Understanding Old Dog Haven’s Mission
Old Dog Haven (ODH) operates as a unique network of private homes dedicated to providing a loving sanctuary for senior dogs, typically eight years and older, with a special focus on those who are the oldest and sickest. Unlike traditional shelters, ODH exclusively utilizes foster families across Western Washington, Spokane, and Portland to offer a safe and comfortable environment for these dogs throughout the remainder of their lives. This model is particularly crucial for senior dogs who, due to age or health complications, are unlikely to be adopted from conventional shelters.
The dogs under ODH’s care often present with a variety of special needs. These can range from advanced age and serious medical conditions to significant emotional challenges like severe separation anxiety. Fostering an ODH dog is therefore a substantial commitment, demanding considerable time, emotional energy, and participation in numerous veterinary appointments. Effective collaboration between the foster parent, veterinarian, and ODH staff is essential for making informed decisions regarding the dog’s care. While ODH covers all medical expenses, including specialized prescription diets, foster families are responsible for other daily costs associated with caring for a dog. A key requirement is that the dogs be fed quality food, receive standard senior dog supplements, and be kept on flea preventative.
The Reality of Permanent Fostering
The duration a dog spends with a foster family is unpredictable, often averaging around one year, though it can extend to weeks, months, or even years. Many dogs arrive at ODH in precarious conditions, suffering from poor health and significant anxiety due to abandonment. The ultimate act of compassion ODH provides is euthanasia, ensuring that their dogs experience the utmost comfort and dignity in their final moments, embraced by their foster families. The organization prioritizes preventing suffering, believing that ending a dog’s life a week too early is preferable to allowing them to endure unnecessary pain.
Foster parents for ODH are a remarkable group, willingly caring for dogs who may have visible challenges such as hairlessness, open sores, large tumors, bulging eyes, or rotting teeth. Many of these dogs are blind or deaf, and numerous require surgery. Despite potential difficulties like separation anxiety and a long road to building trust, these foster parents embrace the role with dedication, enduring sleepless nights and inevitable heartbreak, all while acknowledging the profound joy and love these old dogs bring. Their commitment is a testament to the unique and deeply rewarding experience of loving a senior dog.
Frequently Asked Questions About ODH Fostering
Permanent Fostering vs. Adoption
Permanent fostering differs significantly from adoption. Adoptable senior dogs are typically younger and healthier than those ODH takes in. In adoption, the owner assumes full responsibility and decision-making authority for the dog’s care and associated costs. Conversely, ODH dogs remain under the ownership of ODH for their lifetime. ODH covers medical expenses and retains ultimate decision-making authority in consultation with the foster parent and veterinarian.
Dog Origins and Placement Areas
Dogs needing ODH homes come from local shelters or from owners unable to continue their care. ODH operates a network of foster homes in Western Washington, Spokane, and Portland, Oregon. This geographical limitation is due to ODH’s established relationships with specific veterinary clinics that possess the expertise to handle medically fragile senior dogs. Foster homes must be located within a reasonable distance of these clinics to accommodate frequent veterinary appointments, including emergency visits. ODH does not typically place dogs with personal veterinarians outside of their network.
The Foster Application Process
Prospective foster homes must complete an application, which is then reviewed by a team. If the initial screening is positive, the process continues with a phone interview and a home visit. ODH aims to complete the approval process within 2-3 weeks, though scheduling can influence this timeline. Applicants are encouraged to reapply if their situation changes after being declined. ODH does not keep applications on file for future consideration; individuals should only apply when they are ready to foster.
Understanding Dog Availability and Matching
Most ODH dogs are not publicly listed on the website or social media; they are on a waitlist. Matching is based on the specific medical and behavioral needs of the dog and the suitability of the foster home (e.g., size, gender preference). Prospective foster parents receive detailed information and pictures of a potential dog and have the opportunity to accept or decline the match. Initial meetings between foster families and dogs are not permitted before placement, as the dog’s initial anxiety and poor health may not reflect their true personality once settled. Fostering an ODH dog is considered a leap of faith, with support provided by ODH staff and the foster community for integration and problem-solving.
Integrating New Dogs and Addressing Aggression
ODH does not place dogs with a known history of aggression. If an ODH dog poses a serious safety risk, ODH will remove the dog for humane euthanasia. The integration of a new dog into a household typically follows the “Rule of Threes”: three days to decompress, three weeks to learn routines, and three months to begin feeling at home. ODH does not have backup homes and removes dogs only in cases of aggression posing a risk. The commitment to making fostering work, which may involve significant time, effort, and creativity, is crucial.
Cat Compatibility and Short-Term Fostering
ODH cannot guarantee a dog’s compatibility with cats, and often, there is no prior knowledge of their experience with felines. Gradual introduction and specific tips will be provided. Breeds with a high prey drive are generally avoided, but if a dog’s immediate respect for a cat is essential, ODH fostering might not be suitable.
While long-term fostering is the primary model, ODH occasionally needs short-term foster homes (2-4 weeks) for dogs requiring urgent medical care until a permanent placement is found. Homes are also needed for two-week quarantines for dogs exposed to kennel cough, especially those without other dogs. Hospice care homes are also sometimes required for short-term needs.
Financial Considerations and Alternative Support
ODH fostering is generally not a solution for individuals or families unable to afford the costs associated with pet care, as ODH dogs have significant, often unpredictable, medical needs and require substantial commitment. However, if an individual is prepared for the challenges and commitment, ODH is open to hearing from them.
ODH does not facilitate adoptions; all dogs are permanent fosters. The ODH website may feature adoptable seniors from other rescues or owners rehoming their pets as a courtesy. The organization strongly encourages considering adoption, whether from their website or within one’s community, as a meaningful way to impact a senior dog’s life.
Is ODH Fostering Right for You?
Fostering with Old Dog Haven is a significant undertaking that requires a special set of circumstances. It may not be suitable for everyone or at all life stages. Consider if any of the following apply to you, as they might indicate that ODH fostering is not the right fit at this time:
- Having children under the age of 5.
- Having a dog under the age of 2.
- Working full-time outside the home.
- Living more than 30-45 minutes from an animal emergency clinic.
- Lacking previous experience with senior dogs or euthanasia.
- Not owning a car or the ability to drive.
- Frequent travel habits.
- Providing dog care within your home.
- Maintaining an active and busy household.
If you feel ODH fostering aligns with your capabilities and the timing is appropriate, ODH welcomes your interest. For more information or to express your interest, email applications@olddoghaven.org, providing your location and a brief overview of your situation. This preliminary information helps ODH determine potential suitability before a formal application is submitted. If you do not receive a response within 24 hours, please check your spam or junk mail folder.
Ultimately, whether through ODH fostering or adoption, providing a loving home for a senior dog makes a profound difference in their life.
