Interview with a Foster Carer
Tara took some time out of her busy day to talk about her experience foster caring with SAFE Perth - Saving Perth Animals from Euthanasia Incorporated.
How long have you been fostering and volunteering with us? Tell us a bit about yourself?
“My husband and I have been a part of the family for approximately 5 years. We have a large furry family and have helped foster and re-home a number of dogs and cats. The animals we have assisted have been through some hard time. They all want to trust, be loved and feel safe and have a family to call their own.”
Red, Tara’s foster who had two broken front legs upon arrival.
Tell us about some of the animals you have fostered?
“Our first girl Celia, now Quinn, she was so excited and in love with her new parents, that she didn’t even look back as they walked her to the car and got in together, the excitement was too much she didn’t even realise we weren’t behind her! When we visited her at the end of her adoption trial, she was so happy to see us, and we were so happy for her.
Then came Red. This poor baby had 2 broken legs left for dead on the side of a busy road. Red had a long road to recovery. I still think of Red; this boy took a piece of me with him. His forever family are a match made in heaven. His vet bills were huge but knowing how happy he and his family are now, he was so worth it.
We then moved on to four feral kittens who were flown by the rescue down to Perth from a mine site. These guys had a pretty scary start to their domestic life. No human contact prior. They took a while to warm up. But with a lot of patience they did over time. 3 of them became family after 8 months with us. We can’t imagine life without them.
Red in his forever home after being adopted
Our most recent experience was a dog named Brandy. She was seized and the rescue to help… heavily pregnant and terribly skinny. She was scared, but it didn’t take long for us to be great friends and 10 days later she brought her 11 beautiful babies into the world. The experience of being there with her as she gave birth, witnessing these tiny babies grow over the weeks… It was an experience I would never take back.
How have you prepared your fosters for their adoptions?
“Other than the day to day care of course, I will hold them, and gently talk to them before they go. I tell them how amazing they are and all their amazing qualities and how amazing life is going to be. I wish them a long, happy and healthy life with all the love in the world. It’s our little farewell moment, where I hope the powers of the universe will guide and protect them through their journey of life.”
You have been with us and have stayed with us for a long time. What has been the reason for sticking with SAFE Perth - Saving Perth Animals from Euthanasia?
“The amazing thing about our family, is that we make friends with each other, support each other and all have the same purpose and love for these animals that come into our lives. No one gives up and everyone helps in times of need of comfort and loss. SAFE Perth - Saving Perth Animals from Euthanasia don’t turn their back on the difficult cases. We see and hear awful things. But we are in it together”.
Brandy and her newborn Puppies in care with Tara
So, you would recommend the experience of being a foster carer with us to others?
“Yes. Fostering is such a rewarding Experience. At times there is anger and frustration at those who have harmed the animal/s you are trying to rehabilitate, despair at the laws and systems in our country, sighs at the accidents in the house. But for all of the tough times, there is the laughter at their antics as they come out of their shells and gain confidence in themselves, and joy when they find their forever home. Whilst we can’t change the world, we do change the world for all of the lost souls that come into care and we are glad to be part of that.”
We would love to hear from you if you are interested in becoming a foster carer like Tara. In particular we are always looking for:
People who can handle big dogs
People willing to work on basic obedience with their foster
People have no pets for some of our harder to place intakes
People who are home a lot can help with rehabilitating injured animals, caring for pregnant animals/mother and babies etc.
-If you would like information on fostering please contact us for an information pack-