Q ~ How does BAD RAP get its foster dogs?

A ~ We look for them! We think rescued pit bulls should impress everyone they meet, so when we have room, we do a careful search in the crowded Bay Area shelters and select 'Cream of the Crop' dogs that represent the best of the breed. Typically, most of these dogs are hours away from being destroyed. We look for temperamentally sound dogs that are gushy and affectionate, trainable and eager to please, well socialized and dog tolerant.

Photo: Tanya on the right showed up in the Berkeley Animal Shelter.

Q ~ How much time & effort is needed to foster a pit bull?

A ~ It depends on the dog you foster. Puppies are more work than adults and involve more intensive care, time and energy...although adult dogs generally stay in foster care longer than puppies. Most of our dogs take an average of 3-4 months to place, but some can take up to a year to find their perfect match. Since pit bulls take longer to place than other breeds, we look for foster homes that are patient, stable and realistic about what they're getting into.

Q ~ I'm afraid of getting in over my head with a dog I can't handle. Do I have to worry about this?

A ~ We're careful to match fosters with dogs that meet their skill levels. If you've never fostered before, we'll probably give you a very low drive "beginner's dog." We'll work together to decide what kind of personality would be right for your situation, and then will support you so you feel comfortable with your foster's progress. We want you to have a fun experience with this project. By fostering, you'll be increasing your own dog skills under the guidance of a large group of people who know and love the breed, and will have the satisfaction of making a real difference.

Q ~ Can I foster if I have pets already?

A ~ We actually prefer that you have dog(s) at home ~ well socialized, of course. Some of our foster homes even have cats and small animals. Your dog will most likely play a big part in helping the foster dog acclimate to life as a house pet. But no matter how well your foster gets along with your pets, we'll require that you keep them separated when you aren't there to supervise. This is for the safety and well-being of both dogs.

Q ~ How will I ever let go once I get attached?

A ~ If you get really attached to your foster and if it turns out that your home is a perfect match, you do have the option of adopting him or her. Most foster homes are happy to see their fosters finally go 'home' though. There's no greater joy than knowing you saved a life, then seeing that deserving dog finally get his or her very own person.

Q ~ I don't have much experience managing multiple dogs. How will I know when they're playing too rough or when they might be getting aggressive with each other?

A ~ Your BR Rep will help you introduce your foster dog to your resident dog(s). (S)he'll discuss multiple dog management with you and help you understand what signs to watch for so that you can keep play from getting too rough, and when and how to give the dogs time-outs to help keep everybody calm and well behaved. You'll learn how to break up a fight, and even more important, you'll learn how to prevent fights from ever starting.

Q ~ Would I have to review adoption applications and do home checks, etc ?

A ~ Nope. You just focus on enjoying your foster, and the dog's rep will handle all of the adoption details. We'd like to hear your impressions of a potential home, though! After all, you will ultimately know the dog better, and your input will always be considered valuable and welcome.

Q ~ What will be expected of me as a foster home?

A ~

Q ~ Do I have to have experience with pit bulls?

A ~ We definitely prefer that foster homes (as with adoptive homes) have pit bull experience. However, it's not a requirement. If you can demonstrate that you're willing to learn and be responsible, we'll match you with an appropriate starter pit bull and will offer support and information as you learn the ins and outs of the breed.

Q ~ Is it possible to work full time outside the house and still foster?

A ~ Yes! Many of our adopters work full time, so the 9-5 routine helps prepare the dog for such a lifestyle. If you do work full time however, it's important that you make sure you have enough time and energy to give the dog the attention and exercise it needs when you are home.

Q ~ Who pays for the dog's care?

A ~ BAD RAP will provide a crate, collar, tag and veterinary expenses. Most foster homes supply their own dog food unless they need additional help covering this expense. Dog toys, blankets and beds are often donated.

Q ~ What if I need to leave town for business or vacation?

A ~ No problem. Our network of volunteers is always available to babysit your foster dog during those times you have to leave town. With volunteers spread all around the bay area, our support system is strong and motivated. One warning: You may discover that your foster dog's toenails have been painted pink by a doting sitter while you were away!

Q ~ How do I get started?

A ~ Contact our Foster Home Coordinator for a Questionnaire to help us get to know you. Once you fill it out, we'll chat on the phone and arrange for a home check. If you're ready for a pit bull, we'll begin a shelter search for a good candidate that matches your household. We might have one in mind already, or we may take a few weeks to find for the perfect one.
Thank you for considering fostering with us!

One Foster's Story: Tom MacMahon and his partner Mike fostered Kelly way back when. He describes his own experience... Why do you do it? "The BR Foster program allowed me to satisfy both my desire to have and enjoy a second dog and to help this breed that I have come to be so connected with. I watched BADRAP for a few years prior to fostering and was made aware of the many wonderful dogs that die because there simply wasn't anyone who would offer them a home until their perfect family could find them. Such a simple act for many people that has a huge impact and I couldn't not do it." What's the hardest part? "The pee spots and chewed shoes, but you quickly forget those when your foster dog leaves your house with their new family. You feel a combination of sadness and pride. I am fostering my third dog and letting them go isn't getting easier, you want to adopt each one, but I have saved three dogs and made three families very happy. I cry when each one leaves but know that keeping my home open for foster dogs saves their lives and will continue to do this as long as I can." Do you feel supported by BR? "Completely!! The people involved in BR are so devoted to these dogs. Every foster has a very large extended family that thinks of every dog in BR as their own." How did it work out? "Kelly was our first foster who lived with us for 10 months. She came to us just days away from death due to depression, neglect, and malnutrition. She was taken out of the shelter simply so she would have a comfortable place to die. But once she saw this opportunity for a new life she made other plans and became one of the most energetic and life-loving dogs. What a transformation!! She provided our home with such energy and fun we knew only a very special home would meet Kelly's needs. Eventually, a very lively and outdoor oriented couple came forward who recognized that Kelly was perfect for them. We agreed. The day that Kelly left for her new home, our dog, Huey, watched her go and sat at the front gate for an hour looking for her. We felt the same way. But that sadness is replaced with a satisfaction as you reflect on your foster's growth from their first day with you to their adoption and you can't wait to start over again."