It may not sound like life- saving work, but fostering dogs from the RSPCA could save their lives.

Fosterers for the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells branch of the charity in Headcorn could be taking on an animal that was on death row and helping to make it rehomeable.

The branch has until now had just one fosterer, Richard Cummins, whose services have been shared with the Leybourne branch.

Now managers are appealing for dog-loving members of the public to get involved.
Branch chairman Daphne Harris said: “If we can just get one person, that would be amazing.”

Mr Cummins, of Upper Halling, who works as a branch support specialist for the RSPCA in the south east, has fostered 11 dogs in five years, the latest of which is Wuzzle, from the Leybourne centre.

His experience has been uplifting and rewarding, as well as, at times, heartbreaking.
He said: “I can’t have a pet myself due to work, but with this I still get the benefit of having a dog but without the long- term ties and commitments.

“You see a change from a dog who is nervous and frightened, leaping up at the sides of the kennels, and you see them grow into a dog that is what you expect of a dog.”

His first, a 13-week-old puppy who was part of a prosecution, needed fostering as the case was expected to last at least a year.

“It would have meant that puppy growing up in kennels,” he said. “By the time he came out he would have been basically institutionalised, so I took him on. You forget how hard puppies are. The last time I had a dog was when I was growing up at home, so it was quite a learning curve.”

The pup was rehomed to his brother’s family following the conclusion of the case more than a year later, so he is still able to see him.

He has had dogs who only stayed a few months and in one instance he discovered a trait in the animal that meant it could not be rehomed. Had he not been in a home environment, this may not have been known.

Mrs Harris said: “You have got to persevere. It is a big commitment. Richard is very kind and passionate. The person who does this has to have that sort of nature and be firm but kind.

“Most of the animals we have haven’t been treated too well. But we cannot emphasise enough the rewards are there.”

One animal who is typical of the dogs who could be fostered is Norman.

The seven-year-old staffie has been looking for a home for more than six months and has been in kennels all that time.

He was saved from being put to sleep by the branch but is yet to find a home. He loves people and has a good temperament but does not like other dogs.

Anyone who thinks they might be able to foster can call Daphne Harris on 01622 892191 or Katie Harris on 07595 997674 for an informal chat.