Foster caring a ‘joyful’ experience

Warwick local Cheryl Baxter is encouraging other locals to foster animals in need, saying she "can't think of a reason not to".

By Dominique Tassell

Warwick local Cheryl Baxter is encouraging other locals to foster animals in need, saying she “can’t think of a reason not to”.

Cheryl has been looking after a “charming old gentleman” named Hugo for five years and started fostering seriously this year.

She says Hugo “came for a week five years ago”.

The Jack Russell-type dog was considered for adoption a few times, but it fell through and he’s now with Cheryl permanently.

Cheryl says this can happen, “where the dog just feels at home and know it’s where they want to be”.

Hugo is one of Southern Downs ARK’s foster dogs in “retirement”.

While Cheryl covers a lot of Hugo’s costs, in the event that she does need assistance ARK helps her out.

Hugo was picked up by some travellers, in the middle of the road between Stanthorpe and Texas.

It’s unclear how he ended up there, but he was brought to ARK in Warwick.

Cheryl met Hugo when ARK had a stall, and she says “it was obvious really that he was going to be mine”.

After learning about the number of dogs being kept at a boarding kennel due to a lack of carers and thought it was “so sad”.

She told Ann Simon at ARK that if they were ever desperate, she would be happy to take in a foster dog.

Hugo was handed to Cheryl after he was brought in, and he’s been with her pretty much ever since.

Cheryl started fostering other dogs about a year ago and has taken in seven dogs over that time.

She says she “didn’t know if she had what it takes to be a foster carer”, but now wishes she’d started fostering sooner.

She’s taken in a Greyhound named Tyson, a Schnauzer named Tycho, a Beagle named Oakey, a Spoodle named Bobby, an Irish Wolfhound Cross named Buddy, and two Australian Silkies named Dusty and Drio.

While she didn’t know quite what to expect, or what the dogs would be like, Cheryl says they’ve all been good dogs.

She says she thinks maybe this is because she’s so calm around them.

Fostering isn’t without its heartwrenching moments but is incredibly rewarding.

“Buddy was hard to give up,” Cheryl says. “But I love it when I see what’s happened to them.”

“The rehabilitation is quite joyful.”

Cheryl has never had any of her dogs longer than four weeks and says ARK doesn’t give you more than you can handle.

“If they know you, they know your surroundings and what you can take on.”

To become an ARK foster carer, you need to be 18 years of age or older and live on the Southern Downs.

You can complete the Foster Carer Expression of Interest form via their website at southerndownsark.com.au/apply-to-foster/

Southern Downs ARK will need to come check that your property is suitable, and have proof that any other pets you have are vaccinated.

A carer’s job is to provide a safe, loving, and secure home for the animals in their care.

ARK supplies food and bedding. They also cover veterinary expenses and just require that you chat with them first and use their preferred clinic except for in emergency situations.

By becoming an ARK foster carer, you join a network of animal lovers, who are always available for advice and support.