For individuals or families who can not foster a Mastiff, but would like to help SSMR to save Mastiffs in another way, please fill out a volunteer form and we will put you to work in whatever capacity you have to offer!

Probably the single most important requirement for a foster home is ample time and attention to give to the dog/s in your care. Foster homes are required to be able to separate the foster dogs from their own dogs- and to keep them separated- which takes a little extra planning and allocation of space in your home. We do ask that our fosters try to integrate their foster dog into their daily lives as much as possible as well. The quality time that you can spend each day with your rescue dog helps him to feel more secure so that he can relax a little and learn to trust and love again.

Our rescued Mastiffs, can quickly they work themselves into your family situation and your hearts: they mainly need your kindness and nurturing to recuperate until they are ready for their forever homes. Most rescue Mastiffs are touchingly grateful for this love you share with them. However, you also must have the ability to separate the new rescue dog from your resident pets. You also must secure/confine the rescue dog when you leave the house. If you do not have a secure way to separate your pets from the rescue dog, you should volunteer to help in another capacity. 

The simple addition of a large crate or a couple of ex-pens can be of huge help to you in this process. A crate or ex-pen can be a cozy den to a stressed-out rescue dog, and sometimes they need the privacy and quiet of that time as well, for their own peace of mind.

Your foster Mastiff should be kept inside with the family except for exercise and elimination- aside from emergency boarding needs. When leaving the house, always confine the rescue dog so you do not have to worry what will happen in your absence. Confining the rescued dog protects your pets and your property from any potential damage that could occur.

Some rescued dogs have been on the run for awhile, or may experience extreme separation anxiety when out of your sight. We do not want to put the dog or anyone else through the nightmare of having to track down and capture a highly stressed rescue Mastiff who has gotten loose.

Being an SSMR foster home means more than just being a safe 'place' - it means providing food, shelter, sharing treats, toys, walks and giving of your time and care until the perfect forever home is found for your foster dog.

The value of our foster homes goes far beyond just offering food and shelter and medical care to their rescues. The foster family provides invaluable insights into the right placement for each dog The good foster family is always observing and evaluating the dog in their care as to their likes and dislikes, noting any possible issues or concerns. Obviously a dog who is a confirmed homebody would not be happy with an owner who wants a dog to take out and about with them often and etc..only the foster home can really tell us these kinds of details about the dog in their care.

"We Can't Save Them  All"

How many times have you heard or thought this? Though most Mastiffs are true gentle giants, in very rare situations you must be able to cope with the remote possibility that it could be necessary for a veterinarian to humanely euthanize a dog who has been in your care.

That would only happen if you, other coordinators and your vet feels that the dog is temperamentally not sound for adoption because of aggression towards people or animals, or if a dog is found to be in the late stages of a terminal illness.

Witnessing a rescue Mastiff blossom with just a little love and attention is a powerful reward in itself. A foster family often quite literally transforms the lives not only of an unwanted 'rescue dog' - but also the lives of the family who will adopt the Mastiff. .