Foster Family Stories

What it’s like to foster an Old Dog Haven dog

Old Dog Haven stands on the foundation of our foster families. If we feel that an old dog is unadoptable due to medical or other issues these are the wonderful folks that bring these dogs into their homes for the remainder of their lives. Old Dog Haven pays for the vet care for these dogs, but fostering seniors brings unique challenges and joys to a family.

At Old Dog Haven we hear a number of questions about fostering. So here are the stories of some of our longest term fosters. Perhaps their experiences will answer questions, nudge some of us into fostering, or just provide a little inspiration.

Diane Lee 

When did you start being an Old Dog Haven foster?
In 2006 I got my first Old Dog Haven dog, Ginger the Spaniel. She staggered into my house, and I wondered if she would live through the night. It was the first time I saw the amazing transformation of a dog given love and good vet care. She lived another five years, and I have never looked back.

What inspired you to start being a foster?
My disabled son was too sick to work, so he needed a special “job” that he could do at home. I investigated many things, but as soon as we found Old Dog Haven we knew we had struck gold. David was a caring, responsible “dog dad” to many, many dogs over the years. Old Dog Haven gave him a purpose, and the dogs gave him unconditional love.

 

What have your Final Refuge dogs taught you?
The patience and sensitivity given to my medically fragile son, even from the most unlikely dogs, was amazing. The dogs have brought us peace through some devastating events over the years. They’ve reinforced the belief that a loving, safe end is what matters. I take that duty seriously.

What do you love about being a permanent foster?
Watching the transformation of a dog from lost and alone to happy and secure makes it all worthwhile. Anytime I need encouragement or comfort, a dog is always near me.

If there are difficulties, what keeps you bringing Final Refuge dogs into your life?
Saying hello cancels out some of the pain of saying goodbye.

How have your Final Refuge dogs changed your life?
I have always had dogs. Final Refuge dogs are different, as the time with them is often short. Saying goodbye makes me realize how important every day is. Also, surprisingly, some breeds I always thought I hated have now become favorites. (Chihuahuas and Yorkies anybody?).

 

Fred Fuelberg

When did you start being an Old Dog Haven foster?
In 2012. My first dog was Harry and that was a rewarding two years.

What inspired you to start being Old Dog Haven foster?
I had fostered dogs for adoption in Arizona. When I moved back to Washington, my vet suggested that I look at Old Dog Haven’s website. Old Dog Haven Final Refuge was new to me but I was impressed with the support that Old Dog Haven offers–providing the veterinary care is amazing. Now that I am retired, Old Dog Haven and Final Refuge are a perfect fit.

What do you love about being a permanent foster?
Most of my foster dogs have come from a shelter. I love seeing them realize that they are now in a safe place. On the first day some of them just sleep for hours. There is satisfaction watching them transition from a worried shelter dog into a happy dog.

 

What is difficult for you about being a Final Refuge foster?
The end of life decision.

What keeps you bringing Final Refuge dogs into your life?
The reward of giving them a safe place for their final years.

What have your Final Refuge dogs taught you?
Enjoy the present and don’t dwell on the negative. Buddy, my second Final Refuge dog, was expected to live only six months. But with the great veterinary care provided by Old Dog Haven he lived a healthy five years. I now have Duke, my fifth Final Refuge dog. He’s 14 and has arthritis.

 

Sandy Krutsinger

When did you start being an Old Dog Haven foster?
I received my first foster dog, Penny, on Dec. 3rd, 2005.

What inspired you to start being Old Dog Haven foster?
The inspiration to become a foster parent came to me the moment I read an article in the Seattle Times that detailed how these wonderful senior dogs are so often abandoned to live the end of their lives alone and unloved. I had experience with dogs and the space in my home and heart to give several of those dogs a lot of love, a warm bed and food. I loved it! Phil and I got together in 2008. He has the same love for dogs that I do and together we have continued to foster and do Final Refuge.

 

What have your Final Refuge dogs taught you?
Becoming a Final Refuge parent has been an interesting journey. My dogs have taught me so much about forgiveness, love and even having fun. I have found I have more inner strength than I ever knew possible. As a Final Refuge parent, I have needed to reach deep for that strength when it becomes time to put a dog down. This is when they need us the most. I have loved each and every dog so dearly and still cry when they pass on.

Phil and I are both in our mid 70’s and have had to learn that now we do best at fostering medium size to smaller dogs. We love the big dogs, but neither of us are strong enough any longer to properly care for them. That has been a difficult reality to face! We see no reason to stop fostering for a long time in the future. It really is our life! Small or large we love them all.

What is difficult for you about being a Final Refuge foster?
Not knowing how long we will be lucky enough to have any of these dogs. Some arrive in seemingly good health, but there have been a few times that it became obvious they were much more ill than anybody realized. Those are the times they are with us only a couple of days, but always we showed them much love. That was the memory they left with.

What keeps you bringing Final Refuge dogs into your life?
Each one leaves us with so many happy memories and I know they are “crossing the Rainbow Bridge” with the knowledge that we loved them for as long as they were with us.

What do you love about being a permanent foster?
I was on disability, which allowed me to be home with my pack and give them my full attention. I think everyone needs a way to make a difference and fostering has done this for Phil and I. We have a purpose.