Researchers tested whether one week in a foster home helps dogs from animal shelters. They watched dogs before, during and after the week at home.
The team measured cortisol, a stress hormone, from urine and used activity monitors to see rest and movement. During the home week, cortisol fell and dogs rested more. When dogs returned to the shelter, their cortisol did not go higher than before. The study suggests that one-week foster stays can calm many shelter dogs.
Difficult words
- researcher — person who studies and tests ideasResearchers
- foster home — temporary home for animals from a shelter
- shelter — place where lost or homeless animals liveanimal shelters
- cortisol — a hormone that shows stress levels in animals
- urine — liquid waste from the body used for tests
- activity monitor — device that records how much animals move or restactivity monitors
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Discussion questions
- Would you like to host a shelter dog for one week? Why or why not?
- How do you think a week at home can help a dog?
- Do you think shelters should use short foster stays for many dogs? Why?
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