Morgan Riddle

It’s been awhile since we’ve done a Foster Friday. We literally couldn’t do what we do without our fosters. Thank you Morgan for volunteering!
 
Interested in learning more? Check out our webpage at www.segsprescue.org for information and to sign up! ​

• 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 SEGSP 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 goodbye 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 and/or 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 SouthEast GSP 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 absolutely 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.