Samantha's AMA - Lots of animals and animal rescue/adoption

[samanthasays]

Feb 26, 2016 12:24:51 GMT -5 wannabmama said:

Feb 26, 2016 11:30:42 GMT -5 samanthasays said:

I moved from San Diego, CA to Columbus, OH. 

I used to live in San Diego and I often wonder how I ended up in MA...

Do you have a favorite dog breed?

I am partial to Chihuahua mixes

I love pomeranians too, and king cavaliers are so sweet! I fostered a toy manchester terrier who I loved. And I grew up with Jack Russell Terriers, so they have a place in my heart. 

Senior, low energy dogs are my preference, that is literally in my foster description! Some people like puppies, I like seniors

[samanthasays]

Feb 26, 2016 13:26:01 GMT -5 notagoddess said:

Feb 26, 2016 13:16:37 GMT -5 samanthasays said:

I would start by connecting with local rescues. FB is a good place to start, they will post events that they will be attending, and you can often meet many rescues in one place at events. That is a good way to talk to them and let them know what you are looking for and even meet some dogs. We deal with so many time wasters, it is unfortunate, but sometimes we get burnt out. If I meet someone in person and know they are real an normal and serious it makes me want to work hard to get you the right dog  

I do transport lots of puppies, so I can say with certainty there are puppies out there They are often mixes, but you can kind of tell the size and general breed. And sometimes you will find pure bred puppies from puppy mill raids. So it should not be difficult to find a non bully breed. 

As far as the restrictions and difficulty of the process, it can be cumbersome and slow. You are dealing with all volunteers who typically like animals more than people But the application should not be too intrusive, they may require a home check, but I have never failed anyone, so dont worry about that I am sure your friends were not denied by any fault of their own, it takes more work to get a dog from a rescue, it is definitely easier to buy from a breeder. And if there are multiple applications for the same dog the rejection can be disheartening. 

If anyone is in OH I am happy to help find a pet for you if you want to adopt.

Thanks for the advice! We are trying to buy a house right now. Once we move, we will start the process. I am so excited! Puppies!

I had SUCH a hard time waiting for my house to be done, because it meant more room for more animals  

[wannabmama]

Feb 26, 2016 13:26:06 GMT -5 samanthasays said:

Feb 26, 2016 12:24:51 GMT -5 wannabmama said:

I used to live in San Diego and I often wonder how I ended up in MA...

Do you have a favorite dog breed?

I am partial to Chihuahua mixes

I love pomeranians too, and king cavaliers are so sweet! I fostered a toy manchester terrier who I loved. And I grew up with Jack Russell Terriers, so they have a place in my heart. 

Senior, low energy dogs are my preference, that is literally in my foster description! Some people like puppies, I like seniors

I realllllly want one little dog (we have big hounds and I'm usually partial to big dogs), I love JRTs so am angling for one when we are next able to adopt a furbaby!

[lilsneezy]

Do you remember when I tried to flame you back on TD because you said all horror movies suck?

[samanthasays]

Feb 26, 2016 15:20:45 GMT -5 lilsneezy said:

Do you remember when I tried to flame you back on TD because you said all horror movies suck?

OMG I hate them! I am such a baby, I cant even watch the trailers. But weirdly I read the spoilers online. I remember being flamed, but I didn't take it personally, maybe if you insulted my dog or something, then we would have issues. Also, it is hard to get mad at your avatar

I figure flaming over things like that is all in good fun, its not like we were talking about human rights or leggings. 

[lilsneezy]

Feb 26, 2016 15:29:19 GMT -5 samanthasays said:

Feb 26, 2016 15:20:45 GMT -5 lilsneezy said:

Do you remember when I tried to flame you back on TD because you said all horror movies suck?

OMG I hate them! I am such a baby, I cant even watch the trailers. But weirdly I read the spoilers online. I remember being flamed, but I didn't take it personally, maybe if you insulted my dog or something, then we would have issues. Also, it is hard to get mad at your avatar

I figure flaming over things like that is all in good fun, its not like we were talking about human rights or leggings. 

Haha! Glad you didn't hold it against me I think that was my first (lame) attempt at a flame. 

[samanthasays]

Feb 26, 2016 15:49:25 GMT -5 lilsneezy said:

Feb 26, 2016 15:29:19 GMT -5 samanthasays said:

OMG I hate them! I am such a baby, I cant even watch the trailers. But weirdly I read the spoilers online. I remember being flamed, but I didn't take it personally, maybe if you insulted my dog or something, then we would have issues. Also, it is hard to get mad at your avatar

I figure flaming over things like that is all in good fun, its not like we were talking about human rights or leggings. 

Haha! Glad you didn't hold it against me I think that was my first (lame) attempt at a flame. 

I didnt even remember it was you, but it was a totally legitimate flaming not lame at all. 

[thelittleredm]

We're going to start fostering dogs in April. Any tips?

[samanthasays]

Feb 26, 2016 16:11:06 GMT -5 thelittleredm said:

We're going to start fostering dogs in April. Any tips?

Yay! That is so awesome The rescue should be a good source of information, many have facebook pages and good communities of fosters. I would recommend introducing on neutral ground, like a walk, if you have other dogs. And I always crate train at night, just for my own convenience and it is a nice thing for the future adopters. I also make them wear diapers (females) or belly bands (males) at least the first few days to make sure there are no accidents. 

The best thing you can do to get them adopted is take lots of pictures and videos and post them on your FB page. I have found videos to be especially beneficial. This was my first time really doing videos, and this guy got adopted in 2.5 weeks! Also it motivates me to get him out enjoying new experiences, like walks, the dog park, and car rides, so I have new material to post. And obviously it is great for them to get as many experiences as possible

[thelittleredm]

Feb 26, 2016 16:25:53 GMT -5 samanthasays said:

Feb 26, 2016 16:11:06 GMT -5 thelittleredm said:

We're going to start fostering dogs in April. Any tips?

Yay! That is so awesome The rescue should be a good source of information, many have facebook pages and good communities of fosters. I would recommend introducing on neutral ground, like a walk, if you have other dogs. And I always crate train at night, just for my own convenience and it is a nice thing for the future adopters. I also make them wear diapers (females) or belly bands (males) at least the first few days to make sure there are no accidents. 

The best thing you can do to get them adopted is take lots of pictures and videos and post them on your FB page. I have found videos to be especially beneficial. This was my first time really doing videos, and this guy got adopted in 2.5 weeks! Also it motivates me to get him out enjoying new experiences, like walks, the dog park, and car rides, so I have new material to post. And obviously it is great for them to get as many experiences as possible

A walk seems like a great idea! We have two dogs and have been trying to figure out the best way to do introductions. I've had a phone interview with one of the co-founders of the rescue we're going to work with. I know we'll have a lot of work as far as training goes because they only pull red line adult dogs from a high kill shelter a couple hours away and 90% of those have had zero human interaction until they're picked up by the shelter down there.

[samanthasays]

Feb 26, 2016 16:32:45 GMT -5 thelittleredm said:

Feb 26, 2016 16:25:53 GMT -5 samanthasays said:

Yay! That is so awesome The rescue should be a good source of information, many have facebook pages and good communities of fosters. I would recommend introducing on neutral ground, like a walk, if you have other dogs. And I always crate train at night, just for my own convenience and it is a nice thing for the future adopters. I also make them wear diapers (females) or belly bands (males) at least the first few days to make sure there are no accidents. 

The best thing you can do to get them adopted is take lots of pictures and videos and post them on your FB page. I have found videos to be especially beneficial. This was my first time really doing videos, and this guy got adopted in 2.5 weeks! Also it motivates me to get him out enjoying new experiences, like walks, the dog park, and car rides, so I have new material to post. And obviously it is great for them to get as many experiences as possible

A walk seems like a great idea! We have two dogs and have been trying to figure out the best way to do introductions. I've had a phone interview with one of the co-founders of the rescue we're going to work with. I know we'll have a lot of work as far as training goes because they only pull red line adult dogs from a high kill shelter a couple hours away and 90% of those have had zero human interaction until they're picked up by the shelter down there.

We have been so fortunate and have always had the dogs get along. That is the only thing that actually stresses me out. I feel like I can handle anything else. 

[rablissful]

I have no questions because I'm the worst.

I just have to say that samanthasays is the best foster mom. She will drive anywhere to drop of her fuzzy foster babies. I have a spoiled furry kitten because of her, and she drove super far to get him to me. He also happens to be Chalupa Batman's foster brother.

[samanthasays]

Feb 26, 2016 19:55:08 GMT -5 rablissful said:

I have no questions because I'm the worst.

I just have to say that samanthasays is the best foster mom. She will drive anywhere to drop of her fuzzy foster babies. I have a spoiled furry kitten because of her, and she drove super far to get him to me. He also happens to be Chalupa Batman's foster brother.

You are so sweet! I love seeing the pictures of sweet Ned Seeing them spoiled and loved literally makes me cry, I get so emotional about the animals.

We are actually taking this handsome devil to Chicago tomorrow I am so in love with him, and I am thrilled about his adoptive family. They are a middle aged couple in a 2,400 sq ft condo in downtown Chicago (ideal for a social pomeranian), he will be the only dog and get all of the attention I am getting emotional about it though, he has been my little red shadow for the last 2 weeks. 

[samanthasays]

I am going to shamelessly AW another pic of my foster boy. I got the Japanese face masks that we were talking about in the Randoms thread last week, this one is a fox, and I call him my Foxy Bear, so of course I needed a selfie with him MH said I look creepy

[daystardreams]

This is such perfect timing! I've been talking about fostering forever! I live in a small town though and the closest rescue is over an hour away, it's for cats only. I have a good amount of experience with cats and kittens.

I'm nervous I wouldn't be accepted as a foster home because I live an hour away and I work ten hour shifts (but get a three day weekend!).

I have a neutered cat who enjoys other cats, a Great Dane who is super nosy but very sweet and a grouchy but harmless older beagle.

Do I sound like a good candidate? The rescue never messaged me back when I asked them so I assumed the answer was no, lol. I thought since they were asking for foster homes on their FB page, they'd surely respond to my offer if they thought I was a good candidate but after reading what you said about rescues possibly being too understaffed for inquiries, maybe I should try again?

I'm obsessed with feral kittens. I used to tame the dumpster kittens on my lunch break when I was in college then get them fixed when I could afford it and rehome them when I could. I only managed to rehome six feral kittens + two non-feral abandoned kittens but it was rewarding!

[samanthasays]

Feb 26, 2016 21:24:40 GMT -5 daystardreams said:

This is such perfect timing! I've been talking about fostering forever! I live in a small town though and the closest rescue is over an hour away, it's for cats only. I have a good amount of experience with cats and kittens.

I'm nervous I wouldn't be accepted as a foster home because I live an hour away and I work ten hour shifts (but get a three day weekend!).

I have a neutered cat who enjoys other cats, a Great Dane who is super nosy but very sweet and a grouchy but harmless older beagle.

Do I sound like a good candidate? The rescue never messaged me back when I asked them so I assumed the answer was no, lol. I thought since they were asking for foster homes on their FB page, they'd surely respond to my offer if they thought I was a good candidate but after reading what you said about rescues possibly being too understaffed for inquiries, maybe I should try again?

I'm obsessed with feral kittens. I used to tame the dumpster kittens on my lunch break when I was in college then get them fixed when I could afford it and rehome them when I could. I only managed to rehome six feral kittens + two non-feral abandoned kittens but it was rewarding!

If you are in a rural area they probably need tons of help! Rural areas get lots of ferals, which are nothing but money going out for TNR's. They don't get adopted, so they don't get an adoption fee. They shouldn't care about the distance if you are willing to drive to pick up the cats.

I have dogs too, and that has never been a concern with rescue I have fostered for. If anything they like the cats to be socialized with dogs. It really helps with adoption prospects. At first my older dog was not cat friendly, and I still fostered and just kept them separate. 

I would guess your message got lost in the shuffle. I hope you can connect with the right person and get a litter or cat soon You sound like an amazing foster! 

[samanthasays]

Oh and I wanted to add, some shelters and humane societies have foster opportunities. So that is another option if anyone is considering fostering.

[rablissful]

Feb 26, 2016 21:12:28 GMT -5 samanthasays said:

Feb 26, 2016 19:55:08 GMT -5 rablissful said:

I have no questions because I'm the worst.

I just have to say that samanthasays is the best foster mom. She will drive anywhere to drop of her fuzzy foster babies. I have a spoiled furry kitten because of her, and she drove super far to get him to me. He also happens to be Chalupa Batman's foster brother.

You are so sweet! I love seeing the pictures of sweet Ned Seeing them spoiled and loved literally makes me cry, I get so emotional about the animals.

We are actually taking this handsome devil to Chicago tomorrow I am so in love with him, and I am thrilled about his adoptive family. They are a middle aged couple in a 2,400 sq ft condo in downtown Chicago (ideal for a social pomeranian), he will be the only dog and get all of the attention I am getting emotional about it though, he has been my little red shadow for the last 2 weeks. 

AAAAHHHH so happy the little guy found a forever family. As a double rescue household, that makes my heart happy.

Just for you! Ned decided that he needed to help me work yesterday.


And him and Roland decided to play wrestlemania this morning.


He's so big but still looks tiny compared to the big dog.

[daystardreams]

Feb 26, 2016 21:31:55 GMT -5 samanthasays said:

Feb 26, 2016 21:24:40 GMT -5 daystardreams said:

This is such perfect timing! I've been talking about fostering forever! I live in a small town though and the closest rescue is over an hour away, it's for cats only. I have a good amount of experience with cats and kittens.

I'm nervous I wouldn't be accepted as a foster home because I live an hour away and I work ten hour shifts (but get a three day weekend!).

I have a neutered cat who enjoys other cats, a Great Dane who is super nosy but very sweet and a grouchy but harmless older beagle.

Do I sound like a good candidate? The rescue never messaged me back when I asked them so I assumed the answer was no, lol. I thought since they were asking for foster homes on their FB page, they'd surely respond to my offer if they thought I was a good candidate but after reading what you said about rescues possibly being too understaffed for inquiries, maybe I should try again?

I'm obsessed with feral kittens. I used to tame the dumpster kittens on my lunch break when I was in college then get them fixed when I could afford it and rehome them when I could. I only managed to rehome six feral kittens + two non-feral abandoned kittens but it was rewarding!

If you are in a rural area they probably need tons of help! Rural areas get lots of ferals, which are nothing but money going out for TNR's. They don't get adopted, so they don't get an adoption fee. They shouldn't care about the distance if you are willing to drive to pick up the cats.

I have dogs too, and that has never been a concern with rescue I have fostered for. If anything they like the cats to be socialized with dogs. It really helps with adoption prospects. At first my older dog was not cat friendly, and I still fostered and just kept them separate. 

I would guess your message got lost in the shuffle. I hope you can connect with the right person and get a litter or cat soon You sound like an amazing foster! 

For some reason, I just now saw this. Thank you so much! I feel much better now.

[PirateCat]

samanthasays, OMG that picture of your dog and you in the mask! That is amazing.