although most animals are adopted within a few months of arriving at the shelter, some stay much longer—occasionally, for the rest of their lives.
“We’re focusing on dogs and cats who’ve been with us for six months or longer,” said FOHA’s Senior Operations Manager Laura Eddy. “It’s either a 30- or a 60-day program. Fosters are asked to take training classes, to give us weekly feedback, and of course at the end, if they decide to keep the animal that they’re fostering, then the adoption fee is waived.”
The program, called Foster Forward, helps facilitate the process for fosters considering bringing home a four-legged family member. It pays them $300 per pet for the period, but FOHA also provides training, food, and covers medical expenses during that time as well. This helps improve the outcome for shelter residents like Blaze and Dallas.
“I’m so excited because one, it’s going to get animals out of our facility so we can bring more in, and again, continue to help support. And two, it’s really going to shine a light on some of our animals,” Eddy added. “Blaze has been with us for such a long time. He’s sweet. I’ve taken him to events. He’s good with kids. He’s great with other dogs. He’s just big and a hound, so he’s never really had a chance to shine in a home.”
Located near Aldie, VA, the no-kill shelter has been in operation since 1973 and has saved the lives of more than 17,500 animals. It makes a lifetime commitment to every animal it brings in, and takes seriously its motto that they’re “home with us until they’re home with you.” Senior pets have so much love left to give. Be a hero by giving a senior pet the chance to love and be loved again!
