Ask Why is Fostering Healthy Dogs Illegal in New Hampshire

The look I get when I explain that the State Veterinarian in
New Hampshire has made it illegal to foster healthy,
adoptable dogs for rescue groups, so no more hiking.
 

Earlier this week, I posted a final farewell to my adventures here at Foster Dog Summit because it is now illegal to foster healthy, adoptable dogs for rescue groups in the State of New Hampshire. I asked anyone who wanted to know why this is now law to please send an email along with a photo of your dog to the state veterinarian with the following subject line - "Why is Fostering Healthy, Adoptable Dogs Now Illegal?"

Many of you took the opportunity to do so and for that I am deeply grateful. Thank you for exercising your rights to hold government officials accountable for their actions. A number of people have shared their emails and the responses that they received, if any, and I have quickly discovered that they are all canned replies that do not answer the question, "Why is Fostering Healthy, Adoptable Dogs Now Illegal?" Instead what everyone is receiving in response from the state veterinarian's office reads as follows:

Good morning, (insert name here) -

 

Thank you very much for your note.

 

It is not illegal to foster an animal in New Hampshire, but there are certain criteria that need to be met. The title of blog, “Fostering Dogs for Rescues Illegal in New Hampshire”, is incorrect and misleading. Part of the recently passed rule is pertinent here (highlights added), “Foster facilities shall be used solely for medical or behavioral rehabilitation when a premises already holds a license to house animals. Foster facilities shall not be used as an extension of space for housing the general population of a licensee.” For many years, fosters have been considered an extension of a licensed premises.  Note that the blog uses the terms “rescue” and “broker” nearly interchangeably. Brokers are not the same as rescues or shelters. By definition in statute, brokers arrange deals and/or transport animals. They do not have a licensed premises, thus brokers cannot use a foster unless it is a licensed location.

 

We appreciate your concern and interest.

 

Sincerely,

 

Steve Crawford

  

Stephen K. Crawford, DVM
New Hampshire State Veterinarian
25 Capitol Street
Concord, NH 03301603-271-2404

 

While this is better than no response at all, I suppose, it still does not answer the question, "Why is Fostering Healthy, Adoptable Dogs Now Illegal?" Rather, it merely confirms what is accurately explained in my previous blog post. Essentially, if a dog is healthy, he or she must remain in a cage in a shelter until adopted or afflicted with an illness or a behavioral problem. It is now illegal for healthy, adoptable dogs, like the dozens of canine companions who hiked with me, to reside temporarily in foster homes.

I am not using terms interchangeably or misleading anyone. I resent that accusation made by the state veterinarian, and I reiterate my repeated requests for him to substantiate the need for and quantify the risk of New Hampshire based rescue groups such as Canine Guardians for Life, Inc. being suddenly blindsided by an administrative rule change that has forced these volunteers to cease operations even though they have been licensed by the state and operating legally and effectively for several years. I used the defined term "Broker" accurately in referencing the license held by Canine Guardians for Life, Inc. and its compliance with all of the rules and regulations of the State of New Hampshire. 

If you would like to know why this legislation was changed or would like to share a story about the positive experiences that you have had volunteering with, adopting from or contributing time or money to a rescue group operating in New Hampshire that is negatively impacted by this rule change, it would be extremely beneficial for the State Veterinarian as well as your State Senators and State Representatives to hear about it as well.

The foster dogs and I will miss seeing everyone on the trails. Thank you for your kindness and support over the years. Below is a video of the first two years of our adventures with Foster Dog Summit.

 

 

Thinking Spring with Petey on Pack Monadnock

Petey making his way on the snow covered trail.

Winter got a late start this year in New Hampshire, and it seems determined to stick around long after it has worn out its welcome.  The skiing conditions have been wonderful, but I am now ready for a change of season.  Last Sunday, I was determined to get a taste of Spring on the trails, so I headed south for Pack Monadnock (2,290 ft.) in the hopes that the trails would be mostly clear of the white stuff yet not too full of the muddy stuff.  What I found instead was much more snow from top to bottom than I had anticipated.  And while that would not otherwise have posed a problem, I also realized at the trailhead that my microspikes were not in the back of the car where I thought I had left them.

Petey questioning my preparedness

Thankfully, my boots have good tread and I was able to choose a route that was mostly in the sun.  So, my hiking companion Petey and I set out for the top of Pack Monadnock via an out and back 2.8 mile trip along the Marion Davis Trail.  While the trail was well packed and mostly slushy and not icy, the spikes would have made for a quicker descent.  Of course, I did not have to worry about Petey pulling on a leash or otherwise complicating our hike in any way.  So, we did not mind taking our time and carefully watching our steps along the way on such a beautiful and sunny day. 

Enjoying a sunny, dry section of the trail

We only encountered two other hikers on our way to the summit.  As I introduced my companion with, "This is Petey," the first hiker replied, "So am I, and so is he."  After chatting briefly with the Peters and asking that they share Petey's blog post with family and friends, we continued to the top of Pack Monadnock where we met with a few other hikers.  Petey kindly made the acquaintance of more hikers and posed for several photos.  He is a perfect gentleman in every way.

At the summit of Pack Monadnock

Found wandering as a stray in West Virginia last year, Petey made his way to New Hampshire late last fall and has been wintering in a foster home while waiting patiently for a family to adopt him.  Peter's early grey muzzle makes him appear older than his estimated six years of age, but he hikes like a dog half his age.  In addition to his distinguished appearance, Petey is completely friendly with everyone he encounters, including humans, canines and felines of all ages and sizes.  They say that 10 is the new 5 in dog ages, so the family who welcomes Petey into their home will have many happy, rewarding years of companionship ahead of them.

Smiling for the camera and the new friends he met!

You can learn more about Petey, share him with family and friends, and submit an application for adoption here on his Petfinder profile page. A full album of photos from Petey's hike to the top of Pack Monadnock is available online here at the Foster Dog Summit facebook page.  To support the efforts of Petey's rescue group with a contribution or to inquire about fostering a dog, please visit Canine Guardians for Life, Inc.

See you on the trails!

The First Two Seasons Now on Video

Marvin taking in the views from Mts. Welch and Dickey

The first two seasons of Foster Dog Summit are now on video.  Special thanks to rescue groups - Canine Guardians for Life, Inc. and Almost Home Rescue of Maine - for providing the second chances for first hikes and forever homes.

Favorite photos and previously unseen footage from the 2011 and 2012 seasons are now available on You Tube. 

Click here for link to video if your browser does not display it below.

See you on the trails!

Kenzi Goes Leaf Peeping on Piper Mountain

Kenzi at the summit of Piper Mountain

Already a few weeks into autumn, and my work schedule combined with a few rainy weekend days had been keeping me away from the trails.  The foliage was at its peak over the Columbus Day weekend, and I was in search of a canine to accompany me on a hike.  So, I was thrilled to receive an inquiry from Kenzi's foster family member Michaela who was also looking for a holiday weekend outing that would be suitable for her 10-month old foster dog Kenzi and her own 7-year old rescue dog Zeke.  


Zeke, Michaela and foster dog Kenzi posing with the
colors of fall 

After several months of solo hiking one dog at a time, I was looking forward to a small group outing and the opportunity to further showcase the lovely Kenzi.  It is shocking to me that this wonderful, young girl has been overlooked for several weeks now.  All along the Piper Mountain Trail, Kenzi was as pleasant and well-behaved as the first time I hiked with her to top of Mt. Major back in August.

Kenzi kindly greets a Dachshund on the trail

Kenzi and her foster brother Zeke were both extremely polite with everyone - human and canine - they met en route to the top of Piper Mountain (2,042 ft.).  The 2-mile round trip out and back trek to this summit in the Belknap Mountain Range is the perfect fall hike when you are in search of big views but have little time to spend.

Patiently waiting for a home of her own

As we walked along, I asked Michaela to tell me more about how Kenzi interacts with the other members of her foster family.  In short, Kenzi is the ideal guest who gets along with people and dogs of all ages.  While the family does not include cats, Kenzi has not caused any trouble for the the bunny in the household.  She is also fully house and crate trained.

We are confident that the perfect family is out there waiting to welcome this well-trained girl with golden eyes and matching coat.




Kenzi exploring the summit

To learn more about Kenzi and to complete an application to adopt her, please visit her profile online at Petfinder.com.  From there, you can read more about the experiences in her foster home and also obtain more information about her rescue organization.  If you are interested in becoming a foster home or would like to make a donation to support more dogs in need of rescue, please visit Canine Guardians for Life, Inc. to support their efforts with a contribution of time or treasure!  A full photo album of Kenzi and Zeke's hike is also available on the Foster Dog Summit facebook page.

Kenzi Shines through Haze on Mt. Major

Kenzi on the ledges just below the summit of Mt. Major

Hazy, hot and humid did not deter foster dog Kenzi from having an enjoyable hike to the summit of Mt. Major (1,786 ft.) on Sunday, August 5, 2012.  This former Texan, who was recently rescued from an overcrowded shelter, is a gorgeous golden mix of Australian shepherd and Basenji. 

Kenzi was equally excited about hitting the trails as she was with meeting every person and dog she encountered along the route.  On our way up the Main Trail, we had the opportunity to speak with several hikers. 

Meeting rescue dog Harley

Kenzi especially enjoyed meeting and sharing a drink of water with a fellow rescue dog named Harley who was adopted from a rescue group in Tennessee approximately three years ago.  Harley now happily resides in Nashua, New Hampshire, and his family proudly recalled their excitement the day that, "Harley stepped off the transport truck and into our lives."  Of course, Harley and all dogs from reputable rescue groups come complete with a health certificate issued by a veterinarian, full vaccinations and are spayed or neutered prior to departure.  These efforts ensure the health and safety of people and pets already residing in the areas where rescue dogs are being transported for adoption.

Kenzi at the summit

After a humid ascent, Kenzi and I were extremely grateful for the powerful breezes atop Mt. Major.  While we would have preferred less haze in the views overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee, we were grateful for an enjoyable climb and many wonderful photo opportunities that showcase Kenzi's beauty.  A full album of photos from Kenzi's hike can be viewed online. 

Waterslide!

For our return trip, Kenzi and I had high hopes that the Brook Trail would provide opportunities to cool off a bit.  Kenzi took great delight in taking a break from the heat by fully submerging herself and belly sliding several feet down the brook.  She is obviously very fond of hiking and swimming!

Tired but happy after the hike!

Eight month old Kenzi is currently living with a wonderful foster family that includes three other rescue dogs.  While she enjoys the company of her foster family, Kenzi is really looking forward to finally settling down into a home of her own.  Please share Kenzi's adventure with friends and family and help her get the rest of the way home!

To learn more about how to support rescue dogs in need, please visit Canine Guardians for Life, Inc.

Foster Dog Bertie Shines on Mount Kearsarge

For the second week in a row, I have been privileged to be accompanied by a wonderful canine companion en route to the summit of one of New Hampshire's most spectacular peaks.  On Sunday, July 17, 2011, the lovely Bertie and I hiked to the 2,937 ft. summit of Mt. Kearsarge located in Wilmot, New Hampshire.  Mt. Kearsarge is famous for its panoramic views showcasing Boston to the south, the White Mountains to the north, the Green Mountains to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.

Bertie on the Barlow Trail

Bertie is an approximately 2-year old Spaniel/Chow Chow mix who enjoys the company of other dogs, cats and people of all ages.  She is currently residing in a foster home that is part of the volunteer network of the rescue organization Canine Guardians for Life, Inc.

Bertie is both friendly and energetic, and she tackled Mt. Kearsarge with such enthusiasm that it felt as though she too sensed the magnificent views awaiting us at the summit!

Bertie shows off her golden coat

Our journey began at Winslow State Park where we opted to travel up the mountain using the Winslow Trail and return via the longer Barlow Trail.  Bertie was very pleased by the welcome she received from the park attendant who kindly presented her with a very large doggie biscuit to fuel her hike!

Taking in the views at the summit

Bertie walked extremely well on a leash and politely greeted all of the human and canine hikers that she met on the trails.  Many people stopped to pet Bertie along the way and to inquire about her hiking background.  They were all surprised to learn that this was Bertie's first hike since she is both so well mannered and very adept at climbing.  They were similarly surprised to learn that Bertie is a foster dog who is waiting for her permanent family to be found.  Fellow hikers we spoke with were more than happy to share Bertie's contact information with those looking to adopt a dog into their lives.  Bertie and I are also hopeful that some of the people we met today may themselves be interested in providing a permanent home for her or would consider opening their homes temporarily to a dog in need of foster care.

Bertie makes friends with Tucker

Foster families provide a critical link between overcrowded animal shelters and families looking to add a canine companion into their lives.  Foster care allows dogs to immediately transition into a home situation while simultaneously providing rescue groups with the time and resources required to appropriately match adopters with the dogs who are most suitable for their lifestyle.  If you or someone you know would love to add Bertie as a member of the family, please learn more about her and complete an adoption application.

For more photos of Bertie's adventure to the summit of Mount Kearsarge, visit her album and become a fan of Foster Dog Summit on Facebook.

Molly Meets and Greets on Mt. Major

Molly at the start of her climb up Mt. Major

My first challenger for the foster dog summit could not have been better suited for the meet and greet adventure than Miss Molly with her exquisite doggie manners.

Located in the heart of New Hampshire's Lakes Region, Mt. Major is a popular hiking destination for both people and pets which provides stunning views of Lake Winnipesaukee from its 1,786 ft. summit. 

Molly and I began our trip to the summit of Mt. Major at approximately 9:00 a.m. on the morning of July 10, 2011.  Molly's backpack carried treats from Polka Dog Bakery, a collapsible water bowl and, of course, a few plastic bags so we could abide by the carry in/carry out rules for doggie pits stops. 

Molly meets Jeffrey and Taylor on the trail

During our ascent up the Boulder Loop Trail, we stopped for a number of photos and visits with other hikers and their dogs.  Everyone was interested in meeting Molly and promised to convey her details to any family members and friends who were currently looking to adopt a canine companion.

Molly conquered the trail with such purposeful enjoyment! 

Waiting for us at the summit was an amazing view of Lake Winnipesaukee and even more dogs and their hiking companions who were happy to make acquaintance with Molly and pose for photos.

Molly and I on the summit of Mount Major

In between conversations and a few snacks, Molly and I took several more photos and decided that we would return via the Main Trail.  It was approximately 11:15 a.m. when Molly and I began our descent.

During our journey back down the mountain, we stopped and chatted with a couple of hikers who commented, "Molly looks just like Benji but with dark hair!"

I have to agree that Molly does have that irresistible Benji appeal about her.  I am also a huge fan of the movie that debuted in theaters in late 1974.  Benji was the first film that I got to see in a movie theater.  The dog Higgins that played Benji was also rescued from the local animal shelter.

Obviously, the message of the movie stuck with me as it did with countless other moviegoers in the 1970s.  It has been estimated that Benji inspired over 1 million dog adoptions from animal shelters.

Definitely Benji in dark fur!

Molly is fortunate to be able to reside in foster care while she awaits her forever home.  She was rescued from an overcrowded animal shelter where her opportunities to be properly trained and socialized were severely limited as compared to the individualized attention that she receives in her foster home.  Molly's permanent placement will also open up a foster home for another deserving dog in need.

If you are interested in learning more about this super friendly, approximately one year old terrier mix, you may visit and share Molly's adoption page.  If you would like to learn more about becoming a foster family for another dog in need of rescue, please contact Canine Guardians for Life.