A Plea for Foster Parents
By Susan Spisak
Since 2005, the 501(c) (3) Almost Home Rescue of New England (AHR) has served Maine and New Hampshire. They are dedicated to saving lives and finding forever homes for stray, abandoned, and surrendered dogs, most of which are in high-kill shelters.
Recently retired President Adele Jones (see below for more on her) said AHR’s intake levels have changed of late. “We are actually bringing fewer dogs up from shelters and rescues in Mississippi than we did during the pandemic. Not because the need isn't there, but because we just don't have the foster home base that we used to have.” She explained that current AHR fosters only handle three- to five-month-old pups. “There are many great dogs that are being overlooked because of their age.”
Thus, the need for fosters is huge. “We are always looking for folks to foster for us. We have an application on our website for those who are interested. We offer training and everything the foster home will need to foster one of our great dogs.” She added the dogs can be anywhere in age from six months to seniors. Fostering timeframe could be 48 hours to several weeks, even months, depending on how fast they match them to a forever home.
Fosters are all-important because often the rescued shelter animals are one step away from being euthanized. The stories of their lives can be heart wrenching, but AHR fosters facilitate a happy ending by opening their hearts and homes for a temporary stay. Please consider this important work. (Adele added they need general volunteers if fostering is not in your wheelhouse.)
AHR checks vet references, verifies landlord approval and references if applicable, and performs home visits. Their policy is to rescue for life, and if the dog cannot stay with the adoptive family, it must be returned to AHR.
For information on fostering, volunteering, and to see all their adoptables, visit almosthomerescue.net. Donations are welcome and necessary as they often bring in dogs with special medical needs. Mail to AHR, PO Box 9421 #377, South Portland, ME, 04116-9421. Or donate online at almosthomerescue.net/support-the-rescue/.
Adele Jones is retiring from AHR after 18 years of service as of April 1, 2023. Adele shared that Cathy Peralto, long time AHR volunteer and their New Hampshire Director and board member, will take over the position of President: “I have the greatest confidence in her capabilities to lead the organization. As for me, I plan to spend more time with my grandchildren and husband but will never be far from animal welfare and only a phone call away for AHR...It's going to be hard to pass the baton after being with AHR from the start and working so hard to build the rescue, but it's time for the younger generation to take the reins.”
Adele is a retired Paramedic / Firefighter with the Scarborough Fire Department. She also worked as an Animal Control Officer for the Buxton Police Department. She’s been a good friend to Downeast Dog News throughout the years, and we wish her well.