Foster Information for the East Tennessee Boston Terrier Rescue

A non-profit 501(c)(3) Organization

A foster home is a short-term safe haven for a rescued dog. It is the most crucial yet scarce ingredient in canine rescue. The more available foster homes, the more dogs we are able to rescue.

Below are the answers to some of the more common questions asked about fostering

What do you mean by "foster"?

Temporary homes are needed for rescued dogs until permanent homes can be found. Temporary homes are called foster homes. We have some sheltering ability ourselves but need more room for dogs to live in foster homes until adoption.

What will be expected of me as a foster home?

As a foster home, foster families must have the financial ability to provide a good quality food, toys, a crate and bedding for your foster while it stays with you. Depending on your location, the dog’s location and the distance from us, you may be responsible for arranging to have the dog fully vetted and transportation to pickup the dog, and to and from the vet’s office. 

Our much preferred policy is to obtain the dog first ourselves and have the animal vetted at our own vet in Maryville.

You will also be responsible to help EAST TENNESSEE BOSTON TERRIER RESCUE assess the dog’s needs for an adoptive home, brushing up on housebreaking, crate training, and most importantly providing the TLC many of our dogs have never known.  

It is most important to realize these dogs are not yet "perfect pets" and it is the hard work the foster home puts in that helps them on their way to becoming one. We encourage foster families to treat the foster dog as much like their own pet as possible. Most foster pets are mainly in need of proper nutrition and love. The dog provides you with love, joy, and the satisfaction of having saved a precious life.

Who pays the medical expenses of the foster dogs?

All approved medical expenses of the foster dogs are paid by EAST TENNESSEE BOSTON TERRIER RESCUE and to the maximum extent possible we utilize the services of our own veterinary in Maryville.  In cases where this is not practical, a foster home may be asked by their vet to pay the expenses upfront, and then we will reimburse the foster home. If your vet is willing to bill us directly, it can also be handled that way.  

All monthly flea and tick medications are the responsibility of the foster home (we recommend Bio Spot, obtainable at the Co-Op).  The monthly heartworm preventative is the responsibility of and will be provided by EAST TENNESSEE BOSTON TERRIER RESCUE.  

All visits to the vet, unless an emergency, must be pre-approved by this rescue.

Where are the dogs from that I might be asked to foster?

Dogs are surrendered to EAST TENNESSEE BOSTON TERRIER RESCUE from owners who no longer are able or have a desire to care for their Boston, and ask us to find a loving home. We also regularly pull dogs from shelters within our area.

Am I putting my personal pets in danger by agreeing to foster?

We ask that you quarantine all foster dogs until you have had a vet evaluate the dog to avoid spreading anything to your animals. After the vet clears a dog, a slow introduction must be made to all pets in the household. Interaction must be supervised at all times, and we require the foster dog be crated when no one is home for their safety and the safety of your animals.

Some rescues, just like other dogs, are aggressive to other dogs and cats.  If this is the case and if you are fostering such a pet, or if you have an animal yourself that is aggressive to other dogs, you must be able to keep them separated.

How long will I have a foster dog before it is adopted?

We strive to find the perfect forever home for each of our dogs. Our Bostons are not adopted out on a first come, first serve basis. It is very difficult to predict how long a dog will be in our care, the average is 4-6 weeks but varies greatly based on age, medical, or training issues.

Is it necessary for me to have a fenced yard to foster?

We do not require a fenced yard. The foster dog must be on a lead and supervised at all times when outside of your home.   No dog may be tethered outside.  A dog may be unrestrained in a fenced in yard of adequate height and in good condition, but it must also be supervised at all times.  These are NOT outside pets and do not tolerate either summer heat nor winter cold.

Do I get to choose the dog I foster?

This is not very likely since we have no control over which dogs come to us or when. EAST TENNESSEE BOSTON TERRIER RESCUE will place a dog based on need, temperament, and your abilities.

What kinds of behavior problems might I expect?

Probably the most common problem is separation anxiety (i.e. crying or barking when left alone). It is not unusual for this to occur at night if the rescue is crated in another part of the house. This usually resolves over time. Marking (with urine) is a behavior frequently exhibited by males in a new environment. Chewing can also be a problem.  

Peeing and pooping in the house may occur either because the dog is not housebroken, but more often because of the new environment or simply because you don’t understand he’s asking to go out. Food aggression (fighting with other dogs over food) can be avoided by separating the dogs at feeding time. Some dogs are very possessive of chew toys, rawhide chews, etc.  EAST TENNESSEE BOSTON TERRIER RESCUE volunteers can provide ideas and commonsense solutions that work on how to handle many of these behavior problems.

What if the foster dog just doesn't work out?

We will help you overcome the situation, whether it requires additional training, or another placement. EAST TENNESSEE BOSTON TERRIER RESCUE will take care not to place a dog with you that are not ready to handle. From time to time, the rescue and foster family just aren't a good match. Because these dogs are rescues, we often don't know about their likes and dislikes. Arrangements will be made to move the dog elsewhere.

Is being a foster home the "fast track" to adoption?

We hope you want to foster in order to help a deserving Boston find a loving and permanent home and after you see how happy your foster dog is in its new forever home, it will make it much easier to let go. We have so many homeless little Bostons waiting for their turn that you will soon have another foster, who will no doubt steal your heart in no time. Our foster volunteers have all been through “letting go” we can help prepare you before, during and after.  

If you are really interested in adopting, please complete an adoption application - do not complete a foster application.  The purpose of a Foster home is NOT to provide a “trial period” for a dog to see if it’s going to “work out” although we have seen some extraordinary situations where that has indeed been the case and a permanent home.

What does it take to foster?

Commitment to working through training issues
Patience of a SAINT when things don't go quite right
Intuition to know what's right for your foster dog
Responsibility for public education
Consistency in training
Adaptability in life style
Love to share
Experience to draw from
Structure to provide stability
Comfort to ease the pain
Discipline to make rules stick
Family support
Liberty to play and be a dog
Ingenuity to figure out what makes your foster dog tick
Socialization for you and your foster dog

If you have any other questions about Fostering for EAST TENNESSEE BOSTON TERRIER RESCUE Please Contact:
Debbie Raibley

Maryville, TN 37803

(865) 983-3272