In this interview episode of Dog Fostering 101, Jackie Adams welcomes Kelly Duer from Maddie’s Fund, a leading advocate for foster care initiatives and community-based shelter programs. Kelly shares how the landscape of animal welfare is shifting from traditional long-term fostering to flexible, accessible options like "field trips" and "sleepovers".

The conversation highlights how these short-term interactions are not just "fun" for the dogs, but are critical data-gathering missions that help shelters find the perfect long-term match. Kelly also discusses the "Maddie’s Pet Forum" and how creating a supportive community for fosters is the key to making the movement sustainable for everyone involved.

• The Evolution of Fostering: Fostering is no longer just a "until adoption" commitment; programs now include day-long field trips, weekend sleepovers, and emergency respite care to fit any lifestyle.

• Data over Training: A short-term foster's most valuable contribution is often just observing the dog. Knowing how a dog reacts to a doorbell or a vacuum is "behavioral gold" for shelter staff.

• The Power of "Marketing" Your Foster: Simple photos and stories from a home environment are often more effective at getting a dog adopted than any professional shelter bio.

• Supportive Communities: Maddie’s Pet Forum provides a space where fosters can ask questions, share successes, and find resources without feeling like they are on an island.

• Incentivizing Success: Maddie’s Fund offers monthly grant opportunities for shelters and rescues that successfully implement innovative foster programs.

• [00:00] Intro: Kelly Duer’s role at Maddie’s Fund.

• [02:15] Flexible Fostering: Breaking the "long-term only" myth.

• [05:40] Why "Sleepovers" are a game-changer for shelter dogs.

• [10:12] The importance of "Ordinary" observations in a home.

• [15:30] How fosters can help market dogs for adoption.

• [22:45] Building a support network: Maddie’s Pet Forum.

• [30:10] Grants and community-based sheltering goals.

• Maddie’s Pet Forum: maddiespetforum.org — A global community for animal welfare professionals and volunteers to share ideas and support.

• Maddie’s University: university.maddiesfund.org — Free classes and certifications for foster parents and shelter staff.

• Maddie’s Fund: Short-Term Fostering Resources — Toolkits for starting field trip and sleepover programs.

In this Foster Fast Track episode, host Jackie Adams addresses the most common behaviors new fosters encounter during those first critical days: accidents in the house, barking, and the "shut down" dog. Jackie explains that these behaviors are rarely a reflection of the dog's true personality; instead, they are high-stress reactions to a massive life transition.

Listeners will learn practical, low-pressure strategies to manage these challenges—from "patience walks" and the "Rule of Three" for house training to why doing "nothing" is sometimes the most helpful thing you can do for a terrified pup. This episode is designed to help you lower the temperature in your home so your foster dog can begin to feel safe.

• The "Stress Reset": Many behaviors seen in the first 72 hours are temporary stress responses. Treat every dog as if they aren't house-trained for the first few days to set them up for success.

• The "Patience Walk": If a dog is too overwhelmed to go potty, try standing in one boring, quiet spot on a leash for 10–15 minutes rather than walking. This reduces stimulation and allows the dog's body to relax enough to "go".

• Manage the Barking: Barking at the window or door is often a sign of hyper-vigilance. Use white noise, close the curtains, or move the dog to a "quiet zone" to help their nervous system settle.

• Supporting the Shut-Down Dog: For dogs that hide or refuse to move, the best approach is often "passive presence." Sit nearby without looking at or touching the dog, allowing them to observe you safely until they choose to approach.

• Low Stakes, High Reward: During the initial decompression, keep expectations low. Success isn't a "sit" or "stay"; it's a dog finally taking a deep breath or a long nap.

• [00:00] Intro: Why common foster behaviors are actually stress signals.

• [01:45] Re-training the basics: Managing accidents and "Patience Walks".

• [03:30] Reducing the volume: Strategies for environmental barking.

• [05:15] The art of doing nothing: How to help a shut-down dog.

• [06:40] Closing resources: Body language and safe handling guides.

• Maddie’s Fund: Safe Dog Handling — Essential techniques for managing new or fearful foster dogs safely.

• Maddie’s Fund: Foundations of Dog Communication Webcast — A one-hour deep dive into reading stress signals and canine body language.

In this interview episode of Dog Fostering 101, Jackie Adams sits down with Dr. Jennifer Merlo, a veterinarian and Vice President of Veterinary Affairs for Fear Free. Building on the concepts of the "Fear Free Fortress," Dr. Merlo explains how fosters can transition from providing basic care to becoming active partners in a dog’s emotional rehabilitation.

The conversation explores how the "Fear Free" philosophy applies to everyday foster life—from handling veterinary visits and administering medication to understanding the nuanced body language of a dog in a new environment. Dr. Merlo shares professional insights on how small, intentional changes in our behavior can have a massive impact on a foster dog's confidence and long-term adoptability.

• The Emotional Medical Record: Fear Free encourages fosters to look beyond physical health and track a dog's emotional state. Understanding what triggers fear or joy in a home setting is vital information for the shelter and future adopters.

• The "Touch" Standard: Dr. Merlo emphasizes that all interactions should be cooperative. If a dog flinches or retreats, fosters should stop and reassess rather than "pushing through," which builds trust through consent.

• Creating Low-Stress Transitions: Veterinary visits and car rides are major stressors for foster dogs. Dr. Merlo provides strategies for "happy visits" and using pheromones or calming music to buffer the stress of travel.

• Medication as a Tool, Not a Last Resort: Short-term anti-anxiety medication can be a "bridge" that allows a severely shut-down dog to finally relax enough to begin learning and bonding in a foster home.

• The "Look at That" Game: Using positive reinforcement to change a dog's emotional response to scary stimuli—like the vacuum or doorbell—turns potential triggers into opportunities for rewards and confidence building.

• [00:00] Intro: Dr. Jennifer Merlo’s mission with Fear Free.

• [03:20] Shifting the perspective: Fostering as emotional rehabilitation.

• [07:45] Reading the "Subtle Signs": Beyond the wagging tail.

• [12:10] Cooperative care: Training your foster dog for the vet.

• [18:30] When to talk to the shelter vet about behavioral medication.

• [25:50] Environmental enrichment: Puzzles and "sniffari" walks.

• [32:15] The adopter hand-off: Sharing the "Fear Free" roadmap with the new family.

  Resources Mentioned:

• Fear Free Shelters: fearfreeshelters.com — Free education for volunteers and fosters on emotional protective care.

• Fear Free Happy Homes: fearfreehappyhomes.com — Resources for pet owners to reduce stress at home.

• Maddie’s Fund: Behavioral Medication in Shelters — Professional context on the use of medications to support welfare.

In this Foster Fast Track episode, Jackie Adams provides a beginner’s roadmap to the Fear Free movement, focusing on how fosters can reduce a dog's "FAS" (Fear, Anxiety, and Stress) from the moment they arrive. By shifting the focus from obedience to emotional safety, fosters can help even the most shut-down dogs begin to thrive. You'll learn the core pillars of a Fear Free home, including the concept of "Gentle Control," the importance of giving a dog agency, and how to create a "Fear Free Fortress" where a foster pup can truly decompress.

Key Takeaways:

Prioritize Emotional Health: The Fear Free approach treats a dog’s emotional well-being as equally important as their physical health. The goal is to prevent and alleviate Fear, Anxiety, and Stress (FAS).

Agency and Choice: One of the most powerful tools for a fearful dog is "agency"—the ability to choose. Let the dog decide when to approach you and when to retreat to their safe space; never force affection or interaction.

Build a Fear Free Fortress: Create a dedicated, quiet area in your home with high-value "survival supplies" (water, puzzles, soft bedding). This should be a "no-pressure zone" where the dog can hide and observe without being disturbed.

Gentle Control: Replace physical restraint with "gentle control and stabilization." Use food lures or target touches to move a dog comfortably rather than grabbing or dragging them by the leash.

Speak Dog: Learn to recognize subtle "whispers" of stress, such as lip licking, yawning, or averted gazes, so you can adjust the environment before the dog feels the need to "shout" (bark or growl).

Resources Mentioned:

• Fear Free Shelters: fearfreeshelters.com — Free certification and resources for animal welfare volunteers and fosters.

• Fear Free Happy Homes: fearfreehappyhomes.com — Videos, articles, and "kits" specifically for pet parents and fosters.

• Maddie’s Fund: The Fear Free Shelter Program Overview — A quick link to the core modules used by many shelters.

In this episode of Dog Fostering 101, Jackie Adams talks with Dr. Lisa Gunter, an assistant professor at Virginia Tech and leading canine welfare researcher, and Grace Phillips, a researcher and former shelter worker. They dive into the groundbreaking data behind how fostering—even for just a single night—profoundly impacts a shelter dog's well-being.

The conversation explores the results of the largest-ever study on fostering, revealing that time in a home significantly reduces a dog's cortisol (stress) levels and allows their true personality to shine. Whether you are a "weekend warrior" or a long-term foster, this episode provides the scientific "why" behind the magic of getting dogs out of the kennel and into a home environment.

Key Takeaways

• The Power of the "Sleepover": Research shows that even one or two nights away from the shelter leads to a significant drop in cortisol levels, helping dogs rest more deeply than they ever can in a kennel.

• No "Rebound" Stress: Contrary to common fears, dogs do not experience a traumatic "spike" in stress when they return to the shelter after a short-term foster; instead, they maintain a lower baseline of stress for a period afterward.

• Personality Unlocked: Shelters are high-arousal environments that often mask a dog's true nature. Fostering provides "behavioral gold" by allowing staff to see how a dog actually behaves in a home setting, which is vital for successful adoptions.

• The "Meet Your Match" Myth: Research indicates that breed labels are often inaccurate and can be counterproductive; focusing on the individual dog's behavior in a home is a much more reliable predictor of a good match.

• Every Bit Counts: You don't need to be a professional trainer to foster. Simply providing a "soft landing" and a quiet place to sleep is a massive contribution to a dog's welfare.

• [00:00] Intro: Meet researchers Dr. Lisa Gunter and Grace Phillips.

• [03:45] The Cortisol Study: Measuring the biological impact of fostering.

• [08:12] Debunking the "Rebound Effect": Why short-term fostering isn't "cruel".

• [14:30] Fostering as a diagnostic tool: Seeing the "real dog".

• [22:15] The trouble with breed labels and the shift toward behavioral descriptions.

• [30:50] Advice for "Weekend Warriors" and short-term fosters.

• [42:10] The future of canine welfare research and how listeners can help.

  Resources Mentioned

• Virginia Tech Canine Welfare Lab: Visit the Lab Website for more information on Dr. Gunter's ongoing research.

• Maddie’s Fund: Short-Term Fostering Resources — Further reading on the benefits of temporary foster stays.

• Arizona State University (ASU) Research: Context on the initial pilot studies regarding shelter dog stress.

In this episode of Dog Fostering 101, host Jackie Adams dives into the "Why" behind the common rules and restrictions found in the fostering world. From why you shouldn't visit dog parks to the necessity of keeping foster dogs on-leash, this episode explains how these policies aren't meant to be "fun-killers," but are designed to protect the dog, the foster family, and the rescue organization. By understanding the logic of liability and safety, fosters can move from feeling restricted to feeling empowered to provide a stable, low-stress environment for their pup.Key Takeaways

• Understanding the "Why": Most foster rules are based on two main factors: keeping the dog safe and protecting the organization from liability.

  
  

• The Problem with Dog Parks: Even if a dog seems friendly, dog parks are unpredictable, high-stress environments where a single negative interaction can cause a setback in a foster dog's progress.

  
  

• Leash Safety and Bolting: Foster dogs are at a higher risk of bolting because they haven't yet bonded with their new caregivers; keeping them on-leash—even in unfenced yards—is a non-negotiable safety measure.

  
  

• Liability and Ownership: Because the rescue or shelter legally owns the dog, they are responsible for any damages or injuries the dog might cause; following their rules ensures you are covered by their support and insurance.

  
  

• Slow Introductions: Rules regarding introductions to resident pets or strangers are designed to prevent "stacking" stress, ensuring the dog's true personality can emerge safely over time.

  
  

  Resources Mentioned

  • Maddie’s Fund: Safety and Liability in Foster Programs — A deeper look at the legal and safety frameworks that shape foster policies.

    
    

  • Maddie’s Fund: Decompression Checklist for Dog Fosters — A practical guide to help you stay grounded and intentional during the early days of a new foster

  • [00:00] Introduction: Why foster rules can feel like "fun-killers".

    
    

  • [01:15] The legal reality: Who actually owns your foster dog?.

    
    

  • [02:45] Why dog parks are a "no-go" for most rescue organizations.

    
    

  • [04:10] The science of bolting: Why leashes matter more in the first 30 days.

    
    

  • [05:30] Managing interactions with strangers and "can I pet your dog?" moments.

    
    

  • [06:45] Transitioning from "rules" to "safety protocols".

    
    

  • [07:20] Closing Resources: Decompression checklists and expectation setting

Cara Achterberg is a best-selling author, co-founder of the nonprofit Who Will Let the Dogs Out, and a pivotal voice in the animal welfare community. Cara shares her unexpected journey from fostering her first dog for "selfish" family reasons to visiting over 150 shelters across the country to document the national crisis. This episode dives deep into why fostering is the most impactful way to help "front-line heroes," how to handle the emotional weight of letting go, and why every dog—no matter their past—is a master teacher of resilience.

• The Turning Point: Cara’s mission shifted when she visited a Southern shelter in 2018 and realized that out of 100 dogs that arrived in a month, only three were adopted.

• Helping People through Dogs: Fostering isn't just about saving animals; it's about supporting the overwhelmed shelter staff on the front lines who sacrifice so much.

• Systemic Solutions: Money and vet access are critical, but fostering is the one immediate action anyone can take to alleviate the 90%+ capacity crisis in shelters today.

• The "Goodbye" Mindset: Cara reframes letting go of a foster dog as an urgency to "get them out the door" to their forever home so you can immediately save the next life waiting for that open spot.

• Fostering as a Community Tool: Fostering acts as an instant "moving hack" for connecting with a new community and can even help bridge the gap with teenagers in your own home.

• [00:00] Introduction to guest Cara Achterberg.

• [01:48] Kara’s "Why": Transitioning from family fostering to full-time advocacy.

• [03:13] Current trends in the national shelter crisis and the post-pandemic surge.

• [04:41] The "Bathroom Cat" turning point: Why any space can save a life.

• [06:04] Case Study: Hadley and the power of witnessing a dog's first experience of safety.

• [09:50] Debunking the myth that "something is wrong" with shelter dogs.

• [12:38] Moving beyond the phrase "second chances".

• [16:08] Fostering as a celebration: Coffee meetups and goodbye rituals.

• [17:20] Travel and flexibility: Why fostering is a "win-win" for busy lifestyles.

• [18:45] Learning canine health and training "by accident" through the foster journey.

• [20:55] The "Stone Soup" of rescue: How small acts like transport create bonded communities.

Resources Mentioned

• Who Will Let the Dogs Out (WWLDO): whowillletthedogsout.org — Cara's national nonprofit raising awareness for shelter dogs.

• Books by Cara Achterberg:

  • Another Good Dog: One Family and Fifty Foster Dogs.

  • One Hundred Dogs and Counting: One Woman, Ten Thousand Miles, and a Journey Into the Heart of Shelters and Rescues.

  • Who Will Let the Dogs Out: Stories and Solutions for Shelters and Rescues.

• Why We Foster Podcast: Episode 1: Goodbye is the Goal.

• Hello Pigpen Blog: How to Say Goodbye to Your Foster Dog.

It is the most common question for any prospective or new volunteer: "What do I do if I fall in love with my foster dog?" In this episode, host Jackie Adams explains that falling in love isn't a mistake—it’s a biological certainty and a sign that you’ve successfully created a safe space for a dog to heal. We explore the science of the human-canine bond, provide a five-question framework to help you decide between adoption and continued fostering, and offer practical "goodbye rituals" for when it's time for your pup to head to their forever home.

• Biological Bonding: Humans are wired to attach to beings they nurture; your brain actually releases oxytocin (the bonding hormone) when you witness a foster dog's transformation.

  
  

• Compatibility Over Chemistry: Before adopting, honestly evaluate if the dog matches your current lifestyle—including exercise needs, noise levels, and your existing household dynamics—rather than just falling in love with the feeling of saving them.

  
  

• The "Two Lives" Rule: Remember that every time you let a foster dog go to an adopter, you are actually saving two lives: the one you just fostered and the one who can now fill that open spot in your home.

  
  

• Mindset Shift on Letting Go: You aren't "giving a dog away"; you are completing your chapter of their story by preparing them for the life they were meant to have.

  
  

• Goodbye Rituals: To help with the emotional transition, try concrete actions like writing a "quirks" note for the adopter, taking before-and-after photos, or sending the dog home with a familiar-smelling blanket.

Resources Mentioned

• Cara Achterberg: Author of Another Good Dog and 100 Dogs and Counting; founder of the blog Who Will Let the Dogs Out.

  
  

• Why We Foster Podcast: Episode on saying goodbye when your foster gets adopted.

  
  

• Hello Pigpen Blog: Strategies for navigating the emotional transition of a foster dog leaving.

In this Foster Fast Track episode, we demystify one of the most famous guidelines in the rescue world: the 3-3-3 Rule. While often shared as a social media graphic, we dive into the history of this community-created roadmap and explain why it should be treated as a guide, not a deadline. From the initial "Decompression Phase" to the deep bond of the "Settling-In Phase," learn how to set realistic expectations and provide the grace every foster dog needs as they transition into your home.

• It’s a Guide, Not a Robot Manual: The 3-3-3 Rule is meant to normalize the adjustment process, but every dog is an individual who may move faster or slower than the suggested timeline.

  
  

• Phase 1 (The First 3 Days): Known as the Decompression Phase, the goal is "minimal stimulation, maximum comfort" while the dog's nervous system asks, "Am I safe?".

  
  

• Phase 2 (The First 3 Weeks): In the Learning-the-Routine Phase, personalities emerge and boundary-testing often begins. This is the time for gentle structure and basic cues.

  
  

• Phase 3 (The First 3 Months): The Settling-In Phase is when true trust takes root, body language softens, and you can slowly expand their world with new experiences.

  
  

• The Importance of Grace: Understanding these phases helps fosters shift from frustration to empathy, realizing the dog you meet on day one is not the dog you’ll know on day ninety

Resources Mentioned

• Longmont Humane Society: The 3-3-3 Rule for Shelter Dogs — Excellent insights on behavior-centered sheltering and adjustment.

  
  

• Maddie’s Fund: Lost Dog Prevention — Learn why dogs are at high risk of bolting during early transitions and how to keep them safe.

In this Foster Fast Track episode, we pull back the curtain on the first few days of bringing a foster dog home. Often, we imagine "magic moments" and instant cuddles, but the reality is frequently more about observation and adjustment. Learn how to set up a "landing zone" in your home, why a predictable routine is your best tool, and how to spot the "quiet wins" that signal a dog is beginning to feel safe. This episode is all about lowering the pressure for both you and your new foster pup.

• Observation is Your Primary Job: The first days are for information-gathering. Your role isn't to train or fix behavior immediately, but to notice patterns and see what the dog needs.

  
  

• Set Up a Landing Zone: Use baby gates to create a smaller, predictable area. This helps reduce overwhelm and allows the dog to observe your household without the pressure of full access.

  
  

• Predictability Breeds Safety: Stick to a simple routine—feed at the same time and use the same door for potty breaks. When a dog knows what to expect, they can stop spending energy on survival and start relaxing.

  
  

• Management via Indoor Leash: A lightweight leash used indoors can help you guide a dog or manage transitions (like stairs or guests) without the need to grab them.

  
  

• Progress Isn't Linear: A dog might handle a vacuum one day and be terrified the next. If things feel hard, don't add more tasks—simplify the environment and slow down.

Resources Mentioned

• Maddie’s Fund: Introduction to Cooperative Care — Learn how to build consent and cooperation into everyday handling.

  
  

• Maddie’s Fund: Fear Free Pets — Practical strategies to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress.

  
  

• Shelter Reference: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control.