Ah Julie! I have so much work to do so I couldn't resist reading this immediately when it popped up! A brilliant gift (that is helping me start working now! :) "The dog you get is the dog you need, and not necessarily the dog you want." (That goes for situations and people too!) I will hold that in my heart for a long time. Have a terrific holiday and weekend! :)
I'm a foster without my own dog. I do have a cockatiel and all but one foster were initially over interested in her so I make sure when I'm not home she is safely behind a closed door. Better safe than sorry. It only takes a few reminders the bird is off limits to the dog.
I tend to think of my fosters as short to long term house guests. Some have special needs, medically speaking, some aren't nice to the neighbors and one was a runner at the slightest opportunity for escape all while undergoing heartworm treatment plus other types of worms. She was sick.
The bonded pair I currently have have been with me 7 weeks. They are 7 and 8. She has cataracts and he doesn't like other dogs or cats. I knew they would be harder to find a home for but they are really good dogs. Double the love, cuteness, and fun!
I love this essay through and through. I love that you make clear that fostering is not for everyone. There are some rescue advocates who just urge all and sundry to foster without outlining the true requirements of the job. As you know, I did it once, and found it was not for me (though I was and remain absolutely thrilled at the PERFECT outcome). It was not for me because I was simply too anxious about caring for this beautiful, funny, sweet abandoned dog who wasn't mine. What if something happened to him on my watch? (And something did, but thank god it wasn't a major problem. Why do some dogs like to eat their blankets? Oy vey.) So, I think I took my role of "custodian of someone else's future beloved companion" too seriously for my own emotional health, and that's not good for me or potential fosters. Nervous people make for nervous dogs. I hope that eventually, I'll calm the hell down and will be able to help another dog on its way to its forever family. Fingers crossed!
I’m proud to be a foster fail. An older me with an older dog now. The reasons she was “owner surrendered” disappeared with a good grooming, feed and walk routines, and a relatively quiet household. The cats count as occasional disturbances to her but overall we all get along, I go outside more times each day, and I have this little bundle of joy ready to wiggle-wag and roll over for belly scratches 24/7. ❤️
That mask-wearing chihuahua scaring the crap out of the Great Dane is the highlight of my day! And BTW, I said to my husband this morning, “You know she’s your dog, right?” (Stay tuned for more of “JuneBug’s Great Adventure”)
Ah Julie! I have so much work to do so I couldn't resist reading this immediately when it popped up! A brilliant gift (that is helping me start working now! :) "The dog you get is the dog you need, and not necessarily the dog you want." (That goes for situations and people too!) I will hold that in my heart for a long time. Have a terrific holiday and weekend! :)
I love that and i love you! Have a great weekend!!!
I'm a foster without my own dog. I do have a cockatiel and all but one foster were initially over interested in her so I make sure when I'm not home she is safely behind a closed door. Better safe than sorry. It only takes a few reminders the bird is off limits to the dog.
I tend to think of my fosters as short to long term house guests. Some have special needs, medically speaking, some aren't nice to the neighbors and one was a runner at the slightest opportunity for escape all while undergoing heartworm treatment plus other types of worms. She was sick.
The bonded pair I currently have have been with me 7 weeks. They are 7 and 8. She has cataracts and he doesn't like other dogs or cats. I knew they would be harder to find a home for but they are really good dogs. Double the love, cuteness, and fun!
Oh, I love this! Wish you were in my group!!
Thanks Julie!
I love this essay through and through. I love that you make clear that fostering is not for everyone. There are some rescue advocates who just urge all and sundry to foster without outlining the true requirements of the job. As you know, I did it once, and found it was not for me (though I was and remain absolutely thrilled at the PERFECT outcome). It was not for me because I was simply too anxious about caring for this beautiful, funny, sweet abandoned dog who wasn't mine. What if something happened to him on my watch? (And something did, but thank god it wasn't a major problem. Why do some dogs like to eat their blankets? Oy vey.) So, I think I took my role of "custodian of someone else's future beloved companion" too seriously for my own emotional health, and that's not good for me or potential fosters. Nervous people make for nervous dogs. I hope that eventually, I'll calm the hell down and will be able to help another dog on its way to its forever family. Fingers crossed!
I love you, Sam!
It's mutual!
I’m proud to be a foster fail. An older me with an older dog now. The reasons she was “owner surrendered” disappeared with a good grooming, feed and walk routines, and a relatively quiet household. The cats count as occasional disturbances to her but overall we all get along, I go outside more times each day, and I have this little bundle of joy ready to wiggle-wag and roll over for belly scratches 24/7. ❤️
Oh my heart! Yay for both of you!!! ♥️
That mask-wearing chihuahua scaring the crap out of the Great Dane is the highlight of my day! And BTW, I said to my husband this morning, “You know she’s your dog, right?” (Stay tuned for more of “JuneBug’s Great Adventure”)
🤣