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Posted by rotteneiler on November 30, 2002 at 21:31:14:

In Reply to: fostering posted by juice on November 26, 2002 at 01:04:43:

I am part of pet rescue. I have had so many fosters that I cannot even tell you how many. I have helped to train and socialize them and find them good homes. I would say that you should try it. One dog at a time works best to start. My own dogs all love the new dogs when they come home with me and I get quite attached myself. My dogs don't have any signs of depression when the fosters go. I guess they know now that there will be a new member of the family coming home real soon. I now have 6 fosters besides my own 4. They all live indoors, no kennels. I think that helps to socialize them so they can be a good family pet. It is a lot of work, but the rewards far outweigh any inconvenience. Go for it! I think you will see that it is a fabulous feeling to know that you helped to save a life and find a good home for the dog. Let me know how it goes if you decide to do it. I do have a word of caution for you. Always remember to check the dogs personality and aggression levels before taking them home. Play with them at the shelter outside if possible.See if they will let you take their toy or food away. Watch for signs of aggression. Rub their bodies and gently play with their ears. Children do tend to tug on tails and ears. Good luck.
:I am thinking about fostering a dog from one of the local shelters and was wondering if any of you could tell me about your own experiences with fostering. I adopted a little sheperd from a shelter, who was found living in a ditch at only 8 weeks old :( I love just love him and he's been a joy to my life, he is the sweetest dog I've ever known. A friend of mine, is looking to adopt and I went along with him to the shelters. And was heartbroken to see all the poor dogs who are couped up in the shelters, as their spirits slowly decay. My dog just adores other dogs, he had lots of buddys while he was at the shelter, but then again he's only a 7 month old puppy. Over the holidays while I have time off I'd like to let a shelter dog come stay with us for a while until he can find a new home. I would definatly like to get another dog eventually, but right now I figure my boy is so young that I should probably focus on him for now, not to mention that I'd have a hard time financially caring for two dogs. But I'd like to help as best as I can through fostering. My concern is that my dog could become attached to the foster and then suffer the anxiety of missing him/her. Not to mention myself missing him/her, but I figure knowing that I've helped would outweigh the missing of the dog. Any thoughts?

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