Sunshine Big Dog Rescue is implementing a new program to match seniors age 65 and older who love dogs but may not have the resources to financially care for a dog. The rescue, known for its dedication to finding forever homes for abandoned and neglected canines, is now offering a Senior Foster Program, a unique opportunity for seniors who yearn for companionship and a sense of purpose that comes from caring for a pet to foster dogs without any fees and providing all necessary supplies to ensure a smooth and fulfilling experience.
“I have five or six long-term foster dogs who need love and attention,” said Sunshine Big Dog Rescue Owner Wendi Boswell Schulte. “These dogs can be fostered with a matched senior until such time the senior decides to adopt, switch dogs or opt out.”
Foster applications can be submitted on its website. Schulte then completes a screening process, which includes a home visit and visit history of the applicant’s veterinarian (if they’ve owned pets in the past) to make sure they’re a good fit for the program. She then matches the senior with a dog based on individual needs. “We’ll find a dog that matches their energy level, we’ve got dogs that will encourage seniors to get out and walk or just want to be couch potatoes,” she said.
There is no fee for the program. The rescue covers all the dog’s medical care costs. “If the foster needs food, a crate or toys I’ll provide that for the seniors too,” she said.
Schulte admits she sometimes shares a little too much about the dogs…and their quirks. “I want to make sure all my adopters know I’m a resource for them throughout the dog’s lifetime,” she said. “I’m always here to take the dogs back.”
Lakeland resident Melissa Gosney adopted Duke, a hound mix in December 2021. She first saw pictures of the puppy, now three, on Petfinder’s website. She sent her a message that she was interested in the animal. “She called me and we had a phone interview where we talked for an hour about our experience with pets and she shared Duke’s backstory,” said Gosney.
Duke, who came to Sunshine Big Dog Rescue from a shelter in Alabama, had been hit by a car. “Wendi shared information that I thought was important, I have other family members who adopted from other rescues and they didn’t get the same level of detail,” said Gosney. “She was so straightforward about him and his health history and any needs he might have.”
After Duke joined their family, Duke got an ear infection and was too scared to have drops put in his ears. Gosney called Schulte, who told her to bring him to her so she could show her some tricks to get the drops in his ears. “It feels like a partnership,” said Grosney.
Schulte gets most of her dogs from shelters throughout Florida.
Available dogs include Morgan, a five-year-old Staffordshire Terrier mix. Morgan came to Sunshine Big Dog Rescue after a Pasco County shelter employee called pleading to save her. Morgan was minutes from being euthanized. She adores adult humans and cats but isn’t a fan of children. She’s deaf but knows hand signals. She loves to ride in the car.
Schulte, who’s a physical therapist, has dreams of one day opening an assisted living facility attached to a dog rescue so that residents can benefit from the dogs. “That’s my long-term goal, I just need funding,” she said.
For more information about Sunshine Big Dog Rescue or to learn more about the Senior Foster Program visit sunshinebigdogrescue.com/become-a-foster.
With this innovative program, not only will abandoned dogs find temporary loving homes but seniors will also experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from fostering a dog in need, a win-win situation for both man and man’s best friend.