The Foster Interview – Helping spanish stray dogs

Fosters are the lifeline of our charity. They help us when we need it most and help our dogs get ready for a forever home.

We are delighted to interview Eduardo who has fostered two dogs for Spanish Stray dogs UK (SSDUK) following his adoption of Spanish stray Cadiz. Both dogs were in desperately need of understanding and Eduardo gave them that and so much more.

This is what Eduardo tells us about his experiences as a foster.

SSD: How did you hear about Spanish Stray Dogs UK?

Eduardo: I was experienced rehoming dogs in UK from Dogs Trust and RSPCA and was well impressed about the conditions for the dogs in these charities. After one of my dogs passed away (Dexter), I convinced myself the best tribute was to rehome another dog and asked myself where I could help the most. As a Spanish, I am aware of the difficult situation of dogs in pounds in Spain so I browsed the internet with no expectations to rehome a dog from a Spanish pound into UK but… hey…I came across SSD and it was so well set up and easy to get a rehomed dog (Cadiz), a Southern Spanish terrier “Bodeguero”.

 What made you become a foster?

It happened by chance. Shortly after Cadiz arrived home, I found out a friend could not keep her beloved border collie whilst she was going through a difficult time. I offered myself to foster the border collie until she was back on track. It was not easy at first to deal with my own dog (Buzby), the new arrival (Cadiz) and a young border collie (Leo) but over time everyone got adjusted. There I realized I had the capability to handle foster dogs.

P.S. Leo, the border collie, happily returned to her owner after 6 months of fostering.

How many foster dogs have you helped?  And what is the maximum number of dogs that you have had at any one time? 

I have helped 3 foster dogs and I have 4 dogs currently.

I helped Leo the border collie who was an eye opener into fostering. Later I had the possibility to foster unwanted SSD cocker spaniel Breta who lived nearby. I fostered Breta for 2 weeks, after which I decided to rehome her permanently. She was very sweet, home trained and got on very well with children. Today her name is Rita. A few months after rehoming Rita, I had the possibility to rehome another SSD who had arrived to UK shortly. Eme was a 9 y.o. shepherd with an awful knee injury. Eme is the largest dog I have ever had and I thought this could be a challenge. Fortunately, Eme’s energy levels were just right for our life-style. He was home trained and got on very well with children and other dogs. I also treated Eme’s knee injury which recovered over a few weeks. Eventually, I took Eme on board permanently and do not regret it for a minute. Currently, he’s been renamed as Vasco.

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What are the main issues that foster dogs exhibit on arrival to you?  

It is unpredictable how a fostered or rehomed dog may turn out personality wise. They initially can range from very shy to very explorative or intense but you should wait for a couple of weeks to see how their true personality shows up. Generally, in most cases, they have behaviors which can be handled with a just a bit of patience.

Why do you think it is important to foster and what do you like most about it? 

I think it is important to foster a dog because in most cases I blame the human, not the dog. We just need to find the right human and environment for the dog and the partnership will work out well.

Which foster dog do you remember with special affection and why?

I remember Leo the border collie because he allowed me to see that fostering was a real possibility. Leo returned to her owner and is currently doing well.

Have you got your own dogs? How do they cope every time a new foster arrives? 

Yes, I have 13 y.o. terrier Buzby and 3 y.o. Spanish terrier Cadiz. I have been fortunate they got on very well with foster dogs and vice versa.

What advice would you give to a new foster?

You should be very passionate about dogs and animal wellbeing in general. A good dose of patience, being flexible/versatile and a resourceful person will help. Ideally you are experienced with dogs. Otherwise, do not start with a challenge too big.

Create a network of like-minded people, including people involved in charities, professionals or relatives/neighbors who can give a hand when needed.

What is your happiest memory involving a dog, foster or owned?

I can not single out a dog.  I have had around 10 dogs in my life and they all have brought me joy in their own way… just let me remember them for a moment … Yuca 1, Yuca 2, Mio, Drac, Curro, Buzby, Dexter, Cadiz, Rita and Vasco. I can proudly say they were all rehomed from friends or pounds.

 When you are not fostering dogs what is your favorite pastime?

Spending time with my girls which involves walking the dogs together daily. Definitely, we undertake many activities involving the dogs which are an opportunity for bonding with my children. I also enjoy swimming and reading books, preferably with a glass of wine.

At Spanish Stray Dogs UK we would like to thank Eduardo for the amazing work he is doing as a foster. Thank you