But growing up, my parents didn't have a computer in the home and we didn't have one when I was a kid until I was in the 6th grade or so. So social media wasn't even a "thing" back then.
But NOW.....
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, (is MySpace still even around?).... it's everywhere! But you, as a foster, can use this and should use this for your rescue animals!
So, what can you do to help your fosters?
**Post, post, POST!!
One of our fosters was a black lab mix puppy who ended up being adopted by a friend of mine through Facebook. I posted some pictures when we got them, included how old they were and their sex and then just kept posting small updates here and there. Turns out she was looking for a puppy for her daughter and she scooped her right up. Now I get to see updates as she grows and becomes a part of their family!
**Share adoption times/events
If your shelter or rescue is holding a special adoption event, open certain hours or extended hours or running specials on adoption fees, let your people know! Sometimes community members know there's a shelter in your area..... and that's about it. For instance our local shelter came under new management the past couple of years and has done a complete turn-around as far as how it's run, how animals are pictured and presented for adoption and how their events are advertised. Their Facebook page is run by an amazing volunteer and photographer but not many people know about it. Let your community know where the adoption events will be happening and that YOUR foster will be there!!
**Show and share the moments
Nothing, and I will swear by this, will ever sell a dog better (besides actually interacting with the dog personally) than personal candid photos. It's one of the reason the above volunteer at our shelter is so highly praised - she captures a real spirit, and sometimes goofiness, of the shelter dogs. Take photos of your foster playing with your kids, running wild in your backyard, cuddled up on your couch in the evenings. Take shots of you training him or her and how it's going. Then share the hell out of it!
**Selfies!
Now, I hate this word, I really do, but if you're a part of Instagram then a selfie or two is probably a part of your life as well. Round up your foster (or fosters if you're like me) and snap one or two right before your morning walk or maybe evening training session. Add some #foster #adoptdontshop #animalrescue hashtags and spread the word.
**Community Groups
Whether Facebook groups or Yahoo or the like, online community groups can also be a great newsboard for your animals. If you have a Pets for Sale group you can share pictures and updates on your fosters, letting them know the details on who you have available. Please, PLEASE be careful, however, and if you do have a potential adopter let them know that if they are indeed interested that they still need to go through your shelter or rescue and pay their fees and complete their paperwork.
Now I'm sure there are more pages, groups, and websites available than what I have listed here, so use this as a starting point and go from there! Use what you know to your advantage to spread the word about your amazing foster animals and help get them into their forever homes. :)
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