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Fostering a dog is one of the most important and impactful jobs in rescue. As an entirely foster based rescue (meaning we do not have a physical shelter) we rely on our amazing network of volunteer foster families to save dogs in need. Halfway Home K9 provides all the supplies and support you need. You provide the love and a safe place to crash.
Fostering is one of the most rewarding jobs in rescue. Sadly across Canada, we have a massive dog over-population crisis. Shelters are full, rescues are full, and tough decisions are having to be made. You have the power to transform a dogs life by providing adequate exercise, mental stimulation, nutritious food, stability and love... possibly for the first time ever. You have the power to save a dogs life.
Some people say they could never foster because it would be too hard to say goodbye and we get it, goodbyes are hard. We like to think of the goodbyes as happy endings. You've loved this dog in their "halfway home" until they've found their forever home. By saying goodbye to one dog, it allows you to say hello to the next dog that is equally deserving of finding their forever home.
“I started fostering with Halfway Home K9 in early 2023! I was fostering for another rescue before joining the Halfway Home Team and I was loving making a difference in the dog’s lives. I started looking for a rescue that was more local to me and I stumbled upon a post for Halfway Home looking for fosters!” Hailey remembered.
“Since becoming a Foster, I have joined the Adoption team and assist with finding the best homes for our doggos!”
When asked about a tip for people interested in becoming a foster, Hailey said, “Do it. Just do it! Almost always, when people hear I foster, I get asked, ‘how do you give them up?’ Anyone who has fostered has heard this question over and over.”
“But it’s not ‘giving up’ a dog; the job of a foster is to take a dog and get them ready for a great new home. Sometimes that means nursing him through health issues, sometimes behavior problems and sometimes there’s absolutely nothing to get through at all. There’s just the wait for the right person to come along.”
“This journey has been the most rewarding thing I have done in my life thus far. I tell everyone that I love what I do and it is the truth.”
We asked Hailey what she loves most about HHK9 and she expressed, “the Halfway Home K9 team is like a family. They are beyond supportive and genuinely care about the dogs!”
She first heard about the rescue from social media, “I was firstly drawn to this rescue because of the name ‘Halfway Home,’ being a foster you are literally the dogs halfway to their furever home!”
The last question we asked was what her favourite foster memory was, Hailey didn't have to think about it for very long, she reminisced out loud, “My favourite memory is watching the pups really blossom and become their own little beings.”
“This journey has taught me so much and I have met some of the most amazing people along the way!”
“Please consider opening your home to fosters. We can only save as many dogs as we have placements for them.”
"Over the past year, our hearts have been touched in ways we never imagined possible. Fostering dogs has been more than just a journey; it's been a profound experience filled with boundless love and immeasurable joy. In just over twelve months, we've opened our home and our hearts to seven incredible souls: Shelby, Luna, Cheekoo, Xena, Freddy, Banjo, and Ocean. Each one is unique, each one bringing their own special brand of love into our lives.
From the moment they entered our home, these dogs transformed it into a sanctuary of warmth and compassion. With wagging tails and soulful eyes, they reminded us of the beauty of resilience and the power of unconditional love. Every bark, every cuddle, every playful moment filled our days with immeasurable happiness.
Yet, as much as we've cherished every moment with them, we've also experienced the bittersweet reality of fostering. Saying goodbye is never easy. It often comes with tears and aching hearts, knowing that our time together is coming to an end. But amidst the sorrow, there's solace in knowing that we've played a part in their journey to a better life.
Each dog we've fostered has come from a difficult past, but we've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of love and care. From neglected strays to cherished companions, we've watched them blossom into confident, happy pups ready to embark on their new beginnings.
And none of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of Halfway Home. Their dedication to the well-being of every dog in their care has been nothing short of inspiring. From providing supplies to offering guidance and emotional support, they've been there for us every step of the way.
As we reflect on the past year, our hearts overflow with gratitude for the privilege of fostering these incredible dogs. They've left paw prints on our souls, reminding us of the profound impact love and kindness can have. And while our journey with them may have come to an end, the memories we've shared will forever hold a special place in our hearts."
"Fostering has genuinely been such an incredible, life changing experience. Each & every dog who has joined our family these past few years has changed our lives and left a pawprint on our hearts. Although it's bittersweet to say goodbye, knowing we helped save their lives and change their futures is the best feeling in the world! We love introducing adopters to their rescue dog or puppy! It warms our hearts and makes our day every single time.
I am often told “I could never foster, it would be too hard to say goodbye."However, knowing I helped save their lives makes even the tiniest heartache worth it. And I promise, saying goodbye to your foster does get easier with time. The close-knit HH community also has a group for adopters where I can receive updates on my previous fosters, which I absolutely love!
I have recently fallen in love with taking in momma dogs and their newborn pups. What an incredible experience it's been!We are proud to say we have helped save the lives of four beautiful, amazing mama dogs and an incredible total of 34 tiny little puppy lives! The ever-amazing HH team has been there every step of the way, providing the utmost support with tons of knowledge and hands-on experience, as well as always ensuring we have tons of supplies for our fosters.
If you're looking for an amazing, understanding, experienced, professional yet hilarious team of dog lovers, HH is for you!! We have fostered nearly 100 dogs and puppies through Halfway Home, and they take the placement of their foster dogs extremely seriously, and the coordinators are there with you every step of the way. Any concerns whatsoever, and they're a mere phone call or text message away. We have fostered for a few different rescues over the years, and we can confidently boast that HH is the best of the best! Join the HH team today, you won't regret it!"
“I am a first time foster for Halfway Home K9 Rescue, and recently said good-bye to my first successful foster puppy, Rio. The experience was a wonderful one for so many reasons:
The number one most rewarding thing about fostering is knowing that you are doing something good to help the dog over-population problem in Canada. I was always aware of the problem, but didn’t quite realize the magnitude, specifically for northern Manitoba dogs who are in desperate need of time-sensitive rescue assistance. Fostering in these situations can be life-saving to these northern dogs.
Close second is that you get to experience / learn about different dog breeds that you otherwise never would have considered adopting. I recently fostered 2 fox hound puppies from 8 weeks old to adoption. This breed would not be the kind I would consider getting for myself, but I walked away being a huge fan of the breed. In fact, I have never in my life had such affectionate dogs in my care. They exceeded my expectations and we fell in love with them. I wouldn’t hesitate to adopt a foxhound in the future; in fact they are on my preferred breed list.
Fostering teaches my children about kindness and love of animals in need. They already loved dogs (and all creatures, really), but they now have a more keen understanding of the desperate need for loving families to open their homes and hearts to these dogs who need us. They are very involved in the every-day care of the puppies, and it is very rewarding for them. For adoptive families that give updates on the foster dogs, it is so nice to see pictures as the puppies grow older and know that our family had a hand in shaping the dog’s life experiences.
Lastly, my experience has been a wonderful one because of the support and backing of such a wonderful rescue organization. There were a few occasions where the puppies had medical situations that came up (one was a medical emergency requiring a middle of the night ER visit up in cottage country). The rescue didn’t hesitate for a moment and encouraged me to get them the help they need asap. In addition, all of the staff and volunteers have been absolutely wonderful about sharing their expertise and fostering experience built up over many years.
Although I will admit that my heart did break when my first (and favourite) foster puppy got adopted, the reward and happiness experienced after seeing him in his new home outweighed any sadness.
Looking forward to the next pair of puppies to foster!”
“We unexpectedly lost our canine companion and best friend, Simon, to hemangiosarcoma in August. I don’t think my heart will ever recover from that but fostering has provided the opportunity to heal. I knew I wanted to help dogs find their forever family, like Simon had with us. I wasn’t sure I was ready to commit to another dog, but I know in my heart of hearts that Simon would want me to help others. I looked at a few foster organizations and Halfway Home K9 Rescue felt exactly right. They help remote fly-in communities that do not have access to vet care as well as local and international dogs.
Our first fosters were two puppies from a farm in Ontario, Taylor & Travis. Immediately my wife fell in love with Travis and we knew he found his home with us. He is the puppy we needed and I love watching him grow and find his personality. He’s now almost 5 months old and a foster brother to our newest foster, Stevie. Taylor was able to find an absolutely perfect home near us, so the two of them have had their puppy playdates and see each other in obedience classes. Seeing Taylor thrive with her forever family is the best feeling in the world and I can only imagine it’s the same for other foster families who get ‘pup’dates on their fosters.
I know I can trust the rescue to find the best home for Stevie, and I know it’s going to be bittersweet to see her go. I also know it’s going to heal my heart a little bit more, just like all of the other foster success stories and the cuddles and kisses that these foster puppies have given me.
Thank you for everything!"
“Fostering for Halfway Home K9 is one of the best ways to give back to those who need us. My Children learn responsibility and Joy, including sadness. As we save each life that comes through our doors we get the greatest satisfaction of our Foster babies unconditional love. We started out looking for a new baby to join our home and came across so many that needed a place to be safe and warm. The overload of Covid pups were a cry for help through all agencies.
I fostered for a couple places and got a Call from Halfway Home last minute plea. Just getting of the plane from my own Sad situation ( lost my Dad) From the airport to pick up a puppy. OMG!
How I so desperately needed this puppy in my life at the time was realized so quickly. She was so full of worms and fleas. Nails so over grown from her situation in the North. We cleaned her cared for her and made sure she was safe She was my saving grace! My kids felt the loss of Grandpa, but had a cuddle pup who gave them the snuggles needed. When she found a loving Family we cried so hard. But we knew she was with an amazing new family. Halfway Home was now our agency to work with.
Each passing pup gives us hope for a better life for those we help to save. Saying bye is hard but watching them die out in the cold is harder...”
Sadly across Canada, we have a massive dog over-population crisis. We want to support remote communities with much needed veterinary care, which is non-existent in these fly-in only communities. Did you know a single unaltered female dog and her offspring can produce over 67,000 puppies in just 6 years? It takes roughly $20,000 to fund a spay and neuter clinic in a remote community.
With your help, we can assist in better lives for both humans and animals in a Northern community where stray dogs and over-population is a huge issue.