BEREA -- Donny Nemeth is fostering his second dog from the Berea Animal Rescue Friend?s shelter.
John Wayne, a playful adult hound mix, is well mannered, friendly with children, enjoys running around at the local dog park yet loves cuddling into a quiet sleep at home.
"He?s an awesome dog," said Nemeth. "He has his own personality. He is quickly becoming a best friend to me and many others. "
ARF?s no-time-limit-shelter on Barrett Road offers temporary homes to dogs and cats at its facility and in foster homes. The goal is to find a loving "forever" home of their own for each animal. Whether it?s a lack of space at the shelter, a special needs case, such as recovering from surgery or needing a change of scenery, fostering is an option that some volunteers prefer.
"It?s a wonderful way to help a dog or cat find a home while enjoying them as well," said Juleen Russell with the shelter. "Almost all of the foster animals are success stories."
Corky Wilson had three kittens at home in foster care. They were not used to human contact. One returned to the shelter after it became friendlier with people and ready for adoption. She now has Sweet Charlotte and Carrie, black kittens with some white paws, who are about 4 months old. They are starting to become accustomed to her and play.
About 15 years ago, she adopted two cats from ARF. Since then, she estimated she has cared for at least 100 cats and kittens, of which all found homes.
"When I first got these kittens, they would run away and hide. Now I have them in a room that when I sit down and read, they come up to me and we can play," she said. "They will make wonderful pets once they become more comfortable with people."
She enjoys fostering.
"You get to spend time with them, broaden your experience and see different types of cats," she said. "You get to see how you make a difference in their lives and they in yours."
Sheila Lemmeyer and her husband had no intention of bringing another dog into their home after their senior Bear passed away. That changed when they met Jasper. Sheila has been a volunteer at the shelter for 1? years. Jasper is her first foster dog. Jasper?s former owner has some health issues and could not keep him. The senior dog, which is blind and possibly deaf, was not adjusting well at the shelter and needed a regular home environment.
Sheila met him, heard about his story and agreed to foster him. She admits Jasper likely with remain with her family the rest of his life.
"He has the lay out of our house down," Sheila said. "He makes me happy and I know he is happy. He has a home to hang out in and not in a cage. I am so glad we have him."
Nemeth, 25, has been helping dogs for years. He said he has seen "horrible things" down to pups in Cleveland and other cities. He called it "heart breaking," especially with the type of "bully" breeds, as he calls them.
"My passion is helping dogs, especially dogs in need," said Nemeth. "All that matter is finding them a good home. John Wayne is a great dog. Hopefully, he will make someone really happy."
Anyone interesting in fostering a kitten, cat, puppy or dog should contact ARF. To foster cats, contact Pat, 440-234-4533 or ARFfelinefoster@gmail.com. For dogs, contact Lynda, 216-990-6967 or dogfoster4ARF@gmail.com.
The ARF website is bereaanimalrescue.com.
See more Berea news at cleveland.com/berea.
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Source: http://www.cleveland.com/berea/index.ssf/2012/12/bereas_animal_shelter_offers_f.html
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