THEIR TOMORROW STARTS WITH YOU TODAY GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE...BECOME A FOSTER PARENT

WHAT WILL I NEED TO DO AS A FOSTER PARENT?       Foster homes are responsible for the daily care of their 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 greyhound at a very confusing time in his or her life.  We also ask that you bring your foster dog to a couple of adoption days a month and if you are unable to attend that you make arrangements with your GAL representative in order to give your foster dog every opportunity to find his or her new home.

HOW OFTEN CAN I EXPECT TO GET A FOSTER DOG?       GAL brings in new greyhounds weekly and places them into available foster homes.  Their representative will stay in contact with you to see when you are ready for a new foster dog.  We understand that there must be breaks taken in between fostering to help keep your home environment balanced and GAL appreciates all that foster families do for them.  The more foster homes that are available equals out to how many greyhounds can leave their old life behind and have a bright new future.  Foster families make a difference one greyhound at a time.

HOW LONG DOES A GREYHOUND STAY IN FOSTER CARE?       The foster stay varies with each dog.  On an average a retired racer could stay anywhere from one week or up to as long as one month.  If you choose to foster a greyhound with special needs, they may need to stay in foster care for a period of months.

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 their foster dog.  We do require that anytime you are unable to directly supervise your foster that you supply a safe secure place for your greyhound inside your home.  You may not leave your foster dog outside unsupervised nor should they ever be shut in a room when you leave.  Your GAL representative will work with your need requirements.

MAY I CHOOSE WHICH DOGS I FOSTER?       A combination effort is made between GAL and the foster family to find the best match possible.  This allows the foster family to set limits on the kinds of dogs they foster.  If you find your foster dog not working out in your home they can be placed elsewhere.  GAL wants to help make foster families, their pets and the foster dog as comfortable as possible.  We do hope that you can have patience in understanding that not all retiring racers are housebroken, and many have had little to no socialization with what their new life is placing before them.  Your GAL representative is only a phone call away to help assist you with your foster dog.

DO I NEED A FENCED YARD?       A fenced yard is preferred but not a requirement.  As most people know, greyhounds may never be allowed to run free, tied out or put on a clothesline type run.  If a secure fence, with a minimum height of 4' surrounds your yard and all gate closers are locked with a padlock, the greyhound may be exercised there off leash.  Outside the yard the dog must be on a leash at ALL times.  If you do not have a fenced yard, your commitment to making sure your foster is taken out for walks regularly to reinforce potty training is very important.

WHAT KIND OF EXPENSES WILL BE INVOLVED?       Lack of funds shouldn't prevent you from fostering.  Some of the items needed are a large dog bed, stuffed toys, grooming mitt or soft brush and food & watering dishes.  If you are unable to supply them GAL will see what they can do to help out.  GAL provides a good quality dog food and dog biscuits.  Your foster dog will come with a safety collar, leash, muzzle (if needed) and also have a GAL identification tag on.  If veterinary care becomes, necessary you must contact GAL and they will provide names of authorized veterinarians and cover the medical expenses.  In most cases, all medical work will be completed before the greyhound enters the foster home.

WHAT IF I HAVE A CAT?       Before a decision can be made on which greyhound and foster home will be a good match, each greyhound is tested around small dogs, cats and if possible, other breeds.  Foster families who require a small animal safe dog will be given a greyhound that is small animal tolerant.

WHAT IF WE ARE GOING ON VACATION?       If you are fostering and will be taking a vacation or just getting away for a few days, your foster dog can be placed in another foster home.  All we ask is that if possible you make arrangements with your GAL representative as soon as you know.

WILL IT BE HARD TO SAY GOOD-BYE?       Yes, of course it will.  You have just opened your home and heart up for this wonderful greyhound that has learned from you how many exciting, new and fun filled things this world has to offer.  You have laid the groundwork and guidelines for your foster dog to succeed in his or her new home.  You have just changed a greyhound's life forever and now it is time for them to take the final step and go into their forever home.  In many cases there is every chance you will see your foster dog again or hear from their new family.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON PROBLEMS FOR A FOSTER PARENT?       There are 3 basic hurdles that will try most foster parents patience.  First one being, some retiring racers go into their foster homes and never have any issues with potty training but the majority will have accidents.  They have been used to not pottying in their crate but now they find themselves in a whole house and just need guidance and encouragement in being shown where to go.  Usually within a few days your foster will have learned where you expect them to potty and how to ask to get there.  Going onto the second issue, your greyhound requires supervision so not to destroy furniture or other items in your home, such as remotes, trash, books and magazines.  You must remember, a greyhound has never seen anything like these items and like a child who will pick up and put things in their mouth, your foster dog may do the same.  With a watchful eye and a firm "no" you can get past this.  And last but not least you may find your foster greyhound has separation anxiety issues.  They have never been with people so kind, loving and giving and when that person goes away in their mind the best thing that has ever happened in their life just walked out that door and is never coming back.  There are ways to work through this and patience on the part of the foster family is where it begins.  If you keep in mind your foster dog thinks you are perfect and would never give up on you, the best that they can hope for is the same in return.

HOW WILL A FOSTER DOG DO AROUND CHILDREN?       Greyhounds are very tolerant by nature, however, you must remember that all dogs require time and space to relax away from people and that includes children.  With supervision, your foster dog and children will enjoy many new adventures.  One thing to understand is that if a greyhound cannot get away from an overbearing situation they may "snap"  at a person as a warning.

HOW DO I BECOME A GAL FOSTER PARENT?   It is as simple as picking up the phone and dialing 520/578-2792 or stopping by at one of our Adoption Day events and speaking with a GAL representative.  So what's the hold up...make the connection today and help us help Tucson's ex-racing greyhounds.  Their future is in our hands; let's not disappoint them!