Dear HCHS members,  As most everyone knows, Debra and I have gotten ourselves set up to be able to take on the orphaned or abandoned litters of puppies that we as a group occasionally become responsible for.  We began with a litter of 5 around Thanksgiving and have since been blessed with two more litters for a total of 17 fosters.  It has been an incredible experience that neither Deb nor I would trade or give up for the world.  Donna has mentioned on a number of occasions during our monthly meetings the need for more fosters as well as the greater need for foster buddies.  A foster buddy picks out one or more fostered dogs and assists with the training, socialization and transportation to and from our events as well as help getting dogs to vet appointments.  We have a desperate need for at least 6 foster buddies right now. 

The day for Deb and I generally begins around 7 to 7:30 when I go out and do the “good mornings” with the first few minutes of individual attention and the first feeding.  After breakfast it is back outdoors, rain or shine to clean pens change water bowls, groom and do repairs on the pens and run if necessary.  During the day they are all given the opportunity to be out of the pens and common areas to romp and play in our back field for as long as I have time to be there.  Early afternoon if there are young pups there’s a second feeding and additional cleaning when necessary.  At least once a week, sometimes more, there is at least 1 trip back and forth to the vet and a grocery to buy kibble etc.  Late afternoon it is feeding time again for some along with additional clean-up.  Just before dark they are rounded up and put back into their pens, given their last feeding and hopefully, the last clean-up.  Additionally there seems to always be something that needs to be repaired, cleaned or built.  When we add training, play and transporting to adoption opportunities, this turns from a full time job into a 7 day full time plus overtime job.

We knew what we were doing when we decided to take this on and understood it was a big commitment and responsibility.  However, for the well being of the dogs and increasing their adoptability we really need help working with them.  Deb and I simply do not have the time to give each pup the individual attention they so desperately need and crave.  I don’t ask or expect anyone to clean up or feed .  We do though need buddies to help with training, socialization and play.  Anyone with some time can come out to our house, pick up a pup or two for a few hours (or stay right here in our back field, it is 2 acres that are totally fenced ) and if nothing else just play with these puppies.  Even if you have no knowledge of how to train there are plenty of online forums, books, TV shows etc with pertinent information.  And, when it comes down to it, no one needs to learn how to play with a dog.  We can no longer allow them to play with each other. In the dynamic of pack behavior we recognize that certain of these pups must be kept apart.  This solitude and lack of proper socialization with humans leads to boredom, stress and eventually wonky behavior.  These little puppies deserve better.  There are quite a few of us, please help. 
Thanks, Dave and Deb Patten 706-436-7870