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How To Help When You Can't Foster?


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Hi, I've been reading this forum for a while and I really admire all the work you guys do :) I'm a 19 year old uni student still living at home so I don't have much money, and we have three dogs so I wouldn't be able to take any in, not that I would without any experience. I was wondering what else I could do to help? Would I just volunteer at the local pound? And what does that incorporate, dog walking, cleaning etc. I'm happy to do all that, I was just wondering :)

So, long winded post over. I apologise if I've posted this in the wrong section. Thank you for any suggestions :)

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Not sure exactly where you are but the RSPCA and AWL are in QLD, there are also other shelters and rescue groups.

I'm sure that walking and spending time with shelter dogs would be appreciated.

Google rescue groups in your area or go on Petrescue and search for groups in QLD then send emails offering assistance.

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I currently can't longterm foster as I live at home and am a student with lots of dogs. So I organised to become the temp tester and main promoter of dogs in my pound as no one was doing it. I also temp care and provide transport when I can and organise winter appeals. I also find dogs in need of homes in my local area and contact rescues to see if they can help out at all. There's always something to do.

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Mixeduppup- Thank you for the reply :) Did you need to do any training or courses to become a temp tester or is just something you can research yourself? Also, sorry for my ignorance, but whats a winter appeal? I don't think I could do any temp care as our oldest dog is quite grumpy with new dogs. I really like the other ideas though, and I'll definitely be looking into it.

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I haven't done any formal training but I've worked in shelter environments for years and learned from some very dog savvy people along the way. As I'm only volunteer I don't guarantee the dog's temperament or anything like that just do a few basic things to gauge a dogs reaction as it helps rescuers work out if they can take the dog or not. There are courses out there and they are very good and worthwhile. Cosmolo does an awesome course! The winter appeal is just asking for donations of coats and blankets for pound dogs :)

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Ok well I'm emailing a few shelters near me now so I should be able to volunteer there on the weekends and then see how I go. I'd love to really get involved in this stuff, it amazes me how much you guys do :) So thanks heaps for the info.

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Tuxie, Peiradise is in Brisbane (kind of - its in Brisbane but you have to drive out the Warrego Hwy Ipswich to get to me) and could use some help if you would like. Even coming and playing/walking the dogs would be much appreciated.

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Take photograps of impounded animals and put them on the Internet somewhere. Find a shelter that doesn't do this and make it happen. An incredibly useful volunteer activity, even if all you use is your phone camera.

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The other thing that is always appreciated is fundraising, marketing.. that kind of thing. Event organising is a huge time sink for my group, even things like responding to people who want to buy tickets to fundraising events, buy fundraising items etc. Perhaps you could offer to run some events for groups?

Trivia nights, stalls, sausage sizzles, tupperware/whatever parties, etc etc - that kind of thing is always appreciated, and also helps get the word out.

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Take photograps of impounded animals and put them on the Internet somewhere. Find a shelter that doesn't do this and make it happen. An incredibly useful volunteer activity, even if all you use is your phone camera.

The other thing that is always appreciated is fundraising, marketing.. that kind of thing. Event organising is a huge time sink for my group, even things like responding to people who want to buy tickets to fundraising events, buy fundraising items etc. Perhaps you could offer to run some events for groups?

Trivia nights, stalls, sausage sizzles, tupperware/whatever parties, etc etc - that kind of thing is always appreciated, and also helps get the word out.

Thank you for the responses. I didn't realise there was so much that could be done other than physically caring for the dogs or donating money, so thank you for opening my eyes :) I've got a list of the shelters within a close enough distance to me and I'm going to email or ring them tomorrow so hopefully I'll be able to help out that way.

Thanks heaps everyone for your help :)

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Tuxie I'm not sure what Ams messaged you but Peiradise volunteers and dogs needing adoption will be at the Green Heart Fair this Sunday at Chermside. Entry is free and you could come and say hello and see what the world of pei is like! I am a foster carer/volunteer with Peiradise and we always need help with bits and pieces and are an extended family really, all linked by Ams and her rescue dogs. Also people travel from different directions out to Ams' place and to other events so catching a lift is also an option if we are having a volunteer day or special event.

Our Peiradise colour is lime green so if you come to the fair keep your eye out for people wearing lime green shirts and that will be us! Oh and we will have some baby pei there too. How could you resist that!!!!!

We are also on Facebook if you want to search Peiradise - Shar Pei Rescue Qld and see the kinds of things we get up to!

Welcome to the wonderful world of rescue!!!!

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Oh ok, I'm on the Northside of Brisbane, how far down the highway would it be? I'd love to help out on Saturdays if that suited you. :)

Peninsula Animal Aid would be close for you - a great shelter and always in need of extra help (like all rescues)

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Tuxie I'm not sure what Ams messaged you but Peiradise volunteers and dogs needing adoption will be at the Green Heart Fair this Sunday at Chermside. Entry is free and you could come and say hello and see what the world of pei is like! I am a foster carer/volunteer with Peiradise and we always need help with bits and pieces and are an extended family really, all linked by Ams and her rescue dogs. Also people travel from different directions out to Ams' place and to other events so catching a lift is also an option if we are having a volunteer day or special event.

Our Peiradise colour is lime green so if you come to the fair keep your eye out for people wearing lime green shirts and that will be us! Oh and we will have some baby pei there too. How could you resist that!!!!!

We are also on Facebook if you want to search Peiradise - Shar Pei Rescue Qld and see the kinds of things we get up to!

Welcome to the wonderful world of rescue!!!!

Thanks for the info, I might have to check that out! I don't think I could ever resist puppies!! I liked the Peiradise Facebook page so I'll keep an eye out for you guys :) Am's place was a bit too far for me, but I'll keep an eye out for any events I can attend.

Thanks everyone for being so helpful :)

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Oh ok, I'm on the Northside of Brisbane, how far down the highway would it be? I'd love to help out on Saturdays if that suited you. :)

Peninsula Animal Aid would be close for you - a great shelter and always in need of extra help (like all rescues)

Thank you, I sent an email off to them this morning :)

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If you drive, helping to transport dogs between shelters and temp care or foster is always needed too :)

I am unable to foster but I collect towels, blankets and other donated items and take them to shelters and pounds along my travels. I'm also currently doing a tracksuit drive and making coats for shelter/pound/rescued dogs to help them keep warm, it's a no cost exercise. Happy to share how we are doing that if you are keen to join us from QLD! We are putting together instructional photos at the moment :)

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If you drive, helping to transport dogs between shelters and temp care or foster is always needed too :)

I am unable to foster but I collect towels, blankets and other donated items and take them to shelters and pounds along my travels. I'm also currently doing a tracksuit drive and making coats for shelter/pound/rescued dogs to help them keep warm, it's a no cost exercise. Happy to share how we are doing that if you are keen to join us from QLD! We are putting together instructional photos at the moment :)

That's a really good idea, I'll collect some old towels and stuff of ours and take them in to a shelter next time I drive past :)

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