The Best Friends Network recently learned of an awesome new website that aims to save the lives of some of the Big Apple’s most critically needy homeless pups by helping to connect them with fosterers. The site, Foster Dogs in New York City, was started by NYCACC volunteer Sarah Oren as a place to highlight particularly friendly NYCACC dogs who were on short lists for euthanization due to lack of shelter space. Inspired by her action, we chatted with Sarah to learn more about her and the site.

Best Friends: Tell us a bit about yourself and how you came to start the Foster Dogs in NYC blog.

Sarah Oren: Since I was very young, I have been an ardent dog lover. I worked throughout high school at various dog-related businesses in Connecticut where I grew up, including a veterinarian's office, dog shelter and a boarding kennel. I also certified my shelter dog as a therapy dog, and hope to do that with more dogs I adopt in the future. I moved to NYC in the summer of 2008, and immediately felt a need for the company of dogs.

I began fostering last winter for Safety Net, a program run by NYC's Animal Care and Control. Safety Net helps provide low/no cost animal care for those in difficult situations. After fostering a dog through Safety Net, I got an email begging someone to foster a sweet "throwaway mom" pit bull that was scheduled to be euthanized the following morning. I jumped at the opportunity, fostering my second dog--who soon found a fantastic permanent home.

After fostering my ACC dogs, I decided to help other dogs in dire situations get increased exposure by creating a blog dedicated to that very goal. I post new canines daily from various rescue groups and shelters around the NYC-area, along with contact info to foster or adopt.

Blogger Sarah Oren with her rescue dog Simba (left) and pals Bucky and Daphne.

BF: How long has the site been active, and what kind of results have you experienced so far?

SO: Foster Dogs in NYC is only two months old, but it has received such an overwhelmingly positive response in that short amount of time. So far, 55 dogs have been posted, 18 of whom have been fostered or adopted! Not all of the fosters/adoptions were 100% due to my site, but I'd like to believe it helped quite a lot!

I would love to increase the latter number by increasing viewership of the site itself. With more site traffic, there is a higher chance that these dogs will lead the happy life they deserve.

BF: Have you encountered any difficulties so far?

SO: One very trying aspect of running a foster dog blog is hearing of dogs put to sleep at kill-shelters due to "lack of space." Because of the incredibly fast turnover rate at AC&C, I try to post their dogs whenever possible to increase their chance of survival.

Most rescue groups have been extremely receptive to the idea of my posting their available dogs on my site. My dog blog has been picked up by numerous websites and blogs, as well. With the support of other animal lovers and NYC residents, Foster Dogs in NYC should have a much higher success rate for dog placement as time continues!

BF: Do you have a great success story that you'd like to share?

SO: For a foster dog success story, see my article on Mocha, pictured below.

 Mocha, one of the lucky who have been adopted.

BF: Do you have any advice for readers who may be wondering how they can help animals in their area?

SO: My best advice for others interested in helping animals is: FOSTER! It's not always a piece of cake taking care of a new dog, but it is CERTAINLY worth it. Everyone has the ability to save a dog's life; it just depends how willing one is to devote the time (and possibly money) to this very noble cause. Contact your local shelter to see if they have a foster program and how you can get involved!

BF: Is there anything you'd like to add?

SO: If you would like to get your animal rescue group or shelter involved with Foster Dogs in NYC- or if you are an individual with a dog in need of a new home, please contact me at sko921@yahoo.com.

Photo credits: Image of Sarah Oren with friends, and image of Mocha the happy, former shelter dog are both courtesy S. Oren.