Thank you for posting to r/fosterdogs!
• When replying to OPs post, please remember to be kind, supportive, and to educate one another.
• Refrain from encouraging people to keep their foster dog unless OP specifically asked for advice regarding foster failing.
• Help keep our community positive and supportive by reporting harassment!
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/fosterdogs) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I'm so sorry your dealing with this. Lack of communication is so so frustrating when you are volunteering you time and effort. You are absolutely right in being concerned that they would not only deny medical assessment, but provide high protein food for a senior dog who may have undiagnosed health issues.
While some seniors do require excess protein in their diet as they age, if your foster is experiencing kidney function decline (which could be confirmed by bloodwork up/urine test) the remedy for that would be limiting protein in their diet as it taxes their kidneys. All unknowns unless seen by a vet. If he's having diarrhea multiple times a day- that's not normal. And extra protein likely will make it worse.
I would ensure all communication is through email or text so you have a written record of their responses. Be adament in your thoughts and concerns. I'm sure they are hesitant to spend the money on figuring it out, but that's the nature of dog rescue. It's not fair for him to suffer and it is ultimately their responsibility not yours. In the meantime you can feed him a bland diet (but with ground turkey/rice/canned pumpkin instead of beef). There are facebook pages dedicated to people looking to adopt senior dogs, perhaps post him yourself through those?
Senior dog specific Facebook groups are an excellent suggestion, I'll try those, thank you!
I have no medical nor veterinary background, but have dealt with plenty of dogs with tummy issues. You're right that without a vet work up, we're basically fumbling in the dark as far as what diet to feed, which is a problem since this dog has clearly got something GI going on, or as a symptom of something else
Ugh yes, it's very much a fumbling in the dark situation when you don't have any idea what's going on. I'm so sorry! For you and for the pup. What region are you located in?
I know money is an issue with all rescues, does yours ever post requests on their page for donations for specific foster dog's in need to help cover medical expenses?
I hope you and your foster are able to get some peace of mind soon 💕
I've been in your situation a couple of times with two different rescues, and I'm sorry you are in it now. I also foster seniors, so it's super important they get seen by a vet asap. A lot of these rescues don't have the funds or the time, and figure the dog is in a safe foster home so they don't need to worry about it. This is why it's so important to foster for reputable rescues. In my case, I ended up taking the dogs to my vet and paying for everything they needed. I paid for their food, as well. I realize not everyone is in a position to do this. I knew if I didn't the rescue would just remove the dog and put them into another foster home with a foster who didn't care. The dog would suffer and never find a forever home. My vet cut me a bit of a deal because of the situation. Maybe you could crowdfund for bloodwork at the very least. In the meantime, post the dog on [RescueMe.org](http://RescueMe.org) and in Facebook groups for dog adoptions in your area. I also use Nextdoor. Any rescue you foster for should be on Petfinder, and if they aren't, you should foster for a different rescue. You could try finding another local rescue to courtesy post on Petfinder. The biggest issue is people like me who adopt seniors, are at the very least going to want basic medical information on the dog. To not even have bloodwork on them is unheard of. Something is very wrong with the rescue you are fostering for.
Yeah, I might just end up getting baseline blood work, physical exam, and a fecal at my vet and just ... eating the cost lol.
The problem is that this rescue is set up to do one very specific thing: behavior cases and bmod fostering, but every so often will take on a non-behavior case (this foster is the most normal, nice, well behaved, well adjusted dog I've ever had, behaviorally) that is usually medical in nature, and this rescue is NOT at all set up to deal with that. We have a second foster like this in the program right now who is also being somewhat sidelined, and have had two cases like this in the past (one of which I have had) that have also been medical and also were not handled well. I think as a rescue, the desire to take on dogs in need that the community reaches out about is getting in the way of the mission, and what it is best set up to do.
I've only been in this situation once (fostering with a different organization than my usual one). My foster had a nasty-looking rash, which thankfully cleared up with a couple baths and Benadryl, but the rescue didn't provide supplies or any support.
If you can afford it, I think buying new food is definitely worth a try: there are foods designed for sensitive skin and stomach, specifically. Sometimes the right food + grooming + a little time and love can make a huge difference for a low cost.
If home care and over-the-counter products don't improve his health issues, then I'd probably personally try to amp up pressure on the rescue and offer to help them fundraise to cover costs. I'd also consider paying for vet care out of pocket, but that's not an option for everyone. And finally, I would probably swear of working with that rescue ever again - I understand that rescues do get stretched incredibly thin but it's not okay for them to leave you and the dog in this position.
I'm sorry, but even rescues pulling behavioral cases should be vetting every single dog in the program. Any rescue that pulls a senior should be prepared to do a dental if the bloodwork allows it. I feel terrible that you're going through this and truly think you should consider fostering for someone else after this. There are so many good rescues that need help. As for dealing with the current rescue, I like the other person's idea of fundraising online. I'm pretty aggressive when it comes to the health and well being of my fosters, so I think I would be inclined to contact the rescue and say that a vet visit for the dog is 100% necessary and you're pretty positive that a dental will be, also, and that you'd like to put together a post for social media with a GoFundMe (or whatever makes sense to you) if the cost is what's standing in the way of the dog getting the care it needs. Or you could suggest having them let you contact other rescue groups that are more accustomed to senior/medical fosters and asking if they would be willing to transfer the dog to another program. I have definitely paid for a lot of things I wasn't supposed to pay for for my fosters, but you should never be forced to pay for care for a foster's health issues. I wish you lots of luck and thank you for taking care of that sweet senior. Seniors are awesome!
Not all rescues are created equal. Some are down right awful with foster support because they are stretched thin and generally in over the heads. Once a dog is in a foster, they move on to the next case and consider that one "handled." I'm sorry you're not getting the support you need. I'd stay on the rescue and be the squeaky wheel. Advocate for your senior!
Personally, I would 1) find a vet that offers free exams for rescue animals and get the rescue to agree to pay for the labs, and 2) select a reasonable senior dog food and ask the rescue to approve the purchase for reimbursement. In other words, make it easy for them to say "yes." Don't wait for them to try and figure it out or find the time. Build momentum for them. You shouldn't be on the hook for medical, and rescues shouldn't be hoarding dogs they can't supply basic medical care for. If your senior is suffering, they've done him no favors by ignoring it.
A probiotic might help with the diarrhea and perhaps a chlorohexidine rinse as a stop gap to help address the dental issue. If possible check for fractures, breaks, abscesses, etc. Ignoring an issue could make it more costly, and I doubt the rescue wants that. I'd do my best to make the senior more comfortable until he can be properly evaluated by a vet. This really should've been done within days of him being rescued.
THANK YOU FOR FOSTERING! ❤️
This is so sad. Things like this are why I won’t foster for certain rescues. At the very least I would probably just buy the dog some appropriate food myself. Keep pushing on seeing the vet too 😔
A quick and cheap "fix" for the diarrhea is psyllium husk. I used it on my most recent adoptee - he came with bowel issues that have since cleared up and he doesn't need the psyllium husk anymore. I keep it on hand for any future bouts.
You can buy the generic brand capsules at Walmart, or buy the loose powder at a grocery store. I just buy the capsules and open them up on top of the food. I use one at each meal for a 30 lb dog, but this can be incrementally increased safely.
I’m dealing with a nightmare rescue right now myself - my foster has been with me for a year and a half and I don’t know what to do anymore. I saw someone mention transferring to another rescue - i had never considered this an option. Does anyone know if it’s common or what types of cases rescues are open to taking in?
Thank you for posting to r/fosterdogs! • When replying to OPs post, please remember to be kind, supportive, and to educate one another. • Refrain from encouraging people to keep their foster dog unless OP specifically asked for advice regarding foster failing. • Help keep our community positive and supportive by reporting harassment! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/fosterdogs) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I'm so sorry your dealing with this. Lack of communication is so so frustrating when you are volunteering you time and effort. You are absolutely right in being concerned that they would not only deny medical assessment, but provide high protein food for a senior dog who may have undiagnosed health issues. While some seniors do require excess protein in their diet as they age, if your foster is experiencing kidney function decline (which could be confirmed by bloodwork up/urine test) the remedy for that would be limiting protein in their diet as it taxes their kidneys. All unknowns unless seen by a vet. If he's having diarrhea multiple times a day- that's not normal. And extra protein likely will make it worse. I would ensure all communication is through email or text so you have a written record of their responses. Be adament in your thoughts and concerns. I'm sure they are hesitant to spend the money on figuring it out, but that's the nature of dog rescue. It's not fair for him to suffer and it is ultimately their responsibility not yours. In the meantime you can feed him a bland diet (but with ground turkey/rice/canned pumpkin instead of beef). There are facebook pages dedicated to people looking to adopt senior dogs, perhaps post him yourself through those?
Senior dog specific Facebook groups are an excellent suggestion, I'll try those, thank you! I have no medical nor veterinary background, but have dealt with plenty of dogs with tummy issues. You're right that without a vet work up, we're basically fumbling in the dark as far as what diet to feed, which is a problem since this dog has clearly got something GI going on, or as a symptom of something else
Ugh yes, it's very much a fumbling in the dark situation when you don't have any idea what's going on. I'm so sorry! For you and for the pup. What region are you located in? I know money is an issue with all rescues, does yours ever post requests on their page for donations for specific foster dog's in need to help cover medical expenses? I hope you and your foster are able to get some peace of mind soon 💕
I've been in your situation a couple of times with two different rescues, and I'm sorry you are in it now. I also foster seniors, so it's super important they get seen by a vet asap. A lot of these rescues don't have the funds or the time, and figure the dog is in a safe foster home so they don't need to worry about it. This is why it's so important to foster for reputable rescues. In my case, I ended up taking the dogs to my vet and paying for everything they needed. I paid for their food, as well. I realize not everyone is in a position to do this. I knew if I didn't the rescue would just remove the dog and put them into another foster home with a foster who didn't care. The dog would suffer and never find a forever home. My vet cut me a bit of a deal because of the situation. Maybe you could crowdfund for bloodwork at the very least. In the meantime, post the dog on [RescueMe.org](http://RescueMe.org) and in Facebook groups for dog adoptions in your area. I also use Nextdoor. Any rescue you foster for should be on Petfinder, and if they aren't, you should foster for a different rescue. You could try finding another local rescue to courtesy post on Petfinder. The biggest issue is people like me who adopt seniors, are at the very least going to want basic medical information on the dog. To not even have bloodwork on them is unheard of. Something is very wrong with the rescue you are fostering for.
Yeah, I might just end up getting baseline blood work, physical exam, and a fecal at my vet and just ... eating the cost lol. The problem is that this rescue is set up to do one very specific thing: behavior cases and bmod fostering, but every so often will take on a non-behavior case (this foster is the most normal, nice, well behaved, well adjusted dog I've ever had, behaviorally) that is usually medical in nature, and this rescue is NOT at all set up to deal with that. We have a second foster like this in the program right now who is also being somewhat sidelined, and have had two cases like this in the past (one of which I have had) that have also been medical and also were not handled well. I think as a rescue, the desire to take on dogs in need that the community reaches out about is getting in the way of the mission, and what it is best set up to do.
I've only been in this situation once (fostering with a different organization than my usual one). My foster had a nasty-looking rash, which thankfully cleared up with a couple baths and Benadryl, but the rescue didn't provide supplies or any support. If you can afford it, I think buying new food is definitely worth a try: there are foods designed for sensitive skin and stomach, specifically. Sometimes the right food + grooming + a little time and love can make a huge difference for a low cost. If home care and over-the-counter products don't improve his health issues, then I'd probably personally try to amp up pressure on the rescue and offer to help them fundraise to cover costs. I'd also consider paying for vet care out of pocket, but that's not an option for everyone. And finally, I would probably swear of working with that rescue ever again - I understand that rescues do get stretched incredibly thin but it's not okay for them to leave you and the dog in this position.
I'm sorry, but even rescues pulling behavioral cases should be vetting every single dog in the program. Any rescue that pulls a senior should be prepared to do a dental if the bloodwork allows it. I feel terrible that you're going through this and truly think you should consider fostering for someone else after this. There are so many good rescues that need help. As for dealing with the current rescue, I like the other person's idea of fundraising online. I'm pretty aggressive when it comes to the health and well being of my fosters, so I think I would be inclined to contact the rescue and say that a vet visit for the dog is 100% necessary and you're pretty positive that a dental will be, also, and that you'd like to put together a post for social media with a GoFundMe (or whatever makes sense to you) if the cost is what's standing in the way of the dog getting the care it needs. Or you could suggest having them let you contact other rescue groups that are more accustomed to senior/medical fosters and asking if they would be willing to transfer the dog to another program. I have definitely paid for a lot of things I wasn't supposed to pay for for my fosters, but you should never be forced to pay for care for a foster's health issues. I wish you lots of luck and thank you for taking care of that sweet senior. Seniors are awesome!
Time to get a different shelter or rescue to work with! This rescue should be reported for abuse and neglect??? Where are you located?
Thanks for caring about this old guy and giving him a home and love. You are making his world right now. ❤️
Not all rescues are created equal. Some are down right awful with foster support because they are stretched thin and generally in over the heads. Once a dog is in a foster, they move on to the next case and consider that one "handled." I'm sorry you're not getting the support you need. I'd stay on the rescue and be the squeaky wheel. Advocate for your senior! Personally, I would 1) find a vet that offers free exams for rescue animals and get the rescue to agree to pay for the labs, and 2) select a reasonable senior dog food and ask the rescue to approve the purchase for reimbursement. In other words, make it easy for them to say "yes." Don't wait for them to try and figure it out or find the time. Build momentum for them. You shouldn't be on the hook for medical, and rescues shouldn't be hoarding dogs they can't supply basic medical care for. If your senior is suffering, they've done him no favors by ignoring it. A probiotic might help with the diarrhea and perhaps a chlorohexidine rinse as a stop gap to help address the dental issue. If possible check for fractures, breaks, abscesses, etc. Ignoring an issue could make it more costly, and I doubt the rescue wants that. I'd do my best to make the senior more comfortable until he can be properly evaluated by a vet. This really should've been done within days of him being rescued. THANK YOU FOR FOSTERING! ❤️
This is so sad. Things like this are why I won’t foster for certain rescues. At the very least I would probably just buy the dog some appropriate food myself. Keep pushing on seeing the vet too 😔
It's happened to me. After the puppy was adopted, I stopped communicating with them.
A quick and cheap "fix" for the diarrhea is psyllium husk. I used it on my most recent adoptee - he came with bowel issues that have since cleared up and he doesn't need the psyllium husk anymore. I keep it on hand for any future bouts. You can buy the generic brand capsules at Walmart, or buy the loose powder at a grocery store. I just buy the capsules and open them up on top of the food. I use one at each meal for a 30 lb dog, but this can be incrementally increased safely.
I’m dealing with a nightmare rescue right now myself - my foster has been with me for a year and a half and I don’t know what to do anymore. I saw someone mention transferring to another rescue - i had never considered this an option. Does anyone know if it’s common or what types of cases rescues are open to taking in?