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This is the seventh No Dog Without a Home blog, so it should come as no surprise to my readers that my commitment to the series (and to following 12+ Toronto rescue organizations on Facebook) has resulted in me needing to take the next step: it’s time for me to start fostering dogs.

While I’ve been impressed with many of the rescues that I follow, I’ve become particularly fond of Redemption Paws. I’m addicted to their photos and creative dog bios and I love following their huge rescue adventures and stories of special needs dogs.

In the next few weeks, Redemption Paws will be embarking on a rescue mission to once again, save more than 100 dogs. As a volunteer-run organization, they have an immediate need for funds to help with the intake – and for foster families.

Truth: I’ve fostered a dog before. Long-time readers may remember Sophie – the miniature dachshund who lived with us for 6 weeks while waiting for her forever family.

I know from that experience, that fostering a dog is hard work – it’s not just snuggling and treats and walks in the park (though there is a lot of that). I know that I’ll fall in love and want to keep my foster dog and that I’ll have to remind myself every day that my job is to be the safe place in between ‘before’ and ‘after’; the place to build confidence and practice how to love and learn to be part of a family. I know that I’ll have to remind myself that I can have a greater impact if I foster multiple dogs over time, vs. becoming a ‘foster fail’ (or a ‘foster fiesta’ as the folks at Redemption Paws call it when a foster family adopts their foster dog). I know that my heart will be broken when my foster dog finds ‘her people’ and that I’ll cry when she leaves. But I also know that when I see her with ‘her people’, it will all have been worth it and I’ll feel lucky to have been part of that doggo’s story.

If you’re interested in fostering with Redemption Paws, be prepared for an in-depth screening process that includes an application, a phone interview, references and a home visit. They provide a lot of support for their foster families, including a guide, go-to contacts and a private Facebook group (which as you can imagine, is full of amazing photos and stories and even more addictive than their public Facebook group).

Apply to be a foster family with Redemption Paws here.

Wish me luck…and in the meantime, check out these adoptable pups – you can read more about them on the Redemption Paws website: