What are the best candidates and in great need of foster homes: adolescent dogs, senior dogs and injured or emotionally traumatized dogs. Reality is that most puppies at shelters get adopted first.
When I say "adolescent" dogs, I mean these dogs are passed their "cute" puppy stage and have been at the shelter for a while. These dogs may no longer be puppies though I can tell you from experience they sure still have puppy energy that needs an outlet, plus being kenneled most of their time despite the love and care they received at the shelter, is stressful for any dog. Dogs were the first domesticated animal for a reason, they are social creatures seeking our company. Hence, any dog kenneled for a long time tends to get depressed. You would be offering them a "home" perhaps temporary but it can make all the difference. Think about it, the stress level is much less in a home than at a kennel. Plus, you would be giving them more love and attention that they crave and are in need of. Be aware, many dogs act differently in a kennel than in a home. Hence, you could help correct some learned behaviors. It is true though that fostering is a commitment and requires your time and dedication. In the end, you are rehabilitating a dog that is more likely to be adopted.
Fostering a dog can make a difference for a dog. For instance, an injured or traumatized dog is more comfortable and hence heal faster in a lower stress environment than in a kennel. I can attest of this one personally. About two years ago, I volunteered to foster a new dog. I called a local rescue whom I saw their flyer at a local Starbucks. I informed them of my intention: I had a dog that was very active and was opening my home to any dog that could be a fit. I was not picky though I was clear. I did not care for the age or sex. I needed however a dog that would require exercise as mine walked about 2-8 miles on average daily and did not want to drag a dog nor have my dog pestered it. In other words, a couch potato dog was not an option. I described my dog and sure enough the lady said: "I have the dog for you". She was right. She gave me a little background about the dog. He was a Jack Russell Terrier, a little over 1 year old, so should be very active though he was not doing well at the shelter. He was scared, the poor little guy hided behind his bed so nobody could spot him. As a result, the Anti-Cruelty Society in Chicago contacted this rescue "Tiny Paws Small Dog Rescue" and suggested he gets fostered. I agree to met the lady that afternoon with my dog and see how both interacted. It was a match, my dog and this little guy seem to bond right of. We let them sniffed each other... I agreed to foster him. I was offered to put him back inside his crate for the time of the transportation to my home. I felt pretty confident, I didn't need to plus truthfully I saw how scared he was and didn't seem to want to get back in his crate. So off we went, both dogs in the back seat: no problem, both sat next to one another, no growling. In the end, it took me about 9 months to rehabilitate this fostered dog. He had been badly abused, for nine months, each time I would be about to pet him, he would duck his head as if scared to be hit. Anyhow, 9 months later, he jumped on his own accord on my lap and let me pet him. A quick recall: first night at my home, the supposedly "terrified" dog slept on my bed with his head on my lap: he adopted me. Three days later, I adopted him. While it took him about 9 months to stop fearing people, I know if left at a kennel, he would probably and sadly still be there. Today, Rowdy is a happy dog that beside sign of his broken back legs from his past abused, will come greet anyone with licks and will play and run like any high energy dog. He won't any longer hide in a corner and "snip" if anyone corner him. This is what "fostering" does.
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