The Big Scam

by Vickie Easley

Dear Friends of Dogs,

This fall marks my third year of being a foster mom for SEVA GRREAT. I have fostered 21 dogs and I still look forward to "the next dog". Every time someone in SEVA GRREAT thanks me profusely for being a foster mom, I feel I owe them
thanks.

So I want to share with you 'my big scam'.

Although I am currently owned by a cat, I haven't felt that the expense of a dog is something I could afford with my budget. Luckily for me, I can have an "all-expenses-paid" happy dog face in my house. SEVA GRREAT pays the vet bills and refunds the money spent for the dog food. (A year ago, I decided to increase my support for the rescue by donating the food. Some people claim this on their taxes. Just send the receipts to the treasurer.) If the amount of driving is considerable for you, they will also help defray transportation costs. The dogs arrive with their own collars and leashes. (You only need to get a water bowl, a food dish, and a tennis ball.) Think: free dog, free dog....

I really enjoy having a dog in my house. Dogs meet me at the end of a hard day, with a welcome home party. They tell me if someone is at the door. Goldens really like to listen and help solve my problems. They love to play and go on healthy walks, healthy for both of us. I have found that these dogs are so happy to be with people that they are grateful to be in my home and try to fit in with the routine. Most of them are adjusted by the end of a weekend. Their main purpose in life (for most of them) is to please the human. Think, that could be you.

When I became a foster home, I really thought I knew a lot about dogs. I really had no idea how much you can know. Thanks to SEVA GRREAT, I have a deeper understanding of the physiology and psychology of dogs (their bodies and their minds). When they tell you to call with any question or perplexing situation, take them up on it. I finally learned to call sooner rather than later, because something that confused or frustrated me was usually something another dog had done before. The person on the other end of the phone can give you a simple solution. If not, they will track one down for you. Now all my friends think I am an animal behaviorist. If ever there was a dog who made me nervous (especially with the cat) I always found a very concerned, supportive person who would find another place for the dog immediately. SEVA GRREAT values and appreciates foster homes, so they will make things right for you.

The best part is watching dogs and their "forever homes" fall in love with each other. Having read Black Beauty, I feel
wonderful about being part of a group that prevents that kind of nightmare life from continuing with these Goldens. I feel I am the advocate for the dog, as I know what and who they like. My most favorite thing is receiving letters and pictures from my dog children in their "forever homes".

This and more will be yours as a foster home. Why wait, call SEVA GRREAT today!