Foster care providers understand that this work is a labor of love and foster families willingly take in an extra dog to care for as if they were adding that dog to their family until a permanent home can be found. This could take just a few days but it could also take several months.
Foster homes are usually the transitional stop from a shelter type situation to a permanent home for our rescue Corsos. The importance of this home to the dog is beyond words. In many cases, the foster home is saving the dogs life from a kill shelter. Sometimes the foster home is the first step in getting an abused or abandoned Corso back on the road to recovery; both physically emotionally.
Cane Corso Rescue cannot thank our foster homes enough for all they have done this past year alone.
We are looking for more foster homes all over the country, so please consider opening your heart and your home to a Corso in need. It is a very rewarding experience, and it's something we can all do to give back to our beloved breed. Every one of you can make a difference!
SUBMIT A FOSTER APPLICATION
FOSTER CARE AGREEMENT
The purpose of a foster home is to evaluate temperament and provide care in a loving environment on a temporary basis for our homeless Cane Corsos until a suitable permanent home is found.
In providing a foster home, I understand and agree that:
_______I will provide food, shelter, medical care, and a loving environment for the Cane Corso, as I would for my own dogs. I will provide any basic training or treatment necessary to the well-being of my foster Cane Corso and to help increase it's adoptability.
_______The foster Cane Corso may be under a great deal of stress and shall be treated accordingly. I shall exercise special care in introducing the Cane Corso to any and all humans and animals in the immediate household. NO INTRODUCTIONS TO DOGS/HUMANS OUTSIDE THE IMMEDIATE FAMILY WILL BE DONE FOR 2 WEEKS, UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED. I understand that Cane Corso Rescue makes no warranties (expressed or implied) or representations as to the health, fitness, behavior or temperament of the Cane Corso. I accept this Cane Corso “as is”. I have the ability to separate the foster Cane Corso from all other animals in my home if necessary. I agree to take all reasonable precautions (through the use of crates, leashes, supervision and common sense) to ensure that the Cane Corso does not run loose, become a nuisance, destroy property, injure or be injured by another animal, or injure or be injured by any person or persons.
_______I do hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless Cane Corso Rescue and any person, firm or corporation charged or chargeable with liability, their heirs, administrators, executors, successors and assigns from any and all claims, damages, costs, expenses, loss of services, actions and causes of actions, whether known or unknown, belonging to me due to any action or occurrence arising out of or in connection with the foster Cane Corso in my care. I am aware of the risk and danger to myself and my property, and am relying upon my own judgement and ability. I thereby assume all risk of loss, damage or injury from any cause whatsoever.
_______I shall administer all medications as instructed and keep records of dates of administration.
_______I will email photos of the dogs under my care to Cane Corso Rescue as soon as possible in order to aid in placing the dogs.
_______I shall not allow the Cane Corso to be used for breeding purposes. If the Cane Corso has not been altered, I shall, under the direction of a Cane Corso Rescue, Inc member have the Cane Corso altered by the date set by Cane Corso Rescue. I shall care for the Cane Corso after surgery and notify Cane Corso Rescue of any problems that might arise.
_______I shall allow an authorized representative of Cane Corso Rescue to examine the Cane Corso at a time convenient to me and make inquiries regarding the Cane Corso at any time. If not satisfied with the conditions or care, I understand that, with the Cane Corso Rescue approval, Cane Corso Rescue shall reclaim the Cane Corso.
_______I shall immediately notify Cane Corso Rescue of any and all problems or changes in the condition of the Cane Corso, whether it is medical, physical, or behavioral.
_______I will be reimbursed only for pre-approved expenses. Routine or extraordinary expenses in excess of $100.00 must be approved by Cane Corso Rescue. I agree to notify Cane Corso Rescue, Inc as to why the Cane Corso in my care needs veterinary attention. In emergency situations, Cane Corso Rescue, Inc will be notified at the earliest possible time the reason for veterinary attention and cost involved.
_______I will provide dated receipts for all expenses involved regarding my foster cane corso (for the rescue's records)
_______I will, with the assistance of Cane Corso Rescue, Inc, help in finding and screening potential adopters, however, I may have the first right to permanently adopt my foster cane corso. I will not release my foster cane corso to a permanent home until the permanent home has been approved by Cane Corso Rescue. I will not release my foster Cane Corso to another foster home without prior approval by Cane Corso Rescue. I agree to be courteous, helpful and honest to potential adopters and to fully cooperate in accomodating those who wish to see the dog. I will provide to Cane Corso Rescue an assessment of the dog's interaction with the potential adopters and my honest impression of the likely success of placement.
_______I understand that Cane Corso Rescue will make every effort to adopt out Rescue foster dogs to new homes as quickly as possible. However, Cane Corso Rescue makes no claims as to the minimum or maximum duration of a particular fostering placement.
_______Should it become necessary for Cane Corso Rescue to take legal action to recover the foster dog or otherwise enforce the provisions of this agreement, any expenses including court costs and reasonable attorney fees shall be my responsibility.
_______I have read the statement above and understand its meaning
_______I am 18 years of age or older, and fully understand the obligations of this agreement.
*By submitting your Foster Application, you are agreeing to all the rules and regulations the Cane Corso Rescue Foster Agreement. If approved, this foster application will serve as your foster agreement and by typing in your name and submitting your application, you are indicating that this is a valid and legal substitution for my written signature.*
Foster Cane Corso Information:
Name: Age: Color: Sex:
Foster Care Provider Information:
Name: Date:
Address: Email:
Home Phone: Cell Phone: Work Phone:
Getting Ready for your Foster
Prior to Foster's Arrival
Puppy/dog proof your home
Garbage can is out of reach
Removed poisonous plants
Establish the ‘house rules’, such as,
No dogs on bed
No feeding from table
Prepare a safe haven
Separate quarters with door and/or baby gates
Crate (x-large drop pin recommended)
Bowls (raised, stainless steel dishes recommended)
Food (Taste of the Wild recommended)
Name selection www.dog-names.us (if needed)
Equipment
Leash
Collar
Identification tag
Paperwork
File folder
Preliminary information
Information (Intake if available)
CCRInc foster agreement
Journal for keeping anecdotal notes
Contact coordinator to confirm arrival and status
Transporting a Cane Corso
Establish contact with coordinator
Print a copy of the ‘run sheet’ and take with you on transport
Note: Date & time
Note: Arrival Time
Note: Meeting Place
Note: Name and phone number of transport before you
Call if you are not going to be on time
Note: Name and phone number of transport after you
Call if you are not going to be on time
Note: Name and phone number of transport coordinator
Call transport coordinator after Corso is exchanged
Prepare car for travel
Crate (optional)
Collar or harness with identification clearly labeled
Leash
Dish for water and water
House Trained
Crate Trained
Name Recognition
Basic Commands: Sit, Look, Wait, Down, Stay, Come, Leave it
Waits at door (no bolting out the door)
Walks on loose leash
Bite inhibition (takes treats nicely)
Four paws on the floor (no jumping)
Training Apparatus (pinch collar, gentle leader, other)
Other:
What do I need to have ready for the arrival of my foster?
Foster Parent Testimonial
Transporting the Corso
Must be in a car or closed cab vehicle – (no riding in open bed trucks)
Walk Corso for potty break prior to departure
Offer water (do not feed) prior to departure
Keep Corso with you (Do not place Corso in the car while conversing with others, this is a guardian breed and he/she may decide to guard your vehicle from you!)
If long distance transport, give potty, water, and exercise breaks along the way
Exchange verbal information to hand-off person, if applicable
Type of food
Feeding schedule
Other
Secure items, if applicable
Medical records
Medication
First Week
Allow Corso adequate time in his/her save haven
Foster will need more rest time during this first week
Send Cane Corso Rescue
3 photographs (no cell photos please)
A written description about your foster
Foster DOs
Provide water within or outside of crate
Praise and reward when foster does good deeds, such as, going potty outside
Feed on schedule at lease twice a day
AM feeding
PM feeding
Pick-up uneaten food – no grazing throughout the day
Establish a feeding routine
Stir food with your hands so foster associates you with getting fed
Sit, look, wait, okay (nothing in life is free)
Crate when unable to supervise
Only buckle/quick release collars while in crate
Tether to you when out of crate
Secure all tags to the Corso's collar
Foster DO NOTs
Invite the extended family over to meet him/her
Introduce your foster to your other pets
Groom: Bathe, clip/file nails, clean ears, brush teeth, etc.
Leave him/her outside off lead
Take him/her to a social event
Physically attempt to force him/her to do something
After the First Week
Begin introducing your foster to other people/pets follow CCR guidelines
Maintain a file with records and notes (especially date of heartworm prevention)
Continue training manners
Sit, look, wait, down, stay, come, and leave it
Continue exercise regiment
Continue leash training
Provide socialization
Begin grooming process
Monthly submissions to CCR
3 new photographs
Written update
Bi-weekly blog entries on www.canecorsorescue.org
Submission Form
Observed Behaviors: _____________________(Date)
Basic Behavior Observed (circle all that apply)
House Trained
Crate Trained
Name Recognition
Basic Commands: Sit, Look, Wait, Down, Stay, Come, Leave it
Waits at door (no bolting out the door)
Walks on loose leash
Bite inhibition (takes treats nicely)
Four paws on the floor (no jumping)
Training Apparatus (pinch collar, gentle leader, other)
Other:
Observed Socialization Skills (briefly describe each)
Daily Routine
Sudden Environmental Changes
Noises (alarms, emergency vehicles, trains, etc.)
Vehicles (cars, trucks, or other)
Motion (bicycles, people or children running or jogging)
Children (under 8 years of age)
Children (8 years to 12 years)
Teenagers (male)
Teenagers (female)
Adults (male)
Adults (female)
Same sex dogs
Opposite sex dogs
Cats
Other
Favorite Treat:
Favorite Toy:
Favorite Game:
Primary Person for Contact:
Name:
Address:
Telephone Number:
Email Address:
FFAQ: Foster’s Frequently Ask Questions
What do I need to have ready for the arrival of my foster?
- We recommend raised food dishes, food, a crate, a leash, a collar, and lots of love and patience.
- Wire crates are fine; the drop pin is the sturdiest. Some Corsos will fit in a large crate, although most will need an x-large. At times we have crates donated so ask before you purchase.
- A premium food, such as, Taste of the Wild or Solid Gold is vital for the health of the Corso.
- Frequency and quantity vary according the condition of the Corso, in general we recommend twice a day feedings with no more than 2 cups per feeding to avoid bloat, which is the 2nd leading cause of death in dogs. It is best to keep the quantity at 2 cups and increase the frequency from 2 to 3 times a day and sometimes 4.
- A Corso that needs to gain weight should be on a non-fish based food, while the latter is best for overweight Corsos. Please note: Cosos that are emaciated sometimes need a special diet, which will be shared with you prior to placement.
- We usually cannot answer this question with any degree of certainty. You may need to work with your foster to get him/her crate trained. If he/she is having difficulty getting acclimated to the crate, contact us, we can give you helpful suggestions.
- Most Corsos are housetrained, but expect accidents. For some, they have just been abandoned by their family and are coming from a shelter. For others, they may not have been in a house living all their years in a kennel with little to no human contact. Remember this breed is highly intelligent so even an old dog can be housetrained in a relatively short period of time. You may want to keep the foster on a hard floor surface rather than carpet during the first few days of his/her arrival.
- All Corsos are evaluated prior to placement in a home, and we do not accept dogs that are showing signs of aggression. As with any animal, caution is always a must; therefore, we recommend not introducing your foster to any other pets during the first week of his/her arrival. It requires work and technique to acclimate any dog into a pre-established pack. We are here to assist you with this process.
- All Corsos are evaluated prior to placement and as an added precaution we will not place a Corso into a home with small children unless we know the dog’s history. On the other hand, if you have children 7 years and older we may consider placing a foster in your home with your consent. In either case; do not let your children alone with your foster even for a minute. Both will need time to get acclimated to one another while under adult supervision.
- It depends on the needs of the Corso. At the very least, you will need to devote time each day for feeding, exercising, and training. Within the first week, we need 3 photographs and a written paragraph sent to us which may take a little extra time. After the foster is acclimated to his/her surroundings grooming will also be a necessity.
- You may need to purchase these items if you do not have them in your home: Food dishes, grooming aides, leash, collar, bedding, and food. Medical care is the responsibility of the rescue, but pre-approval is required. On the other hand, if you choose to provide medical care for your foster without prior consent from a rescue member then this would be an added expense.
- Usually URI are not contagious to other pets in your home… if your other pets are in good health, you keep the foster separated from your other pets, and/or you do not let your pets go nose to nose with the foster. URI are treated with antibiotics.
- No this is a non-contagious type of mange. It looks bad and feels worse. It is treated with injections or oral Ivermectin until two skin scrapings are negative which can take 6 to 8 weeks and sometimes longer.
- No, heartworm is not contagious but it will kill the dog without treatment. Heartworm is a parasite that is transmitted through mosquitoes. The treatment for a heartworm positive dog is completed in two stages each taking about 3 weeks. Your foster will be very, very sick after the first treatment requiring complete bed rest, limited activity, and leash walking for bathroom purposes only. It is recommended you require the vet to provide pain relief medication for the first 10 days after treatment.
- Your foster Corso is probably traumatized and suffering from abandonment issues. He/she needs some time to adjust. Being a guardian/protective breed, you may need to earn their trust. This can sometimes take up to a month, but in most cases it is merely a few days. Treats can sometimes encourage your foster to come closer to you, but don’t feel bad if he/she refuses to take the treat from your hand and instead eats it from the floor. This is normal; remember he/she doesn’t know what a wonderful person you are. They will learn this in time.
- Always stir the dry food with your hands to get your scent on it. Require the Corso to sit and wait until a release word is given prior to eating. Always go in/out doors prior to the dog. Always walk along side or in front of the Corso. Remember you are the leader, so lead.
- Black Kongs filledwith peanut butter kept in the freezer are a welcomed treat for most Corsos. Treat balls filled with kibble can keep him/her occupied for hours. Bouncy Bones are another favorite. Most enjoy playing ball. Raw bones from the butcher can be a bit messy, but offer valuable nutrients and endless hours of enjoyment.
- Tug toys encourage dominance, which is not a good thing in a dominate breed dog. Toys that can be chewed to pieces and eaten can be dangerous. Batting filled bedding, many Corso’s love to eat the filling, which can require surgery to remove.
Have you ever helped an animal in need or wanted to? Fostering allows you to do that without making a lifelong commitment.
My family and I have been fostering dogs for Cane Corso Rescue and Blue Grass Boxer Rescue for more than 6 years. This year alone, we fostered 18 dogs for Cane Corso Rescue. It is and continues to be a rewarding experience. These are the unfortunate dogs that have been abandoned, neglected, and/or abused; they are often knocking on death’s door. These are the unfortunate dogs that are saved by an agency who places them in a high kill shelter giving them a false sense of security because once again they will be knocking on death’s door. The lucky ones are saved by a rescue organization, such as, Cane Corso Rescue and spared death. Their savior is their foster family.
As a foster parent, we have the pleasure of getting to know them intimately, to see their innate qualities, to enjoy their quirky behaviors, to experience the rebirth of their soul, and to witness their rekindling trust in mankind. Whether a week, a month, or a year…never have we had regrets because we know…a forever home is what they deserve and WE are the catalyst to get them there.
Many people have the misconception that taking in an extra dog will require a ton of time and money, trust me, if this was the case I could not do it…I have 2 young daughters, run my own boarding and dog training facility, and have a husband who works his own full time job. Cane Corso Rescue makes a financial commitment to each and every fostered Corso to pay all vetting bills either by direct payment to the vet via a credit card or reimbursement to the foster for cost incurred.
My primary role as a foster parent is to provide a safe, comfy home filled with patience and love. Aren’t these the important things in life; the things that cost nothing, but have the greatest value. The cost is minimal for fostering; the rewards are insurmountable. We are the fortunate because we gave so little in comparison to what we received…unconditional love. Not only do we get to meet them, train them, and love them but we get to be loved and appreciated by them.
Adoption day is a favorite for our family, we know our work is complete and our new best friend has found that special family to call their own. Our 9 year old daughter has a more direct approach with the adoptive family telling each one to “take VERY good care of this dog, s/he deserves it!”
I hope I gave you insight into the meaning of fostering; I pray I have encouraged you to open your home and heart to a dog in need; I hope I have convinced you that the benefits far outweigh the costs; I hope I have persuaded you to foster so another precious dog can live.
