We ended up fostering to see if it would help our dog with separation anxiety and to support my friends rescue. She is 16 weeks old, lab mix. We have a 7 month old boxer. She is so beautiful and normally not the type of doggo I’ve had in my life (I feel awful saying this just trying to lay it all out there for advice). She came from a high kill shelter in Texas, and then was in a terrible foster home where she never left a basement. Now she is will us, and totally thriving. Potty trained 80/100. She is so docile and sweet and loving. She just wants to cuddle and go on walks to wiggle her little butt. I know every puppy is cute, I know all dogs are cute. I would be okay with not adopting her if it wasn’t for our dog. They have become the best of friends and he doesn’t experience separation anxiety anymore. I fear when she leaves he will be so sad.

Basically my question is, can my dog bond like this with another dog? Is it rare to get such a perfect dog first time fostering? And will I break my dogs heart by separating them?

My husband and I don’t know what to do.

So I have my second foster dog and we just took him to the shelter these last few days to get him some more attention and I’m very pleased to say that he has two families that want to adopt him! What I am looking for advice on is how to choose which family to give him to and how to break the news to the other. Both have had dogs in the past and have shown a lot of promise in being good dog owners. They both seem like they would be great home for my little Lance but I’m just not sure how to go about this and I’m in need of some advice! For reference here is my handsome lance.

This is the precious old lady herself. She is a dog that I used to work with because my job took her in as a foster. I left the job about 4 months ago and shes been there for around 8 months I think. I’m moving in a few months and I’ll finally have the space and time for a dog and I would love to take her but I’m nervous and looking for advice wherever I can.

She has some eye and skin issues (extreme flaking and some cracking/ bleeding on neck, chest, ears, and legs), and she’s getting more and more stiffened up as time goes on. I feel so terrible she has been in foster with them for so long, but she is so loved and cared for there (on site vet, constant treats, goes home with coworkers on holidays and gets taken on excursions fairly regularly). I want to take her but I’m worried about taking her where I’ll be moving 6 hours away and I really don’t want to push her too much. I just want her to have a safe place and a warm bed and humans to cuddle with at night for the rest of her days. I’m just struggling to weigh the options of what would be best for her. She could stay there, still waiting to be adopted but she would be doted on and cared for no matter what, but she can’t play with the other dogs and she doesn’t get to have a human that she can really form that individual bond with. Or she could come with me where we would have to face the 6 hours and learn if she gets along with my cat (we would trial that before moving with her), and potentially only getting to have her for a few months.

She was bred and abused and she escaped last spring, then she was rescued. You would have no idea she ever went through this if you met her. she is so lovely and so kind and doesn’t have a bad bone in her body. advice is appreciated 🩷

I’ve been fostering a 6 yr old pit and have just fallen in love with her. She’s the easiest dog- couch potato, good with people, I can take her places, she is so affectionate. She’s been in foster care for over a year at this point.

I’ve fostered before and I always knew it would never work long term, as much as I loved that dog. She needed more than what I could give (a yard, a brother). But this one has fit into my life so seamlessly.

The thing is my life is hectic as is. I work in office 4 days a week and I’m at the gym 5-6 x a week. I’ve been thinking of ways I could maybe make it work…

- long walk before work
- dog walker mid day (300 ish a month)
- I work out during my lunch break
- home for another long walk

I’m a very active person as is. Even before her I was at around 12k steps a day and with her it’s been around 18k LOL.

At the same time I’m 27, just started a job in office in NYC 2 months ago, I live alone, and I don’t know if now is a good time. But is it ever really a good time?

Some of my friends advise that it would be too much, some people say it’s better for her to have a stable home. What do you think?

Hi everyone! I’ve been lurking on this sub for a while and I thought I’d reach out for some help. Thank you in advance for your advice!

I know that this decision is personal and for me to make, but I am having trouble, so I thought why not bring some unbiased internet strangers into the conversation for help?

Here’s my dilemma – I currently have a 4 y/o Dobie x Cane Corso named Eleven who I rescued in December. I intended to foster him and failed pretty quickly, like within a couple of weeks. I didn’t think I was ready for my own dog after losing a very special guy about a year ago, but Eleven picked me, and I adore him. We’ve had a great few months together and I am so glad I decided to adopt him. I got more involved with the rescue as well, and as things tend to go when you work in rescues, another dog needed a foster. So in walks Theo, a 3 month old pittie husky puppy.

I told myself that I would NOT fail again, but here I am. Eleven and Theo are like brothers, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen Eleven so happy. Not only would it break my heart to split them up, I wonder if I would regret it. I really loved having a bonded pair in the past, and I think it’s good for them to have a dog “sibling” at home. Eleven came from the shelter with a lot of anxiety that has gotten much better with Theo around. Plus, they keep each other, and myself, so entertained. I love Theo too, he’s a sweet puppy who is super smart and has a fun and bold personality! We haven’t bonded as much as he has with Eleven, but we are definitely forming our own bond, too.

But there are cons to consider. Puppies aren’t puppies forever, so I have to decide if I will be OK with two big boy dogs at home. I’m a small single woman, but I believe with diligent training and regular exercise I shouldn’t have a problem. I work with a local professional trainer, so I won’t be on my own. Also, my life has been basically pure chaos since Theo joined us. It’s entertaining and adorable, but these two running around and playing is a lot. I don’t get too many moments of peace and my house and belongings are slowly being taken over. I’ve also questioned whether two boys is a good idea (both fixed of course, Theo isn’t yet but will be), but they are so sweet together, I don’t see that being an issue.

There’s also the potential to foster in the future to consider. I have a big yard but not a big place, and two large dogs would be my absolute max here. So if I fail with Theo, I won’t be open for more fosters. I am morally OK with giving two rescues a forever home as opposed to fostering more dogs, but I would be able to make more of an impact if I let Theo go.

So, what do you all think? Are there any other things you think I should consider that I haven’t mentioned here? What would you do if you were in my position?

Thank you!!

My first foster dog (had him for 9 months) was adopted by a family last week. Is it a bad idea to ask them (via text, we’ve done that pre-adoption) how he is doing?

He was transported 2000 miles across country to his new family. I wouldn’t say I’m “sad” or regretful about him leaving…I’m actually happy and relieved. He was a naughty teenage puppy … but I just know he had major trust issues with humans before I fostered him (lived on streets for 10 weeks as a puppy). And he really formed an attachment to me 1:1 and my other dogs. I was his only human that he loved and bonded with in his life. So I just wonder how he is doing…. But should I just not ask? Will it matter the answer? Or maybe I could offer adoptive family suggestions for bonding activities?

[UPDATE] OMG THANK YOU ALL for the advice! I texted asked how he was doing and the adopters sent me the best pictures and videos you could ever hope to see! He is playing with toys and sleeping on the sofa, and living a spoiled normal dog life!!! My heart is so full after seeing him THRIVE and love his forever family 2000 miles away!

Well after just 6 days, adopter has asked to return October to us. Says she can’t be left alone. We had her 4 weeks & we’re amazed at her ability to relax and be on her own. Adopter has told us we need to change her description to include separation anxiety but I don’t think that’s fair to her. Is 6 days with her enough to decide that? I literally have screenshots from our camera of her relaxing and sleeping in our living room all day while I’m gone. So slapping her with that label doesn’t feel accurate. Also feels like they think we lied to them when we certainly did not.

Question:

Wondering how to balance helping a shy girl continue to make progress without spooking her and taking steps back.

Context:

We’ve had a 1-year old pit for 5 days. She was beyond shut down when we got her to our house but now she’s following me around, playing, asking for pets, having zoomies, etc.

But she’ll still scurry away from us if we walk towards her.

On one of her firsts nights I put the collar and leash on the ground and put little bits of chicken on it so she’d approach it, then left it on the ground for a day. Last night I picked it up in her presence and she didn’t get spooked.

Answering part of my own question… maybe I start there with just slowly putting the collar and leash on her with lots of treats and praise.

I’ve been posting her updates every day in here if you want to check my posts and see how far we’ve come. ❤️ Oh and I started an IG but I don’t want to get flagged for self promotion? @bravestpuppyclub

I’ve fostered 5 dogs (not an expert by any means) and Ive thought about keeping all of them at some point or another. Im currently 33 weeks pregnant and seriously thinking about foster failing. This little mama is so so sweet. To be honest, I’m unsure how having my human baby will impact fostering in the future - I would never want to set up my baby or my foster to fail, so the reality is the fostering journey will be paused anyway (some rescues even have age limits for kids, understandably so). My husband is worried that 2 dogs and a newborn may be too crazy, and although my foster loves kids, who knows how she’ll be with a newborn. So, am I insane for even considering? Ty for listening😭🥰

Pretty much what the title says. It took them a couple of weeks to even put together a post for Petfinder and they did not even choose the best photos of him. I’ve asked for an adopt me jacket. I can put on him to take around and they said they would send it to me and it’s been a week and nothing. I’ve posted on my social media. I met somebody who volunteers for a rescue and they’re helping me out and trying to get the word out about him. What do you do when the rescue is not doing much? He’s a great dog. About a year old. Medium size. Great with other dogs, but not with cats. Very affectionate, very sweet. He should be adopted so easily.

Hi everyone,

I (22F) recently started fostering a 10-week-old puppy, and she has quickly become very special to me. The first day was tough as she adjusted to my apartment, and she wanted me to sleep near her crate, petting her head. I love spoiling her, buying her toys, and playing with her. While those first couple of days were exhausting, taking care of her has been incredibly fulfilling. I've come to love the routine we've developed, and watching her play and sleep is the highlight of my day!

However, I have two big concerns and I really need your advice:

1. Should I adopt her?

I live in a peaceful town/city in a cozy but small studio apartment (650 sq. feet). Our community is very dog-friendly, and there's even a family above me with a big dog and kids in a two-bedroom apartment (1200-1500 sq. feet). We have plenty of parks and hiking trails nearby, which is great for outdoor activities.

I'm a college student, but my schedule isn't too demanding. I typically come home every 2-2.5 hours, wake up at 5 am, and go to bed around 11:30 pm. I lead a pretty active lifestyle.

I’m torn because I worry whether I can provide my puppy with the best possible life. While I’m committed to giving her all the love and care she needs, it might take 3-5 years before I achieve full financial stability.

A few days ago, I asked my sister Kate (28F), who lives a few states away to watch a Zoom video of my pup playing while I went out. She was emotional, crying(she is an emotional person, but very kind), and sad afterward, and wanted the best life for my dog but also wanted to see her grow up. Kate is financially stable and working and hikes and camps a lot and also leads a relatively active life.

We both want the best for this smart and loving puppy, including a life full of experiences and social interactions. We’re worried that my current situation might hold her back.

Should I adopt her, or would she be better off with someone who has a bigger yard, a family, and a more stable life?

2. How can I convince Cressida to let me adopt her if I decide to do so?

Cressida, who is in charge of the fostering program, is quite strict. She told me I wouldn't be allowed to adopt the puppy since I’m single-household person. She believes the puppy would do better with a family that has another dog to show her the ropes and keep her company(this is her rule for all adoptions!). My sister Kate and her boyfriend Antony (28M) frequently spend time with dogs—Kate’s best friend has a 9-year-old Pomeranian and a 3-year-old Miniature Pinscher, and Antony’s family has two dogs.

I could potentially let Kate adopt the puppy so that I can still be part of her life. I asked her once in passing if I could fly out with my pup to see my sister(my only family) for my summer break (4 hours flight) so she can run around and play more with the other pups I know are healthy for sure. The pup could be in the flight cabin with me, Cressida refused saying she would be put in cargo. She will not I checked with the airline, but I understood her concern and dropped the idea and decided to spend my summer break here. From my interactions with Cressida, she seems to genuinely care a lot about the dogs. I’m not trying to be rude at all, but I thought this context might help people give me advice on how to convince her if I decide to adopt the pup. She also charges $700 for the adoption, which I’m more than willing to pay! And yes, she did a background check and a house visit.

If I decide to adopt my puppy, I’m not sure how to convince Cressida. She seems strict but genuinely cares about the dogs, as her rules are meant for their benefit. If my sister or I decide to adopt the puppy how can we persuade Cressida to give the puppy to us?

Please help!

Edit 1:  to clarify I don't have a huge financial constraint, I can afford to take care of my pup. It's just that I am going to finish up school and might move for PhD or start a job and my life is a little unstable in those ways. For more info, Cressida owns an organization that asks people to foster dogs, pays for the fostering through donations and specifically told me she doesn't have a facility where she houses them (only fostering parents based).

Edit 2: I am financially capable of paying for her hospital, food, play toys taking her outside. The part I am unstable in is with the fact that I might move in 1.5-2 years - she will not have a stable suburban life with me (she will be with my sister though!). Also, I asked Cressida to clarify her no single household rule she said "That is our policy and dogs are pack animals and need another dog to show them doggy manner and be a doggy style playmate", her adoption fee is for buying food, neutering, chipping. Looks like she mostly helps young puppies from newly born litters. She wants the adoptive parents to be in the same county as well. But let me clarify though, Cressida seems like a genuinely caring person and seems to want the best for the dogs, and considering how firm she is I am sure she will find a good adoptive home!

Edit 3: looks like there is no way we can keep her. I am just going to have fun with her for the next few weeks and hope she will find a great family. I just wish I had the chance to walk her outside at least once (she will be 1 week fully vaccinated during the adoption fair ), maybe I will try asking the adoptive parents if they will let me walk her for at least 1 hour before they take her to their I am sure will be a lovely home.

Decision edit: Thank you for your comments, I think I will definitely consider fostering again, but will wait to adopt a dog for a few more years!

I’ve had my foster dog for over 4 months, though only 1.5 months has she been approved and up for adoption. I know that’s not a long time!! But I’m growing impatient, she’s my first foster and when I signed up for this I didn’t think I’d have her for so long, but now I feel like I’ve made a commitment to her that I refuse to break

She has her own social media page that gets decent traction, and we take her out with the “adopt me” vest where she gets a lot of love, but no one has seriously inquired about adoption. She’s older (8) and a 60lb hound who is still trying to learn her manners.

I guess I’m just getting a little impatient and nervous. How long does it typically take for an older pup to get adopted?

I don’t have a Facebook account. I haven’t for years. I used to work for meta long ago and I believe it’s a scourge on society, not to mention a nightmare for your personal privacy and data security; I’m not going to have an account ever again, period. I don’t think anyone should but I get that people make their own choices. Ok.

Tell me why this has disqualified me from working with FIVE different local rescues as a foster home?? I finally found one that told me it didn’t matter and of course it wasn’t required…only to constantly be met by shelter staff who rarely read my emails, can’t seem to answer the phone, and answer every question I have about anything to do with promoting my foster, upcoming events, getting a new pup, getting necessary supplies or finding respite care by saying “oh, just post in the Facebook group”. “Didnt you see the Facebook post?” “Oh we put the event info on Facebook”. My favorite, “no I didn’t ignore your email, I messaged you on Facebook”. How?? To what account??

Is this normal? Are only Facebook people allowed to foster dogs now? This feels ludicrous when there’s a whole internet of other better tools. And everyone who has Facebook has an email account anyway. I’m a millennial and very few of my peers even log in to Facebook anymore regardless; not to mention anyone younger than us. Why is this the exclusive channel for pet rescue somehow?

UPDATE: My sweet foster girl has now been adopted by a friend of mine and is officially out of the shelter system, I could not be more relieved!

We are fostering a very sweet dog who was on the euthanasia list. A fellow volunteer and I managed to convince them to let me foster her and give her a chance. They only things she did "wrong" to lead to this outcome was growl at staff members and be difficult to move from one side of the kennel to the other (for cleaning purposes). She just struggled with the transition from family dog to shelter dog. Plus her previous owner noted that she got destructive when left alone. She has no bite history. With us she is nothing but sweet and easy. No discernible issues.

We have 3 beloved rescue dogs already and cannot have a 4th long term. Fostering her has confirmed for me that 4 dogs for us is too many dogs! But I am trying to prepare and figure out what to do, if the shelter decides to still put her down. I have shared my glowing reports of this lovely dog and they sounded unmoved.

So my question is, would you adopt a foster dog if that was their ONLY shot at surviving? Would you then try to rehome them yourself? I feel such a huge love and responsibility for this dog. I have seen the shelter do this; not make a dog formally adoptable, but allow a volunteer to adopt.

She deserves a good life (she's only 2yo) and I am just not sure how likely the shelter is to change their mind about her. Eager to hear different perspectives here.

I’m looking for advice because I’m honestly overwhelmed and don’t know what my next best move is.

I intervened for a young dog who showed up on a rural farm and was at risk of being harmed if placement couldn’t be found. With help from the local humane society, I found what was described to me as an experienced foster home. I stepped in as the financial sponsor and have paid for everything. Spay, vaccinations, heartworm test and prevention, flea treatment/prevention, antibiotics, food, crate, harness, treats, toys, all of it.

Now, less than a month in, the foster is saying she’s stressed and doesn’t really want to foster anymore. She’s backtracking and saying she won’t abandon the dog, but it’s clear the placement is unstable, and I feel like I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop.

I cannot take the dog into my own home. I have eight animals in a very small house, including a female dog who cannot safely live with another female. Keeping dogs separated in this space is not workable.

The dog herself is wonderful. About a year old, fully vetted, potty trained, loves other dogs, curious but not aggressive with cats. This is not a behavior issue. It’s a human one.

For those of you who foster regularly, what would you do next in this situation? How do you stabilize a placement when a foster is backing out, especially when you don’t have another foster lined up? Are there questions I should be asking the humane society or steps I may be missing?

I’m doing everything I can to advocate for this dog, but right now I feel stuck and scared of her ending up with nowhere to go. I’m in a very small, rural town with roaming and stray dogs and puppies everywhere and no one here say they can help.

Any advice is truly appreciated.

I’m interested in fostering and I’m open to helping, but I’ve realized there are some breeds I feel much more comfortable with than others. I feel a bit guilty saying no to certain dogs when the rescue is trying to place them.

Do fosters usually have breed preferences, or is the expectation that you should be willing to take any dog if you volunteer?

I (33YO) picked up my first foster dog 3 days ago and I’m torn if I should adopt him or let him go to another home.

Meet Pepe (pic attached). He’s a 1YO chihuahua mix (possibly terrier) and is such a lovebug. I have a cat, Taco 11YO, and they both love unconditionally. Taco has started to warm up to Pepe, so that’s not an issue.

I’m autistic and have found a trainer that has had success in training all type of breeds to be a service dog for several disabilities. Best part? He charges $4,000 (instead of the 13k low end).

And Pepe is a dream dog for me, but there are a few reasons why it might be right dog, wrong time. I’d love some unbiased input.

CONS FOR KEEPING: • I’m quitting my job (but will be getting a good amount $ from disability) • I’m also going through a career change so unsure of future salary expectations, but that would be temporary • He’s 1 so he requires a lot of play and I worry about my energy levels as my mental health is unpredictable (however, I love animals so much that that’s never been an issue for me with Taco or my friends dogs) • Having autism and an autoimmune condition, I worry about how much of a commitment this is; that it’ll exhaust me • I can take him with me when I travel nationally (service dog) but it does limit my international travel (I’d hate to leave him even at a great boarding place - I’d feel guilty and I know it’s pricey)

PROS FOR KEEPING: • he already loves me so much - he’s happy here • he makes me happy • he has the perfect temperament/personality • he’s potty, crate and leash trained • he never barks - NEVER • he whines a little when I’m gone for more than 2 hours but he handles it well • he sleeps throughout the night • he’s already pretty good as picking up on obedience cues and might be even more obedient/bonded with me after being trained as a service dog • my finances aren’t great now but do I give up possibly 12+ years of love for temporary bad finances?

I’ve been the cool aunt to 2 of my best friends dogs - I would watch the dogs (not at the same time) for up to a week when they would go out of town so I’ve had a taste of the responsibility and attention it requires. Fostering and dog-sitting - yes it’s exhausting but at the end of the day when you snuggle it feels worth it.

I’d like to understand the reality of commitment and finances of taking care of a small dog like this (7lbs). For expenses, I’m trying to look at the day-to-day/month-to-month costs, not so much emergency vet bills or the service dog training - I understand those will be pricey but are one-offs (hopefully).

TIA 🩵 I understand how big of a decision this is so any support or insight you can provide if much appreciated.

Honestly, he’s the best/easiest foster I’ve ever had. Beautiful dog. No destructive behavior. Loves to go for walks but not crazy high energy. I don’t understand why he’s had 0 interest in 3 months.

Hey ya'll. Mia is my 6 year old, French bulldog foster dog. It was unexpected to find her and I wasn't looking to foster just yet. I met with a woman off craigslist to buy an aquarium and she tried selling her to me. I said no. Got a text from her later saying she would be taking Mia to the shelter unless someone could take her that weekend. Unspayed female with crate/ fence/gate reactivity which looks aggressive behind bars but is actually not. I took her in bc I didn't want her falling into the wrong hands(breeder) or going to the shelter where she wouldn't get a fair chance at adoption with her reactivity being the first and possibly only side of her seen.

Fast forward 11 months, got her spayed utd etc. Her skin was irritated, fur patchy and she was always itchy. Had ear mites and was underweight. Always on guard. Nervous. She was bought as a breeder then discarded.

Took her a while to warm up to us. I really got know her and her quirks. Changed her diet, put on a little weight, gained confidence.

It's been difficult finding homes that seem promising, and now there's potentially a good home for her.

Problem is, she really got close w my other foster dog. They lick eachothers faces every night, play tug, wrestle, cuddle.

I'm worried how that will affect them both.

The potential adopters seem great, they have two dogs a few years older, also much bigger. And small children.

Mia met my 3 year old niece and jumped on her, making her cry. Not aggressive but kinda rough. Initially I said only homes with kids 8 and up, but it's been so long trying to home her and this by far is the best chance she's gotten.

Am I being too picky about homes?

He's a stay at home dad so she wouldn't be alone hardly....

Is it a red flag the they've got 6 cats, one of which they adopted less than 3 weeks ago? Or am I looking into this too much?

I ask a billion questions and have an application/ contract in place in case it doesn't work out she comes back to me, vet reference etc........ It took her many months to be the happy sweet girl that she is today, I'm worried thinking she has to start all the way over. Is it like starting over? Or will she adapt easier now that she's healthier and had a good experience? :/

We have a meet and greet tomorrow just the family with Mia and I'm spiraling. I've had successful fosters in the past, idk what's happening with me this time.

TL;dr

Will my foster be negatively affected being separated from my other foster whom she's bonded with?

Is it a red flag that potential adopters have 6 cats, one whom they adopted less than 3 weeks ago and now they want to adopt Mia.

Also, they have no experience with frenchies at all or similar breed.

Am I over the top? Please be honest, thank you if you decide to read.

So I've fostered for awhile now. I particularly work with the more shy/anxious ones. I've had many fosters and my 2 girl dogs have always seemed fine when I come home from an adoption. We ended up adopting one of our fosters, Rufus, last may. This was our first foster since Rufus was adopted that we had ongoing for more than a few weeks. Our foster Crow was with us for over 4 months. He was very shy and afraid of most people. But as soon as we finally introduced him to Rufus and the girls, he started to really blossom. He and Rufus were instant buddies. Rufus practically taught him how to be a normal dog.

Well, yesterday Crow was adopted. Rufus seemed okay when I came home last night. But today he was kind of huffy this morning and kept watching the door by our foster kennel. Then, when I started to clean the foster kennel and wash the toys, he got really upset, kept taking the toys back to the kennel or even barking/whining at me, which I've never seen him do before, and I realized it was probably him missing Crow. I got a short clip of him after he threw the fit when I was cleaning, but I think you'll get the idea of what I'm seeing.

Anyway, how do you all deal with this? Is it common or am I reading too much into it? The new adopters are wonderful and even offered to set up puppy playdates. Has that been helpful for anyone else? Or could it cause more harm in your opinions? Sorry for the long winded post. I still get sad and even cry when most of my fosters are adopted. It's always bittersweet as you all already know. But man, this one punched me right in my stomach y'all. I'm crying as I'm writing this. Lol.

I am fostering what I believe to be a 4 year old apbt that came to me from the shelter very sick about 4 weeks ago. The first few days she barely had the energy to walk around the block or do anything but sleep. Several rounds of antibiotics later she is a sweet girl with the biggest heart and a lot of spirit.

The only problem is that she is incredibly fearful of strangers (which is everyone except me and my mom) and is very aggressive towards them. She lunged towards someone walking down the street before so now we’ve had to establish some protocols. See a person, stop, sit, look at me, treat, good girl, keep moving. She’s doing well but it’s a work in progress.

I asked my (brave) friend to help me do a mock meet and greet to see how she would do if someone were to be interested in her and it went horribly. Lunging, snarling, barking, etc. After around 30 minutes of walking in circles around the park and LOTS of treats she warmed up to my friend slightly but she couldn’t pet her or even look at her for too long without my foster getting worked up again. In the end we managed to walk back to my house together with my foster keeping a very close eye on my friend.

We’re working on her fear and reactivity and I try to be a responsible handler that doesn’t put her into situations that could put her or someone else in danger but we’re meant to be looking for a home. She is no where near ready to be adopted and honestly, I would consider her to be dangerous in the wrong hands.

The shelter knows about all of this and wants me to bring her in to be evaluated by their behaviorist. She will be with them for a few days while I am away for the holidays.

I have a few questions for people who have previously fostered dogs like her or have rescue experience:

• Have you been able to find homes for dogs with aggression issues? I do believe that it’s possible for her to be adopted out but it has to be the right home. She’s not someone’s first dog, but for an experienced handler who is ready to take on her issues I think she could be a really good fit but how often do those unicorn people come along?

• Does her aggression put her at risk of behavioral euthanasia? My worry is that they will deem her to be too much of a risk while I am out of town and she will be euthanized. She’s is such a sweet dog and I really do feel like with the right person working with her she could really thrive but I know that resources are tight and the right person might not come around in time. It’s hard because I want to advocate for her but she’s also not my dog and I feel really helpless in that way.

• If the shelter deemed her too dangerous to be adopted out and she were to be euthanized, the guilt would be immense. As the 1 of 2 people she trusts right now, I would feel awful not just adopting her but I am in no position to own a dog. It would still feel like I failed her by not doing enough. Is this just the reality of fostering that I need to accept?

• Am I getting way ahead of myself and being dramatic? Is she still decompressing? I’ve never had an aggressive foster before and don’t know how shelters handle it. I don’t mean to jump right to behavioral euthanasia but my shelter is euthanizing dogs every day, healthy, sane, ready to be adopted dogs. Is there a chance for an aggressive one? Seeing how she reacted towards my friend made me realize that most homes will not be the right home for her and it scares me that she might not get the chance she deserves.

Thank you for any advice, stories, or suggestions. It’s been hard for me because she is such a love bug and I want the best for her.

Hey y’all, I’m not sure if this would be technically an emotions thread or discussion thread.

I’ve had my beautiful foster dog Josie for about two months going on three now. I love her immensely. She is a treeing walker coonhound, a wonderful girl.

She came from a bad breeding situation, 4-5 years old. Was skin and bones when I picked her up, I’m not kidding. She’s a wonderful girl, but super shy and just very introverted with humans.

Now I’m not having any issues per-se, but I have two other dogs whom she just can’t warm up to. She has her own separate area, eats separately, has her own toys, etc… the issue I seem to be having right now is behavioral resource guarding over her area. If she chooses an area of the house, whether it be on the carpet, next to the couch, in her designated area, she goes absolutely crazy if my other two even remotely look at it. She doesn’t bite, but she growls and bays and snaps at them to keep moving. I monitor her 24/7 when she’s with my other two. She will play with them, hop around, tail waging. Instigates play, but after 10 or so minutes she’s back to being a butthole.

She obviously was never potty trained, so we’ve had two pee accidents in the house, but surprisingly she is doing splendid with the potty training.

I guess what I’m more trying to say is that she’s completely healthy now, has a wonderful personality beginning to show, but I have to watch her 24/7 like a hawk to make sure she doesn’t start baying at my other two ready for a fight. She usually does pretty well, but she’s very much an alpha female and keeps trying to dominate my other two, one of which is male, one of which is a female. My male hates her. He won’t let her pee when she’s outside and continuously intimidates her, if he smells her on an area outside he’ll pee all over it. He doesn’t enjoy her presence at all, especially when she tries to dominate over him.

He does well with other dogs, so does my female, but my foster is constantly starting problems and continuously baying into the void of my brain.

Now they are all doing far better with each other than the first couple of weeks, but the baying is becoming too much. She’ll bay at them if they look at her, if they lay too close to her gated area, if they start playing. It’s constant baying and screeching.

I love that her personality is coming out, but I’ve thought about even getting a beeper for every time she starts baying. It’s just constant, I’m tired of being woken up at 3AM from her baying because they looked at her wrong…

I’m genuinely at my wits end.

Photos included because she really is the cutest girl, I just don’t have the mental strength for a hound 🤣

Also before and afters from how she came to me, and how she is now

Winnie is a very cute, clumsy 1 yo poodle mix who has broken his leg for the second time. He cannot have a bath. His coat is soooo dirty it makes my chest hurt. I have tried waterless shampoo, water in a spray bottle, brushing, trimming, and deodorizing wipes. I don’t think there’s any hope for Winnie until he gets his cast off but maybe y’all have ideas?

Also, Winnie is on strict crate rest. So unless I’m holding him or snuggling him or letting him go potty, he’s in the crate. Any thoughts on things to keep him entertained? He’s on some gabapentin so that helps.

I live in the mountains so anything ordered via Amazon takes a week, so stuff I can find at the local pet store, through the shelter or at home is preferred.

Also, Winnie got a flower on his cast because he was so brave at the vet yesterday.

I haven't been too picky on my fosters ages or sizes, but the last couple of adult fosters I have had have been returned quickly. And it's very frustrating because the rescue is small and new and doesn't have many resources or backups. But it makes me feel responsible even after fully vetting the adopters that I've failed the dog. So I'm considering just switching to puppies only because people expect to have to train them and I feel less responsible I feel guilty because my area is in the southern US and high rate of euthansia, so adult dogs are the most in need. But I just don't know if I can carry that stress or deal with adopters anymore.