Consider Being a Foster Parent for an Italian Greyhound Rescue - Guest Post by Terry Nirider

This guest post is by Terry Nirider, one of the many hardworking volunteers who works for the IGCA Rescue-Houston. There is always a need for foster parents to take care of the rescues who are surrendered to ICGA Rescue-Houston. There are more dogs who need care and fostering than there are foster families to provide shelter, love and to socialize these often traumatized Italian Greyhounds so they can be adopted out to permanent "forever" family homes.

Terry has been gracious enough to share a bit about her foster experiences and the place these loving dogs have occupied in her life.

Terry: I’ve been working with IG rescue for about six years now, I think.  Although I volunteer in many areas, during all of that time I have fostered and am convinced that it is the most rewarding area in which to serve.  

Admittedly, I’ve had my share of  tiny blue females – even experienced foster failure with one – but the more I do this, the more I am drawn to dogs who will have a hard time finding that perfect forever home we want for each and every IG who comes through our doors.  

Two of my past fosters were puppy mill girls – both had had many litters and were absolutely traumatized.  Each of them was with us for a year, during which time they very slowly began to trust and allow their inner Iggy to show.  

Both of these girls found families who were just as special as the dogs they adopted.  Their willingness to love these dogs despite and because of their limitations is inspiring to me in a way that I just can’t describe.  No matter how dispirited I am after reading the morning paper, I know the world is good because people like these adopters live in it.

Another favorite category of mine is the seniors.  I admired the people above, but here I give the credit to the amazing dogs.  They are calm, dignified and exhibit such grace.  When they look you in the eye, there is wisdom.  

Really! They give me a model to follow as the birthday candles accumulate.  Yes, there are a few that don’t fit that description – one comes to mind.  She is hairless, toothless so her tongue hangs out, blind and I think she may have a mild case of dementia.  As if she weren’t “blessed” enough, now her hearing is going and she has a skin condition.  But she is the sweetest thing you’ve ever seen.  

You guessed it -- another foster failure.  It’s unfortunate that senior dogs who come in to rescue sit in foster homes a long time, but don’t feel too sorry for them.  You’d be amazed how many foster families feel the way I do – let others have the puppies, just give us the old ones and however long they are with us is just more time for us to enjoy them.

My husband and I are retired so spend a lot of time at home and that allows us to help another category of rescue dog that is closest to my heart.  It's a sad truth that by the time dogs get into the rescue program, many have endured everything from trauma to severe neglect.  

Sadly, conditions develop which take them out of the running for families looking to adopt.  You would be amazed – I always am – that there are seriously saintly people out there who are touched by these animals and take them along with their ongoing medical bills, determined to live happily for as long as there is.  

But for many more, their foster home is the last home they know.  We experienced foster failure with a couple of these dogs, too, but I finally decided it was a piece of paper that didn’t matter.  They owned us completely, heart and soul.   

It has been our privilege to love many of these very special dogs and each one has left a little tender place that no other animal can fill.  Probably.  But maybe the next one…!  It’s a little embarrassing when people say “So how many dogs DO you have?”  I never meant to have five, but what are you going to do?

One other comment about volunteering for a rescue group.  I often hear people complain that the causes for which they volunteer are filled with people who are catty, demanding, argumentative, etc.  

When you are volunteering with dog lovers, you just don’t run into that.  The people attracted to helping animals are all softies, and the biggest men have the gooshiest hearts of all.  They talk baby talk to their dogs and aren't even embarrassed -- how great is that!  

So if you are looking for a place to spend some time helping – choose an animal in need and you’ll find that the people you encounter are just as inspiring as the dogs.

If you are a resident of the state of Texas and are interested in volunteering for the IGCA-Rescue, you don't have to live in Houston, please contact Terry Nirider by e-mail at: tnirider@gmail.com

If you live in a different state, please contact your state's Italian Greyhound Rescue to volunteer. The Texas/Oklahoma IGCA Rescue website has a list of IGCA Rescues in other states listed on the left sidebar as you scroll down the page. Simply find your state and click on it to get in touch with the Iggy Rescue in your state.