A volunteer’s story

We couldn't provide the vital Freedom service without our amazing, dedicated volunteer foster carers. Hear from Sue, who has been fostering since 2015.

We started fostering with Freedom in 2015. We’re a family with teenage girls, who really wanted to offer a home to a dog. After months of them pestering us to get a dog, I happened to see an advert for the Freedom service in a local paper and the rest, as they say, is history. 
  
The project worked out perfectly for us – we get all the joy of having a pooch around, without the lifelong commitment. We also get to help the dog and their owner when they need us most.  
 
We really enjoy meeting the new dogs and seeing them settle in. My youngest loves walking them and starting to learn their different personalities. 

For us, the most challenging part about fostering is that sometimes they can be a little nervous of certain things, like a hoover or broom for example, because of what may have happened to them. But the Freedom team are never more than a phone call away to help with any issues. You can’t beat the feeling of when you build up enough trust for them to curl up fast asleep with their head on your lap.

The extra exercise is also a massive bonus for us. We love going for long walks with our temporary pals almost as much as cuddling on the sofa when we get home.  
 
The end of a placement is definitely bittersweet. Of course, it’s sad to see your new friend leave, but you can rest easy knowing you helped them and their owner in their time of need. You’ve played a big part in helping someone get out of a rough situation, and in reuniting best friends.  
 
It’s so lovely when you hear that they’re happily back with their owner. That’s the whole reason we do this, after all. 
 
I’d tell anyone who is thinking of becoming a carer to go for it, it’s such a privilege to meet all different types of dogs, and you’ll be supported in every way.