Story by Stacey Dexter. [Photos courtesy of the Verde Valley Humane Society]
Earlier this year, I made the choice to foster a dog from the Verde Valley Humane Society (VVHS) in Cottonwood, Arizona. I wrote about this dog, this sweetie pie, in this publication a few editions ago.*
[* Read “A Little Side of Salsa” in Flagstaff-Sedona Dog’s April/May 2025 edition at: tinyurl.com/3ahnuafn]
Like so many animal shelters in the United States, VVHS is usually full to the brim with animals of all ages and breeds. Since I’m allergic to cats and didn’t want to foster puppies, a larger dog was the choice for me.
I fostered Salsa, a three-year-old Staffie/Pittie mix for two months. She had been in the shelter for an entire year. Her spirits were down, and she had consistently dropped weight.
I could choose how long or short a time to house her. To ensure compatibility, it was required that my dog meet Salsa before we took her home. The shelter provided healthcare, food, a leash/collar, and support.
After medical testing, it was determined that shelter stress was the cause of Salsa’s malaise. This can happen even in the very best of shelters: the noise, limited time with humans, and confusing circumstances can exhaust any domesticated animal. To alleviate the stress, being fostered by loving folks is a balm that goes so much further than we can comprehend.
Dogs and cats who stay at shelters for months (or even years) may bond with the incredibly loving and caring shelter staff and volunteers. However, nothing beats a true home that can provide the most consistent amounts of interaction and affection, overall stability, and precious peace and quiet.
I had always had dogs but had never fostered one, which is weird. But now, with a remote job and a very different lifestyle than in my past, I’m able to lend a hand to dogs in need.
There wasn’t anything wrong with Salsa. She was brought into the shelter with eight puppies. After weaning them, they were all adopted. But Salsa was left behind.
At forty pounds, and though not overly large, she was still considered a big dog. Her size may have been a factor, but she was wary of people, acted shy, and wouldn’t open up. Some people want a dog to come bounding towards them with a big, happy grin, and Salsa wasn’t performing as expected.
Also, bigger dogs can take the longest to be adopted, especially in a retirement-rich area where folks are older. They are sometimes not a good match for a larger, potentially stronger dog.
My time with Salsa included teaching simple commands, scheduled eating and exercise times, playtime in the yard and—after two weeks of getting to know her—a play date with some of my friends and their dogs.
Through observation, interaction, and video evidence, I was able to provide the staff with valuable information. I reported on Salsa’s temperament, her socialization style with other dogs, prey-drive level, any aggressive inclinations (like food aggression), barking, and any other correctable behaviors.
Was I concerned that I could fall in love, or that she could bond to me? Yes. Did it happen? For me it did, but my own dog has a few significant illnesses to manage, so I came into the experience knowing that I could not permanently take on another dog.
This mindset help-ed, but it was still difficult when she left. Why? Fact: I’m human and love dogs more than most people.
This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t become an animal foster parent.
I’ve heard others say, “Oh, I couldn’t do that. I’d get too attached.” Let your own feelings go and think about the animal. My sadness or discomfort is and was nothing in comparison to the loneliness, fear, and hopelessness that a large dog can experience after being in an animal shelter for too long. It truly was the best experience, and I will do it again.
Salsa was a deLIGHT when she came out of her shell. She had a happy, loving personality and just needed to be shown patience and given some time to be herself and still be loved. It was an honor to be that person for her.
Salsa was adopted shortly after our time together. By all accounts, she’s doing well.
Fostering a shelter dog is an experience that I wholeheartedly recommend. The satisfaction you’ll feel knowing you helped a dog find a furever home will fill your heart. Truly.
Autumn is here, so make fostering a dog your new volunteer project. Call to inquire at your local animal rescue today.
