Things are getting tough on rescues. Although Covid has been really hard on humans it opened up opportunities for homeless dogs- like we have never seen before. This time last year applications were flowing in faster than we could process them. And this was pretty much the same for rescues and shelters everywhere. We seized the moment and accepted more dogs and pups into our program because more people were available to foster as well.

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We were careful to place our pups in homes where we were confident the dogs would remain cherished family members even after things opened back up. Many people asked us, "what are your plans when things get back to normal and everyone wants to return their dog? " And our response was, "oh no, that won't happen to DSDA. We are diligent about vetting our adopters."

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But what truly blindsided us was the number of people who acquired dogs during lock down-outside of the DSDA Alumni Family-that had no trouble disposing of them once things started to look more normal again. Every day that goes by we receive multiple requests to take dogs. "My neighbor is going to dump his dog in the street" or " I have to go back to work and am gone all day. I don't have time for a puppy."

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In combination of people dumping their dogs people are traveling again. Everyone we know is going somewhere. This is great for our economy but terrible if you're a rescue organization who relies on fosters.

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And, you guessed it, adoptions have hit rock bottom for all the above reasons.

If you're a dog in today's world, you could be in big trouble if you're not already.

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Yes, there are ways to turn the Covid fallout around:

1. Foster! Pick an organization close to you or local shelter and offer to foster. Fostering requires a lot of your time so be sure you understand each groups requirements when completing their applications. Consider temp fostering. This is a good way to get your feet wet and is a short term obligation.

2. Adopt! If you have space and time for a dog and were thinking about adopting anyway, this is a great time to adopt. Rescues cant take in new dogs if there is nowhere for them to go. Shelters are packed and forced to euthanize perfectly happy, healthy adoptable family pets due to lack of space.

3. Share! Share our posts on social media. You never know who is looking for a dog just like that one!

4. Donate! Rescue groups are in dire straights taking care of so many dogs. Monetary and in kind donations are always welcome. Most shelters and rescues have wish lists full of needed items.

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How can you help DSDA specifically?

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We are desperate for foster families. When you foster for us we ask you be home more than not so the dog isn't required to be kenneled more than 4 hours total per day. It helps to be local to us or close by to our treating veterinarians in east & west Richardson as many of our new intakes and puppies, especially, require frequent trips to the vet.

If you are not close to us please consider fostering for another group closer to you. Remember when you foster DSDA provides all the supplies, medical care, and assistance. Based on the adoptability of your dog you may opt for a short temp vs a longer term commitment- so let us know what you're up for.

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Visit www.dsda.org/foster for more information about our program and complete our online application if you feel we are a good fit for you!

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When you foster you

get the satisfaction of

saving a life and new

friends you'll meet

through the rescue!

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(Here are a few of our

dogs in foster homes,

will be soon, or still

need fosters.)

#fosteringsaveslives

#adoptdontshop

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