Hallmark Hall of Fame Television Movie Inspires National Pet Fostering Program

“A Dog Named Christmas” premieres Sunday, Nov. 29 on CBS (photo credit: Erik Heinila)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Nov. 11, 2009) — This holiday season Hallmark Hall of Fame and CBS are partnering with Petfinder.com to launch the first-ever “Foster A Lonely Pet for the Holidays” program inspired by the movie A Dog Named Christmas, premiering on Sunday, Nov. 29, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CBS Television Network.

Based on Greg Kincaid's popular novel, the movie tells the story of a developmentally challenged, kind-hearted young man who sets out to convince his family – and their whole rural community – to participate in a local animal shelter's inaugural “Foster a Dog for Christmas Program.” Bringing this inspiring tale to life, Petfinder.com is working with more than 2,000 shelters and rescue groups across North America to give families the chance to welcome an adoptable pet into their home for the holiday season.

This effort will help ease the burden on shelters, give homeless pets some attention and affection, and provide families an opportunity to experience the joys of having a pet in their home.

Interested individuals can visit http://www.petfinder.com/foster-a-lonely-pet to find participating shelters and rescue groups near them. Staff and volunteers at the participating organizations will be available to answer questions about the fostering process and help select a pet who will be a good match for the foster family.

To learn more about fostering with Pet Haven email dogs@pethavenmn.org and check out our website.

On Sunday, Nov. 29, on CBS at 8 CST, television viewers will learn about this pet fostering program on the Hallmark Hall of Fame world premiere of A Dog Named Christmas during a PSA at the end of the broadcast.

For more info on the movie checkout the Hallmark Hall of Fame website.

Savannah needs a foster home...

Most of our profiles for dogs that need foster homes are on a separate blog now, but this is a special plea for Savannah. Savannah is a 1-2 year old female black lab. She's been in Pet Haven care for a couple of months. She started out in a foster home where she was doing really well, but eventually she figured out how to jump their 4' fence and open the fence gate. In her foster home she lived with 3 other dogs -- big and small, young and old. She also lived with a couple of cats and some young kids. She did well with all of them. Once she started jumping the fence she was moved to one of our boarding partners where she has done very well with the other dogs, however, she's stressed by the environment. Extended stays in boarding are difficult for all dogs, but some handle it better than others. Savannah is not one of those dogs. She has lost weight and is now boarded at our vet partner with stress induced colitis. Savannah desperately needs someone to open their home to her on a temporary (foster) or permanent (adoption) basis. If you can offer a space in your home to Savannah, please email pethavendogs@yahoo.com.

Fostering . It's rewarding and fun.

Fostering a dog is rewarding. It's fun. It helps a dog who would otherwise have nowhere to go.

As a foster home based rescue, we rely on the kindness of our foster families to provide a home for our dogs while they await that perfect forever home. If you choose to open your heart and your home to one of our deserving dogs, we provide the food, the medical care, the toys, other supplies as needed (food and water bowls, a crate, Gentle Leader or walking harness). All you need to contribute is the time and the love.

If you crave some canine companionship but are not ready to make the long-term commitment of adoption, fostering is the perfect way to have a dog in your life. Pet Haven screens carefully to make sure the dog you have loved and cared for goes into an excellent forever home.

We have started a new blog devoted just to dogs in need of a foster home, either dogs we would like to bring into our program, or Pet Haven dogs who are being boarded or otherwise need to find a different foster home. Each day will bring a story of a dog that just might be the dog you have been waiting to bring into your life! Click here to visit our fostering blog.

Pictured above is Missy, a year old Black Lab mix; at right is Punkin. She is a 14-16 week old puppy who just arrived from Red Lake Rosie's Rescue yesterday. Both girls need a foster home. If you are interested in learning more about them, or any of our other dogs, email us at pethavendogs@yahoo.com.

Year end reflections on fostering...

Laura is one of our indispensable volunteers and always has room for at least one foster dog in her home (she can always find room for a Springer Spaniel!)...

As 2008 comes to a close I am reflecting on the past year's foster dogs. January started off with two beautiful springers, Sweetie and Jackson. Along with my own springer Buddy it was a houseful known as springer central. But not for long as both dogs were adopted quickly. Sweetie was from Rosie's Red Lake Rescue and now gets to spend long summer days lounging by the lake. Jackson lives with three young children and hunts muskrats in his very own
back yard pond.








The year was filled with 15 foster dogs. There were beagles, spaniels, a Great Dane, and several lab mixes. The biggest challenge and triumph of the year came from a big black barky one-eyed dog named Shadow. I thought we would have her forever. A true testament to the power of hope Shadow was adopted after only 3 months and is now residing on the shores of Lake Superior.




Just as the year started we just adopted out Junior, a springer mix from Rosie's Red Lake. He was my first puppy and spoiled me because he was so easy. It has been a rewarding experience to be part of finding homes for these helpless dogs. I look forward to the new dogs I have yet to meet. And hopefully Suzy our lovely black lab mix will be finding her forever home soon.

If you are interested in learning more about Suzy, please email pethavendogs@yahoo.com.

If you are interested in volunteering your time to Pet Haven in 2009, please visit our website.

Foster Homes Needed!

Pet Haven is always in need of more foster homes, but in light of the current economic climate, the need is greater than ever. Every day we get multiple requests from families who are no longer able to care for their dog. These dogs have done nothing wrong and are the innocent victims of their family's misfortune. We can only help as many dogs as we have foster homes available!

Fostering a Pet Haven dog can be done at no cost to the foster home. All Pet Haven dogs arrive at their foster homes fully vetted with a collar, leash, gentle leader or harness for walking (if needed). Dog food, toys, blankets and treats are donated to Pet Haven and distributed to foster homes. Pet Haven covers the cost of any additional veterinary care required by the foster dog while in foster care. All you need to provide as a foster home are love and attention.

Pet Haven works hard to match up foster dogs and foster homes to try and ensure a positive experience for all involved. We work with you to identify a foster dog who will fit in well with all family members -- kids, dogs, cats and other pets. We also try to match the energy level and personality of the dog to the foster family. Do you have a young resident dog who loves to play, play, play? We can easily find you a foster dog who loves to do the same! Do you have a senior dog who does not tolerate young whippersnapper puppies? We can hook your family up with a mellow older dog who is happy to just hang out. Do you have a resident cat that does not want to be pestered by a dog? We will try to match you with a dog who has been there, done that with cats and won't bug your resident feline. Do you have kids? We will make sure you get a foster dog who has been kid tested.

Foster homes will tell you that fostering is one of the most rewarding things that they have ever done. Check out our dog foster information page to read testimonials from current Pet Haven fosters. You can also find answers to all of our most frequently asked questions about fostering on our dog foster information page.

Already convinced? Fill out a volunteer application and email it to us at Volunteer@PetHavenMN.org.