What is fostering? Fostering is taking a Greyhound from the track and acclimating it to your home on a temporary basis. Foster homes are very important to Allies for Greyhounds of West Michigan. The more foster homes we have the more greyhounds we can take from the tracks. 

Do I get to pick my foster? Generally Yes, as long as the Greyhound is currently not in foster care. We have also cat tested the greyhounds before foster placement, so if you have cats we would not put a Greyhound that tested Not Cat Safe into your home. We also do not move greyhounds that are already in a foster home to another. This information can be obtained by looking on our website. Dogs that have "I'm now in foster care." are not available to new foster homes. In each dog description will also be listed if they are cat safe or not. If you do not have cats, please consider fostering a dog that does not get along with cats. They deserve families too!

What are my responsibilities as a foster parent? Fostering does have many responsibilities. They are not limited to but include:

What do you provide foster families? AFGWM will provide you with a collar, leash, muzzle, crate, and a very large support group should you have any questions or problems with your foster. We will also take care of vet bills as long as we are notified PRIOR to the Greyhound being seen by the vet and everything is approved. The only exception to this is if it is a dire emergency. The foster greyhound will already have been spayed/neutered, up to date on vaccinations, tested for heartworms and treated for parasites, so it is a very rare occasion that the foster greyhound will need to see a vet once he/she is in your home.

What happens with it's time to give my foster to his/her family? An AFGWM representative will contact you saying when the foster is needed. It is then when arrangements are made to get the foster to the family. You are welcome to come along on the home visit and tell the potential adopters about your foster. this can be an emotional experience, especially when you have had the dog for even two weeks. We need to remain professional, calm, and collected at all times. There will always be another foster greyhound waiting for your love and care!

"I think fostering is fantastic. I love seeing all the different dogs personalities. It's also good for my children because they learn how to care for something and how to let go."-Kelly Marchand..foster mom to: El Napoli, Under Rated, T's Scrappy Coco, Cal's Snickers, Tupperware.  
 


"Barcus" trying to figure out why the other dog won't play with him!

 

 
 


"Eddie" learning all about toys!

 

 

 "It's a bittersweet feeling when it's time for the foster to go to his/her new home. Your happy for them but it's still sad to see them go, but knowing that there's more you can help is a good feeling and makes it easier." -Kelly Marchand..foster mom to: El Napoli, Under Rated, T's Scrappy Coco, Cal's Snickers, Tupperware.
"I think fostering is wonderful. It's such a joy to see a greyhound take food from you when only days ago they wouldn't look at you. It's great to watch them blossom and learn to trust. Seeing all the greyhounds different personalities from shy and scared to outgoing and playful. Each and every one has taught me something and each and everyone leaves with something I taught them. After they're adopted seeing them greet you with a wag of their tail and a smile makes it all worthwhile."-Melissa Siedenstrang foster mom to 36 greys!  
 


"Braska Fifi" learning all about the joys of stuffed toys!

  
 
 


"Szynal" learning to love children!

  
  		 "Fostering is one of the most rewarding things I have had the privilege to be involved with. We first fostered a little black Greyhound, Bree-Anne (R Irish Lass), in 2002...she was a return after 9 months with a family. When I took her out for her first home visit, my husband announced that we were adopting her ourselves. So, we failed fostering 101, which is not uncommon, and nothing to stress about! Since then I believe we have fostered over 21 Greyhounds, one or two at a time over the years. A foster dog gives you so much love, they are so greytful, and although the foster family is there to teach them, you also learn so much from a foster Greyhound. Each one is special and different. Some are a challenge (I prefer those kind), and some are so easy they act like they have lived with you forever. It is so rewarding to see them blossom, become themselves, and gain confidence. The first time they play with toys can actually bring tears to your eyes, it is such a joyous event!"-Christine Dennison foster mom to over 21 greys!
"It might be hard to give them over to a forever family, but when it's the right family you just know it in your heart, and you are so happy for them! I have to admit, after Bree-Anne we did fail a couple of more times (well actually, Molly, Scrappy & Stella...although Rusty was planned), but we did see so many go to wonderful homes. And, it's so much fun when you see your foster again after their adoption...even a year later, believe me, they still remember you and have saved up lots of slobbery kisses just for you!
Please keep in mind, Greyhounds who have been in foster homes have a lot easier time adjusting to their new forever homes. By fostering you give them such a better chance at a really good life in their new homes. And don't ever think you just don't have room for a foster dog...we had a very small house, 5 Greyhounds of our own, and still room for 2 fosters! And you know you always have room in your heart for another Greyhound!" -Chris Dennison foster mom to over 21 greys!
 


"AMF Lite Design" learning about all things soft!

 

 

To My Foster Parents

There I sat, alone and afraid,
You got a call and came right to my aid.
You bundled me up with blankets and love.
And, when I needed it most, you gave me a hug.
I learned that the world was not all that scary and cold.
That sometimes there is someone to have and to hold.
You taught me what love is, you helped me to mend.
You loved me and healed me and became my friend.
And just when I thought you'd done all you do,
There came along not one new lesson, but two.
First you said, "Sweetheart, you're ready to go.
We've done all we can, and you've learned all we know."
Then you bundled me up with blankets and a kiss,
and along came a new family they even had kids!
They took me home, forever to stay.
At first I thought you sent me away.
Then that second lesson became perfectly clear.
No matter how far, you will always be near.
And so, foster family, you know I've moved on,
I have a new home, with toys and a lawn!
But I'll never forget what I learned that first day.
You never really give your fosters away.
You gave me these thoughts to remember you by, and although
we may never meet again, and now I know why.
You'll remember I lived with you for a time.
I may not be yours, but you'll always be mine.

~Author Unknown

"FOSTERING A GREYHOUND: The greytest thing you can do for Greyhounds and for yourself!"