Sacramento County’s
Bradshaw Animal Shelter intakes thousands of animals from the community each year. With so many shelter pets in need of care, the shelter sometimes relies on foster care providers who can open their homes and hearts to sick, injured and pregnant animals as well as those that need some rehabilitating before they can be adopted into their forever homes.
Possum, a 6-year-old German Shepherd, came into the animal shelter as a stray in February 2021 with a severe tail injury, which was treated by the shelter’s in-house veterinary team. Before Possum could be adopted, he would need to heal completely and pass his adoption evaluation test.
A few months later, Possum was healing up nicely from his tail surgery and participating in shelter playgroups with other dogs, but was showing signs of kennel stress and was unable to pass his evaluation test. During this time, the shelter began to contact local rescue groups in the area that could work with him but was unsuccessful.
Luckily, an experienced foster care provider who had worked with another kennel-stressed dog named Chewy in the past gladly took Possum in. At last, Possum was able to decompress in a home with a comfy sofa and a big backyard equipped with a swimming pool, where he could run, play and snooze freely away from the stresses of shelter life. Possum’s tail was able to heal completely and he was able to pass his evaluation test with all the love and care his foster family was able to provide. He continued to stay in foster care, where he hoped to find his forever home.
Several months went by and he still had not found an adopter. It was then that his foster mom, Tracie Guzman, knew she wanted to make him a part of her family. In November 2021, he officially became a “foster fail” and was adopted by the Guzmans.
“We have really enjoyed the foster program. It gave us the opportunity to meet Chewy our first foster dog and help him to find his furever home and now Possum,” says foster provider, Tracie Guzman. “Shortly after Possum came home with us and he had the opportunity to feel safe and loved, he showed us what a mannerly and polite guy he was. Who would have thought that guy spinning and chasing his tail around at the shelter would fit into our household so nicely.
“The foster program not only gave us the opportunity to get a dog out of the shelter but to learn that Possum loves all the same things we do. He loves cuddles, long walks, hiking, road trips with the grandparents, playing with his cousin dogs, shopping, and meeting new people. He is so much fun we just couldn't part with him.”
If you haven’t made your New Year’s resolution yet, becoming a foster care provider is a great way to give back to shelter animals in need while getting lots of love in return. The animal shelter is always looking for foster care providers, particularly those who are experienced with large-breed dogs that may benefit from a structured home routine and behavior management. The shelter is also looking for individuals who have the time and knowledge to care for animals with medical needs and neonate kittens.
Partnerships with local rescue groups are also in high demand at the shelter. For details and to submit an application, email
fosterrescueprogram@saccounty.gov. If your organization has worked with the shelter in the past, please email the rescue team to reapply.