Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid-Florida

Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid-Florida, Inc
PO Box 1449, Goldenrod, FL 32733-1449
Voice Message Info Line: (407) 332-2840
Email: info@grrmf.org

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Support GRRMF

	All About GRRMF
	Make a Donation
	Join GRRMF
	The Foster Experience
	Become a Volunteer
	Bequests

Adopting a Golden

	Why Adopt a Rescue
	How to Adopt
	Available Goldens

Caring for Goldens

	The Disadvantages of Owning a Golden
	Backyard Safety
	Children and Dogs
	Feeding Your Golden
	Health Facts & Information
	Spay and Neuter
	Fences
	Leashed is Loved
	Puppy Facts
	Obedience Training
	Toys & Treats

Happy Beginnings

Alumni Updates

Other Information

	GRRMF Events
	Surrender a Golden
	Canine Links
	Our Sister Club MFGRC
	Rainbow Bridge

The Foster Experience

A key component of GRRMF's rescue program is the foster home. Without adequate numbers of foster homes, we are limited in how many Goldens we can take in at one time. The principle behind fostering is to provide the dogs entrusted to our care with a home environment in order to evaluate their habits and behavior, and to offer the new owner more information on the dog. GRRMF needs caring, responsible Golden lovers to join our foster home team by opening their homes and their hearts to our rescue Goldens.

Read "Thank You for Bringing this Foster into My Life" for more insight and answers to common questions people ask about being a foster parent below. If you have any questions that aren't answered here, please email us at: info@grrmf.org, or leave a message on our info line at (407) 332-2840 and a volunteer will call you.

What Will I Need To Do as a Foster Parent?

Foster homes are responsible for the daily care of the foster dog, including feeding, exercising, socializing, grooming, reinforcing basic obedience commands, observing and evaluating general behavior and temperament, and of course providing love and security to a special Golden at an often difficult time in his or her life.

How Long Does a Dog Stay in Foster Care?

The foster stay varies with each dog. Dogs with special needs may need to stay in foster care for a period of months. It really depends on the individual dog's situation.

Do I Have to be Home with the Dog All Day?

No. Many foster family members are employed outside the home and still provide a quality environment for the dog. We do require that any time you are unable to directly supervise the foster dog, he must be confined to a small, secure area, preferably a training crate. This results in a safe secure place for the dog and keeps concern for the foster family's safety and home in the forefront.

Foster a Golden
Thank you for your interest in helping us by fostering a golden retriever. Please submit an adoption application. The Online Adoption Application is faster, but if you prefer, you can mail or fax the application using the PDF form. Foster applicants do NOT have to pay the application fee.
	Online Adoption Application
	Adoption Application in PDF format

Do I Need a Fenced Yard?

A fenced yard is preferred. Your dogs must NEVER be allowed to run free. If your yard is surrounded by a secure fence, the Golden may be exercised there off leash. Outside the yard the dog must be on leash at ALL times.

May I Choose Which Dogs I Foster?

The application allows you to set limits on the kinds of dogs you foster. You may always decline a dog, and if your foster dog proves too much for you to handle he can be placed elsewhere.

How Much Does it Cost?

Lack of funds shouldn't prevent you from fostering, but you will have some expenses: a good quality dog food, telephone calls and any toys you choose to provide. Necessary veterinary care is provided by authorized veterinarians and paid for by GRRMF. Medications including monthly heartworm preventative are provided as well.

What Happens if I Have Questions or Problems with a Foster Dog?

All foster homes receive a Foster Home Manual, which provides guidance on handling all aspects of fostering. Volunteers are also available for telephone consultation on problems not covered in the manual. Being a foster home is extremely rewarding. However, you should keep in mind that most, but not all rescue dogs are housebroken, some may be ill, or may have had little socialization or obedience training. We find that when given a chance these dogs not only improve, they flourish in their foster care.

What if We Want to Travel?

If you are fostering and want to go away for a weekend or take a vacation, the foster dog can be returned to the coordinator's care while you are away. Just arrange in advance as soon as you know and we'll reserve a spot.

Will I Become Attached to My Foster Dog?

Yes, of course. But, when you meet the new family who's ready to provide a permanent loving home you will feel more than satisfied to see him move on to his new and better life.

What if I Want to Adopt the Golden I am Fostering?

If you decide to be a foster home, it should be with the understanding that you are working toward helping a deserving Golden to a final home. If you think you might like to adopt a Golden, we require that a completed GRRMF Adoption Application be on file.

I'd Like to Foster. What do I do Next?

If you are interested in fostering, please fill out an Adoption Application:.

ONLINE APPLICATION – complete and submit online
OR
PDF APPLICATION – Mark "Interested in Fostering" across the top of the application. Foster applicants do not have to pay the $5.00 application fee. Print and fax or mail to:

GRRMF
PO Box 1449
Goldenrod FL 32733
FAX: 419-781-3538

We look forward to receiving your application. Thank you very much for your interest in Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid-Florida, Inc.

Why is Fostering so Important?

The number of foster homes dictates how many dogs we can save. It's as simple as that!! Won't you consider fostering a Golden today?

(This article adapted from Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue)


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