IMPORTANT TO READ

🚨 IMPORTANT – OUR DOGS, OUR RESPONSIBILITY 🚨

These dogs are the legal property of Fishys Friends Rescue (FFR) — we hold full legal rights and decision-making authority regarding their care, treatment, placement, and well-being.

We do NOT take this responsibility lightly. We work tirelessly, often around the clock, to make sure these dogs have a soft place to land, receive necessary medical care, and are given the best chance at a new life. Because of that:

❗We have ZERO tolerance for mistreatment or neglect of any kind.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Yelling or aggressive behavior directed at the dog

• Physical force or intimidation (hitting, shoving, harsh corrections)

• Lifting a dog by its harness, collar, or leash

• Withholding food, water, shelter, or medical care

• Using punishment-based methods or tools (choke, prong, or shock collars) without rescue approval

🔴 ANY REPORT OF ABUSE, NEGLECT, OR MISTREATMENT WILL BE TAKEN VERY SERIOUSLY.

We are not afraid to involve legal counsel or authorities if we believe a foster, volunteer, or adopter is endangering one of our dogs. We will remove the dog from the home immediately if necessary.

You are entrusted with one of our rescue souls. This is not just pet-sitting — this is a partnership in life-saving work. We expect professionalism, kindness, and respect toward the dog in your care at all times.

📌 What to Do If You’re Struggling:

We know fostering can be hard. If you're overwhelmed, frustrated, or unsure how to handle a behavior or situation:

• Reach out immediately. We’re here to support you.

• We can offer training resources, supplies, vet help, or arrange a transfer to a different foster if needed.

• Do not take matters into your own hands in ways that could hurt the dog or damage their progress.

We are a team. Our dogs depend on us to be their voice. And we will never fail them — or allow anyone else to.

Fostering the Forgotten: Understanding the Realities of Street & Trauma Dogs 

Compassion Fatigue: The Silent Weight of Rescue Work

Fostering a dog who’s been through hell and back isn’t easy — and it’s not supposed to be. At Fishy’s Friends Rescue, we work with some of the hardest cases: dogs who’ve been neglected, abused, abandoned, or left to survive on the streets. They come to us dirty, scared, hungry, and often emotionally and behaviorally shut down. These aren’t dogs with clean slates. These are the ones the world turned away — and you are the one stepping up to give them a chance.

But here’s the truth: rescuing trauma dogs is not about instant transformation. It’s about meeting them where they are and walking beside them — slowly, patiently, and consistently — until they start to believe that the world isn’t out to hurt them anymore.

 What Makes Trauma Dogs So Challenging?

• They may not trust you. In fact, they might fear you. They might cower, bark, growl, hide, or freeze when approached.
  
  

• They might have never lived indoors. Street dogs often aren’t house-trained and don’t know how to "dog" the way we expect — couches, toys, leashes, even human touch can be foreign and frightening.
  
  

• They may shut down. Some dogs go still and stop responding — a common trauma response. It can take weeks or months before they feel safe enough to come out of their shell.
  
  

• They might react “negatively” to stress. Snapping, guarding food or space, or pacing isn't misbehavior — it’s survival instinct.
  
  

• Progress may be painfully slow. And the dog may never be a “perfect pet,” even with time. But their version of healed? It’s still worth everything.
  
  

 How to Set a Trauma Dog Up for Success (And Yourself Too)

You don’t have to be an expert to foster a trauma dog. You just have to be willing to learn, stay consistent, and offer patience and understanding. Here's how to prepare:

1. Set Up a Calm, Predictable Environment

Routine = safety. Keep things quiet and low-stimulation for the first few days or weeks. Use baby gates, playpens, or crates to offer a safe space they can retreat to.

2. Go Slow. Slower Than You Think.

Don't expect affection right away. Let the dog come to you. Don’t force interaction, petting, or play. Watch their body language and respect their boundaries.

3. Let Go of Expectations

They may not play. They may not eat right away. They might not walk on a leash. That’s okay. You’re not failing — they’re processing.

4. Keep It Safe

For you and the dog. Use slip leads, secure fences, no free-roaming until trust is solid. Trauma dogs can bolt out of fear in a flash.

5. Celebrate Micro-Wins

Did they wag their tail? Take a treat? Lay down near you? That’s huge! Keep a journal to remind yourself how far they’ve come.

6. Stick to Positive Reinforcement

Avoid yelling, grabbing, or punishing. Trauma dogs respond to kindness, not control. Work with their fear — not against it.

7. Lean on Us

At Fishy’s Friends, we’re your safety net. Reach out. Ask questions. Don’t sit in silence if things feel too hard. We are here to walk this with you.

 Why Emotional Preparation Matters

Fostering dogs like these takes an emotional toll. It can be frustrating. You may feel helpless, triggered, or burnt out. You might feel like you’re not doing enough — even though you’re doing everything right. And that’s why we want you to take a moment and read our full blog post on Compassion Fatigue below.

👉 Click here to read our blog: Compassion Fatigue

In the meantime, remember: you are not alone. These dogs need someone who won’t give up on them — and that someone is you. Every single ounce of effort you give is part of a greater journey to rewrite a dog’s entire story.