The latest regional COVID-19 restrictions makes rehoming and placing dogs in foster impossible at the moment. Our procedure of doing either consists of multiple visits to the kennels and to the home, with the current situation neither is practical or safe.
However, my practical days have provided me with a much better insight into some of our dogs, and allowed us to try and correct some behaviours whilst encouraging others.
All of our dogs have a story to tell, some are more horrific than others, but some could be ready to make the step back into the outside world if we can find the right people to guide them.
As I said at the start of this post, making that change now is not the right time, but it has given me an idea.
Whilst we wait for the madness in this world to pass, I thought it would be good to gather some experienced homes ready for when the time is right.
It is our policy not to rehome with children or other animals unless we have prior history of the dog living with them before, and for accessibility the homes must be relatively close to us (we're in Northumberland) so home visits could work.
If you are interested in offering yourself as an experienced Fosterer (be in temporary or forever) then please email foreverfoster@shak.org.uk telling us a little bit about yourself and the experience you have.
It may take longer than we hope for this to pass, and I understand you may find your new four legged friend from elsewhere in the meantime, but it would be nice to have homes in mind for the dogs which are really making us proud.
I look forward to hearing from you and stay safe.