The Foster Journey

• Adjustment Period: Every Toller is different. Some may settle in quickly, while others may take time to adjust to a new environment. Patience and kindness are key. The rule of thumb is 3 days, 3 weeks and 3 months for a foster to adjust.
• Learning and Growth: Foster dogs often need help learning basic manners, gaining confidence, or simply understanding that they are safe.
• Emotional Investment: It is easy to fall in love with your foster! TRI gives our fosters the opportunity to adopt before they are placed. While it can be bittersweet to say goodbye, the joy of seeing them placed in a loving permanent home is immeasurable.
• Support Provided: TRI is with you every step of the way. We provide medical care, advice, and support. You’re never alone on your foster journey.

Your dedication helps shape the future of these amazing dogs and prepares them for success in their forever homes.

Why Fostering Matters

Fosters are the bridge between a dog’s past and their bright future. Without foster homes, we cannot rescue any dogs. Every foster helps the dog learn to be a dog again.

Experiences of Fostering When the Journey is Difficult

        Tollers come into our care the majority of the time because they did not get socialization, exercise or mental stimulation. Their owners have failed them. Decompression is always necessary for this breed. Bring the dog into the home, leave the crate door open, and let the dog do their own sniffing and reaching out to you. Don’t pressure the dog to be “best friends”. Fostering isn’t always easy. Some dogs come from traumatic backgrounds, facing fear, anxiety, or trust issues that don’t heal overnight. It can be challenging to watch a dog struggle to adapt, patience and time becomes your best friend.

        You might deal with setbacks—accidents in the house, barking, destructive behavior, or fear-based aggression. Some days feel overwhelming, and the progress can seem slow. But every small step is a win. The first tail wag, the moment of eye contact, a roll over for a belly rub, a calm walk on a leash. The moment the dog comes to you to be petted, as they slowly realize your bed is better than theirs. Each step is a success.

        Sometimes fostering creates opportunities to redecorate the home, from torn curtains, chewed shoes, ripped up flooring, missing drywall, a chewed up couch, the list is long. Fostering is not always enjoyable. Prepping your home can help to prevent loss of expensive items.

        Support from TRI is always available. All members of TRI have had foster dogs and have experienced the good and the bad. You are never alone.