Furry friends

Feeling the love

THERE IS NOTHING BETTER THAN CARING FOR A FURRY (OR NON-FURRY) FRIEND

The benefi ts of having animals in our lives is well documented with multiple studies showing people are happier and healthier with a pet around.

But it’s rarely acknowledged that short-term ownership, including foster pet arrangements, can be just as benefi cial.

Across Australia there is an army of foster carers who help look after injured and mentally scarred animals before they are adopted.

While carers report plenty of emotional and physical benefi ts from having the animals in their lives, they also have the freedom of knowing they are not locked into a long-term commitment.

Mood boosters

The Lost Dogs’ Home foster co-ordinator Justine Munno says fostering defi nitely has a positive impact on people.

“Many of our carers express that fostering shelter animals brings them a lot of joy and they fi nd it extremely rewarding, which improves their mental health,” Justine says.

There is also plenty of research proving the benefi ts of having animals in our lives in the short or long term — for example, dog owners tend to be more active.

Studies have also shown patting an animal can help reduce stress, and more businesses are introducing workplace animals to nurture work-life balance and productivity as a result.

ReachOut.com’s Jackie Hallan says pets can help improve our mental health but each person needs to think carefully about what’s involved in looking after a pet, even if it is just for a short time.

“You don’t need to be a pet owner to get the mental health benefi ts of interacting with a pet,” Jackie says.

“For example, going to spend time with a friend and their pet can boost your mood.

“Pet minding and fostering can also be a way to enjoy the benefi ts of pet ownership on a short-term basis if owning a pet doesn’t suit your lifestyle right now,” she says.

“However, it’s important to remember that it is possible that you will get attached to a pet and to consider how you will cope once they fi nd their forever home.”

What you need to know

There are some things to weigh up before starting the fostering journey, as it isn’t always a walk in the park.

For example, fostering can require much more time, intensive training and patience.

Some animals have toilet and behavioural issues, and may not play games such as fetch, but foster organisations try to carefully match carers’ lifestyles with the animal in a bid for the best success.

“There is generally a foster animal for all types of lifestyles,” Justine says.

“Dogs and puppies are best suited to people who have a fl exible lifestyle and can work from home. People who work full time or have busier schedules are better suited to cats or kittens as they are much more independent.”

First person

CARER WILL WONG, 33, FROM SOUTH AUSTRALIA, BEGAN HIS FOSTERING JOURNEY IN 2020 WITH STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER MILA.

He had always wanted to adopt but unsure about his future, and facing the likelihood of an interstate move, he tried his hand at fostering instead.

“I was living alone, but I was not looking for something permanent,” Will says.

“I thought it was best for me to foster, so I could help an animal get adopted, but for me it was emotional support as well.

“It was like having this constant source of fun and joy around.”

But Will admits it was at times a “very intense” experience, with Mila having been significantly traumatised from her past. “It took me two weeks to first get her out of the apartment, she was really scared of any sudden movements and sounds,” he says.

“After a month we began going for regular walks.

“Like any new endeavour it’s challenging at first, but you both begin to learn, adapt and grow. It’s a journey that inevitably builds resilience.”