ARL "Foster Failures"

Failure is a Good Thing…

When it comes to fostering animals at ARL!

Every animal that comes through ARL's doors is one-of-a-kind and has their own unique needs. Whether it be an injury, illness, behavior, or even age (think newborn puppies and kittens), sometimes the best place for an animal to thrive while awaiting their new home, is outside of our Animal Care & Adoption Centers.

Luckily, ARL has over 520 foster families who are ready to open up their hearts and homes to animals who need special attention. This incredible network offers ARL animals a quiet place to heal, a safe space to work on behavioral concerns, or a nurturing environment to grow up in.

Foster families are vital to ensuring that animals receive the exact attention they need. They also play an important role whenever there is a sudden influx of animals. An animal may stay in a foster home for days, weeks, months or sometimes longer—for good reason!

The affectionate term “foster failure” is given to those foster parents who become so attached to an animal in their care that they decide to make them a permanent part of their family.

Here is a collection of the many foster-toadoptions that have happened at ARL over the years!

Bailey, adopted January 2022

ARL Visitor Service Liaison, Ellen Borreliz met Bailey just a few days after Bailey arrived at ARL. Ellen brought Bailey home and was pleasantly surprised how well she got along with her four cats. Unfortunately, Bailey demonstrated separation anxiety and would howl every time she was left alone. As a result, she accompanied Ellen to work at ARL and quickly became a staff and volunteer favorite.

A more serious issue, however, is that Bailey was diagnosed with a serious gastrointestinal disorder. “In addition to falling in love with her immediately, we also decided to adopt Bailey because we knew we could take on the challenge of testing and treatment,” explains Ellen. “We didn’t want her to go through any additional changes in her life, and so she is home!”

Moose, adopted March 2013

ARL Foster Parent, Erica Desautels and her partner began taking ARL animals into their home in 2010. In 2012, they took in Moose as a long-term foster pet.

“Six months was a big commitment, but we weren’t yet ready for a full-time forever pet,” says Erica. “He settled in quickly despite a handful of behavioral challenges – but he was also so playful, charismatic, and cuddly!”

When his six months in foster was up, Erica had to decide what to do. It was an easy decision, however, because she fell in love and couldn’t imagine her life without Moose!

Dobby, adopted August 2021

In the summer of 2021, ARL took in 24 dogs from a residence in Randolph, MA due to unsanitary conditions. Twenty of the puppies were immediately placed into foster care, and ARL Foster Parent Donna Tormey took in six of them.

“The minute I saw Dobby, I knew he was mine,” shares Donna. “He was the runt of my group and an instant momma’s boy. He always wanted to be with me, is very talkative, goofy, and loves to play. He is also working toward testing for the Canine Good Citizen award!”