At Rascals, we’re more than just a pet travel enabler
As owners of rescued dogs and cats, we work with different animal rescue organizations who are always on the look-out for new families for the hundreds of dogs (and cats!) they have for foster or adoption. Every trip we advertise, you will find posters for dogs looking for their forever homes. On day trips, we often try and bring these dogs so they can begin to learn social skills and hopefully, someone on that trip will fall hopelessly in love with them and take them home. We also encourage anyone coming with us on trips to bring their own foster pets along; you simply never know.
Recently, Rascals has had tremendous success in this area! We have had several people foster a dog for the first time ever, and even some adoptions. Here, we talk with 3 people, who after being on a Rascals trip decided to foster or adopt!
Meet Susan (with Jingles and Haru), Kirstie (with Finley and Jackson) and Raya (with baby Maru).
How did you hear about Rascals and what has your experience on trips been like?
Susan: I had followed the official Rascals account (RascalsontheRoad-SH) for a while before signing up for my first trip. The trips in September to Haiwan park and Chongming Island were my first ones! Jingles was an absolute terror on the trip to Haiwan, chasing after people on bicycles and barking his head off. But it was so nice to be with other likeminded dog loving people and I determined then that I would try and join as many trips as I could.
Kirstie: It was on the Shanghai Animal Rescue website that I found links to SpareLeash and to Rascals on the Road. In Yiwu, where we live, didn’t have many places for him to socialise and he was becoming very wary. So, when I found Rascals, I was thrilled at the idea of him having the chance to meet so many dogs in a space that was safe for them to run off leash.
I’ve since been on two trips, one to Shaoxing and one to Moganshan where we were able to let the dogs run freely. It’s great to be around people who love to talk about their dogs and to be able to think about something that isn’t work. The walks are just as great. Hiking through forests and letting dogs be dogs.
Raya: I was introduced to Mel at the market in summer. I went on my first trip to Moganshan in August. During the trip I made some friends and we met up after the trip. Their dogs still remember me and want to play with me which was a surprise. I used to think I’m a cat person because I enjoy staying at home. After the hiking trip to Moganshan, I started to thinking maybe I’m a dog person.
When I found Rascals had the trip to Shaoxing, I planned to join the trip. During the trip I met both old friends and new friends, enjoyed the trip as last time. Someone I met for the first time was curious about me having been the only non dog person in the group.
Why did you decide to foster/adopt after having been on a Rascals trip?
Susan: I ‘ve had thoughts of getting another dog as a companion for Jingles. He has been with me since he was 2 months old and is now 10. When I got to Shanghai, it was clear there was an active community of fostering and adopting. I started to keep my eye out but wasn’t really serious about it until I got involved with Rascals. It was great to interact with dogs who needed foster homes on the trips and to talk to some of the foster parents about what kind of commitment was needed. I think the turning point for me was talking to Mel about adding an extra dog to our family. She was really clear on the benefits and the fact that most of the routines were the same, whether 1 dog or 2! I still wanted to not only make sure the fit was good for us but also to know that this was the dog for us. Jingles just fell into my lap and I think I was waiting for another dog to do the same! I had seen Haru on the Shaoxing trip but didn’t realize she was a foster dog. The final straw was going to an adoption event and seeing her there with Felicia, one of the Rascals’ guides. That’s when I thought that maybe she should join our family.
Kirstie: After my first trip with Rascals, I thought back to what had brought me to them in the first place. Looking at rescue dogs who need homes. Not always forever homes but a home to teach them how to live with people and what their future can look like. I decided to open my home to foster because I knew I could make a positive difference to a dog.
Seeing that it was possible, I took in a puppy who required a home while his friends desperately needed to rest. It was a good learning experience for my own dog and for myself when I realised, I was able to walk a dog on leash in one hand, carry a puppy in the other and still pick up the poop!
Raya: I had great time with all the dogs and dog owners during the trips. I knew more about dogs and how big a decision it was to have a dog. I found out that I was ready to give myself a try to start from fostering a dog to adopt. So, when Maru’s god mother reached me to ask me whether I was interested in him, I said yes.
What words of encouragement would you have for potential new fosters/adopters?
Susan: I think the best thing I can pass on is to be open to anything. You may think that you’re too busy for a pet, or that there are circumstances in your life to make it difficult. What I have found is that there is always a solution and in Shanghai, there is so much support for those who want to open their homes to a needy animal. I also find that I can take Jingles in many more places than people think, just by walking in and (sometimes) asking if it is okay! He is a big part of my life so why wouldn’t I want to take him with me? Now I’ll be taking Haru as well. It might take a little getting used to but we’ll figure out a system together.
Kirstie: It’s doable. Your home routine will change a little if it’s your first dog or cat, but if it’s your second then it doesn’t need to with older dogs. They just need a little time and encouragement in the beginning. Give yourself a minimum of two weeks with him/her and they will reward you for it later.
If you’re worried about traveling, then it’s possible to take them along with you. For solo travellers like me, it’s really something to have a friend tagging along. I hate travelling alone. I don’t even like going to restaurants alone. And if you can’t take them, then there are lots of great options for boarding. Teaching a dog what it’s like to have a happy home is the best gift you can give to someone who only knows what it’s like to live on the streets. It’s okay to set a time limit. Giving them to their forever home can be tough, but receiving pictures of happy dogs later makes the hard work worth it!
Raya: Maru is the best thing has happened in my life since covid. When you have a new family member, it will change your life in many ways. Please make sure you’re ready to start fostering or adopting. It’s a very big decision. When I was applying for my adoption of Maru, I made the promise that I would never abandon him no matter what happened in my life. This commitment means a lot. I took it as the biggest promise in my life so far.
Both Maru and Haru (siblings!) were rescued by Eleventh Hour Rescues. To find our more information about fostering, adopting or volunteering with the organisation, please follow official WeChat account: EHRS_2018
