"Having a dog in the house fills a void in our lives that nothing else can."
Those are the words of a grieving pet owner who lost her beloved rescue dog, Misty, in October last year. Misty, a Collie/German Shepherd cross, was 11 when she died and without her around, owner Annie Iveson said her Darlington home felt "quiet, empty and lifeless".
But Annie and her husband John couldn't face owning another dog after their loss. After realising how many dogs need a temporary place to live while they wait for a forever home, the couple decided to look at fostering.
Read more: 56 dogs looking for loving homes - could you help?
Annie said: "We adopted our beloved dog Misty from Dogs Trust twelve years ago and when she passed away in October our house was quiet, empty and lifeless. We couldn't face owning another dog so decided to foster instead and give a helping hand to dogs that were waiting to be adopted.
"Initially we questioned whether our emotions would get in the way and, we would want to adopt the first dog we cared for, however we soon realised there are so many dogs needing our help and by caring for a dog in our home this frees up a kennel for another dog."
Annie, 64, and John, 67, are relatively new to fostering having signed up to the scheme four months ago. To date they have cared for five dogs including current foster dog, eleven-year-old American Bull dog Lex, who Annie describes "as a big softie."
She added: "We have cared for a couple of dogs with medical conditions and our last foster was an eight-week-old pup. I feel we are caring for the dogs until they reach their full potential and a forever home is found which is a rewarding experience.
"As every dog is different, so is every experience. It is an education learning about different breeds, their likes and dislikes, what they eat and how often, how they play and how different their behaviours are.
"It's been an absolute pleasure to foster as having a dog in the house fills a void in our lives that nothing else can. All dogs and humans need love and companionship, and we enjoy giving our love to rescue dogs when they need it most."
Dogs Trust Darlington is facing a record number of enquiries from people considering handing over their pet, and with rehoming centres feeling the strain, more than ever volunteer foster carers are needed to provide a temporary home for dogs of all ages, shapes and sizes.
The charity is issuing an appeal to dog lovers in the North East to help them care for more dogs in need by becoming volunteer foster carers.
Foster carers open their homes to dogs on a temporary basis until matched with their forever families. All costs are covered by Dogs Trust, including food, bedding and vet treatment.
There are currently 27 foster carers supported by the charity's Home from Home foster team at Dogs Trust Darlington, however there is a waiting list of dogs needing help.
Jade Heaviside, Coordinator of the Home from Home fostering scheme at Dogs Trust Darlington, said: "We are facing a crisis as our kennel space in the North East is really stretched. We need to act now to be there for as many dogs as possible.
"Fostering a dog is a great opportunity for dog lovers who are currently unable to have a dog of their own. It offers flexibility and we cover all essential costs. By volunteering you will be playing the most important role, giving stability, love and care to a dog in need as you prepare them for life in their forever home.
"Our foster carers give our dogs valuable experience of home life, and they get to know what makes them tick; they can tell us everything from what are their favourite toys and treats to the kind of walks they enjoy to where they like to sleep. All this information gives us the best chance of ensuring our fantastic rescue dogs find their ideal forever home. If you think you can open your heart and your home to help a dog get back on their paws, we would love to hear from you."
All foster carers must be 18 years or over and either have their own garden or access to an outside space. Foster dogs cannot live in homes with cats or with children under 10 years of age. You can find out more about fostering for Dogs Trust on their website here.
Read next:
Hexham's 'Toad Girl' mocked for saving thousands of amphibians trying to cross road
The beautiful Lurcher still looking for a forever home after six months in kennels
Former Newcastle Falcons player stars as training expert in Channel 4's The Dog Academy
When was Paul O'Grady's For The Love of Dogs filmed? ITV show returns for final series
