Thinking of fostering - any tips?

[bubblicious353]

We lost a beloved 12 yr old dog in December. Still have a 10 yr old female dog who seems fine on her own, and two cats. I miss my other dog so much but am not sure how well my remaining dog would tolerate a new one. We've been thinking of fostering/adopting an older dog as they get less interest.
An older staff has popped up needing a foster home and I'd love to help. Any tips? Am I mad for thinking this? DH and I work from home so always some one around and this dog is cat friendly

My dog has made it clear he’s an only child. We did try, thought he’d enjoy a pal.

The rommie rescues were a bit feisty though, and he couldn’t eat around them.

Make sure it’s a placid foster- would it be for cinnamon trust?

No it's a local rescue - dog was passed around in a pub. Very placid but hasn't had a great life. Not used to walks etc
I guess they won't know that much behaviour wise until it's been in a home a little while. I'm keen to help but also want to protect my current animals

I foster cats, but I’d say try not to get too attached - saying goodbye to my first foster nearly broke me!

Also, if you do fall in love & decide to adopt do it sooner rather than later so the rescue can take the dog off the list.

And don’t go into it with any kind of timeframe in mind! I’ve had cats for as little as one month & as long as six.

Fostering is a brilliant thing to do & hearing how happy ex-fosters are in their new homes makes it worth it.

Is your dog an old 10 or a young 10?

As in, would she really want a random adult dog in her space at her age, or is she young enough to accept it and even enjoy it?

My dogs didn't like another dog staying.

Plus our 1st foster ended very quickly as the dog died within hours of arriving, which was incredibly traumatic. So I would check their health carefully.

But it's a good thing to do.

I think that you should be cautious. Your remaining dog has had a really difficult time - lost her best friend (who I assume she'd had in her life since she came home?) and is probably a bit confused even if she's not showing it on the outside. She'll likely be really clingy as well.

A dog can be the most gentle and friendly dog ever, and love dogs coming over for a game for a few hours - but that's the point. They only stay for a few hours. A new dog moving in will be hard on her - even if she takes to it well. She'll have grown used to having more attention, not having the other dog there etc.If that dog then goes it again can be really hard on the existing animals.

I'm not explaining this well (not enough coffee yet) but do think very carefully.

For reference; I took in a three year old Dalmatian about three years ago. I had a seven year old cocker at the time - never shown any aggression, friendliest dog ever, no behavioural issues, loved everything and everyone. Had lived with another dog up until the month before (yes I know, I got a new dog quickly) and had got on swimmingly. The day after the Dalmatian came home, the cocker flew at her. And I mean flew. Snarling, teeth bared. The only reason nothing happened was that I had the cocker on a house line (ICE - I expected something bad to happen, because you have to). I've never seen anything that aggressive from a dog before. It was horrible. It took MONTHS for me to even be able to have them in the same room - and this was a dog who was friendly (and I really do want to emphasise that - not an aggressive bone in her body). They now cuddle up in a bed and it is lovely (and my puppy joins them) BUT it took months of dedicated hard work. Day and night.

I think if you are unsure how your current dog will react, don't do it. Prioritise her happiness above wanting to do the right thing.

I have a foster dog currently and have had 5 previously. It's hard work but rewarding. The key is to ask for help from the charity and friends if the dog is hard to manage. I've had help from a dog trainer via the charity as I struggled with the dogs behaviour initially
When my dogs were alive they generally accepted an incomer within a week. The cat is less keen
Hope you decide to do it and the very best of luck

Thanks everyone - there's a lot to think about.

You will struggle if you have cats, unless you take on a pup or can guarantee to keep them separate for however long.

That’s a really good point about the effect on your current dog, especially if either they can’t stand each other or they get really close.