Padbury couple providing halfway home to puppies in need

FOSTERING puppies in need for the past three years is one of the most rewarding things Jason and Jess Vry have done.

The Padbury couple has fostered more than 30 puppies from several rescue groups supported by PetRescue, including SAFE Perth and HAART, and say transitioning them from homeless hounds to confident, happy pets is both heart-warming and hugely gratifying.

“We get asked often if we are sad when they leave us but there is such a huge need for people to foster animals and we wanted to volunteer and help them in some way,” Mr Vry said.

“Rather than donating money we decided to donate our time and we’ve never looked back; we just love being foster carers and it’s fantastic the rescue groups we foster through cover the costs of food and vet care, so all we have to do is provide time and love.”

However, the animal lovers confessed they were “foster failures” when they started volunteering, adopting Frankie two years ago.

“We had intended adopting a dog at some stage and Frankie just had the most beautiful temperament despite the fact he destroyed all of our chilli plants,” Mr Vry joked.

“He’s now a fantastic big brother to the pups we foster, demonstrating good manners like how to sit and helping us to toilet train.”

Mrs Vry said they were happy to offer a halfway home to pups in need.

“They may only stay with us for four or five weeks but by fostering and caring for them it means the rescue groups can take in more animals in need, so we’re very aware we’re helping them to save more lives,” she said.

“It makes us feel so good and we’d definitely encourage animal lovers to put their hand up and give fostering a go.”

Visit www.petrescue.com.au.