At GRIN we appreciate all of our volunteers, but the backbone of GRIN is our foster homes.  In fact, we are limited to how many Goldens we can bring into our care by the number of available foster homes we have when the need arises.  Fostering is a rewarding experience and an important step in the dog’s journey to their fur-ever home.  Fostering even 1 or 2 dogs a year can make a significant difference. 

Foster family responsibilities:

• Provide a loving temporary home and demonstrate, perhaps for the first time what a loving relationship is all about.  
• Build his/her confidence
• Improve basic obedience
• Provide for the dogs needs such as food, shelter, exercise and basic care.
• Schedule and attend veterinary appointments for any illnesses
• Evaluate his or her habits and behavior to assist the Adoption Coordinator in the adoption matching process
• Talk with and meet potential applicants

Foster requirements:

• Applicant must be over 21 years of age.
• Applicant must live within our adoption area.
• Due to safety and liability concerns, GRIN does not accept applications to foster from families with children under 10 years of age residing full or part time in their home
• A fence is required to foster a dog under the age of 6.
• Resident dog(s) must be current in their vaccinations, annual heartworm testing, and on monthly heartworm prevention consistent with your veterinarian’s recommendations.
• All dogs in the home must be altered.  Exceptions may be made for dogs under the age of 1 year.
• GRIN does not allow foster families to use any of the following training devices on our dogs: choke chains, chain collars of any kind, prong collars or shock collars.
• Commit to keeping the dog inside.  Doggy doors must be disabled for reasons of safety.

GRIN provides for all the medical care associated with your foster dog.  Additionally, you are provided with resources including a foster packet of reference materials and a Foster Buddy who is available to provide ongoing support.  If you fall in love and can’t let your foster dog go, no worry, foster homes always have first right of adoption. 

This is a huge responsibility but also an awesome opportunity to make a positive difference in the life of a dog in need.  The time the dog spends in your care is setting them up for a successful adoption and a happy bright future.

If you are interested in opening your heart and home to a Golden who needs GRIN’s help by fostering and you meet the requirements, we invite you to complete the On Line Foster Application or contact GRIN’s Foster Coordinator at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions you might have. (Please note the foster and adoption application are same.)

Fostering one dog will not change the world…but for that one dog, his world will be forever changed.

A Poem to my Foster Dog

"I am the bridge between what was and what can be.
I am the pathway to a new life.
I am made of mush, because my heart melted when I saw you, matted and sore, limping, depressed, lonely, unwanted, afraid to love. 
For one little time you are mine. 
I will feed you with my own hand.
I will love you with my whole heart.
I will make you whole. 
I am made of steel. 
Because when the time comes, when you are well, and sleek, when your eyes shine, and your tail wags with joy, then comes the hard part.
I will let you go - not without a tear, but without a regret. 
For you are safe forever - a new dog needs me now." 

--Diane Morgan 1999