I became a foster mom

[zoey829]

Isnt she just darling??? We just got her tonight. She is great w our dogs and our cats. We are going to socialize her and get prpeared to go to a permante home. ANy tips?? This is my first foster!! I really want to give back to the dogs once in awhile!!

 

[susanne]

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Good for you!

We were foster pet parents for several years, and several of our adoptive pets started out as fosters.

Keep in mind that it can be difficult for both you and the animal, especially if they are particularly needy. That said, I would never have done it any other way. We met and cared for some very special dogs and cats. Even when it hurts, it is wonderful to see them go to their forever home.

 

[Miniv]

GOOD FOR YOU!!!!!!!!

I work with our shelter as a volunteer, but have never fostered. Instead we take in senior dogs (one at a time), the ones no one else wants -- to give them a loving home for their last months or few years.

In your case, I would talk to your shelter reps. They should know some important things your girl needs to learn with socialization. Potty training is an obvious, but I'm assuming she's already completed that. She's already good at socialization with other dogs AND cats. What about children? Is she trained to walk on a leash? Does she know "sit", "stay", "lie down", and "come"...? Oh, and watch for Food Aggression at meal time. That may not be something you can undo, just something that needs to be addressed.

In my book, if she can do everything I listed above, she'll be adoptable anywhere! And even if she's nervous with children, that's okay. There would be LOTS of people without kids who would love her. What a FACE!

 

[StarRidgeAcres]

Good for you! You are doing a wonderful thing for that sweet baby.

I second everything said so far. The socialization and manners are the key. But another important role you will be playing is as her advocate. The time she spends with you will become critical to her successful placement. You will learn her personality and tendencies. As her foster mom, you will have the most knowledge about what will make the best permanent home for her. For example, kids, no kids, other pets or the only one, food aggression issues, reaction to noise, amount of activity needed, emotional needs, place in the pack, gender preferences (some dogs prefer woman over men or vice versa), car rides, and about a hundred other things. You will know her best and should be involved in the placement review of any prospective families.

My ex and I fostered about 25 dogs over the years with one staying with us 4 years before the right home was found. And 3 NEVER left!lol So be prepared for that outcome also.

Congratulations! You will get back a thousand times what you give in the long run. I'm not saying it's always going to be smiles and pretty butterflies, but in the end you will feel richer for the experience.

 

[Sonya]

awww she is cute. Good for you, you have a big heart. I have thought about fostering too but I don't think I'm cut out for it.

 

[zoey829]

Thanks for the adice. We are already working on everything listed. She is really a sweet girl. Great in the car, dogs and cats. Dont know yet about kids. I was able to take her bone away. She isnt eating much right now. Potty trained also. I have to walk on leash training. But right now the obsticle is separation. She isnt distroying anything but she cries. Which makes it hard for us to sleep. So I need tips for that. But she is a nice girl and would make anyone a great dog!!!!

 

[Bess Kelly]

She just reeks of "I want to love you, please let me!"

That gal just wants to belong. I could not let her go, LOL....ahhh, the foster problem. Too many would stay.

 

[zoey829]

She does reek, of I love yoU!! well, we solved the problem of her crying at night. She slept on the bed with us! Problem solved! Now it is just the matter when we go out or to work. I cant leave her unattened with teh cats and other dogs. She is still too young. I am sure she will get used to it. She is a great dog!!I can only let her go when the perfect home comes along. If not she stays! She is giving my over weight BC some really good exercise

 

[topnotchminis]

Good for you. I foster for the shelter I work at and I have six puppies and a mother dog now. The only tip I have is that the first foster is hard to give up but after that it does get easier ( sometimes lol)