HSSC-Summer-2023-North-Bay-Pets - Flipbook - Page 9
FOSTER FOCUS - IN THEIR OWN WORDS
HSSC volunteers are a crucial factor in our lifesaving equation, both in – and out – of our shelters! Our foster volunteers
open their homes and hearts to animals in need of extra TLC, enabling us to expand our capacity to care for even more of
the animals who need us. Here, a few of our foster friends share what this important volunteer role means to them.
“What I enjoy most about fostering is seeing a dog
that is not doing well in a shelter environment
transform into the joyful and loving creature he is
meant to be.” -Linda Meehan
“I love fostering kittens. We get to socialize them
and play with them and, when they leave our
home, they will be going to their forever homes.
Once they go back to the shelter, I get to look
forward to my next batch of kittens. I grew
up with cats and miss being able to have my
own at this time. Fostering allows me to have
pets without the long-term commitment. I
love knowing we have given them a strong
start in life.”
-Carolyn Bischof
“I love dogs and have loved being a dog owner, but
since volunteering at HSSC, I have seen firsthand
how important it is for certain dogs to have a break
from the shelter. They get to relax into a loving
home environment, get socialized and civilized and I get doggy loving! Taking them home for a week
or more really helps them get adopted. Keeping dogs
moving along in this fashion is very satisfying and also
a bit sad, but I know there’s lots more where that last
foster came from. It’s a doggy lending library with big
bonuses for all parties!” -Mary Munat
Interested in joining our foster roster?
Find more information here:
humanesocietysoco.org/
get-involved/foster
“Connect with your dog from the heart, not a leash and a collar.” - Zak George
HUMA
ain
BE
E
N
If you’ve ever taken an HSSC dog training class, you know
we believe in keeping things positive! Our positive
training philosophy extends right down to the kinds
of collars we recommend for dogs. This means
we do not endorse any collar designed to pinch,
shock or choke your dog. You’ve probably seen
these scary looking items at pet stores. Maybe
you’ve even been told they are effective training
tools to curb unwanted behaviors in your dog.
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t ra
Studies have shown however that prong, shock
and choke collars are not only inhumane and
dangerous, they are ineffective training tools
(sfspca.org/behavior-training/prong/studies/).
They can result in injuries ranging from punctured
skin, spinal cord problems and crushed tracheas.
Additionally, they can increase fear, aggression and reactivity
in your dog and break down the bond of trust.
in w it h o
u
The good news is that there are so many humane equipment choices available! Determine
which one is best for your dog’s unique needs. We can help! Flat, rolled or Martingale-style
collars, or front- or back-clip harnesses are some safe, humane options, as described here:
https://www.sfspca.org/behavior-training/prong/alternatives. Next, find out what motivates your
dog – praise, play, petting, treats? - and reward the behaviors you want to see more of, early
and often! Rewards make your dog more likely to repeat desired behaviors and make training
a much more enjoyable, loving and humane experience.
Need help with your dog’s behavior? Contact us at dogtraining@humanesocietysoco.org
or check out our training classes at humanesocietysoco.org/dog-training/
HSSC Alumna Kiara
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