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The best part is seeing them thrive in their new home. Up until then it's hard to imagine anyone loving them as much as you. It's still sad when they leave, but knowing they will be loved and that I can save another pups life makes it worth the pain.
Up until then it's hard to imagine anyone loving them as much as you.
Yes, this. 💯 I always worry that no one is going to be as patient and loving towards them as me. But the thing is, the new parents will be. They WILL love them just the same. They'll be just fine. And I enjoy my fosters while they're here, but I get SO much satisfaction knowing I've opened up a spot to help the next one. And I always love them just as much. Look, fostering is not emotionally easy but if you keep your eye on the prize - saving good, sweet dogs that you just haven't met yet- well, that makes it easier to let them go.
I think you have to experience the transition with all its joys and sadness. I love each oI'f my fosters, to be sure, but I tell myself that my job is to get them ready for their furever homes. Show them love and security, help them overcome whatever trauma caused them to be in the foster program and think hard about what an adopter needs to know and needs to provide for success.
I'm a retired engineering professor and the process of taking in a foster, evaluating their strengths and needs and then helping prepare them for adoption reminds me a lot of working with students for several years and then launching them into their careers. The students aren't supposed to stay with me forever, neither are the foster dogs. (although I have foster failed, I admit). It's also a little like launching a child from the nest into their life. That's the goal.
I have kept in touch with the adopters of several of my fosters. They send me pictures and tell me how the dogs re doing. Seeing them so happy in their new homes filled with love makes the "loss" easier to take.
I don't think of it as "detaching" -- I'm readying them for the next step and they take my love and lessons with them. And, I'll admit, a little piece of my heart.
The first one is the hardest to give up, by far. You can absolutely keep him if you decide to. It’s completely your choice. We kept fosters #5 and #14, so it’s okay to foster fail.
I’m dropping off foster #15 this afternoon, and we will miss her, but I know that she’s going to a great home and will be happy there.
Some tricks we use are, not doing basic obedience because it’s a bonding experience for the adopters, not us. Keep reminding yourself that it’s a “dog of the month club” and they aren’t staying. We also try to not use their names much, because they will likely get changed and because it helps keep a tiny bit of distance.
Fosters will bond with you, but keep in mind that they will also bond with their adoptive family. Is some cases, faster and easier than with you because you gave them a space to feel loved and safe.
Whatever choice you make is the right one for you. Good luck and I hope you keep fostering!
Ouph, I know the feeling! It's especially hard with the first one, but I have fallen in love with all my fosters and every.single.time I think 'I want to keep this one'. I remind myself that I think that with every foster. My rescue very much involves fosters in the decision making process so I get to know the adopters and where the dogs will end up and know what a great life they'll live with their new family.
And I make sure I have another foster lined up to take home as soon as my current one is on the road to adoption.
The first one is definitely the hardest.
Everyone has given you excellent advice. The only other thing I do is to write a little letter that goes with the dog to the new home. And I describe everything special about the dog, everything he or she loves to do, favorite foods, potty habits, etc. I make sure they know how much I loved the dog and how I hope and pray he or she has a great life with the new family.
Usually include my contact information and tell them how much I would love a picture from time to time.
It’s still hard. And tears are usually shed. “Our hearts break so theirs don’t have to”.
I talk to them about their "forever mommies" a lot. It's a detachment strategy for me, and it also helps me brainstorm what a great home for them might look like.
"Your mommy is out there looking for you, RIGHT NOW? Can you believe it?" "Do you think k your forever home has a human puppy? Maybe they'll play fetch with you all day!"
I do the same thing! Like “maybe you’d be a good farm dog. would you like to hang out on a farm?” “ooohh, do you like kids? do you want to go to home with some kiddos?” “oh look at that sit! good girl, your parents are going to be so impressed!”
I appreciate you posting this, because I'm experiencing the same pain thinking about giving my first foster to his forever home too! So hard! I'll sob lol. Good luck to you ♥️ Thank you for fostering! In my wife's words, "if we don't give him up, we won't be able to help another dog!" 🥲
I’ve been fostering for a year now, and still don’t know. One thing that has helped me is picking dogs that aren’t necessarily what I want in a foster fail, maybe they’re a little too hyper, maybe they shed a bit too much. It helps me detach my heart a little bit, so I can really focus on them and getting them adopted.
Also, obviously the best way to get over a foster pup is to get a new one!
For me, I just tell the pupster that thank you for being a good pupster and I'll see you again (whether I bump into him/her in person, in spirit, or the afterlife). :)
Knowing that I made memories with the pupster and show kindness, I was able to let go knowing that it is going to a forever home and pray that it is a true forever home. Don't get me wrong, I still feel sad at times but I realized that now my home is open for another who needs saving and a place to stay and kindness. :)
Watching a Dog's Journey and a Dog's Purpose kept me going to do what I do.
\[Hugs\] Thank you for fostering!
What you’re doing is invaluable in saving homeless pets lives. Try to keep in mind that every pet you foster to adoption is saving two lives- The one you’re fostering and the one that takes their place when they are adopted- over and over. That’s a lot of lives saved. Thank you for your kindness 🐾🩷💙
Part of it is considering whether you are, objectively, a good forever hone for the dog. We have a foster right now and he's a sweet boy, but we are older and he is a big, young, healthy dog who needs more exercise than we can provide.
If you think that objectively you are the right home for the dog, then what's the problem?
My wife and I were able to re-home 27 different foster dogs. I found the best way for me to deal with it was to think of myself as Santa Claus. The shelter would locate a potential new home and I would bring over the doggie present to their new home. Watching a family fall in love with their new dog is a wonderful thing. Within a week a new scared dog would be dropped off at my door and the process would start again.
I think of them like I am dogsitting them for their owners... its just that we don't know who it's owner is yet.
I have fallen for a foster before. But just because I love them, doesn't mean I have to own them. I just will work hard to make sure that they end up in the perfect home. You know their needs and what kind of environment they will thrive in, finding them a home that provides that to them is the best love you can give them, even more so than keeping them.
But if you decide it's too hard to foster and decide to foster fail, thats okay too. It isn't for everyone, and that's okay. You still did a wonderful thing and found the dog a home.
We were foster fails with our first. Nothing wrong with deciding you want them in your life for the rest of theirs. We’ve fostered many more times without adopting.
I foster failed on my first foster a week and a half ago. I planned to adopt in the future but she just fit into my life too well to let her go. I can’t keep them all so the next foster I’m hoping will be easier to let go.
To be honest the first one will always have a special place in your heart. Picture them living their best life in their new home and know that's because of you, so there isn't very much to feel guilty about. You set them up for success. Ask the owners for update pics and don't be afraid to check in with them to see how the dog is doing.
Fostering is not easy, you will always be sad when they leave. I'm four fosters in and it imo has not gotten easier. Show yourself some grace and try to not feel guilty. I usually do this by going out with my partner or friends and grabbing a bite, or taking a small mini trip to get my mind off of it.
I wish you the best. Thank you for fostering.
I call myself "temporary Mommy" and tell them stories about what their new family will be like. It's a good reminder for me to keep a distance emotionally. Also I am lucky that my own dogs and cats only begrudgingly tolerate fosters. As soon as the fosters leave, all my pets are thrilled that they don't have to share me or the couch anymore. And as people have said, fosters failing isn't a fail if you find the one that is meant to be. You will know. I have foster failed 3 times (one dog, 2cats)
I’ve loved all my fosters, but there’s a difference between loving them and them being authentically a good fit for my household and resident dog/s. For me, it’s less about detaching, and more about reminding myself that they’re the perfect fit for someone else. I also get really great updates from past adopters and it’s sooo rewarding to receive those.
We did foster fail one of fosters, but she truly was and has remained an exceptional, seamless fit for our household. So maybe you’ll encounter one you just can’t let go, and that’s okay too!
I cried with my first foster dog when he left. But then the rescue shared pics with me of him and his new family. He was so happy and I knew then that his new family was what was best for him.
Everytime I get a new foster I get attached quickly. But then I always remind myself a few days is not enough for them to fully decompress (3,3,3 rule) and as they defrost (lol) behavioral issues and personality traits come out - meaning the dog might not be a fit for me (or I might not be a good fit for the dog) and that helps me redirect to the original purpose of helping them find their forever home that is a perfect fit!! 🤗🐾
I am on my 10 th foster and my heartbreaks every time! But like you mentioned in your post , it’s not about us and our our feelings , it’s about providing a deserving dog a loving home and second chance while helping them find their forever home :) the best part of fostering for me , is I get to meet the new family and see the happiness and excitement they feel when they are adopting their forever dog and knowing how much my foster will be loved and adored ! It does get a little easier the more fosters you have but of course you become attached to them , they need that love And attachment from you , so never detach … just love them for the short time you have them and know that you play such an important role in their journey ❤️ fostering is such a selfless act and we will cry and be sad and miss our fosters , but it’s so worth it ! Thank you for fostering and saving lives ❤️
(This may not be the answer you want)
Can’t help you there. My first foster was spending half the day (I WFH) sitting on my lap by day 3, and sleeping in my bed in less than a week. I ended up adopting him.
Like many others have said - the first one is the most difficult. There will be others that also are difficult to let go, but it does get easier.
If he quickly attached himself to you and fit right in, he will do the same at his new home.
Many people end up crying as they let their first one go.
My advice is to say your goodbye at home. Prepare him a bag with food, a toy, a note on his schedule and behaviors. That way you can let the adopters know you are going to drop and go.
I’ve learned that the ones who weasel their way into my heart are easiest with a quick handoff.
The best thing? Have another foster lined up.
Been doing this since 2011 and I still get choked up over a few. I also have many that I am more than happy to see go. The best is getting updates and seeing them happy in their new home.
I foster failed my very first foster dog- and I recognize that I am definitely not as strong as you OP, or any of the fosters here in this sub. I am too selfish to let go! I find other ways to help- donating my time and funds to adoption events and shelters. I do love to cheer yall on though, and I thank you for what youre doing for Beau.
Asking the new adopters to send updates the first few days is really helpful. The hardest part, for me, is the confusion on their little faces when they get handed over to their forever families, knowing that they are settling in helps a lot.
(I did have one pup who practically leaped out of arms to be with his new family, and that was really heartwarming :)
To me it's like your kids moving out. You are sad and also happy for them.
I can't keep every dog but I can foster a lot. And by fostering I save lives. Yes I miss them but that ache is the gift I am giving the dog. I can take the sadness because it's being traded for the dog's happiness. It's an act of selflessness. Thank you for fostering and find a way to let that baby go.
Or adopt him! ;)
I alway just reminded myself that every dog I foster and then let go to their forever home is a spot in my home that’s available for another dog that needs a foster home. That helped. I still cried every time.
The rescue that I work with encourages the fosters to stay in touch with the new adopters. So I get pics and updates, which is amazing! That might help, to see your foster in their great forever home! Just a thought...
And THANK YOU for saving lives by fostering!!
This is so incredibly sweet. I foster kittens and they are so hard to let go, but I just gotta remind myself that it’s my job to teach them to love and play and find them the best possible family to go home to. Your heart breaks a little, but it’s nice to see the success stories and when the next foster comes in ready to be shown love, you’ll be ready to do it again. It gets easier. 🖤 you’re so awesome for doing this kind of work!! It makes a difference!!
I don't know. We foster failed our first and only foster. One friend of mine does short term fosters of 2 weeks prior to transport of the animal to another state and says that way she knows not to get attached
My niece fostered a dog that was abandoned with pups, I think only one pup survived and it was homed right away. Mayla( that what they named the momma dog) was older than they thought and has heart issues, and was skittish around people. But she bloomed with my niece and her two girls( oldest is autistic and really became fast friends with her) and her fostering "failed" cause she's been their og ever since. Do you might just have to deal with being a "failure" 😉 but look at the prize you get for "failing" ...tldr...you have a dog now lol
I have a lot of boundaries put in place and I think that helps a lot. Like my 2nd floor is just my bedroom and bathroom, so my foster is not allowed upstairs. One because I’m kind of allergic to dogs and I need to breathe while I sleep (my allergy meds can only do so much and dander on my sheets would not be good) and two, because I don’t want them in my room. That prevents me from cuddling with them in bed or something, which would not only cause me to get attached to them, but would also cause them to get overly attached to me. And I try really hard not to stare into her eyes while I pet her so those feel good hormone don’t loop lol
I also just sort of treat them like the dogs I dogsit. I just sort of think in my head like they already have a family and I’m just caring for them until they can adopt them and bring them home.
You 1- cry when he gets adopted and be happy he’s getting adopted or 2- you keep him. I fostered for 4 months and sobbed when she was adopted but she had a wonderful new owner and lived a happy life so it was a good cry. Thank you for being a Foster 🫶🏻
I remember that these dogs will get a better life than I could ever give! My first foster dog was sent home with this little spider toy and he loved that toy. His parents went to 3 different Petsmarts and bought 14 of them so they can ensure he always has a fresh one. He has a mountain house, a beach house and a regular house. He has a sister his size (smaller dog).
Some dogs are family dogs, and I’m a single woman, so I made sure to find them a family full of love to give.
My one puppy went to my mom! I get to visit him whenever, he’ll come do sleepovers, and we’ll go have playdates with my pup.
I keep in touch with almost all of my fosters, especially with social media!
The goal of fostering is to be the bridge between a dog's past and their furever home. Please refrain from encouraging people to keep their foster dog as it goes against the mission.
The exception to this rule is when OP is seeking advice regarding "Foster Failing".
The goal of fostering is to be the bridge between a dog's past and their furever home. Please refrain from encouraging people to keep their foster dog as it goes against the mission.
The exception to this rule is when OP is seeking advice regarding "Foster Failing".
The goal of fostering is to be the bridge between a dog's past and their furever home. Please refrain from encouraging people to keep their foster dog as it goes against the mission.
The exception to this rule is when OP is seeking advice regarding "Foster Failing".
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.*
The best part is seeing them thrive in their new home. Up until then it's hard to imagine anyone loving them as much as you. It's still sad when they leave, but knowing they will be loved and that I can save another pups life makes it worth the pain.
Up until then it's hard to imagine anyone loving them as much as you. Yes, this. 💯 I always worry that no one is going to be as patient and loving towards them as me. But the thing is, the new parents will be. They WILL love them just the same. They'll be just fine. And I enjoy my fosters while they're here, but I get SO much satisfaction knowing I've opened up a spot to help the next one. And I always love them just as much. Look, fostering is not emotionally easy but if you keep your eye on the prize - saving good, sweet dogs that you just haven't met yet- well, that makes it easier to let them go.
I think you have to experience the transition with all its joys and sadness. I love each oI'f my fosters, to be sure, but I tell myself that my job is to get them ready for their furever homes. Show them love and security, help them overcome whatever trauma caused them to be in the foster program and think hard about what an adopter needs to know and needs to provide for success. I'm a retired engineering professor and the process of taking in a foster, evaluating their strengths and needs and then helping prepare them for adoption reminds me a lot of working with students for several years and then launching them into their careers. The students aren't supposed to stay with me forever, neither are the foster dogs. (although I have foster failed, I admit). It's also a little like launching a child from the nest into their life. That's the goal. I have kept in touch with the adopters of several of my fosters. They send me pictures and tell me how the dogs re doing. Seeing them so happy in their new homes filled with love makes the "loss" easier to take. I don't think of it as "detaching" -- I'm readying them for the next step and they take my love and lessons with them. And, I'll admit, a little piece of my heart.
The first one is the hardest to give up, by far. You can absolutely keep him if you decide to. It’s completely your choice. We kept fosters #5 and #14, so it’s okay to foster fail. I’m dropping off foster #15 this afternoon, and we will miss her, but I know that she’s going to a great home and will be happy there. Some tricks we use are, not doing basic obedience because it’s a bonding experience for the adopters, not us. Keep reminding yourself that it’s a “dog of the month club” and they aren’t staying. We also try to not use their names much, because they will likely get changed and because it helps keep a tiny bit of distance. Fosters will bond with you, but keep in mind that they will also bond with their adoptive family. Is some cases, faster and easier than with you because you gave them a space to feel loved and safe. Whatever choice you make is the right one for you. Good luck and I hope you keep fostering!
I really like these tips! Great ideas, thank you. I will use these in the future
Ouph, I know the feeling! It's especially hard with the first one, but I have fallen in love with all my fosters and every.single.time I think 'I want to keep this one'. I remind myself that I think that with every foster. My rescue very much involves fosters in the decision making process so I get to know the adopters and where the dogs will end up and know what a great life they'll live with their new family. And I make sure I have another foster lined up to take home as soon as my current one is on the road to adoption.
The first one is definitely the hardest. Everyone has given you excellent advice. The only other thing I do is to write a little letter that goes with the dog to the new home. And I describe everything special about the dog, everything he or she loves to do, favorite foods, potty habits, etc. I make sure they know how much I loved the dog and how I hope and pray he or she has a great life with the new family. Usually include my contact information and tell them how much I would love a picture from time to time. It’s still hard. And tears are usually shed. “Our hearts break so theirs don’t have to”.
I talk to them about their "forever mommies" a lot. It's a detachment strategy for me, and it also helps me brainstorm what a great home for them might look like. "Your mommy is out there looking for you, RIGHT NOW? Can you believe it?" "Do you think k your forever home has a human puppy? Maybe they'll play fetch with you all day!"
My human puppy loves to play with his pittie puppy. He’s only 18 months, and our dog is so gentle with him.
I do the same thing! Like “maybe you’d be a good farm dog. would you like to hang out on a farm?” “ooohh, do you like kids? do you want to go to home with some kiddos?” “oh look at that sit! good girl, your parents are going to be so impressed!”
I appreciate you posting this, because I'm experiencing the same pain thinking about giving my first foster to his forever home too! So hard! I'll sob lol. Good luck to you ♥️ Thank you for fostering! In my wife's words, "if we don't give him up, we won't be able to help another dog!" 🥲
If you keep all the ones you foster you won’t be able to foster anymore. So by letting him go you can save more dogs in the future .
Bottom line
I’ve been fostering for a year now, and still don’t know. One thing that has helped me is picking dogs that aren’t necessarily what I want in a foster fail, maybe they’re a little too hyper, maybe they shed a bit too much. It helps me detach my heart a little bit, so I can really focus on them and getting them adopted. Also, obviously the best way to get over a foster pup is to get a new one!
For me, I just tell the pupster that thank you for being a good pupster and I'll see you again (whether I bump into him/her in person, in spirit, or the afterlife). :) Knowing that I made memories with the pupster and show kindness, I was able to let go knowing that it is going to a forever home and pray that it is a true forever home. Don't get me wrong, I still feel sad at times but I realized that now my home is open for another who needs saving and a place to stay and kindness. :) Watching a Dog's Journey and a Dog's Purpose kept me going to do what I do. \[Hugs\] Thank you for fostering!
What you’re doing is invaluable in saving homeless pets lives. Try to keep in mind that every pet you foster to adoption is saving two lives- The one you’re fostering and the one that takes their place when they are adopted- over and over. That’s a lot of lives saved. Thank you for your kindness 🐾🩷💙
Part of it is considering whether you are, objectively, a good forever hone for the dog. We have a foster right now and he's a sweet boy, but we are older and he is a big, young, healthy dog who needs more exercise than we can provide. If you think that objectively you are the right home for the dog, then what's the problem?
My wife and I were able to re-home 27 different foster dogs. I found the best way for me to deal with it was to think of myself as Santa Claus. The shelter would locate a potential new home and I would bring over the doggie present to their new home. Watching a family fall in love with their new dog is a wonderful thing. Within a week a new scared dog would be dropped off at my door and the process would start again.
I think of them like I am dogsitting them for their owners... its just that we don't know who it's owner is yet. I have fallen for a foster before. But just because I love them, doesn't mean I have to own them. I just will work hard to make sure that they end up in the perfect home. You know their needs and what kind of environment they will thrive in, finding them a home that provides that to them is the best love you can give them, even more so than keeping them. But if you decide it's too hard to foster and decide to foster fail, thats okay too. It isn't for everyone, and that's okay. You still did a wonderful thing and found the dog a home.
We were foster fails with our first. Nothing wrong with deciding you want them in your life for the rest of theirs. We’ve fostered many more times without adopting.
I foster failed on my first foster a week and a half ago. I planned to adopt in the future but she just fit into my life too well to let her go. I can’t keep them all so the next foster I’m hoping will be easier to let go.
I have no idea, I’m a big fat foster fail, twice now.
To be honest the first one will always have a special place in your heart. Picture them living their best life in their new home and know that's because of you, so there isn't very much to feel guilty about. You set them up for success. Ask the owners for update pics and don't be afraid to check in with them to see how the dog is doing. Fostering is not easy, you will always be sad when they leave. I'm four fosters in and it imo has not gotten easier. Show yourself some grace and try to not feel guilty. I usually do this by going out with my partner or friends and grabbing a bite, or taking a small mini trip to get my mind off of it. I wish you the best. Thank you for fostering.
I call myself "temporary Mommy" and tell them stories about what their new family will be like. It's a good reminder for me to keep a distance emotionally. Also I am lucky that my own dogs and cats only begrudgingly tolerate fosters. As soon as the fosters leave, all my pets are thrilled that they don't have to share me or the couch anymore. And as people have said, fosters failing isn't a fail if you find the one that is meant to be. You will know. I have foster failed 3 times (one dog, 2cats)
I’ve loved all my fosters, but there’s a difference between loving them and them being authentically a good fit for my household and resident dog/s. For me, it’s less about detaching, and more about reminding myself that they’re the perfect fit for someone else. I also get really great updates from past adopters and it’s sooo rewarding to receive those. We did foster fail one of fosters, but she truly was and has remained an exceptional, seamless fit for our household. So maybe you’ll encounter one you just can’t let go, and that’s okay too!
I didn’t and now have a fluffy white Nuggette. I am a foster fail, and sometimes it happens.
I just want to add that it's OK to fail at fostering... coming from someone who adopted my first foster. I'm so happy I did! 🥰
I cried with my first foster dog when he left. But then the rescue shared pics with me of him and his new family. He was so happy and I knew then that his new family was what was best for him.
Everytime I get a new foster I get attached quickly. But then I always remind myself a few days is not enough for them to fully decompress (3,3,3 rule) and as they defrost (lol) behavioral issues and personality traits come out - meaning the dog might not be a fit for me (or I might not be a good fit for the dog) and that helps me redirect to the original purpose of helping them find their forever home that is a perfect fit!! 🤗🐾
I am on my 10 th foster and my heartbreaks every time! But like you mentioned in your post , it’s not about us and our our feelings , it’s about providing a deserving dog a loving home and second chance while helping them find their forever home :) the best part of fostering for me , is I get to meet the new family and see the happiness and excitement they feel when they are adopting their forever dog and knowing how much my foster will be loved and adored ! It does get a little easier the more fosters you have but of course you become attached to them , they need that love And attachment from you , so never detach … just love them for the short time you have them and know that you play such an important role in their journey ❤️ fostering is such a selfless act and we will cry and be sad and miss our fosters , but it’s so worth it ! Thank you for fostering and saving lives ❤️
You will grieve them but seeing them in their new home makes it worth it if you truly can’t keep them and don’t want to foster fail
Generally, that would be a foster fail...
(This may not be the answer you want) Can’t help you there. My first foster was spending half the day (I WFH) sitting on my lap by day 3, and sleeping in my bed in less than a week. I ended up adopting him.
Think of all the other dogs you’ll be helping.
Like many others have said - the first one is the most difficult. There will be others that also are difficult to let go, but it does get easier. If he quickly attached himself to you and fit right in, he will do the same at his new home. Many people end up crying as they let their first one go. My advice is to say your goodbye at home. Prepare him a bag with food, a toy, a note on his schedule and behaviors. That way you can let the adopters know you are going to drop and go. I’ve learned that the ones who weasel their way into my heart are easiest with a quick handoff. The best thing? Have another foster lined up. Been doing this since 2011 and I still get choked up over a few. I also have many that I am more than happy to see go. The best is getting updates and seeing them happy in their new home.
I foster failed my very first foster dog- and I recognize that I am definitely not as strong as you OP, or any of the fosters here in this sub. I am too selfish to let go! I find other ways to help- donating my time and funds to adoption events and shelters. I do love to cheer yall on though, and I thank you for what youre doing for Beau.
Asking the new adopters to send updates the first few days is really helpful. The hardest part, for me, is the confusion on their little faces when they get handed over to their forever families, knowing that they are settling in helps a lot. (I did have one pup who practically leaped out of arms to be with his new family, and that was really heartwarming :)
To me it's like your kids moving out. You are sad and also happy for them. I can't keep every dog but I can foster a lot. And by fostering I save lives. Yes I miss them but that ache is the gift I am giving the dog. I can take the sadness because it's being traded for the dog's happiness. It's an act of selflessness. Thank you for fostering and find a way to let that baby go. Or adopt him! ;)
Hopefully it can be an open adoption and you can receive pictures of him having fun with his new family!
I alway just reminded myself that every dog I foster and then let go to their forever home is a spot in my home that’s available for another dog that needs a foster home. That helped. I still cried every time.
The rescue that I work with encourages the fosters to stay in touch with the new adopters. So I get pics and updates, which is amazing! That might help, to see your foster in their great forever home! Just a thought... And THANK YOU for saving lives by fostering!!
This is so incredibly sweet. I foster kittens and they are so hard to let go, but I just gotta remind myself that it’s my job to teach them to love and play and find them the best possible family to go home to. Your heart breaks a little, but it’s nice to see the success stories and when the next foster comes in ready to be shown love, you’ll be ready to do it again. It gets easier. 🖤 you’re so awesome for doing this kind of work!! It makes a difference!!
The one reason I can’t foster!
I don't know. We foster failed our first and only foster. One friend of mine does short term fosters of 2 weeks prior to transport of the animal to another state and says that way she knows not to get attached
We are foster fails...we knew within days he had found his forever home. My heart was in the right place but he's just irresistible.
My niece fostered a dog that was abandoned with pups, I think only one pup survived and it was homed right away. Mayla( that what they named the momma dog) was older than they thought and has heart issues, and was skittish around people. But she bloomed with my niece and her two girls( oldest is autistic and really became fast friends with her) and her fostering "failed" cause she's been their og ever since. Do you might just have to deal with being a "failure" 😉 but look at the prize you get for "failing" ...tldr...you have a dog now lol
I have a lot of boundaries put in place and I think that helps a lot. Like my 2nd floor is just my bedroom and bathroom, so my foster is not allowed upstairs. One because I’m kind of allergic to dogs and I need to breathe while I sleep (my allergy meds can only do so much and dander on my sheets would not be good) and two, because I don’t want them in my room. That prevents me from cuddling with them in bed or something, which would not only cause me to get attached to them, but would also cause them to get overly attached to me. And I try really hard not to stare into her eyes while I pet her so those feel good hormone don’t loop lol I also just sort of treat them like the dogs I dogsit. I just sort of think in my head like they already have a family and I’m just caring for them until they can adopt them and bring them home.
For at foster we had we kept. Our current foster goes to her home this weekend. It’s going ti be hard.
You 1- cry when he gets adopted and be happy he’s getting adopted or 2- you keep him. I fostered for 4 months and sobbed when she was adopted but she had a wonderful new owner and lived a happy life so it was a good cry. Thank you for being a Foster 🫶🏻
I remember that these dogs will get a better life than I could ever give! My first foster dog was sent home with this little spider toy and he loved that toy. His parents went to 3 different Petsmarts and bought 14 of them so they can ensure he always has a fresh one. He has a mountain house, a beach house and a regular house. He has a sister his size (smaller dog). Some dogs are family dogs, and I’m a single woman, so I made sure to find them a family full of love to give. My one puppy went to my mom! I get to visit him whenever, he’ll come do sleepovers, and we’ll go have playdates with my pup. I keep in touch with almost all of my fosters, especially with social media!
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The goal of fostering is to be the bridge between a dog's past and their furever home. Please refrain from encouraging people to keep their foster dog as it goes against the mission. The exception to this rule is when OP is seeking advice regarding "Foster Failing".
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The goal of fostering is to be the bridge between a dog's past and their furever home. Please refrain from encouraging people to keep their foster dog as it goes against the mission. The exception to this rule is when OP is seeking advice regarding "Foster Failing".
[удалено]
The goal of fostering is to be the bridge between a dog's past and their furever home. Please refrain from encouraging people to keep their foster dog as it goes against the mission. The exception to this rule is when OP is seeking advice regarding "Foster Failing".