Southeast German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue

Morgan

9/9/2022

Yay! It’s Foster Friday and we are here with more Foster Tails! Today we hear from Morgan!

Are you interested in fostering or learning more about it? Check out our webpage at www.segsprescue.org and message us!

Take it away Morgan…

• Your Name(s):
Morgan Riddle

• Who have you fostered?:
Boone, Gertie, Birdy and Honey

• How long have you been fostering?
I’ve fostered for almost 2 years now.

• How did you get into fostering?
Fostering started for me because I love the GSP Breed so much.

• Why do you specifically foster with the SE GSP Rescue?
I actually stumbled across Southeast GSP Rescue due to a stray that someone contacted me about and in return I reached out to the rescue. At that point I had not signed up to be a foster but did so shortly after.

• Do you have any pets of your own? How do they adjust every time a new foster arrives?
I’ve had Shorthairs for around 7 or 8 years now - once I got involved in bird dog field trials. To be honest, it’s really the only breed I prefer to own at this point. Right now I have 2 GSPs. Nita is my 4 year old female, Boone is my 3.5 year old male - and we will soon have 3 GSPs since we’ve decided to add my latest foster (Honey, 6 month old female) to the family. My crew handles fosters coming in and out pretty well but sometimes Boone can be a little hateful for a few days until he warms up to the new kid. Nita is completely fine as long as she gets treats and her spot in the bed. It can be chaotic at first when bringing in a new foster and we definitely have to stay on our toes for the first few days but we’ve been lucky to have mainly good experiences so far.

• How has fostering positively impacted you and/or your family?
Fostering has been so rewarding for me as far as getting to see the fosters grow, become happy, and come such a long way from where they were when they were first placed with me. Seeing pictures of my adopted my fosters from their families, hearing how much they love them, and just knowing that I was able to help these wonderful dogs find that safe special place in life is incredibly rewarding to me.

• Is it difficult to say good-bye to a foster and not get too attached?
Getting attached happens more times than not and honestly I’m the worst for it. I’ve cried every time one of my fosters was ready to go to their permanent family and even now I still miss them, but the feeling of knowing I saved a GSP or that I gave them the love they so very much needed to get them to their permanent home is what drives me to continue to foster. It’s hard letting these dogs go but it’s even harder knowing there are still ones out there that need our help. There are some that you just know belong with you and that’s where my foster fails come in. 😉

• What are some myths that you have heard about fostering?
There are so many false claims about rescues andor fostering and some may be true in other organizations but the things you hear about rescues placing dogs with whoever and not doing things to benefit the dog couldn’t be farther from the truth when it comes to SEGSP rescue.

The rescue has went above and beyond to help these dogs and to help me as a foster when I needed it.

They’ve helped me make absolute sure I’m choosing the best home for my fosters.
As a foster you’re not just saving 1 dog, you’re saving so many more.

You may be only fostering 1 or 2 yourself but you are also freeing up a spot with another foster that may have room to take another.

• What would you say to someone who might be considering fostering?
If you are considering fostering, I say 100% do it, do it for the dog, do it because you are potentially saving a life, do it because these dogs need us.

If your heart is telling you to become a foster listen to it as there is no greater feeling than knowing not only have you potentially saved a wonderful GSP from a terrible situation but you’ve also showed them what it’s like to be loved, you’ve took a broken little life and put the pieces back together.

This breed is becoming more and more popular and with that comes more of these dogs being placed in rescues and without fosters we can’t help them.

• Do you have a favorite foster story or moment?
One of my favorite foster stories would have to be with Gertie. I was so attached to her and had myself convinced that there wasn’t a perfect home for her besides with myself. I had almost had myself talked into foster failing with her but one of our awesome volunteers called me and talked me into giving it some more time and I’m so glad I did.

The absolute perfect family came along and I knew the moment we had our meet and greet that they were her furever home.

Seeing their eyes light up on the day they finally was able to take her home made me realize that she was without a doubt going to be so loved with them.

They still stay in contact, send pictures, give me updates and it’s those moments that make you realize just why you foster.

I have many more favorites but that is the one that will always stand out to me.

Cheyenne & Josh

8/28/2022

• Your Name(s):
Josh and Cheyenne Boswell

• Who have you fostered?:
Moose, Fisher, and Nash

• How long have you been fostering?
Since November 2020.

• How did you get into fostering?
During Covid I had a lightbulb moment where I realized I wasn’t doing anything to give back. I started searching for volunteer opportunities and clearly picked a bad time since everything was shutdown. Fostering was the perfect opportunity and one of the best decisions I have made.

• Why do you specifically foster with the SEGSP Rescue?
I absolutely love the breed, there is such a need because their energy isn’t a match for everyone, and it’s truly an amazing organization.

• Do you have any pets of your own? How do they adjust every time a new foster arrives?
I do. I have 2 GSPs (1 being a foster fail) and an Italian Greyhound. Things have gone really well so far. My senior Italian Greyhound keeps her distance from my dogs and our fosters. They are a little too rowdy for her. My GSPs are always excited for a new playmate. It usually takes the fosters a couple of days to warm up and some even have to learn how to actually play.

• How has fostering positively impacted you and/or your family?
I have an extremely close family and it’s just something else for us to enjoy together. My mom is a huge help. She comes over everyday to let them out to play and also helps with training. My mom, brother, and sister in law all pitch in any way they can. Whether it’s riding along for a pick up or drop off or coming to help get them settled on their first day. My entire family absolutely loves dogs so it’s definitely a family affair.

• Is it difficult to say good-bye to a foster and not get too attached?
I cry every time. But I am also so incredibly excited that they are going to a home where they will get the love, attention, and experiences they have always deserved. It’s crazy how you can be so happy and excited but a little sad at the same time. I always remind myself that each one adopted out reopens the space for me to help the next one in need that comes along.

• What are some myths that you have heard about fostering?
Not so much a myth but I know before I joined SEGSP Rescue I had the perception that my help wasn’t needed. I felt there were plenty of volunteers. I never in a million years could have imagined how big the need truly is. When we got the email about our first foster, Moose, who was at our local shelter I remember calling my husband so excited. I told him we had to foster him because it may be our only opportunity to ever foster. We have had a 4 month period since we signed up that we haven’t had a foster in our home, by choice of course. I also didn’t realize before signing up that you get to make the decision as to which dogs you are able to foster.

• What would you say to someone who might be considering fostering?
Do it. It’s truly life changing and not at all what I expected it to be. It’s challenging but so incredibly fulfilling. Nothing worth it is ever easy. If you have questions about the process or are uncertain don’t be afraid to ask questions.

• Do you have a favorite foster story or moment?
Moose is my favorite foster story and a true testament to how incredibly amazing dogs are. He came into my home afraid, hungry, and so weak he could only stand for a few moments. In just a few weeks he learned to trust and and absolutely loved my husband. After all that he had been through he was so quick to love and forgive.

Thank you Boswell family for all that you do!

Alicia Armstrong & Kadie Mae

8/22/2022

Your Name(s):
Alicia Armstrong

• Who have you fostered?:
Ernie, Colt (temp foster), Frank, Lucious (now Lucas), Glen, Cash, Andy, and Alex (temp foster), and Kadie Mae (now Maeve).

• How long have you been fostering?
I have been fostering for 10 years with various rescues, and 3-4 years with SEGSP Rescue.

• How did you get into fostering?
got into fostering because I have a passion for animals who need a little extra help, to no fault of their own.

• Why do you specifically foster with the SEGSP Rescue?
I foster for SEGSP Rescue because I love the GSP breed. I know that they need a special type of foster, who understands their unique needs and challenges, who can give them mental and physical stimulation, and in some cases, who can nurse them back to health from the brink of death (for instance, like I did with Ernie). I like to analyze temperament and cater to each foster’s individual needs.

• Do you have any pets of your own? How do they adjust every time a new foster arrives?
I have 6(!!!) dogs of my own. I used to own a doggy daycare and boarding business, so my dogs are quite used to having unfamiliar dogs introduced. Of course, I introduce fosters slowly to my dogs using the guidelines provided by the rescue. Usually my dogs don’t get jealous, but I know I have to give them a little more one-on-one attention to keep them feeling special when we have a foster living with us. It’s actually very beneficial to have friendly, confident dogs that help fosters feel comfortable and help “train” them.

• How has fostering positively impacted you and/or your family?
Fostering really helps me feel more connected to the North Florida community. I’ve actually made a lot of friends through rescue - other foster parents, adopters, and GSP lovers - both in Florida and other states. It’s wonderful how GSPs can bring people together.

• Is it difficult to say good-bye to a foster and not get too attached?
I actually have a system for not getting attached to fosters. It may sound silly, but I only want to own one male dog at a time. So, I tend to foster males because I know I won’t adopt them with my male dog who thinks he is an alpha (he really isn’t, but my girls humor him, haha.) I have, however, fostered a female GSP before
and managed not to fall in love and add her to my pack.

• What are some myths that you have heard about fostering?
The usual suspects: “I don’t have time for fostering”; “I will adopt every dog I foster and not be able to let go”; “All foster dogs have major problems that I can’t help with.”

• What would you say to someone who might be considering fostering?
If you are considering fostering, please take the leap! I promise you that you’ll get much more from it than you put in. It is so rewarding to be able to match a dog with their ideal forever family. It’s such a nice way to give back to the world.

• Do you have a favorite foster story or moment?
My absolutely forever favorite foster story is that of Ernie. He was surrendered from a Georgia plantation that couldn’t take care of him the way he needed (along with several others). I was able to create an Amazon wishlist for him, and my friends totally came through. He got to have toys, a special orthopedic bed (he was so bony), weight gain supplements, special treats, and even a special collar with a bow tie on it! It was like Christmas for him when the items started to arrive. I believe it was the first time in his life that he felt special. I’ll never forget him and regularly keep in touch with his adoptive parents. I’ve even been able to visit him.

Thank you Alicia for ALL that you do for the rescue. We appreciate YOU!

#FosterFriday #SEGSPRescue #adoptdontshop

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Morgan

Cheyenne & Josh

Alicia Armstrong & Kadie Mae

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