Bridge Rescue for Dogs
New Foster Orientation
President: Kim Stoll
Vice-President: Shelby Smith
Treasurer: Michael Montgomery
Secretary: Lynn Grenci
Director of Development & BRDG Founder: Mary DeRanitz
Executive Director: Ashley Zappia
Website: Bridgerescue.org
Email: brdgrescue@gmail.com
Phone: 520-390-6904
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Welcome
Welcome to Bridge Rescue for Dogs! We are excited to have you
join our team of wonderful foster parents. We are a local dog
rescue based in Tucson, Arizona and primarily acquire our dogs
from the Short Term Rescue list from PACC (Pima Animal Care
Center). In addition to this list, we also take in street rescues and
owner surrenders. Started in 2014, Bridge is a fast-growing
rescue in Southern Arizona, and we are always happy to bring
new fosters and volunteers onto our team as we work to be the
bridge between homeless and happy for our rescue dogs. We
are not a breed specific rescue, and welcome dogs of all breeds,
sizes, ages, and medical conditions into our open arms.
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What We Do For You
As a foster parent, we at Bridge will be in this with you 100%
throughout the time that you are caring for a Bridge dog. We
can supply the following to you to be able to care for your foster
dog:
• Food
• Crate
• Veterinary Care
• Training Support
• Toys
• Leash
• Any other necessary materials for caring for your foster
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What if I Spend My Own Money on My
Foster Dog?
• Bridge Rescue for Dogs is a 501c3 non profit
rescue, meaning that any money that you
spend on your foster will be considered a tax
deductible donation. Be sure to save your
receipts, and you can submit them for a
formal receipt from Bridge to be able to use
when filing your taxes to receive your
deduction.
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The Basics
As with any rescue organization, we do have a
number of rules that we request all of our foster
parents follow. These rules are in place to protect
our foster parents, dogs, family members, and
other members of the community. It is important
to be mindful of these standards to both maintain a
positive trustworthy image in the eyes of our
community, but also to ensure the safety of
everyone who gets the privilege of spending time
with our Bridge family members.
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Policy & Protocol
• No meet and greets with other dogs without prior written Board
approval.
• All foster dogs must be crated or kept separate from any visiting
dogs unless foster obtains prior written Board permission.
• No unsupervised interaction with little animals at any time without
prior written Board approval (including but not limited to small
dogs, puppies, rabbits, cats, birds, reptiles, etc.)
• No dogs may be switched out with another foster without prior
written Board approval.
• Any vacation coverage must be prearranged and approved by
Board.
• Vacation coverage requests must be made at least one week in
advance.
• No children under 12 permitted at pet store and expo Adoption
Events.
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Policy & Protocol
• Food requests must be made 72 hours in advance.
• Foster agrees to accept the dog back and resume care of the dog within
the first two weeks of a dog’s failed adoption.
• Foster will return all supplies or purchase them from BRDG no later than
two weeks after the dog’s successful adoption.
• Foster are permitted to adopt their foster dog provided they complete an
adoption contract and provide a reduced $50 adoption fee in the form of
cash, check, money order or Paypal.
• Only BRDG-approved vets are to be used except in emergency.
• Only BRDG-approved trainers are to be used.
• BRDG ID tags must be worn when outside the home.
• Only slip lead, martingale, choke or prong collar can be used when outside
the home. No flat collars, except as a means to attach ID tag.
• Foster dogs must be leashed at all times when out in public.
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Policy & Protocol
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Foster will provide dog food, indoor shelter, calm environment that allows for
decompression and stress reduction, kind and loving care until the foster dog is
adopted.
Foster will immediately notify BRDG if foster dog escapes.
Foster is responsible for the safety and actions of the foster dog.
Foster is responsible for supervision of the dog. BRDG is not responsible or liable
for any damage, including injury to other animals, property damage or damage to
persons.
Foster will not at any time relocate dog from the primary residence of the Foster
without prior written approval of the Board.
Foster will return the dog to BRDG immediately upon request. The foster dog is
under the Bridge Rescue for Dogs Foster program and under the legal guardianship
of Bridge Rescue for Dogs until officially adopted.
If you would like clarification on any rules or would like to obtain permission from the
board for an exception to a rule please contact one of the board members.
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Off Leash Parks and Dog Parks
•
At Bridge, we do not allow for our
dogs to be taken into public areas off
leash, this includes dog parks. This is
to be able to prevent fights between
our dogs and others, and be able to
quickly and effectively break up such
a situation should one arise. As a
foster parent, while you will get to
know your foster dog and might want
to “treat” them by taking them off
leash. However, you will not know
the behavior of other dogs or
potential dangers they might come
into contact with (rattlesnakes, toads,
etc.), so this rule is in place to protect
all parties involved. In addition, Only
slip lead, martingale, choke or prong
collar can be used when outside the
home. No flat collars.
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Proper Care of Foster Dogs
•
As a foster parent, it is your
responsibility to ensure that your
foster dog is appropriately cared for.
This includes feeding, grooming,
appropriate exercise, and ensuring
that proper veterinary care steps are
taken. While Bridge will pay for all
costs or treat all money spent as a
donation, it is the responsibility of
the foster parent to make sure that
dogs are at all required appointments
and are appropriately cared for.
Bridge can assist with transportation,
but will need to be notified at least
48 hours in advance (if possible) so
that a volunteer can be found to
help.
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Introducing a Foster Into Your Home
One of the biggest challenges that you may face as a foster
parent is introducing your foster dog to existing dogs in the
home. This is why Bridge requires a meet and greet with all
resident dogs prior to allowing foster commitment, as we do
not want to set up either the dog that we will be pulling or
dogs that are already in the home to fail. Once the initial
meet and greet is passed by all parties, there are some simple
steps on the next slide that you can follow to help make
transitioning a new dog into your home as smooth as possible.
If you do not feel comfortable with taking these steps and
introducing the dog on your own, please inform Bridge and
we will ensure that we have a volunteer, foster, coordinator, or
board member assist you with the introduction process.
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Steps For a Smooth Transition
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Take your own resident dogs on a walk
with your foster dog. Make sure that you
properly introduce the dogs (nose to
butt!) first, and then walk them together
in a neutral location. Take a path that is
different from the one you normally take
your dog on, this will help minimize any
feelings of being territorial.
When bringing the dogs into your house
together, have your dogs enter first and
then lead your foster into the house.
Watch all of the dogs together and
redirect any intense stares or stiff body
posture. If there are consistent issues, or
the fighting is with an intent to harm, dogs
will need to be separated and introduced
in a slower manner.
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Should separation be necessary, it is best
rotate where you are keeping your dogs
and your foster. This will keep them
separated, but will also help them start to
get used to the scent of one another.
Crates are useful for this, and you can
alternate between which dogs are in their
kennels and which are free to roam.
Even if all dogs appear to be getting along,
do not leave them alone together until
you have complete confidence that there
will not be any incidents while you are
away.
There can be other factors that can cause
dogs to not get along. Observe any
behavioral patterns that may indicate
resource guarding, such as food
aggression or toy guarding.
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Handling Food Aggression
• Food aggression, or food
guarding, can be a common
issue with a new dog in the
home. This most often
occurs when a dog becomes
aggressive when another
dog happens to be in the
same space while a dog is
eating. It can also be
directed at people when
someone attempts to take
away a food bowl from the
dog.
• Training is the best way to
alleviate food aggression, if
you are experiencing this
with your foster dog, do not
be afraid to bring it up.
• An easy way to handle this
issue is to separate dogs
while they are eating, and
thereby limiting any
possibility for a reactive
situation.
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Foster Resources
Visit our Foster Resources Section of our
website for information & videos on the
following subjects:
• Dog to dog intros
• Introducing dog to kids
• “Nothing in life is free” philosophy
• Crate training
• Training the “place” command
• “Sit on the leash” calming exercise
• Leash walking
• How to use a prong collar
• Separation anxiety
• Impulse control
Check out our FAQ’s section of our
website to familiarize yourself with
questions you may be asked about BRDG
by adopters:
http://bridgerescue.org/helpfulresources/faqs/
http://bridgerescue.org/helpfulresources/foster-resources/fosterresources/
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Foster Requests
If you are in need of a vet appointment,
professional training help, food or supplies, or
any other non-emergency request please
contact your case manager and fill out the foster
request form found here:
http://bridgerescue.org/helpfulresources/foster-resources/foster-request-form/
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Support Within Bridge Rescue
If you feel that you are in need of assistance or
advice regarding anything involving your foster dog,
there are plenty of fantastic resources available
through Bridge. Aside from board members and
coordinators, many of our foster parents are
veterinary technicians, trainers, and groomers with
plenty of experience. You are welcome to post any
questions that you may have on the Bridge Rescue
Foster Facebook page. We are a community that is
supportive of one another, and are here to help
you.
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Going on Vacation/Out of Town Trips
If you will be going on vacation, there are
a number of options that you have. You
may use your own personal dog sitter if
you wish, but be sure that they know
your foster dog prior to you going out to
town. Ensure to provide them with
Bridge emergency contact information,
and provide their information to Bridge
in case we need to contact them
regarding your foster dog while you are
gone. Bridge can also arrange for a dog
sitter or boarding option for you , but
please be sure to provide all information
(when you are leaving, when you are
getting back, if the dog has special
needs, etc.) with as much notice as
possible. This is to ensure that Bridge
has enough time to arrange for
appropriate care of your foster dog.
On occasion, you will be permitted to
take your foster dog with you on trips.
However, these situations must be
submitted appropriately and approved
by the board prior to the dog
accompanying you. Regardless of
whether Bridge will be making plans for
dog sitting or you will be taking care if it
yourself, you must notify Bridge at least
one week in advance, with the exception
of emergency situations. Requests need
to be submitted to your case manager
and the Foster Request Form.
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Non-Emergency Veterinary
Appointments
Should your foster dog need
non-emergency veterinary
care, please contact your
case manager and fill out a
foster request form. You will
then be contacted to make
an appointment at the
closest partnered vet to you
after an authorized board
member has approved care.
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Emergency Situations
Should you have an emergency situation with your foster
dog, contact an executive management team member as
soon as possible for instructions. If the situation is dire
and you are unable to reach an appointed person in time,
our preferred emergency vet is Southern Arizona
Veterinary and Emergency Services. If you cannot make it
there in time for appropriate care, you may take them to
a closer emergency vet. Upon arrival, please contact a
board member and provide all information to have them
call the vet office and approve care, including the name
and contact information of the emergency vet office that
you have taken your foster to.
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Bridge Adoption Events
Bridge holds a number of adoption
events every month at various locations
in the Tucson area. Check the Bridge
Fosters Facebook Group or ask your case
manager for what events are happening
each weekend. While our fosters are not
required to go to all events, we do
encourage you to go to as many as
possible with your foster dog.
Depending on the temperament of your
dog, in-store adoption events might not
be beneficial for them. If your foster
does have behavioral complications,
please use appropriate discretion as to
which events they would be best suited
for and consult an executive
management member if necessary. The
purpose of these events are to help get
more exposure to your foster so that
they have the best chance possible at
finding their forever family, as well as to
raise funds to keep our rescue in
operation.
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There are a number of rules that we
ask all Bridge members to follow for
in-store adoption events:
– No children under the age of 12
– Be aware of your foster dog at all times
and be in control of the situation.
– Follow all of the rules of the location
that the adoption event is being held at.
– Be on time for scheduled shifts at
adoption events.
– If you cannot make the adoption event,
please notify the executive
management team as soon as possible
so that we can try and find another
foster who would be able to attend, or a
volunteer who might be able to bring
your foster dog for you.
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Other Bridge Events
Bridge has more than just adoption events, we also hold social
events, marketing events, and fundraisers. A majority of
these are family events, and anyone is welcome to attend. If
the event is dog friendly, Bridge will post this information, and
we ask that fosters have discretion over which events will be
successful for their foster dogs. Rules for these events
include:
• Maintain appropriate behavior
• No illegal substances or activities
• Be aware of your foster dog at all times
• Have fun, these events are meant to be a good time, feel
free to speak with members of the public and promote
Bridge and our wonderful rescue dogs!
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Appropriate Behavior at Bridge Events
When you are present at Bridge events,
be aware that you and/or your foster are
representing the Bridge name on a public
stage. Be sure to monitor both your
personal behavior and the behavior of
your foster so that you can put your best
foot forward as a representative of
Bridge Rescue for Dogs. The following
behaviors are not allowed at any Bridge
event unless specified:
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Drinking alcohol (unless at specified
Bridge fundraisers where it is being
served).
Having your foster dog off-leash.
Taking your foster up to an unfamiliar
dog without consulting the handler
of the other dog first.
Promoting your own personal
business or fundraising for another
cause.
Profanity or language of a
threatening, demeaning, or sexual
nature.
Weapons of any variety.
Dressing in an inappropriate or
provocative manner (swim suits and
shorts are completely acceptable for
carwash and water-related events,
but please be tasteful)
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BRDG Approved Emergency Vet
Southern Arizona Veterinary Specialty and
Emergency Center
• Phone: 520-888-3177
• Website: http://www.southernazvets.com/
• Two locations: 7474 E Broadway Blvd
or 141 E Fort Lowell Rd
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BRDG Approved Vets
Twin Peaks Veterinary Center
• Phone: 520-572-8300
• Website: http://www.twinpeaksvet.com
• Address: 7555 W Twin Peaks Rd
Rolling Hills Pet Clinic
• Phone: (520) 790-4871
Website: http://www.rollinghillspetclinic.com
• Address: 7010 E Golf Links Rd
University Pet Clinic
• Phone: (520) 795-7016
Website: http://universitypetclinic.com
• Address: 1506 N Tucson Blvd
Animal Birth Control of Southern Arizona
• Phone: 520-745-4564
• Website: http://www.animalbirthcontroltucson.com/
• Address: 1114 S Craycroft Rd
Cortaro Farms Pet Hospital
• Phone: 520-744-2050
• Website: http://cortarofarmspethospital.com/
• Address: 3550 W Cortaro Farms Rd
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BRDG Approved Trainers
sol.DOG Canine Services – Rachel Molyneux
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Phone: (520) 255-1696
Website: http://soldogtucson.com/
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Address: 1895 W Prince Rd
Dogs Behavin’ – Amanda Jansen
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Phone: 520-429-8030
Website: https://www.facebook.com/vailk9connection/
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Address: 13698 E Ocotillo Bloom Dr
Off Leash K9 Training, LLC – Abraham Fabela
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Phone: 520-312-3241
Website: http://www.tucsonazdogtrainers.com/
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Address: 5900 S Courtland Dr
A Loyal Companion – Kate Titus
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Phone: (520) 448-3548
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Website: http://www.aloyalcompanion.com/
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Address: 4758 E. Grant Road
Dog Central Station – Maureen Odenwald
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Phone: (520) 323-6689
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Website: http://dogcentralstation.net/
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Address: 2801 E Grant Rd
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Contact Information
President: Kim Stoll
• Email: Kimmstoll@gmail.com
• Phone: 484-919-1793
Vice-President: Shelby Smith
• Email: Shelbylilliansmith@gmail.com
• Phone: 413-695-3667
Treasurer: Michael Montgomery
• Email: Michael.Charles.Montgomery@gmail.com
• Phone:
Secretary: Lynn Grenci
• Email: lfgrenci@gmail.com
• Phone:
Director of Development & BRDG Founder: Mary DeRanitz
• Email: brdgrescue@gmail.com
• Phone: 520-390-6904
Executive Director: Ashley Zappia
• Email: a.m.mason07@hotmail.com
• Phone:
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Contact Info Continued
• You can also reach out to any of our board
members via Facebook, as we do perform a
lot of our rescue communications through our
Bridge Rescue Fosters Group. While our board
members try to be available as much as
possible, they do also have responsibilities
outside of BRDG, and will respond within 48
hours.
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Can I adopt my foster dog?
• Yes! BRDG loves it when foster families get so
attached to their foster dog they just can’t see
them go to any other home.
• Adoption forms are found here:
http://bridgerescue.org/register-withus/adoption-application/
• The reduced adoption fee for fosters families
to adopt their foster dog is $50, plus $11
license transfer fee if within Pima County.
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