By james art Adopting a dog can be a rewarding decision for many reasons, both for the adopter and the animal. It’s a way to give a dog a second chance at life, and animals often show their gratitude through affection and loyalty. For people, a dog can be a loving companion that provides emotional support and improves their mental and physical well-being.
Friends of the Animals Baton Rouge has numerous dogs available for adoption. While waiting for their forever homes, some dogs can live in local foster homes. For example, Miss Bear has been staying with foster mom Sandy since the end of May. Miss Bear is on a health journey and has lost 10 kilos thanks to a special metabolic diet. Now she’s down to her ideal weight of 22lbs – the perfect size to continue wowing people with her butt wiggle.
Miss Bear
“Miss Bear was easy. She is house trained and great with kids and other dogs,” Sandy said. “She’s a great little dog.”
Sandy, who is an experienced foster, said she has seen how living in a foster home can help improve dogs’ behavior and personalities. Foster families also learn more about each dog’s likes, dislikes and personalities, which is valuable information they can pass on to potential adopters.
“It’s important to help socialize dogs in the home and learn about their traits,” Sandy said. “FOTA is great because there are big dogs and small dogs of all ages and breeds.”
As for Miss Bear, Sandy has found her to be clever, eager to please, and obedient. She does great with other dogs, but would do best in a cat-free home. Miss Bear is very loving and especially loves giving kisses to puppies. Miss Bear is also ready for adventure as she rides great in the car and walks great on a leash.
Living with foster mom Emily and her family, including three dogs and one cat, was the perfect transition for Shay, a likely pit bull mix who was recently adopted by FOTA. Emily said Shay bonds well with other pets.
Shay is a soulful dog at Friends of the Animals Baton Rouge who recently found her forever home. When she’s not chasing squirrels or fetching balls, she enjoys cuddling with both humans and other animals.
“There’s definitely a slight serotonin boost when you get home and see tails wagging,” Emily said. “It was also good for family bonding because it requires teamwork.”
Although pit bulls can sometimes be labeled as mean and aggressive, Emily said Shay has always been the complete opposite. She loves being outside, chasing squirrels and fetching balls, but she also loves to cuddle, preferably on your pillow. This was great inside information that FOTA and Emily were able to share with Shay’s forever family after her adoption.
“Shay has been great with my personal dogs and my cat,” Emily said. “She’s the most affectionate dog I’ve ever had. She would sleep on top of me. She loves everyone.”
Shay
Miss Bear and other dogs can be seen at the FOTA BR Dog Adoption House located at 8476 Highland Road in Baton Rouge. The Adoption House is open Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Individuals may also contact FOTA BR to schedule a visit for a different time if necessary.
FOTA BR uses an adoption application process to place dogs in forever homes. As part of this process, FOTA BR requires proof of annual heartworm vaccinations and prophylaxis for all dogs already in the household. For adoption, individuals must be 21 years of age or older. FOTA BR encourages people to bring their whole family to meet the dog they want to adopt. If a family already has a dog, FOTA BR will schedule and facilitate a meet and greet once the adoption application is approved.
“FOTA has big and small dogs of all ages and breeds,” Sandy said. “If people are looking for a specific type of dog, FOTA is a great place to check.”
For more information, visit fotabr.org.