Foster Homes

A Greyhound that is awaiting adoption enters your life temporarily, sometimes for just a few days and sometimes for a few weeks. The average duration for a Greyhound in our foster program is 3 to 6 weeks, although some dogs have been in foster care for shorter or longer periods of time.

These foster-Greyhounds have recently retired from their racing or breeding careers and are looking for their retirement home. Some are Greyhounds who have been released back to Greyhound Pet Adoption Northwest by their owners because they could no longer care for them. Fostering is not babysitting, it is a commitment to love and care for a Greyhound until a permanent home is located for that dog.

You will be trained and supported by a foster coordinator. Contact our Foster Coordinator to learn more about becoming a foster home.

In addition to support, Greyhound Pet Adoption Northwest provides foster homes with dog food and is responsible for most medical care costs for the foster dog.

Being a Foster Home

Families who will open their homes to a Greyhound to provide a loving temporary home for them are the heart of our program. It is an honor to participate in our foster program and be a part of finding a home for Greyhounds.

As a foster family, you are a representative of Greyhound Pet Adoption Northwest Chapter. Our mission and focus is on Greyhounds as pets. We hope that you enjoy being part of preparing a Greyhound for the next stage of it’s life.

As a Foster Parent, you are responsible for teaching your foster Greyhound:

Housetraining
Appropriate behavior indoors - and outdoors
Responding to his/her name
Playing well with children and adults
Walking on a leash without pulling
Proper interaction with other pets

Foster parents must provide their foster Greyhound:

A safe environment
Good food
Fresh water
Love and affection
Grooming
Soft and comfy beds and pillows
LOTS of guidance, supervision and training

A Story From A Foster Home

Had I not made the decision to participate in rescue, I would never have had the chance to meet him. If I had sat here comfortably in my home and said "I already have four dogs and I know that I couldn't take in another - even on a temporary basis," I would never have met this dog.

Yes, it takes time to rescue and foster... but who gave me time in the first place? And why or what was the reason I was given Time? To fill my own needs? Or was there another reason ever so small and seemingly insignificant, like rescuing this one dog that could make a difference in another's life? Perhaps to add joy, hope, help and companionship to another who is in need?

Greyhound-toy With great sadness, I sat down on a footstool in my kitchen this morning and watched as this foster dog bounced back into the house and skidded across the floor to sit ever so perfectly in front of me. He was the picture of health, finally. He was all smiles for me.... and I smiled back at his happy face. Deep in his eyes, the storm clouds of illness and generalized poor health had blown away, and the clear light of his perfection radiated out from his beautiful soul.

He holds no ill will toward man. He forgives us all. I thought to myself as I impressed this one last long look of him into my heart, what a very fine creature you have created. Tears slowly pooled and spilled over my cheekbones as the deeper realization of how wonderful this dog is sank into my internal file cabinet of Needful Things to Remember.
Lord, he's a dog - but he's a better human being than I am. He has forgiven quickly. Would I do the same? He passionately enjoys the simple things in life, and I have often overlooked them. He accepts change and gets on with his life! I fuss and worry about change. He lives today and loves today. And I often dwell in the past or worry about the future. He loves no matter what. I am not that free.

This very lovely dog has gone to his new home today and already I miss him. Thank you for bringing this dog into my life. And thank you for the beautiful and tender lesson on how to be a better human.

Author Unknown