Fostering Healing Series

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The Fostering Healing Series was created to answer a need identified by local domestic violence shelters to increase foster homes, as nearly half of all domestic violence victim-survivors remain in abusive situations rather than leave their pets behind. Four Winds Connections partners with The Bond Between and Women’s Advocates to make fostering accessible to marginalized communities. The Fostering Healing Series provides participants with support to grow their animal training skills and tools to nurture their personal well-being. It centers the care and healing of Heart, Mind, Body and Spirit. The goal is to bring community members together to gain the confidence to emerge as leaders in the field of animal rescue and training, as well as provide safe havens for the pets of people seeking shelter from abusive situations.

Course 1: Introduction to fostering
Preparing to become a pet foster, growing both as a person and a caretaker.

• Reflect, learn and experience how our own healing and well-being is connected to our ability to care for and nurture the pets with whom we work.  
• Gain tools and experiences to help us better understand the self, grow awareness and heal our Heart, Mind, Body and Spirit as we prepare to welcome pets into our lives for a shared journey of discovery.
• Be ready to foster pets in need, or pets needing temporary fostering, having addressed both the practical aspects of fostering as well as the emotional, mental and spiritual aspects. ​

Course 2: Fostering in practice
Partnering with a local shelter or rescue and providing a six-week fostering experience for the participants of the course. At the completion of this course, graduates qualify to become paid pet fosters for our partner organizations.

Course 3: Intro to dog training
Learning with a three-month certificate course designed to provide individuals with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to become leaders in the field of dog training. It's a gateway to a new career, opening work opportunities both within or outside Four Winds Connections.