Question about getting involved in rescue/fostering

[AMC7181]

Hi everyone - I came across this forum after googling pug rescue yet again. :)

My husband and I are parents to two Pug brothers; they're 6 years old. I'm constantly considering whether it's time to adopt a Pug in need. After browsing the forum, it seems like there are plenty of organizations in need of help.

I'm also curious to hear from those of you who are Pug foster parents. We both work full time M-F, but we each work from home one day per week. On the other three weekdays, my brother-in-law stops over mid-day for the Pugs to do their business and have some playtime while we're at work. With our schedules, is it possible for us to consider fostering? It feels like there are many Pugs out there who need a good foster home, but I don't know if it is okay for us to consider that when we are both working.

Our boys are okay with us being at work, because they have each other and my BIL, plus they sleep the day away and then take walks and play when we are home.

We would definitely make the time to socialize, play, train, etc. - whatever a foster might need - when we're home, but unfortunately we haven't hit the lottery yet so we need to stay employed. :)

Does anyone know if there is a Pug rescue organization in the Pittsburgh area? I haven't been able to find one; maybe we don't have a local breed-specific rescue. If there isn't one locally, are there rescues who would place a foster in the Pittsburgh area? If it sounds like fostering wouldn't work for us, I'll look for a good Pug organization to which we can donate regularly. We already donate to the local all-breed shelter, but I'd like to contribute to the Pug cause, too.

Input from the experienced foster parents would be welcomed and much appreciated! Thanks in advance for taking the time to read and respond.

[BeachyKeen]

Wow, God bless you and welcome to PV!

There are so many here who rescue and foster and I am sure they will chime in.

It sounds to me like it would be fine: I fostered mixed-breed dogs and cats while I worked full time and it was never a problem.

Now, can we see pictures of your pugs?

[AMC7181]

Thank you for your kind words! It sounded like there were plenty of people with fostering experience here, so I figured I'd go to the experts for advice/input. :)

I think I just figured out how to add an avatar...of course, it's the Pugs. Peyton is in blue and Bailey is in red.

My pics are all on the computer, so I'll have to build an album on PhotoBucket so I can post some of them.

[6 Beautiful Pugs]

I foster (mainly hospice, geriatric and special needs) and transport for Pug Rescue of San Diego. Most of our fosters work full time, including our coordinator. The rescue will try to place dogs with you that will work with your family, existing pets and schedules. It is extremely rewarding, I highly encourage you to jump in.

Take care,
Lisa

[shaynapug]

I think it's terrific that you're thinking of getting involved!
I went to the Pug Dog Club of America site and found this:

New Jersey (and Pennsylvania)

Delaware Valley Pug Rescue
Thomas and Roberta Storer
Welcome
[email protected]
610-268-5574/5572

Can't wait to hear about your first foster!

[Tinker's mom]

Hello & to the village! What a great thing to do! Sounds like all you have to do is find the right organization. Mid-Atlantic Pug Rescue may cover your area or may know who does.

[lvmypugs]

Hi & welcome to the group! I think it is wonderful that you are considering being a foster home. There will be a huge need here soon as most pug puppies & others puppies will lose their home that they got for Christmas as soon as the "newness" is gone-- its a true shame.

Both my husband and I work fulltime ( I am a business owner) and I foster. I find it very rewarding. Why not check it out, fill out an application & see what happens. Please keep us updated! Happy New Year!

[Donnag]

I am currently on a foster break but have done it for about 4 yrs now. It is the most rewarding thing you can do but it is a big strain on your life and relationship. I work full time but am able to bring the fosters to work with me.
Most of the fosters have some big issues you need to help them with, not housebroken, scared of the human hand, food aggressive to name a few but with some good care and love most of them are able to get over it and be ready to be adopted, some it takes a few weeks some several months. It's a roller coaster of emotions but all very very worth it in the end.

[AMC7181]

Thanks, everyone, for the replies. I have reached out to two local Pug rescues; both appear very small and they didn't pop up on the typical websites that list breed-specific rescues. They are both registered non-profits. I'm hoping to talk to the closest one in the next few days to see if it seems like a good fit for us. It's exciting to think about bringing in a Pug who needs help and a temporary home...but I can only imagine how hard it must be to let that Pug go when it's time!

I'll keep you posted, and thanks again for the information.