Temporary Care for Animals in Need
By: Shayla Patrick
Updated: May 30, 2012
JOPLIN, MO - "Unleash Their Hope" is a foster program at the Joplin Humane Society that finds temporary homes for pets. Wanda R. has fostered many animals and says it's a rewarding experience. Wanda R. has fostered many animals and says it's a rewarding experience.
"I like giving back because my animals have gave so much to me, the love and attention. This way if you foster an animal you get them ready for another family." says Wanda.
She has taken in some pets for up to 4 month, and others for as little as five days. The hardest obstacle she faces as a foster parent is giving the animal back when it's ready to go to a permanent home.
"It's hard because you worry about them, you know they went to a good home but you still worry about them, think about them." says Wanda.
Fostering an animal can be a good option for families that travel a lot and don't have time to take on a pet year round; or anyone else who wants to make a big difference over a short period of time.
"It can make you feel so tremendously important, i cant even describe it when you watch an animal that you have fostered get adopted," said Lysa Buehler, Shelter Manager at the Joplin Humane Society. "It's just an amazing feeling," she adds.
If you want to foster an animal all you need to do is come to the Joplin Humane Society and fill out an application. Staff members will discuss options and go over the requirements. The Humane Society can provide crates, food, medications, and behavioral support to help get foster families started.