‘Foster fail’ a dog’s best friend

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This article was published 26/06/2024 (500 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Kendra Rein is no stranger to “foster fails,” but this time it’s a little different for the Winnipeg Humane Society administrative assistant.

Rein adopted two of the 68 dogs that were seized from a Winnipeg home last month. As of Wednesday, 56 of the Malteses have found their forever homes. Eleven are still in foster care and waiting for spay or neuter surgeries before they are eligible for adoption.

Ten puppies were born after the seizure and are still in foster care until they’re old enough to be fixed.

Rein, 48, said in the four weeks she fostered the pups, Ellie and Leo warmed their way into her heart. That’s led to her second “epic” foster fail, or when a foster parent ends up permanently taking an animal into their home.

“We are so very joyful to have them. They have lots of energy, they get into all sorts of mischief and I just love having them,” Rein said. “They’re one of the highlights of my day.”

The decision was easier because of how well Ellie and Leo got along with her senior Labradoodle, Tucker, and her first foster fail, a Pomeranian named Teddy.

Rein said it’s been amazing to see Ellie and Leo, now nearly four months old, wake in the morning and greet her with kisses.

“I’ve seen then when they first experienced grass. I have seen them when they first experienced treats. I’ve seen them when they’ve now got a million toys because I cannot stop buying toys, and I’ve seen them when they’ve been able to play with my other animals and have such a lovely time,” Rein said.

“That to me is the best thing.”

Rein comes from a long line of foster failures. Her sister in Edmonton adopted three dogs after fostering them and another dog found its new home with her parents. She moved to Winnipeg in 2017 and started working with the Humane Society because she wanted a job that aligned with her values.

There are currently 261 animals in foster care, including 199 kittens, said Carly Peters, director of communications and marketing at the humane society.

Animal Services staff rescued the dogs in the largest seizure in the city’s history on May 15. The dogs ranged in age from six weeks to five-years-old at the time and they were found covered in feces and urine. No charges were ever laid against the homeowner.

“It was incredible how our staff, volunteers, animal services, everyone rose to the occasion getting the dogs in, getting their physical exams, their vet care,” Peters said. “Grooming was a huge part of it because all of the dogs had come in (and) they had overgrown hair, completely matted.”

The humane society raised $150,000 to help support the dogs. As a thank you to the public, the adoption fees for Maltese dogs range from $500 to $700 instead of the usual $800.

In contrast, Peters said, buying a Maltese puppy can cost upwards of $1,500 plus the cost of their first vet care.

Many people don’t realize the humane society has certain “desirable” dogs, like Malteses, she added.

“We likely have the dog you’re looking for at some point,” Peters said. “Instead of going … online or to a breeder, touch base with your local shelter and rescue because you’re not only saving a life, giving an animal a second chance, but there’s also a lot of other benefits to adopting versus shopping.”

The Malteses are up for adoption on a first come, first served basis. If someone calls for an animal that’s already been spoken for, they go on a list for the next available dog, Peters said. She advises those interested to visit winnipeghumanesociety.ca to see which animals are available.

jura.mcilraith@freepress.mb.ca