Fosters are what make our organization go, go, go! The more fosters we have, the more pups we can welcome into safe, loving environments before they are ready to be adopted into permanent, forever homes.
The LSAR Foster Program is simple: We supply the pet, just add food, shelter and love! We will take care of all approved veterinary costs (including medications) for your LSAR foster pet. We just ask you treat them like one of your own; give them food/water, a soft, safe place to lay their head, and lots of love.
You do not have to be a dog whisperer to apply! No degree or special training is required. But make no mistake, fosters are indeed very special people! Fosters must be loving, patient, giving and dedicated. If this sounds like you, we'd be delighted to have you on our team!
Please note: A complete (and approved) application, as well as a home visit are required to join the LSAR Foster Program. We are currently "recruiting" fosters within our service area only. Please apply to foster if you currently reside within Texas or Oklahoma.
FOSTER PROGRAM
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PHOENIX
Stats: 6 month old puppy, female
Location: Austin, TX
Intake: 5/12/25
Adoption Fee: $325
Social: #Phoenix514
Requirements:
-
another dog in the home strongly preferred
Phoenix is a 5 month old Aussie mix puppy weighing around 25 lbs (for now). She had a very rough start to life, but has thrived and grown into a very well rounded puppy.
At just 9-weeks-old, she was found as a stray and taken to a shelter, where they gave her less than 24 hours before being scheduled for euthanasia due to her condition. LSAR was alerted, picked her up, and immediately took her to the emergency hospital, not knowing if she would make it through the night. Phoenix had severe hookworms and was very anemic. She bounced back from the hookworms and finally started showing some energy and an appetite. After another emergency room visit, she was diagnosed with puppy strangles, an extremely painful autoimmune disorder where the immune system starts attacking its own skin, that can be life-threatening if left untreated.
She has been in and out of surgeries and appointments over the past few months with specialists who were determined to save the dying skin and tissue around her muzzle from spreading or causing her to go into sepsis. While she did lose some skin around her muzzle, her nose and sense of smell were not affected. She is now fully healed and does not need any further treatments.
From the time Phoenix came into care, she possessed the art of communication through the nudge of her scarred muzzle, a look that speaks volumes, the tail that never stops wagging, and her “talks”. Whether it’s time for a walk, a car ride, or a zoomie session with her foster sister, Phoenix will make her thoughts known. It’s that endearing method of communication that wins over everyone she meets. When going into the vet’s office or a store, people gravitate to Phoenix.
Phoenix is a quick learner who responds to positive reinforcement, especially treats and verbal praise. Phoenix excels at "sit," and "stay," and is working on "place," and "down". Sometimes, she’ll give a “you expect me to do that?” look, and you can’t help but laugh. She has even learned a bit of agility. House training is coming along nicely for her and has only an occasional accident if humans miss her cues that she wants out to potty.
Socialization has been a positive journey for Phoenix; she greets new people with curiosity and a wagging tail. She meets unfamiliar dogs with a bit of hesitancy and a hello bark but warms up quickly. She enjoys dogs who will engage in games of chase, tug, wrestling…all the things a puppy loves to do. If she gets too bossy with another dog, she takes the correction well. Walks, car rides, and shopping trips are on her list of favorite things.
An ideal home for Phoenix would have another dog to play with or have frequent playdates, lots of continued socialization and new experiences, plus continuing to grow with her training.
She is being fostered in Austin and is available for adoption in Texas and parts of Oklahoma. Her adoption fee is $325 and you can complete an adoption application. If you already have an application on file with us, you can contact us saying you are interested in Phoenix.
Please note: All our dogs are adopted as inside pets and family members only and all current or past pets in the home must have proof of being kept up to date on vaccinations and heartworm prevention. – NO EXCEPTIONS.