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Bridge Rescue for Dogs New Foster Orientation

President: Kim StollVice-President: Shelby SmithTreasurer: Michael MontgomerySecretary: Lynn GrenciDirector of Development & BRDG Founder: Mary DeRanitzExecutive Director: Ashley Zappia

Website: Bridgerescue.orgEmail: brdgrescue@gmail.comPhone: 520-390-6904

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Welcome

Welcome to Bridge Rescue for Dogs! We are excited to have you join our team of wonderful foster parents. We are a local dog rescue based in Tucson, Arizona and primarily acquire our dogs from the Short Term Rescue list from PACC (Pima Animal Care Center). In addition to this list, we also take in street rescues and owner surrenders. Started in 2014, Bridge is a fast-growing rescue in Southern Arizona, and we are always happy to bring new fosters and volunteers onto our team as we work to be the bridge between homeless and happy for our rescue dogs. We are not a breed specific rescue, and welcome dogs of all breeds, sizes, ages, and medical conditions into our open arms.

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What We Do For You

As a foster parent, we at Bridge will be in this with you 100% throughout the time that you are caring for a Bridge dog. We can supply the following to you to be able to care for your foster dog:• Food• Crate• Veterinary Care• Training Support• Toys• Leash• Any other necessary materials for caring for your foster

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What if I Spend My Own Money on My Foster Dog?

• Bridge Rescue for Dogs is a 501c3 non profit rescue, meaning that any money that you spend on your foster will be considered a tax deductible donation. Be sure to save your receipts, and you can submit them for a formal receipt from Bridge to be able to use when filing your taxes to receive your deduction.

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The Basics

As with any rescue organization, we do have a number of rules that we request all of our foster parents follow. These rules are in place to protect our foster parents, dogs, family members, and other members of the community. It is important to be mindful of these standards to both maintain a positive trustworthy image in the eyes of our community, but also to ensure the safety of everyone who gets the privilege of spending time with our Bridge family members.

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Policy & Protocol• No meet and greets with other dogs without prior written Board approval.• All foster dogs must be crated or kept separate from any visiting dogs

unless foster obtains prior written Board permission.• No unsupervised interaction with little animals at any time without prior

written Board approval (including but not limited to small dogs, puppies, rabbits, cats, birds, reptiles, etc.)

• No dogs may be switched out with another foster without prior written Board approval.

• Any vacation coverage must be prearranged and approved by Board.• Vacation coverage requests must be made at least one week in advance.• No children under 12 permitted at pet store and expo Adoption Events.

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Policy & Protocol• Food requests must be made 72 hours in advance.• Foster agrees to accept the dog back and resume care of the dog within the

first two weeks of a dog’s failed adoption.• Foster will return all supplies or purchase them from BRDG no later than two

weeks after the dog’s successful adoption.• Foster are permitted to adopt their foster dog provided they complete an

adoption contract and provide a reduced $50 adoption fee in the form of cash, check, money order or Paypal.

• Only BRDG-approved vets are to be used except in emergency.• Only BRDG-approved trainers are to be used.• BRDG ID tags must be worn when outside the home.• Only slip lead, martingale, choke or prong collar can be used when outside

the home. No flat collars, except as a means to attach ID tag.• Foster dogs must be leashed at all times when out in public.

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Policy & Protocol• Foster will provide dog food, indoor shelter, calm environment that allows for

decompression and stress reduction, kind and loving care until the foster dog is adopted.

• Foster will immediately notify BRDG if foster dog escapes.• Foster is responsible for the safety and actions of the foster dog.• Foster is responsible for supervision of the dog. BRDG is not responsible or liable for

any damage, including injury to other animals, property damage or damage to persons.

• Foster will not at any time relocate dog from the primary residence of the Foster without prior written approval of the Board.

• Foster will return the dog to BRDG immediately upon request. The foster dog is under the Bridge Rescue for Dogs Foster program and under the legal guardianship of Bridge Rescue for Dogs until officially adopted.

If you would like clarification on any rules or would like to obtain permission from the board for an exception to a rule please contact one of the board members.

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Off Leash Parks and Dog Parks• At Bridge, we do not allow for our dogs to

be taken into public areas off leash, this includes dog parks. This is to be able to prevent fights between our dogs and others, and be able to quickly and effectively break up such a situation should one arise. As a foster parent, while you will get to know your foster dog and might want to “treat” them by taking them off leash. However, you will not know the behavior of other dogs or potential dangers they might come into contact with (rattlesnakes, toads, etc.), so this rule is in place to protect all parties involved. In addition, Only slip lead, martingale, choke or prong collar can be used when outside the home. No flat collars.

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Proper Care of Foster Dogs• As a foster parent, it is your

responsibility to ensure that your foster dog is appropriately cared for. This includes feeding, grooming, appropriate exercise, and ensuring that proper veterinary care steps are taken. While Bridge will pay for all costs or treat all money spent as a donation, it is the responsibility of the foster parent to make sure that dogs are at all required appointments and are appropriately cared for. Bridge can assist with transportation, but will need to be notified at least 48 hours in advance (if possible) so that a volunteer can be found to help.

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Introducing a Foster Into Your Home

One of the biggest challenges that you may face as a foster parent is introducing your foster dog to existing dogs in the home. This is why Bridge requires a meet and greet with all resident dogs prior to allowing foster commitment, as we do not want to set up either the dog that we will be pulling or dogs that are already in the home to fail. Once the initial meet and greet is passed by all parties, there are some simple steps on the next slide that you can follow to help make transitioning a new dog into your home as smooth as possible. If you do not feel comfortable with taking these steps and introducing the dog on your own, please inform Bridge and we will ensure that we have a volunteer, foster, coordinator, or board member assist you with the introduction process.

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Steps For a Smooth Transition• Take your own resident dogs on a walk

with your foster dog. Make sure that you properly introduce the dogs (nose to butt!) first, and then walk them together in a neutral location. Take a path that is different from the one you normally take your dog on, this will help minimize any feelings of being territorial.

• When bringing the dogs into your house together, have your dogs enter first and then lead your foster into the house.

• Watch all of the dogs together and redirect any intense stares or stiff body posture. If there are consistent issues, or the fighting is with an intent to harm, dogs will need to be separated and introduced in a slower manner.

• Should separation be necessary, it is best rotate where you are keeping your dogs and your foster. This will keep them separated, but will also help them start to get used to the scent of one another. Crates are useful for this, and you can alternate between which dogs are in their kennels and which are free to roam.

• Even if all dogs appear to be getting along, do not leave them alone together until you have complete confidence that there will not be any incidents while you are away.

• There can be other factors that can cause dogs to not get along. Observe any behavioral patterns that may indicate resource guarding, such as food aggression or toy guarding.

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Handling Food Aggression

• Food aggression, or food guarding, can be a common issue with a new dog in the home. This most often occurs when a dog becomes aggressive when another dog happens to be in the same space while a dog is eating. It can also be directed at people when someone attempts to take away a food bowl from the dog.

• Training is the best way to alleviate food aggression, if you are experiencing this with your foster dog, do not be afraid to bring it up.

• An easy way to handle this issue is to separate dogs while they are eating, and thereby limiting any possibility for a reactive situation.

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Foster ResourcesVisit our Foster Resources Section of our website for information & videos on the following subjects:• Dog to dog intros• Introducing dog to kids• “Nothing in life is free” philosophy • Crate training• Training the “place” command• “Sit on the leash” calming exercise• Leash walking• How to use a prong collar• Separation anxiety• Impulse control

http://bridgerescue.org/helpful-resources/foster-resources/foster-resources/

Check out our FAQ’s section of our website to familiarize yourself with questions you may be asked about BRDG by adopters: http://bridgerescue.org/helpful-resources/faqs/

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Foster Requests

If you are in need of a vet appointment, professional training help, food or supplies, or any other non-emergency request please contact your case manager and fill out the foster request form found here:http://bridgerescue.org/helpful-resources/foster-resources/foster-request-form/

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Support Within Bridge Rescue

If you feel that you are in need of assistance or advice regarding anything involving your foster dog, there are plenty of fantastic resources available through Bridge. Aside from board members and coordinators, many of our foster parents are veterinary technicians, trainers, and groomers with plenty of experience. You are welcome to post any questions that you may have on the Bridge Rescue Foster Facebook page. We are a community that is supportive of one another, and are here to help you.

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Going on Vacation/Out of Town Trips

If you will be going on vacation, there are a number of options that you have. You may use your own personal dog sitter if you wish, but be sure that they know your foster dog prior to you going out to town. Ensure to provide them with Bridge emergency contact information, and provide their information to Bridge in case we need to contact them regarding your foster dog while you are gone. Bridge can also arrange for a dog sitter or boarding option for you , but please be sure to provide all information (when you are leaving, when you are getting back, if the dog has special needs, etc.) with as much notice as possible. This is to ensure that Bridge has enough time to arrange for appropriate care of your foster dog.

On occasion, you will be permitted to take your foster dog with you on trips. However, these situations must be submitted appropriately and approved by the board prior to the dog accompanying you. Regardless of whether Bridge will be making plans for dog sitting or you will be taking care if it yourself, you must notify Bridge at least one week in advance, with the exception of emergency situations. Requests need to be submitted to your case manager and the Foster Request Form.

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Non-Emergency Veterinary Appointments

Should your foster dog need non-emergency veterinary care, please contact your case manager and fill out a foster request form. You will then be contacted to make an appointment at the closest partnered vet to you after an authorized board member has approved care.

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Emergency Situations

Should you have an emergency situation with your foster dog, contact an executive management team member as soon as possible for instructions. If the situation is dire and you are unable to reach an appointed person in time, our preferred emergency vet is Southern Arizona Veterinary and Emergency Services. If you cannot make it there in time for appropriate care, you may take them to a closer emergency vet. Upon arrival, please contact a board member and provide all information to have them call the vet office and approve care, including the name and contact information of the emergency vet office that you have taken your foster to.

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Bridge Adoption EventsBridge holds a number of adoption events every month at various locations in the Tucson area. Check the Bridge Fosters Facebook Group or ask your case manager for what events are happening each weekend. While our fosters are not required to go to all events, we do encourage you to go to as many as possible with your foster dog. Depending on the temperament of your dog, in-store adoption events might not be beneficial for them. If your foster does have behavioral complications, please use appropriate discretion as to which events they would be best suited for and consult an executive management member if necessary. The purpose of these events are to help get more exposure to your foster so that they have the best chance possible at finding their forever family, as well as to raise funds to keep our rescue in operation.

• There are a number of rules that we ask all Bridge members to follow for in-store adoption events:– No children under the age of 12– Be aware of your foster dog at all times

and be in control of the situation.– Follow all of the rules of the location

that the adoption event is being held at.– Be on time for scheduled shifts at

adoption events.– If you cannot make the adoption event,

please notify the executive management team as soon as possible so that we can try and find another foster who would be able to attend, or a volunteer who might be able to bring your foster dog for you.

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Other Bridge Events

Bridge has more than just adoption events, we also hold social events, marketing events, and fundraisers. A majority of these are family events, and anyone is welcome to attend. If the event is dog friendly, Bridge will post this information, and we ask that fosters have discretion over which events will be successful for their foster dogs. Rules for these events include:• Maintain appropriate behavior• No illegal substances or activities• Be aware of your foster dog at all times• Have fun, these events are meant to be a good time, feel free

to speak with members of the public and promote Bridge and our wonderful rescue dogs!

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Appropriate Behavior at Bridge Events

When you are present at Bridge events, be aware that you and/or your foster are representing the Bridge name on a public stage. Be sure to monitor both your personal behavior and the behavior of your foster so that you can put your best foot forward as a representative of Bridge Rescue for Dogs. The following behaviors are not allowed at any Bridge event unless specified:

• Drinking alcohol (unless at specified Bridge fundraisers where it is being served).

• Having your foster dog off-leash.• Taking your foster up to an unfamiliar

dog without consulting the handler of the other dog first.

• Promoting your own personal business or fundraising for another cause.

• Profanity or language of a threatening, demeaning, or sexual nature.

• Weapons of any variety.• Dressing in an inappropriate or

provocative manner (swim suits and shorts are completely acceptable for carwash and water-related events, but please be tasteful)

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BRDG Approved Emergency Vet

Southern Arizona Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center• Phone: 520-888-3177 • Website: http://www.southernazvets.com/• Two locations: 7474 E Broadway Blvd

or 141 E Fort Lowell Rd

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BRDG Approved Vets

Twin Peaks Veterinary Center• Phone: 520-572-8300 • Website: http://www.twinpeaksvet.com• Address: 7555 W Twin Peaks Rd

Rolling Hills Pet Clinic• Phone: (520) 790-4871

Website: http://www.rollinghillspetclinic.com• Address: 7010 E Golf Links Rd

University Pet Clinic• Phone: (520) 795-7016

Website: http://universitypetclinic.com• Address: 1506 N Tucson Blvd

Animal Birth Control of Southern Arizona• Phone: 520-745-4564• Website: http://www.animalbirthcontroltucson.com/• Address: 1114 S Craycroft Rd

Cortaro Farms Pet Hospital• Phone: 520-744-2050• Website: http://cortarofarmspethospital.com/• Address: 3550 W Cortaro Farms Rd

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BRDG Approved Trainerssol.DOG Canine Services – Rachel Molyneux• Phone: (520) 255-1696

Website: http://soldogtucson.com/• Address: 1895 W Prince Rd

Dogs Behavin’ – Amanda Jansen• Phone: 520-429-8030

Website: https://www.facebook.com/vailk9connection/• Address: 13698 E Ocotillo Bloom Dr

Off Leash K9 Training, LLC – Abraham Fabela• Phone: 520-312-3241

Website: http://www.tucsonazdogtrainers.com/• Address: 5900 S Courtland Dr

A Loyal Companion – Kate Titus• Phone: (520) 448-3548• Website: http://www.aloyalcompanion.com/• Address: 4758 E. Grant Road

Dog Central Station – Maureen Odenwald• Phone: (520) 323-6689• Website: http://dogcentralstation.net/• Address: 2801 E Grant Rd

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Contact InformationPresident: Kim Stoll• Email: Kimmstoll@gmail.com • Phone: 484-919-1793

Vice-President: Shelby Smith• Email: Shelbylilliansmith@gmail.com• Phone: 413-695-3667

Treasurer: Michael Montgomery• Email: Michael.Charles.Montgomery@gmail.com• Phone:

Secretary: Lynn Grenci• Email: lfgrenci@gmail.com• Phone:

Director of Development & BRDG Founder: Mary DeRanitz• Email: brdgrescue@gmail.com• Phone: 520-390-6904

Executive Director: Ashley Zappia• Email: a.m.mason07@hotmail.com• Phone:

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Contact Info Continued

• You can also reach out to any of our board members via Facebook, as we do perform a lot of our rescue communications through our Bridge Rescue Fosters Group. While our board members try to be available as much as possible, they do also have responsibilities outside of BRDG, and will respond within 48 hours.

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Can I adopt my foster dog?

• Yes! BRDG loves it when foster families get so attached to their foster dog they just can’t see them go to any other home.

• Adoption forms are found here: http://bridgerescue.org/register-with-us/adoption-application/

• The reduced adoption fee for fosters families to adopt their foster dog is $50, plus $11 license transfer fee if within Pima County.