Fostering a dog

I have been approved by the Bernese Auction Rescue Coalition and the Bernese Mountain Dog of Southeastern Wisconsin as a foster home. Periodically, I review petfinder.com and Craigslist to see if there are any Bernese Mtn Dogs needing rehoming or rescue.

As I was surfing I came across Jack at the Vilas County Humane Society in Eagle River, Wisconsin. The photos of Jack on their website, as well as the basic story presented, made my heart go out to Jack.

Due to the geographic location of my home, I haven't been able to be of much assistance to the Bernese community. I thought about it for several days and decided it was time to see if I could help Jack.

You see, I rehomed a Berner almost two years ago now. She was supposed to be a foster, but she has her own story (see gally.blogspot.com). Gally is very special as she was rescued by a responsible breeder - and wonderful person- and taken out of a life where Gally was destined to be a puppy mill mom. Unfortunately Gally was very undersocialized and fearful.

When I saw the photos of Jack and could see hoow disassociated he looked, I figured I had to give him a shot at socialization and rehabilitation. So I contacted Jennifer and drove down to Eagle River a couple days in a row to see if I could start to build some trust with Jack.

He was very tense and nervous. Turning away he figured if he couldn't see me, I couldn't see him. He had to be persuaded to come from his outdoor kennel to his indoor. He shook when I first started petting him. He finally did stop shaking, but I just spent about a half hour sitting in his kennel with him, quietly talking every once in a while. I left a worn shirt of mine with Jack. It pretty much had all smells from the household on it and I hoped it would begin some recognition and comfort when we made the change to bring him out of the shelter and to my home for fostering.

The rest of the blogs will be weekly updates on Jack's progress. Hopefully, once we have found the Jack that is hiding inside, he will be found by his forever home.