Today we have three dogs so we don’t have the time for a foster, but that’ll change when Keep the Tail Wagging is a full time job; then we’ll be able to foster for a week at a time. I’m excited for when that day comes.

When we foster, Rodrigo loves the dogs. He gets such a kick out of them. Sydney needs assurance that I’m still her mommy and stays close to me, but she warms up eventually. We’re not sure how Blue will react to a fourth dog in the house. Time will tell.

Great post! Great topic! I haven’t read an article from the dog’s perspective before.

It’s a big decision so it’s worth taking your time to decide.

I work with a great organization that temperament tests the dogs before making any decisions. They would not send a dog to me if they thought he would be a danger to us or himself.

That said, dogs are unpredictable so working with an organization that provides training for its volunteers would be great. Also, how do your dogs react to having visiting dogs in the house who aren’t from a shelter or rescue? If you don’t know, maybe you can invite a friend’s dog over for a sleepover. It might be a good way to see just how your pups respond to someone new living in their space.

A regular foster parent published a list of questions to ask an organization before volunteering: http://www.poochieproject.com/2012/06/questions-to-ask-rescue-before-you.html

And my friend Mel has some really great posts on volunteering. Here’s just one: https://nodogaboutit.wordpress.com/2012/07/16/finding-the-right-dog-rescue/

Good luck making a decision. And good luck on the new blog. 🙂

I remember how frustrated you were when you first decided to adopt Ducky. You’ve done a great job figuring out what she and Callie & Shadow need to be happy together. Doggy daycare was a brilliant idea.

Love hearing that Callie and Shadow are making adjustments for the little whirlwind they live with.

Thanks for sharing such an honest foster failure story.

We find it stressful too–even with all Honey’s gifts.

Fostering is definitely not for everyone. And it’s only fair to talk about the downside as well as the rewards.

Honey is doing better. Her sadness doesn’t last long. 🙂

The staff and volunteers at the SPCA know Honey pretty well. Honey took puppy socialization, beginning manners, and nosework classes at the SPCA. So they send dogs and puppies to us that will do well in our house.

But rescues and shelters never have enough foster families who don’t have any animals. So they rely on households with mellow dogs to take fosters who aren’t 100% crazy about other dogs.

Glad to hear Bandit found his new home. I hope he and his new person are happy together. Though it’s hard to imagine Bandit ever being unhappy. 🙂

I’m sorry that I can’t take on a puppy (or 2). I have some pressing work deadlines that would make it impossible for me to supervise such young puppies. I wish Honey could take charge of them and I’d say yes in a minute.

Lots of wisdom in your comments. If I thought you could find the time, I’d suggest you write a book on the topic.

I also find it harder to let go of some dogs than other. I think it has to do with who I feel is needier. I don’t worry about the puppies. They’re adopted quickly and are pretty happy. But Cherie, my fearful hound mix, was hard to let go. I hope she’s doing well.