That was the question my friend Jessica from Pittieful Love asked me yesterday. Well, I have a confession to make:
I don’t have a “new gal.” Life is still just me and Lucy. As you all know, I had a very busy six weeks that is just now finally coming to an end. Granted it was a huge success, the organization I work for raised nearly $3.7 million, so that’s awesome. But the workload is simply too much for me to be able to handle a second dog.
“But it’s over now! Get another foster!”
I know, I hear you. I want to, but it’s complicated. When I set out on this blog, my goal was to talk about the fostering experience in New York City. Well, here goes:
New York City is a beast. I’ve lived here my whole life and even I think that. There are millions of people, thousands of homeless dogs (and cats!), hundreds of rescue organizations and no-kill animal shelters, and a completely disproportionate number of foster homes. We’re overwhelmed, as many other places are, too.
Because of these facts, I’ve found it difficult to get another foster. Organizations are desperate to dole out a dog whenever they can – regardless of the needs and wants of the person volunteering to foster. They feel a great responsibility towards the animals, that in a lot of cases, their responsibility towards the people involved falls by the wayside.
And I don’t blame them! They’re doing the work, they’re in the shelters daily meeting dogs and rescuing them. They’re the ones dealing with their own overcrowded homes and boarding facilities. We all have challenges in life – and mine are in no way greater than anyone else’s.
With that said, I have to take care of myself and my family. I want to help as many dogs as I can – but I want to do it the right way. So I hope that you all can be patient with me while Jennifer & I figure some things out. There will be a new foster for you all to get to know soon – we promise!
That Touch of Pit... 
I couldn’t agree more. It can be very difficult to navigate the foster networks in the city as there is a delicate balance between saving an animal and bringing it to an environment where it can learn and thrive. I struggled with this exact issue (and guilt) when I was actively fostering a few years ago. It’s tough, but I have complete faith in you (and Miss Lucy)!!
I admire the work that you guys( and anyone who fosters)do. I had no idea how involved it was until recently. The generosity of spirit and devotion to a cause is incredible. Take care of yourselves. .
It’s okay – just take your time and do what you need to do! You can always post more photos of Lucy girl and talk about life with your dog in the city – I love hearing that stuff!
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve heard about fostering is: Make it easy on yourself. This is 100% your choice and your time that you’re volunteering. Pick a dog that fits in your lifestyle. Don’t feel bad if you don’t take “the problem ones”, because you are still saving a life if you take the most adoptable dog there is. Sometimes I’ve felt bad that I’m not saving “the ones who need it most”, but if you beat yourself up over that, you’ll burn out before you can say For Adoption. You owe it to yourself to set boundaries, and no one should blame you for that. The perfect foster will come along, and it will be great – and until then you will help enormous amounts in other ways. Keep up the great work!!