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Fostering Without “Failing”

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Tonight, I selected my foster dog's adopter. And it isn't me.

I have rewritten the introductory line of this post several times, struggling with how to open a critical discussion surrounding fostering and the fear of emotional attachment. So, I decided to be “human” and share both my personal emotions and the rationality behind my decision to Foster Without Failing.

I started fostering with Make A Stand Bully Rescue at 18 years old, in 2011.
I also adopted my first MAS Bully at 18 years old, in 2011. 
And, if you haven’t already guessed, yes, I foster “failed” my first foster.

Research suggests that the number one reason individuals and families choose not to foster an animal is due to the fear of emotional attachment. Not only does research find this, but we, too, hear it in our daily conversations with households interested in potentially fostering:

“But what if I get attached?”
“I can’t foster, I’d adopt them all.”
“How do you let them go? How do you say, ‘goodbye’?”

I won’t sit here and tell you these aren’t legitimate concerns. Because they are. In fact, Best Friends Animal Society finds that nearly 60% of foster families report adopting at least one animal during their foster tenure. 

And that is okay.
Oh, how I wish someone in my inner circle would have told me that it was “okay” to adopt my foster dog – regardless if he was my first foster or my twentieth.

Someone to eliminate that guilt and erase the negative connotation associated with “failing” at fostering. I had never “failed” at anything, before; and I had “failed” the first time I fostered.

But here’s the thing: I didn’t fail. Rather, I fell in love with the embodiment of my soul in a black and white pit bull with four legs, soft eyes, and bouncy ears. 

I remember being afraid to foster again; for fear that I would fall in love with every single breathing being I welcomed into my home.

And so, I didn’t foster again until 2014.
And guess what?
I fostered for many years after that; only adopting one other foster. 

It was in these “in-between” foster-turned-adoptive dogs where I learned:

  1. There are some fosters you will gladly help on their way home (Papaya, Farley);
  2. There are some fosters who will absolutely break your heart when they leave (Suri, Jackie); and
  3. There are some fosters whose spirit never leaves your home, while they may have left their Earthly bodies for the next adventure waiting (Diamond, Quincy).

And while you will likely say, “see you later,” to most of the fosters you welcome, you are never truly saying, “goodbye.” For these dogs leave paw prints on your heart, and impressions on your soul. They walk with you every day forward, just not always in the literal capacity. Their momentary presence in your life serves as both teacher and reminder of the lessons you didn’t realize you had yet to learn, such as forgiveness, redemption, resilience, gentleness, kindness, and love. 

My very first foster dog became everything I didn’t know I needed when I opted to adopt in 2011. He became my faithful comrade and my purpose.  He kept me soft in a world that sought to harden me; and kept the light on in my heart, when my mind grew dark. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that that dog saved my life, many times over and more than I care to admit. 

And what a privilege it is to know that a dog I foster might provide that same level of peace and salvage to another human whom I have yet to meet. 

This human-dog-connection has fueled my purpose in animal rescue, and serves as a driving force when I choose to foster: a literal reminder that my temporary decision to serve as a foster mom might literally save another “Gandhi” from imminent euthanasia and, in turn, might save another “Stephanie” from herself, as well. 

So while I sit at my kitchen table tonight, listening to the snores of the bulldogs on my couch and feeling the paradoxical sadness of selecting an adoptive mom for “my girl” who isn’t me, I am equally as comforted knowing that – because I chose to foster – Jackie’s story didn’t end without a family on the backroads of rural Texas at the beginning of June and, rather, is ending her time as a beloved foster dog in my life to begin an amazing journey with a repeat adopter. 

I would have loved to “fail” at this foster journey. But what a win it is to see her off – healthy, happy, and loved – to a kind and gentle family who will promise to love her as I have (and more), instead. 

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Let us know how we can help!

We are a foster-based rescue which means we do not have a physical location to browse or meet multiple dogs at once. Our process begins with applying to adopt. Once approved to adopt, we can schedule a meeting with the dog(s) you’re interested in adopting.

After your apply, you will receive an email response from a caseworker within 72 hours. If you do not hear from us and cannot find an email in your junk box, please email info@masbullyrescue.org.

Not at all. We understand and empathize! Our team members work full time jobs, manage families, are enrolled in higher education and run the rescue in spare time. So long as your schedule or environment does not negatively impact our rescue dog(s), then please apply to adopt.

Make A Stand Bully Rescue is an LGBTQ+ friendly organization that proudly works with all individuals and families. We do not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race or ethnicity, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, medical or mental health condition, or disability. We strive to accommodate applicants living within extenuating circumstances or situations that might seem difficult. MASBR has and will continue to work with all families who are passionate and willing to open their hearts and homes to pit bulls and bully breed dogs in need.

Yes, specific on the dog and/or the age group. That said, please speak with your apartment complex or leasing agent to determine if any breed bans are in place. Oftentimes, you have to ask. If you have a medical exemption (i.e., Emotional Support Animal, Licensed Therapy Dog, Service Animal, etc.) that allows you to keep an animal in your home regardless of community rules, please let us know. We do not need to know specifics, but may ask questions to ensure the dog you’re interested in will meet your needs or requirements.

Yes, dependent on your plans to safely exercise and potty your dog(s) and/or the age group or personality of the dog.

Yes, absolutely. All of our dogs are in foster homes prior to adoption, where we get to know the dog and his/her specific personality, interest, and likes/dislikes. We may require a meet and greet ahead of time and/or an adoption trial period to ensure the fit before finalizing the adoption.

Absolutely. You will be required to arrange transport and/or fund the expense of transport if we arrange. We work with a variety of ground and air transit partners and have adopted all over the country and even into Canada. The costs typically begin at $300 and increase from there.

Our adoption fees range from $300-$500. This fee ensures that the dog you have applied to adopt has its medical, training, social, and emotional-mental needs met during its stay in our rescue program. The cost to care for one rescue animal in our program far exceeds the adoption fee, but we strive to keep adoptions affordable, as our goal is to place social, dogs in screened, loving homes.

No. Texas (and the Southern United States) has a major pet overpopulation problem, especially with bully breeds. All animals adopted from our program are currently or will be altered at the appropriate age.

No. We do not permit our dogs to be used for hunting, racing, fighting, guarding, attacking, or other adverse purposes.

Pit Bulls and/or Bully Breed type dogs are not all-weather-tolerant. Their coats, breathing capacity, and overall body structure are not conducive for extreme heat (experienced in Southern States) or extreme cold (experienced in most of the Country and Canada). Therefore, we will not consider applications where dogs are strictly outdoors.

No. We do not permit any of our rescue dogs to undergo ear cropping, tail docking, tattooing, piercing, or other appearance-alterations for cosmetic reasons.

We do! We believe in ensuring the right fit is made between our adopted dogs and their new families. Sometimes that means a trial run before finalizing the adoption. Please speak with your individual caseworker about this process.

In most situations, yes, we will take our dog back. In the event that we cannot accept your dog back (as a result of extreme medical or behavioral concerns), we will discuss and/or work with you on finding an alternative solution that is best for your family and our dog.

A Volunteer K9 Foster Custodian – “Foster” – is the first line of defense in our rescue. These are volunteers (individuals, families, roommates, etc.) who agree to open their homes, hearts, and lives to a rescue pit bull or its mix for Make A Stand Bully Rescue. Whether for a weekend at a time, weeks or months, or even long-term hospice care, our foster families allow us to save hundreds of lives annually. We strive to make fostering easy and affordable (i.e., free!), and are always looking to expand our foster roster.
After your apply, you will receive an email response from our Director of Operations, Amanda Dowell, within 72 hours. If you do not hear from her and cannot find an email in your junk box, please email info@masbullyrescue.org. Amanda may require additional documentation from you and will schedule a phone conversation to discuss your application and next steps moving forward.
Not at all. We understand and empathize! Our team members work full time jobs, manage families, are enrolled in higher education and run the rescue in spare time. So long as your schedule or environment does not negatively impact our rescue dog(s), then please, come on board! We are a friendly, open, and supportive group who firmly believe where there’s love and patience, there’s a way to save lives.

Make A Stand Bully Rescue is an LGBTQ+ friendly organization that proudly works with all individuals and families. We do not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race or ethnicity, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, medical or mental health condition, or disability. We strive to accommodate applicants living within extenuating circumstances or situations that might seem difficult. MASBR has and will continue to work with all families who are passionate and willing to open their hearts and homes to pit bulls and bully breed dogs in need.

When you foster for Make A Stand Bully Rescue, we provide the kennel, high quality food and treats, toys, training materials (as needed), cleaning supplies, and cover all costs associated with veterinary care, training, and boarding, as need, approved, and applicable. In return, our foster families provide a stable home environment, care, training and effort, and love to our rescue dogs. We work hard for you to succeed as a foster family, and will do what we can to accommodate your home and environment.
Yes, specific on the dog and/or the age group. Please note: MAS Bully Rescue will not pay pet deposit fees. If your apartment complex will not allow you to foster or will not allow bully breeds, we are happy to speak with them to see if we can make something work, but we will not break rules.
Yes, dependent on your plans to safely exercise and potty your dog(s) and/or the age group or personality of the dog.
Yes, dependent on the specific dog and/or temperament of the dog and/or your willingness to crate and rotate or separate if a problem arises.
Not at all! We work with YOU and your family on the best foster fit. If that means you have specific age group, sex, energy level, behavioral, or other preferences or requirements, that’s ok! We want this to be an enjoyable experience for you, us, and our dog(s).
Yes! We have “foster hubs” all around our state, currently including: DFW, Bryan/College Station, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and Abilene. This means we have a designated volunteer who has bulk supplies and an established veterinary partnership in these areas. If you are not in one of these areas, please still apply. We are always open to expanding our reach.

Unfortunately, no. We are not currently in a position to expand beyond our state. That said, you can always send an email to info@masbullyrescue.org and we can recommend rescues or shelters in your state seeking fosters.

That’s ok, it happens. We may not be able to shuffle in the immediate moment, so we do ask for patience and understanding; but we will always shuffle and/or re/move a dog from your home within reasonable time allotment. We want this to be an enjoyable and successful experience for all involved.
Please understand that we receive this request regularly and oftentimes have to say “no.” This said, we occasionally accept a dog in this situation but ask fosters to understand and agree that they will foster said dog, regardless of behavioral or medical circumstance, until the dog is adopted or until another foster is open (in the event the dog is not a good fit). This can be a quick process or it can take months, so we do ask finders-willing-to-foster to consider the time commitment long-term fostering might be prior to approaching our rescue with a stray or owner surrendered dog.