01. Foster
Foster homes serve a number of functions. Through our foster volunteers we are able to really learn about our dogs, who they are and what they need in a home situation. This allows us to find just the right home for each dog which greatly enhances the chance that they will remain with their new families throughout the rest of their lives. Foster homes work at identifying problem areas in their charges and may start working with their fosters at fixing them (such as providing reassurance and security to a dog who has been frightened in its prior living situation or shelter experience). Some of the puppies need to learn basic housebreaking and how to walk on a leash. Foster homes work at socializing their dogs, exposing them to as many different people and situations as possible to again assess temperament. Most of all, our foster homes provide a loving and safe environment for these dogs until we can find their forever homes.
03. Transportation
We often need help transporting dogs from shelters to foster homes or to vet appointments. Many of our dogs come from long distances, where we will need to meet a transport on a weekend to get them here. Sometimes that will require more than one vehicle, and we could certainly use help there.
02. Make a Donation
Homeward Bound is a Non-Profit Organization and we accept monetary donations. We can also use the following items: Blankets, Towels, Kennels, Carriers, Bleach, Natures Miracle, Stamps, Paper and Office Supplies, Gas Cards. If you would like to make a donation please contact us at 518.424.1738 or email. With your help, we can rescue and find new homes for even more dogs in the future.
04. Volunteer Opportunities
We need help at our adoption clinics, both in working with the dogs and with applicants. Volunteers can help at all phases of the adoption process, including doing the home visits. Volunteers are needed for our training classes and to assist us in fundraising and special events. As volunteers are trained, some may be asked to visit shelters in their areas to evaluate dogs that may be coming into the program. We also need people to assist in maintaining the web page as well as other internet sites (such as maintaining the Petfinder page and/or finding other search engines for our group). The more people who want to be involved only increases the amount of work we can do.