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When HALO acts on its leads to save one or many dogs, we often need help to care for these rescues. Becoming a foster takes a commitment that is ongoing. Quite often these Havanese are from environments that we would normally never expect such as Havs with no interaction with people outside of feeding. This is particularly common from those rescued from puppy mills. Often these Havs are not housebroken and need socialization.

If you are ready to take on this commitment, we need your help! The future of HALO and our rescued Havanese will appreciate it. Please print and fill out the Foster Care Application, then submit by mail to HALO, P.O. Box 367, Manteno, IL.  60950 PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A NEW ADDRESS AS OF JAN. 2008 and has not yet been corrected on the application.  Please remember to send your application to this address.

FOSTER VOLUNTEER RULES & REGULATIONS

If we contact you and ask that you pick up a dog for us, here are some guidelines to help in this exciting and rewarding trip. We recognize that many of you have past rescue experience and ask that when you foster or rescue for HALO to please honor our rules and regulations.

1. Each HALO rescue is vetted before placement. HALO will pay for this and we will authorize all medical treatment (except emergencies) for each dog.

2. If you receive an Owner Turn In,  the Owner Surrender Form must be completed and signed by the person turning in the dog, as well as by you.

3. Never take your own animals with you to the home of an owner surrender.

4. If a dog comes from a shelter, it should be taken to an approved veterinarian immediately without it going to the volunteer's house. If this is not possible, the dog should be quarantined away from your animals and seen by a vet as soon as possible.

5. When you pick up the rescue, take a crate with you along with a couple of towels, a soft stuffed toy and a variety of treats. This lets the dog know he has nothing to be afraid of. We also recommend taking a collar and leash of your own. Please have an ID tag prepared showing your name, phone and REWARD. This can be used generically to insure if the dog gets lost, he can be traced to you.

If you are picking up the dog from a shelter or owner, the following recommendations are helpful:

1. Ask if the dog has a tattoo or microchip.

2. Ask what shots the dog has been given and paperwork to supplement this.

3. Ask for the dog's complete history (type of family, routine, level of training, etc.).

4. Did it receive regular vet care?

5. Why it is being surrendered (use as a guideline).

6. What kind of food is he used to?

After you bring your foster Havanese home, the true fostering process begins. And if you view your role as a nurturer or a safe haven until the dog finds his "forever home" it usually helps. Instead of being fearful of not wanting to relinquish your foster, try to think of this as an adventure where you get to be a part of choosing his new home. Being a foster, we will ask for your input on the Hav's temperament, etc. because you're the one closest to him.

When you arrive home, put him in the place you've prepared. Show him food and water bowls and maybe have a new special toy or bone just for him. Remember that a change of diet can cause intestinal distress, so be prepared! Give him time to rest before introducing him to the rest of the family. He is under stress and possibly was just neutered or spayed, so he is feeling the effects of anesthesia. When you feel comfortable, introduce him to the other family members and let him tour his new home under supervision. How much of the house he gets to investigate depends on whether you will quarantine the dog for a few days. You will also need time to determine if he is housebroken or not.

Make certain your fence is secure. If you have no fence, he must be taken outside on leash.

You may choose to put your rescue in a crate or playpen (to be able to confine marking or an unhousebroken dog/puppy). You may prefer a playpen because it is more open. You can reach in and pet or love the dog easily. A playpen folds down so it can be moved to always be where you are. The dog can stand, sit, lie down, or stand on his hind legs without any restrictions. There is room for food and a water bowl.

A retractable gate is handy for keeping the dog in a safe place such as the kitchen or bathroom when you have to be away from him. It is open, lets air circulate and the dog can see out but safely confines him.

It is strongly recommended to isolate (quarantine) a dog that comes from a shelter for a few days before letting it interact with your personal pets. Kennel cough is highly contagious and airborne. It is imperative to keep your own pet's boosters current when doing rescue/foster work. Your pets MUST come first!

It's very important to spend time with your Havanese foster.

1. Walk around with him.

2. Hold him.

3. Speak softly to him and assure him he is going to be all right.

4. See how he reacts to you handling his ears, paws and tail. This can give you an idea if he is timid or very friendly.

5. Does he go to the bathroom as soon as he is let out of his kennel? If so, you may have lucked out and received a dog who is housebroken.

6. Does he seem happy to be with you?