By Leigh Ann Rutledge
Accent Editor
December 9, 2008
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| PUPPIES. Abby Zeedyk, 3, daughter of Erica and Matt Zeedyk is shown above socializing with puppies born while her parents were fostering their mother. The puppies will be ready to be adopted the weekend before Christmas. Abby’s brother, Carter, 5, also socializes with puppies but was absent when the picture was taken. |
Who wouldn’t like to find a puppy under the Christmas tree this year?
Erica and Matt Zeedyk of Explorer Rd. near Dellroy are hoping ten people do. During a regular meeting of the Carroll County Animal Protection League, Erica met Amy Tripp. Tripp works with the group “Saving Carroll County, OH, Dogs” as a rescue worker. Through Tripp, Erica learned about foster homes.
Normally, dogs placed in foster homes stay for a brief period; overnight, for a weekend or up to two weeks. Dogs are placed in a temporary or “foster” home for various reasons, usually because the rescue they are going to is temporarily full or the dogs are waiting for transport.
Suzi, a three-year old German shepherd mix, was dropped off at the Carroll County Dog Pound Oct. 17. At that time, two rescue centers were interested in Suzi but could not take her for two weeks and due to her advanced pregnancy, rescuers did not want to transport her to Michigan for fear she would deliver in route.
Erica said, “I have always been an animal lover and have turned my husband into one. I have heard stories about what rescues are doing and felt I should do what I can. Being a foster home is how I can help.”
Erica and Matt agreed to house Suzi until a closer rescue had room for her. Before the two-week period was over, Erica attempted to find out transport plans for Suzi. “I was told the rescues weren’t able to take her. The next day (Nov. 1) we were getting ready to leave for a birthday party and she had seven puppies.” Figuring she was done delivering and all were ok, the family went to the party. When they returned, they found 11 puppies with Suzi.
The puppies are a Labrador mix. There are three yellow puppies, ranging in color from almost white to a dark golden, six black and one chocolate. The litter consists of three boys and seven girls. (One puppy was injured and is in the care of a foster who can give it continuous care.)
Puppies will be ready to go to their new homes the weekend before Christmas. They have been wormed twice and will be wormed once more and have their first shots by the time they are ready to adopt.
Erica stated, “We are asking $75 per puppy. We would like to try to get back what we have in them. Those adopting a puppy will be required to sign paperwork agreeing to have the dog spayed or neutered. “This is an example of why people should get their pets spayed or neutered. Suzi might not have been given up if she wouldn’t have gotten bred,” Erica said.
Erica has only been offering a foster home since May of this year. During this time, she has fostered around 15 adult dogs and seven puppies before the litter. She also fostered kittens for a period of time. Normally, the Zeedyks provide food and shelter for the dog until it goes to the rescue center. “This has been interesting. It’s had its highs and lows,” said Erica. “I had never been around puppies and knew nothing about a whelping box or anything before this.” After the puppies and Suzi go to their new homes, Erica and Matt are going to take a break from fostering for the winter.
Supplying a foster home has its advantages for both the foster and anyone interested in adopting the pet. Erica explained, “We are able to tell people how the dogs react to children and other dogs which is a plus. And, usually the dogs don’t stay long enough for the kids to get attached.”
Anyone interested in the puppies should contact Erica at 330-340-0352. Anyone interested in becoming a “foster home” can contact Amy Tripp at 330-868-0426. Information can be found by visiting, www.petfinder.com. |
