So Upset About Foster Dog

[Guest_1573]

I fostered a dog three weeks ago. I was told she was a bit boisterous but other than that she was great on lead etc. I was promised training, food, crate, halter etc...none of which was forthcoming. She finally was desexed and vaccinated one week ago. She popped her stitches Wednesday and had to go back to vet to be restitched.

Again I rang the organisation and stated how upset I was about what had happened and how I needed help with her. Again they promised to bring some stuff around to calm her down. Never happened.

Since then I have been injured (all by accident) due to her behaviours. She has peed on my son's bed and in the car. She has destroyed books and remote controls. I have tried to take her for walks and she hurt my shoulder.

I am so distressed. I never would have taken her if they had been honest with me. Now she loves us and she has to go on Tuesday as I simply cannot stand it anymore.

I rang lifeline to discuss as I feel like such a horrible person.

[Ggrand]

Hello Panicmerchant!

Sounds like your foster dog isn’t working out all...and I’m sorry fur baby has hurt your arm..and messed up in your son’s bed and car....

You opened your heart up to this foster dog and done the best you could, you are not a horrible person at all...the opposite really...you took a foster dog in and fed her, cared for her, gave her a warm place to sleep and lots more things as well...

The organisation that you fostered from has done wrong by you, by not holding up to their end of the contract....You done nothing wrong....

Fostering a dog or any animal would be hard to do...because they have to be returned, unless the animal is ready for adoption....which isn’t always the case..

Thats okay about returning her on Tuesday....she isn’t suited to you by the sounds of it....adopting her or fostering her out for longer, may cause you and your home more damage...You need to be gentle on yourself and look after yourself both physically and mental health..

My kindest thoughts with my care Panicmerchant..

Grandy..

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Panicmerchant,

I'm sorry to hear about what's been going on and couldn't agree more with Grandy.

I'm a dog lover at heart and have adopted lots of dogs over the years. It sounds like you've been really let down by the foster care agency, promising you things and not delivering.

Giving your dog back does not make you a horrible person. It makes you courageous and insightful.

Looking after dogs is no easy feat, and some come with more challenges than others. No matter what sort of dog you get, it's all the more challenging if you don't get support, and all the more challenging if you hurt your shoulder.

While it's really sad that this hasn't worked out, you've been able to give the dog a chance to be with a family that is a better fit. It's a good decision, because it gives you a better quality of life, and it gives your dog a better quality of life. It would be the same for me to take care of a border collie; doesn't matter how much I truly love him/her, an active and energetic breed like this just doesn't suit my life (or my tiny house!) right now.

I hope this helps think about things a different way, and I hope it helped to chat to Lifeline as well.

rt

[Sophia16]

Hi,

Thank you for being so open here. I'm truly sorry about how your foster dog is treating you. It must be so conflicting dealing with all of this.

Sometimes the animals we foster don't suit our households and family. We can't control that. It can be hard to let go but we have to if it doesn't suit our needs.

Stay safe and I am always here to chat.

[Guest_1573]

So relieved. She absolutely loves it at the doggy retreat! She has lots of exercise but boundaries also. She will be undergoing intensive training next week. I know now that she will be ok. I love her but she is far too energetic and boisterous for me. Just knowing she is happy, safe and well looked after is a huge thing for me. I visited her today and took her treats that I had ordered online for her. She was great; happy to see me but more than happy to go outback with the other sweet pooches!

Thanks to you all for being so kind and supportive. I really appreciate it.

xxx

[Ggrand]

Hello Panicmerchant,

Thats such good news about your foster dog....I’m so pleased it worked out for both of you...and you’re able to visit and play with her...I could only image how much she is enjoying herself playing with the other doggies at the retreat..

You were very brave taking that road....well done, you done the right thing by both of you..

My kindest thoughts and care..

Grandy..

[Guest_7403]

I wouldn't be too hard on yourself, dogs are pack animals and naturally alpha dogs like this one, need an owner that is assertive, calm and in control.

Dog will be fine when in a new home. Don't let it eat you alive.

[Guest_1573]

Hugs to you all who helped me. I am perfectly ok now! The relief is immense. To know she is safe and happy.

I did all I could. I had her for one month and in that time had her desexed, microchipped and vaccinated. Gave her endless love and comfort. Lovely bed, treats and toys. A lot of food! Lots of drives, a few walks (??!!) and lots and lots of fun. I am not feeling bad at all anymore. I think I spent about $300 on her but I don't care. I got her out of a not good place and gave her one month of wonderful . Perhaps that also helped her trust people more? She absolutely loves the team at the retreat!

It is the best thing for her to be at the retreat, trained then refostered/adopted. I 100% accept that now. All I ever cared about was her welfare and she is on a path to a lovely settled life.

I will avoid the fostering/adoption path for now. I begin my new job next week (was benched last week due to isolation). My son has been accepted to Uni mid year so he can leave school!!! He is applying for work until uni begins.

I am scared to be happy but seriously things finally seem to be looking up. I have had a most awful time for a very long time. I can finally feel some optimism and motivation about the future.

xxxx

[Athenry]

So glad things are improving for you! ❤️ good luck with the new job.

[Guest_1573]

Thankyou so much xx