“Being a Foster Carer is the best decision I’ve ever made”
We are appealing for more foster carers in Northern Ireland, like Janet Millar from County Antrim, who is encouraging others to join the fostering family.
Janet has spoken of her joy in providing a temporary home to dogs as they wait to be adopted, saying she wishes she had done it years ago.
Dogs Trust Ballymena is currently caring for 52 dogs, seven of which are in foster homes. Volunteers like Janet play a vital role in allowing us to care for even more dogs when they need it most.
Dogs Trust Ballymena Foster Carer Janet from County Antrim has spoken of her joy in providing a temporary home for rescue dogs as they wait to be adopted, saying: “Being a doggy foster mum is the best decision I’ve ever made.”
Janet Millar, from Parkgate, began fostering for us in January last year after being deeply moved by the TV programme Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake. A lifelong dog lover and former dog owner, Janet says fostering offers the “perfect solution” now that her lifestyle no longer allows her to have a dog of her own. While she admits she finds it difficult to say goodbye when each foster dog moves on, she says the experience is hugely rewarding.
It doesn’t cost me anything except my time, as Dogs Trust provides everything the dog needs. I have fostered 12 dogs so far, and each one has been an absolute delight.
Janet, Foster Carer
Why foster with us?
Fostering offers all the benefits of having a dog without the long-term commitment, and with the flexibility to take a break whenever needed. It can be a hugely rewarding experience, allowing individuals or families to provide a loving temporary home to a dog, until their forever home is found. All costs are covered by the charity, including food, bedding, grooming, and vet treatment, and the expert staff are always on hand to offer support and advice.
Dogs Trust Ballymena is currently caring for 52 dogs, seven of which are in foster homes. Having more volunteer foster carers means the team can help more dogs.
Foster Carer, Janet Millar, said: “Being a Foster Carer with Dogs Trust Ballymena is the best decision I have ever made. I wish I’d done it years ago. The staff at Dogs Trust Ballymena are so friendly, and they have so much love for the dogs in their care. Being a foster carer means that when I am available, I have the pleasure of caring for a dog in my home until they are adopted. It doesn’t cost me anything except my time, as Dogs Trust provides everything the dog needs. I have fostered 12 dogs so far, and each one has been an absolute delight.
“The flexibility of fostering suits my life, and I love the company of a dog in my home. I feel more secure at night and sleep much better. Being retired, it’s very easy to become lazy, but having a dog not only gives me purpose, a reason to get out of bed in the morning, a routine, but it keeps me organised and fit. I meet so many people when out walking who stop to talk when they see the Dogs Trust lead, and there really is nothing better than a furry bundle cuddled up beside you on the sofa, except maybe two furry bundles."
Although I do shed a tear when they are adopted, it's so rewarding, and there will always be another dog waiting for your help. For anyone thinking of fostering, I would say, just do it. You won’t regret it. There are so many dogs out there waiting for your love.
Janet, Foster Carer
Foster for us
Carrie McErlean, Foster Coordinator at Dogs Trust Ballymena, said: “With so many dogs needing our help right now, having the support from wonderful foster carers like Janet is vital. We don’t have the kennel space for all the dogs who need us, so by offering a temporary home, you’re not only giving a dog safety, comfort and love when they need it most, but helping us free up space in our centre for other dogs who desperately need support.
“Fostering can be such a rewarding experience, and a way to make a real difference without a long-term commitment. We are so lucky to have foster carers like Janet who take in dogs, no matter the breed, age, or personality, and show them love in a home environment, and we are always looking for more. If you're interested in finding out about fostering, please call us, pop in for a chat or apply online.”
To find out how to become a Dogs Trust foster carer in Northern Ireland, visit our Ballymena rehoming centre, or for more information, visit our Fostering advice to apply online.
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