WHO
WE ARE
A
PLACE FOR US provides a loving home environment for dogs (usually no
more than four at a time) who have come from local shelters and who need to find permanent
homes. Before arriving at Bonnie's house in South Egremont, MA, dogs are spayed or
neutered (if they've not already been fixed) and given all necessary vaccinations,
including kennel cough.
At Bonnie's, dogs live as members of the family. They sleep in cushioned crates in several
bedrooms and have the run of the house. Two dog doors, various gates, two separate living
quarters, an acre and a half of above ground fencing as well as invisible fencing make
life almost ideal for everyone (except for my three cats who wish this fostering nonsense
would just stop!). Each day all dogs go for hikes on local trails, ride in the car,
socialize with friends and neighbors (including kids) and learn to have proper manners
with the cats. Once a week, each foster dog gets an individual or group lesson with
trainer Lois Platt.
ADOPTING
A FRIEND
After about two weeks, most foster dogs are
ready to be placed on the active list for adoption. Potential owners are chosen not on a
first come basis but according to who would offer the very best home. Prospective
adopters are asked to fill out an application form and waiver of responsibility and may
also be asked to agree to a home visit before any dog is permanently placed.
FEES: I usually suggest that
adopters reimburse me for whatever shelter and/or vet expenses I've incurred for the
particular dog they are adopting. The new owner will, of course, be given all
relevant medical records, tags and certificates. Donations to help meet these and other
costs are gratefully accepted.
I try to keep abreast of adoptable dogs at local shelters and am happy to tell people what
dog is availble where. I keep a list of who is looking for what type of dog and will call
folks when the breed or mix they're interested in turns up at the shelters.
COME
VISIT US
Located in South
Egremont, Mass. just off Route 23, near Gt. Barrington in the Berkshires.
People are welcome to visit any of the dogs, walk them, take them for car rides, even take
them home for a trial visit. THERE ARE NO HOURS OF OPERATION AS SUCH -- Daytime, evening
and weekend visits are all possible. Just call ahead to schedule a time.
A PLACE FOR US on the
web: www.aplaceforus.net
Phone: 413-528-9581
E-Mail Bonnie at Bonnie@APLACEFORUS.net
|
