Sky is beautiful Pit Bull Terrier mix with a goofy smile. She’s also a graduate of the VBAS Adult Dog Foster program (ADF).
Sky first came to the shelter when her previous owners lost their home last year. This active, regal, and fun lady had a very difficult time adjusting to shelter life. What Sky didn’t know was that she was just ONE loving foster mom away from her forever home!
When Sky was in her kennel, she was an anxious nervous wreck, which hid her bright personality. This otherwise loving, caring and optimistic lady became a shell of herself and was beset by depression, anxiety and stomach issues. Something needed to be done. Sky was a prime candidate for the Adult Dog Foster program!
ADF connects adult dogs at the shelter who are not flourishing with fosters who can give them a real home to stay in. Fosters temporarily take in the dogs as if they were their own and provide them with love and care. This makes the animals happier, more sociable, and better prepared for their forever homes.
Mari, Sky’s foster-mom-to-be, had concerns at first. She lived in a small apartment. Would Sky bark too much? Sky was so nervous in her kennel. How would she be outside of it? ADF worked with Mari, provided her with all the food and supplies she would need, and promised her that she could bring Sky back if things did not work out. Once Mari committed to being a foster mom for Sky though, what happened next was truly magical!
On the car ride home Sky was sleeping in the back seat. She immediately felt at home and at peace. Mari cuddled up with Sky the first night and they’ve been inseparable pals ever since! Sky flourished and her depression, anxiety, and stomach issues disappeared. Almost overnight, she became a new dog.
Outside of the shelter with Mari, Sky is obedient, loving and trusting. Together Mari and Sky hit the beach, go to work together (where Sky patiently waits for Mari to finish), or just lounge on the sofa. Currently, Mari is working on leash-training Sky and getting her used to being around other dogs by taking her to the dog park.
After this experience, Mari can’t imagine her life without her new pal. Mari considers herself a “failed foster” because she has chosen to adopt her “Sky Girl”. Considering that Mari was originally hesitant going into ADF (and Sky’s amazing turn around) we can’t imagine a greater foster success!
The Adult Dog Foster Program is actively looking for more foster parents. If you’d like to get involved, and have space in your heart and your home to help a dog like Sky, please contact vbasfosterinfo@gmail.com.
To learn about our current adoptable foster dogs, click here.
To see the work we do, follow us on Instagram at @vbasdogfoster
