High Country Basset Hound Rescue

High Country Basset Hound Rescue

Foster Program Handbook

Welcome to the Volunteer Foster Program for High Country Basset Hound Rescue (HCBHR). This handbook is provided to foster parents as a guide for the care of foster dogs. This handbook covers many key points and frequently asked questions, but we cannot possibly cover it all, so that’s why open communication is important. We learn from each other’s experiences, ask for advice, and share our accomplishments…all for the good of the Basset Hounds that rely on us to give them the second chance they deserve. Thank you for opening your home and heart to a rescued Basset Hound. The foster program with HCBHR is flexible and a group effort. A volunteer will keep in contact with you to see how the dog is adjusting to your home and support you in any way possible. You should never feel alone during your foster experience and feel free to contact Nicole Deubach (Foster Coordinator) or any other volunteer listed on the attached contact page at any time. With your help, HCBHR can save abandoned, unwanted, or homeless bassets from abuse, neglect, and premature euthanasia. We provide a safe environment for dogs to heal, socialize, and be loved until a permanent adoptive home can be found

Requirements of Foster Homes

Foster homes provide quality food, a loving environment, obedience refreshers, daily exercise, and general help in preparing the dog for adoption. Foster homes provide transportation to and from vet visits, grooming appointments, and events. If a foster parent is unable to do so, we will arrange a ride for your foster dog. Occasionally we receive donated food and other supplies which are distributed to foster homes. Foster homes MUST allow the dog access to the house at all times. Dogs are NEVER to be left outside alone or kenneled outdoors unless there is a dog door allowing them access to the house (not the garage!). Research shows that outdoor dogs develop anxieties from thunderstorms, wind, and separation more often than those allowed to be a part of the family, living indoors, and it is simply not safe to leave a dog outside alone.

Time Commitment and Responsibilities

The primary goal of fostering is to prepare the dog for adoption. Many of our hounds are family-ready, but some will need your reassurance and guidance to adjust during the transition period to a new home. Each situation is unique to the needs of the dog. Dogs coming into rescue are often stressed and unsure of their new environments. They may have lost their beloved owner, spent frightening time in a shelter, or roamed the streets as an abandoned dog. The dogs depend on their foster parents for security during this adjustment period, which can take from a few days to a few weeks. Foster parents must be patient and understand that moving dogs from one foster home to another can also be stressful, so we ask for foster parents to be committed to working through the transition period. It may be an inconvenience to you at first, but imagine what the poor dog has been through and how confused and frightened he/she might be. The day your foster dog finds a forever home is so rewarding and worth your time and patience.

Preparing for Your Foster Dog

Prior to arriving, each dog is assessed by a shelter worker or another volunteer. It is not uncommon for a dog to have been assessed but yet seem different once in a foster home. This can be due to the environment in which the temperament testing was done. Keep an open mind. We will share all information known about the dog, including known or suspected health concerns, background information, etc. In some cases, we have no history. We do not knowingly accept aggressive dogs.

Before your foster dog arrives:

▪Pick up toys, bones, and other items that may cause conflict between dogs.

▪Consider setting up a special area for the foster dog to have some quiet time if needed. Each dog is different. Some will settle right in while others may take longer and might like a private spot to rest at first.

When Your Foster Dog Arrives

▪Keep a leash on until you know the dog will come to you. This could be the first day or a week. Catching a frightened dog is much easier if the leash is attached!

▪Introduce the dog to your own dog(s) in a neutral area, preferably a fenced yard or by taking a walk. Watch body language and step in if you notice signs of tension. Distract them by walking around the yard, talking to them, etc. Once they seem okay together, let go of the leash but let it drag behind (makes it easier to catch the dog if needed).

▪Then move them inside. Again, let the leash drag along. Let the foster dog explore as you follow. Show the dog where the water bowls are located.

▪Feed them a small amount at first so as to not upset their stomach, and if they don’t eat, that’s okay, they may be stressed. If they don’t eat the next morning, offer boiled chicken/turkey and white rice. This will also help with diarrhea. Diarrhea is common the first few days, and adding pumpkin or mashed sweet potatoes often helps.

▪When the dog has settled down a bit, pet them. While petting them, check for lumps, bumps, scars, etc. and check ears for infection. Report concerns to the volunteer supporting you with this foster, or contact any other HCBHR volunteer.

We require that your foster wear a special HCBHR identification tag at ALL times. We will mail the ID tag to you immediately and if a collar is needed, please let us know and we will provide one for you. The HCBHR tag that is provided for your foster, is for that dog only. It doesn’t have the name of the foster, but an identification number assigned to your foster as well as phone numbers of volunteers in case your foster becomes missing.

Choke chains and Martingale collars are only allowed when you are walking your foster on leash. These types of collars are not designed to be worn all the time and have the potential of getting caught on something and cause choking, resulting in death. We recommend a harness for your foster Basset, they are much easier and safer for the dog while outdoors. Prong Collars, also known as Pinch Collars, are not acceptable.

When Your Foster Dog Has Settled In

▪Get to know your dog so that you can tell prospective adopters all about your pup: How does he/she react to children of different ages; how does he/she react to cats; how does he/she react to other animals – birds, squirrels, etc.

▪Work on housetraining if needed. Some dogs may regress in this area when they encounter a major change in their environment. Supervise the dog when it is loose in the house and crate or confine them when it isn’t possible to supervise. If you need a crate, please contact a volunteer! Gradually allow them free roam by testing them for an hour at a time and then extend the time.

▪Training issues should not be pushed in the first week or so, but then slowly introduce basic commands such as “sit”, “stay”, “come”.

▪Become aware of special issues of the dog such as food aggression, fear of loud noises, fear of people of a particular sex, etc., and try to help the dog overcome these issues if possible. Become familiar with your dogs “triggers” for fear or aggression. Sometimes a professional trainer needs to become involved, and HCBHR will arrange for this.

▪Try to work on problems that are least acceptable to potential adopters such as destructive chewing, jumping on people, etc. HCBHR will provide consultation with a professional trainer if needed.

▪Socialize your dog by getting them out as much as possible and expose them to new situations. Take them for walks, to the dog park, to friends’ homes, and for car rides. This will also help you get to know them better, therefore helping us to find the most fitting adopter.

Most of all ENJOY your foster dog! Accept the challenge of the unknown and enjoy knowing that you have saved a dog’s life!

Veterinary Care

High Country Basset Hound Rescue covers standard veterinary care, treatment of illness or injury, and emergency care. Standard care includes vaccinations (rabies, parvo/distemper, and Bordetella), spay/neuter and heartworm testing. All veterinary care MUST be pre-approved by the Foster Coordinator. Our first concern is the welfare of the dogs; however, we have arranged discounts with local veterinary offices, as vetting is our largest expense, so we appreciate your understanding of this arrangement. If your own vet clinic offers comparable prices and a rescue discount, we will consider using them.

When you need to obtain veterinary care, contact your Foster Coordinator. In an emergency, please contact Kurt at 720-936-7674 or Valerie at 303-716-0641/303-903-2945 any time, day or night.

Adoption Process

Once you’ve assessed your dog, we will update their bio and photos on the website and post on various networking sites. We also ask that you bring your foster dog to different adoption events. If you cannot do so, a volunteer may bring yourfoster dog to the event for you. Applicants must complete an online Adoption Application and have a phone interview and a home visit. Once an application is approved, you, the foster parent, may be asked to set up a time and place for the potential adopter to meet the dog you are fostering. As a courtesy, HCBHR will make every effort to allow you, as the foster parent, to be an active part of the outside adoption. This is only a courtesy and the final say will be up to the Adoption Coordinator. If there are any discrepancies about the adoption and placement of the foster dog in question, the ultimate decision will be strictly up to the Board of Directors. At the time of the home visit, the potential adopter will need to fill out a 30-day trial agreement (which will be signed by the potential adopter, and you as the HCBHR representative.) and signed by the HCBHR representative. At the time the foster dog is placed in the adoptive home, an adoption contract will be filled out by the adopter and signed by the HCBHR representative and the adoption fee will be collected in full. After the 30-day trial, all medical records will be sent to the new owner. There may be tears in your eyes and your voice may crack when you say goodbye to your foster dog as it leaves your home and eagerly joins its new “forever” home. Remember, you are saving TWO lives – the one you placed and the next one that is waiting for you to welcome them as your next foster dog. We expect adopters to be committed to their new companion dog. If the adopter does decide they cannot keep the dog, the dog MUST be returned to High Country Basset Hound Rescue. After the 30-day trial period has passed, all adoption fees are non-refundable. Foster parents have the first right to adopt their foster dog for the same adoption fee as prospective adopters. We ask that you communicate your intentions of this as soon as possible so we may inform potential adopters. We will make every effort to keep you updated on the status of potential applicants, yet once the application has been approved, the foster parents forfeit the right to adopt the foster dog.

Contact Information

PresidentRebecca Mason303-332-3793

Vice PresidentKurt Stangl720-936-7674

Adoption Coordinator for Denver/Northern ColoradoVacant970-980-8522 Nicole Temp

Intake Coordinator for Denver/Northern ColoradoVacant303-432-9347Karin temp

Intake/Adoption Coordinator for ColoSpgs/PuebloSteve Caudle719-651-0079

Foster/Volunteer Coordinator for Denver/ No ColoNicole Deubach970-980-8522

I have read and understand the Foster Handbook in its entirety. Please complete the information below and email it to Nicole Deubach at . The above pages are for your reference.

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Foster SignatureDate

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Foster Name Printed

Revised 12-26-16