The Power of Long-Term Dog Fostering: Lydia Deetz’s Journey
The Power of Long-Term Dog Fostering: Lydia Deetz’s Journey
At Cincinnati Animal CARE, we see the incredible impact fostering can have on a dog’s life every single day. But there’s something truly special about long-term fosters—the ones who commit to seeing a dog through all the ups and downs until they find their forever home. This story is about one such foster parent, Brian McIntosh, and a dog named Lydia Deetz.
About Lydia Deetz
Lydia was found as a stray in Hamilton County with what appeared to be a broken jaw. Our dog wardens brought her back to the shelter to be seen by our medical department. Our medical team then removed a large amount of bone fragments and a bullet from from her wound. Due to the amount of pain she was in, Lydia struggled at the shelter.
Lydia needed more friends to help advocate for her. A plea went out to see if any fosters or volunteers wanted to take Lydia on a daytrip and Brian answered the call. Little did he know it would set their whole relationship in motion.
It all started with a day trip.
When Brian first took Lydia on a day trip (where you give a dog a break from the shelter for a few hours) he wasn’t planning to foster. “Dog fostering was never in the cards for me, or so I thought,” he recalls. But something clicked during that outing. Despite Lydia’s stress level at the shelter which made her a less appealing choice for adoption, Brian saw the potential in her. “I decided to foster Lydia because she was ‘my type’ of dog. I thought I could possibly be her best shot to get her out and keep her out of the shelter.”
Brian didn’t set high expectations, knowing it wouldn’t be fair to either of them. Initially, he planned to foster Lydia just over the holidays. But as the days turned into weeks and then months, it became clear that this was more than just a temporary arrangement.
“The reality of fostering has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve done,” Brian says. “Lydia has slowly blossomed into an amazing dog that we get to enjoy being with us today.”
Take a Chance
Dog fostering isn’t always easy. It can be overwhelming to see how many dogs need help, especially those who would benefit from additional training and patience. But for Brian, the reward is worth it. “I love the ‘tough dogs’. Dogs that get overlooked or ones that are a little intimidating for some fosters to take. The ones you help save make every moment count.”
One of the most powerful moments in Brian’s journey with Lydia came early on when he promised her something. “I promised her that she would not ever have to walk back into the shelter again, unless it was her going to her own home forever.” And he’s kept that promise, never once considering returning her. Lydia has become part of his routine, his family, and his life.
Be Patient
For those considering fostering, especially dogs with more specific needs, Brian has simple advice: patience. “When we teach kids how to tie their own shoes, we don’t expect most of them to have it mastered overnight. The same kind of thought should go into dogs. Bringing home a foster that’s a stranger to you, but more importantly, you’re a stranger to them needs time for everyone to adjust.”
Brian’s journey with Lydia has been a learning experience in more ways than one. “I’ve learned that I can still challenge myself,” he reflects. “Bringing home a foster that’s a stranger to you, but more importantly, you’re a stranger to them needs time for everyone to adjust. Give them time to adjust to you, your family, and new routines.”
Dog Fostering Advice
His advice to new fosters? Patience. “When we teach kids how to tie their shoes, we don’t expect most of them to have it mastered overnight. The same kind of thought should go into dogs. They’re learning, too.” Brian emphasizes that fostering is about giving both yourself and the dog time to adapt. “Patience will save you from those unwanted emotions that make people think they can’t do it.”
Brian also encourages anyone who doubts their ability to foster a dog with specific needs. “Humans and dogs are the Kings and Queens of adaptations. Never think you’re not qualified to be a foster parent to any dog. You take time to learn about them, their quirks, and their likes. They’ll do the same with you.”
In fostering Lydia, Brian has found immense joy and fulfillment, something he hopes others will experience too. “I would love as many people to give fostering a chance. You’ll spend more time laughing than you will anything else. It’s so rewarding to give a dog a chance that wouldn’t have it if it weren’t for people who stepped up to foster them.”
September 2024 Update: Brian found fostering Lydia so rewarding that on September 3rd, 2024 he decided to formally adopt her! Congrats to the happy foster fail!
Get Involved with Dog Fostering at CAC!
While we love our longterm fosters and can always use more, we also know jumping right into a longterm commitment can feel intimidating. That’s why we design our foster program to be flexible to meet your specific needs, lifestyle and schedule. Whether you can foster for one day, one week, or one month – we have a foster for you! If you’re interested in fostering through Cincinnati Animal CARE, please apply now!
