Northern Plains Boxer Rescue has placed over two hundred boxers in their furever homes. Because we are not a shelter, those placements have depended on our foster homes, who serve as the connection from a boxer's unfortunate situation and its new, better life!!  

Being a foster parent isn't as simple as taking in a boxer for short-term care. It can be a demanding role that requires flexibility and the willingness to accommodate each boxer at what can be a difficult time. NPBR does screen the boxers we rescue to help ensure they can function as family members. Not all of our boxers come out of ideal circumstances; some have been abused, neglected or completely abandoned...others require special medical care. In all cases, they need help to get them through the transition to a permanent, furever home. Providing that help, the bridge to a new life, are our NPBR foster homes.

What Northern Plains Boxer Rescue Provides

From the time we rescue a pet until the day it leaves foster care, NPBR assumes responsibility for all expenses related to the boxer's healthcare. We'll pay all veterinary expenses, including any necessary vaccinations, deworming, microchipping, spaying/neutering, heartworm treatments, routine medications and emergency veterinary visits. Of course, while the dog is in foster care, NPBR works diligently to carefully screen furever homes for the boxers you have opened your home to.

NPBR will provide a crate (if needed) and leash/collar for your foster boxer. If additional supplies for training or socialization are needed, we will supply these on a case by case basis.

What Foster Homes Provide

While NPBR assumes responsibility for all veterinary expenses, foster homes are responsible for providing their fosters with food, love and a home environment. This is basically the same as permanently caring for a pet -- integrating the boxer into your family, providing love, attention, socialization, basic training, shelter, and a healthy diet. The quality of the care our foster homes provide our boxers is essential to the their adoptability.

NPBR also asks that our foster homes are open to emailing or talking over the telephone with potential adoptive families. As our foster homes know the boxers in their care the best, we ask that they share information on their foster boxer and help us evaluate the adopters. In addition, NPBR's foster homes have significant input in the adoption of any of the boxer's they foster. Your opinion really matters to us!!

The following are also expected of our foster homes:

• Provide updates on their foster boxers. Access to a digital camera and a computer with internet access are integral parts of this aspect.  
• Occasional participation in events such as meet-n-greets, or other NPBR events. These opportunities provide community recognition of Northern Plains Boxer Rescue and showcase your foster boxer -- hopefully helping them meet their furever family!! In addition, your expertise and experience as a foster home may help others decide to become foster families.
• Dependable transportation to take your foster to and from all necessary veterinary visits and adoption events. NPBR covers veterinary expenses; we just need for you to make sure the appointments are not missed! 

The boxers NPBR rescues will live in foster care for a minimum of three weeks. We have found this is the minimum amount of time it takes most of our boxers to really settle in, be comfortable and show their true personalities. Three weeks also gives adequate time to make sure our boxers are medically clear before moving to their furever home. Some boxers do stay longer, needing additional love, care and perhaps healing before moving on to their furever homes. Most foster parents find the time and effort so rewarding that they are eager to receive their next foster.

Elements Of A Good Foster Home

A fenced-in yard is recommended though not always required. In all cases, having an area in the home for a crate, especially for the foster boxer, is essential. We find the crate is a safe place for the foster and is helpful during the initial period as it gets used to you and the new surroundings. If you already have pets in your family, having this space for the new arrival is especially important, so that you can keep the boxer segregated and gradually introducing it to the rest of the household.

You'll want to supply your foster with the things any dog treasures! You are encouraged to spoil your foster boxer just as you would your own pets.

It's been said that when fostering, you have to open your heart but lead with your mind. The very real difference between your foster boxer and your other pets is that fostering is temporary. For some new foster parents, there is unexpected sorrow in saying goodbye to a pet for which they have provided love and care.

The key is to always remember why you became a foster parent. It is not about adding a family member; it is about helping to save an innocent boxer's life and assisting it to move on to a good home. When it's time to say goodbye, you can take comfort in knowing that you have made it possible for this boxer and its new family to begin building their own permanent, loving bonds. And you'll now have room in your heart and home for another pet in need of your generosity.

Additional thoughts on fostering....humorous, but true!

Fostering is not all cute and cuddly and "isn't this precious?"

* Dogs will pee on your floor.
* They will poop on your floor - most likely it'll be diarrhea on your brand new carpet.
* They will scratch your leather sofas and chew your woodwork and furniture legs.
* They'll scoot their poopy butts over your rugs.
* They may bite when stressed or scared.
* They may hide and require digging them out of places you never thought you could fit into.
* They may take every opportunity to run away from you.
* And some dogs may not like you (simply because you're "a human"), no matter what you do.
* And no...you cannot solve every problem with love or extra attention.
* And just because you watch Cesar Milan does not make you an expert on dogs or their behavior.
So,

* if your sympathy lies more with your upholstery and flooring than with a dog,
* and if you feel locking a dog in a room is the best way to ensure they won't eat your furniture while you're out,
* and if two hours one-way seems way too far for you to drive, even when moving your own foster,
* and if you don't like interacting with people and feel consistently that it's "someone else's job" in the rescue to find homes for your fosters or take care of those nasty little details...then please don't foster.

Who can judge what dog will be easy, and what someone's definition of easy is? There are plenty more like this in our rescue and in other rescues.

"The truth behind rescue sometimes just sucks, and it isn't fair for anyone to portray it as some glamorous, feel-good, Barbie-Rescue venture." (Author Anonymous)

Have a good chuckle, pet those little critters on their head, look them in the eye and tell them you really do love them as you go clean up another of their messes ... AND HAVE A GREAT DAY!!