Our Forever Foster program is for dogs that may have a terminal condition and require regular medical attention, or are way up on their years, or have a behavior issues that need constant attention. These dogs are not normally available for adoption, and therefore remain in their foster home to their last day..
OESR pays the expenses associated with medication and veterinary care while their Forever Foster Family provides food, a warm bed and LOVE.
It takes a special person to give of themselves this way, and when we find them, we try and provide the resources we can to help.
If you would like to make a donation in honor of one of our Foster Forever pups, please click Donate Now to the right of this message (or below, if you’re on a mobile device).
Below are some of the dogs in our Foster Forever Program:
Brady:
Brady is a special needs English Setter with overpowering fear of the outside and any noise. After returning from an adoption and being more fearful than ever, Brady’s foster mom started from scratch. Brady retreated to his crate, wouldn’t leave it, marked all over the house, was terrified of the leash and any rooms that led outdoors, and shook violently and drooled at any loud noise. She sought help from a dog behavior consultant and started Brady on behavior meds and behavior modification. After months and months of slow-going work to get Brady closer to the door, Brady finally had a breakthrough and started going out on his own with the help of two of his foster siblings. But even then, Brady doesn’t always want to go out on his own and needs to be carried out. His foster parents made the decision to not put him through another move and relocation and chose to forever foster him. Brady will live out his days with his foster family.
Sam:
13 year old Sam is an absolute delight and the happiest dog in my considerable experience: a smiling, expectant expression on his face and his tail always wagging. His tail is sort of like a ceiling fan: waving gently for the mundane experiences like moving around in the house but other times on high speed in anticipation of a walk or a trip to the talking window.
Sam was a cherished only companion his first 12 years. Then his beloved owner passed and he was surrendered to OESR who immediately placed him with a setter savvy good-hearted soul who sadly passed six months later. Thanks to the generosity of OESR, I now have the pleasure of Sam’s company to brighten every day.
Tears: story coming soon!
Gone but Never Forgotten
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….
Author unknown…
Birdie:
Birdie is 10ish years or more, but who’s counting when you are this sweet.
This laid back lady, came from a shelter in KY, where she had been for over a month. She arrived in our home on a Friday morning and she took several minutes to adjust to my dogs and after a quick bath, she made herself right at home.
However things changed drastically the next evening (Saturday), when Birdie had her first (to me) seizure. To say this terrified me is an understatement, thankfully OESR was right there to guide me through the process. This sweet pup quickly became a forever foster, which was a surprise to many.
Birdie, loves to be near her people, she sleeps most of the day.
She is house trained, and she will ‘let you know’ if she needs to go potty in the middle of the night?, which does not happen often. She loves barking at the dogs walking by our house, she loves to snuggle with my older setter. She loves her food and treats!
Lady:
Lady, 13, was surrendered to OESR in the summer of 2021 after her owner passed away. She quickly found a home with a family who had just lost a senior setter and it was love at first sight! After some much needed medical attention and dental work, Lady is living her best life in retirement with lots of short walks and long naps. Her favorite things include snacking on rotisserie chicken, cuddling with her people and stealing bully sticks from her two setter sisters. She may not be able to hear but she gets told she is a good girl all day long!