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The Joy of Fostering Homeless Pets When I was alone… You were there!

Animal Shelter Volunteers of Texas is a foster based rescue organization. We depend on foster parents to help us improve the quality of lives for animals in our community. ASVT has been active in rescuing homeless and abandoned pets since 2010. 

I personally became involved with fostering for ASVT about 5 years ago. I was asked if I would like to foster an injured Chihuahua named Soldier that was having his leg amputated. My first thought was how can I ever love a dog and then let him go. Everyone assured me I could do it, so I went with it. Well, I was right. When it came time for his first meet and greet I was in tears. Soldier was my first “foster fail”. But, I did try again and it didn’t become easier to let them go, but I realized I was saving a life and making sure my fosters were placed in a safe and loving home. After more than 250 fosters, many tears of joy, it has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. 

When I was alone…You were there! Someone who cared! 

This is Rue’s story. A tiny senior Chihuahua that came to the shelter after her owner passed away. She was scared and very nippy. When the call came in from the shelter ASVT said “Yes”! I picked her up and tried to ease her sadness. 

Rue’s Freedom Ride from the shelter. 

She was overlooked from all my foster Chihuahuas for 18 months. She learned to love and lost her need to be nippy. Then one day a lovely lady in Vermont saw her picture. After several weeks of communicating with her I made the decision for her to be adopted and make the journey to Vermont. This foster mom didn’t sleep for three nights during this journey. Rue arrived safely and is living the life she deserves with so much love! 

I’m Alive…Sofie’s Story 

My name is Sofie Bear. I’m alive because I had a foster home. I’m alive because they made a small sacrifice, a small adjustment to their routine and welcomed me into their home. I’m alive because they loved me! 

Sofie living the wonderful life she deserves. 

All fosters shown here are waiting to be adopted. Please consider adopting a rescue pet. 

WHAT IS A PET FOSTER HOME? 

Being a pet foster parent, you provide a temporary home for a pet on the way to adoption. The number of pets that ASVT can save depends on the number of fosters who open their homes and hearts to foster them. 

WHY DO ANIMALS NEED FOSTER CARE? 

Fostering saves two animals lives when shelters are full. The one you foster and the one that can now take the empty kennel left by your foster. Many times homeless pets are found on the streets having been dumped by uncaring humans or simply lost and don’t find their way back home. ASVT can take these pets into our rescue only if we have a foster home for them. 

Whatever the reason, these pets need extra love and care before they can be adopted. Providing foster care can be a lifesaving gift for a homeless pet. 

TRANSPORTS! 

ASVT does transports to northern states that have a need for adoptable dogs. These pets need to be in a foster home for at least two weeks prior to the transport. Temporary fosters are needed for this time before the transport leaves. These puppies were rescued by ASVT and are on their way to Iowa. All are being temporarily fostered. 

On The Fence About Fostering? I would rather cry watching a a foster pet leave my home to live a full life of happiness and joy in a loving home… than cry because no one stepped up and the animal died alone and frightened and sad in a shelter, FOSTERING SAVES LIVES, PLEAE TRY IT! 

HOW IS IT DONE? 

Fosters find their forever homes by ASVT networking on numerous pet finder websites, on our website, Facebook page and adoption events. This gives people looking to adopt a rescue pet a wide venue to look for their dream pet. If you would like to help the homeless pets of our community and become an ASVT foster, just visit our website and submit a foster application at www.ASVTexas.org 

HOW TO SAY GOODBYE. 

It’s not easy to say goodbye. Giving up a pet you have fostered can be emotional. We all shed our tears of joy. Seeing your foster take their second freedom ride with their new family will help you remember that he or she has found a wonderful new home. 

Foster parents are the unsung heroes of rescue. They offer compassion, love and temporary shelter for pets on their way to a loving permanent home. 

HOW CAN YOU HELP US HELP THEM? ADOPT, SPONSOR, VOLUNTEER, FOSTER, DONATE! 

You can visit our website to sign up to volunteer and/or foster and donate using our DONATE button. Donations help us pay for medical expenses, food, supplies and transporting animals to areas with high adoption needs. 

ASVT also sponsors a Spay/Neuter Program for community animals whose owners cannot afford to have their pets altered. This helps decrease the rise of community puppies and kittens that will end up in the shelters. 

YOU CAN SUPPORT ANIMAL SHELTER VOLUNTEERS OF TEXAS BY JUST SHOPPING AT KROGER! 

Each time you use your registered Kroger Plus Card at checkout a percentage of your purchase is donated to ASVT. To support ASVT through the Community Rewards Program by Kroger please use this link to sign up: https://www.kroger.com/o/store-services/community-rewards. The accomplishments of ASVT would not be possible without partners like Wiesner Automotive, Empire Electric, Ransom’s Steakhouse, Animal Hospital of Montgomery, Dock Line Magazine and so many more.

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