[GeoGeo]

Some people tell me they would like to have a dog, but don't want the long term commitment and the vet bills. How about fostering a dachshund? There is a great need for foster homes.

You are responsible for food, shelter, love, and discipline. Florida Dachshund Rescue pays the medical bills. You just have to take the dog to a pre-approved vet (unless it is an emergency). So you get a companion to love and are helping a good cause without a big investment.

You have some say in what kind of dog you want. They have a questionnaire that asks what traits you find undesirable in a dog, if you would consider a dog that is older, has a physical handicap, is unreliable with children, if you can keep a dog for a number of months if it is going through medical treatment, etc., etc. You just aren't stuck with a dog. You can say what you would and would not accept. If a dog isn't working out at your house, you aren't obligated to keep fostering it. And the good part is you get to love a dachshund until it finds its forever home.

If you try it and decide you don't want to do it any more, you are not obligated. We all have read that having a pet is good for your health. So if you could make a commitment to try fostering just one, you might get hooked. Its a great way to have a dog without the vet bills. And you get the great satisfaction of knowing you helped one of God's little creatures.

And if not a dachshund, an animal of your choice.

Bless you all.