Fostering?? Sort of long :)

boxer17 · #1 10-20-2009, 08:02 PM

We have had Chops since March and he is doing wonderful. The Boxer Rescue we got him from is in need of a foster home - which one isn't. We really never considered it, but now we think it might not be a bad idea.

They wanted us to take a look at fostering a 1 year old female or another 1 1/2 year old female, but we feel this probably isn't the right fit for our family. Chops is so mellow for a Boxer and we have a 4 year old son and a pup would be a ton to say the least. One reason we rescued Chops in the first place is we wanted a Boxer that had already outgrown puppy stage and "had a brain".

They do have two older female Boxers too. One is about 4 and the other about 7 or 8. They said they are both dominant females, but they should be fine with Chops. He had a bit of leash aggression when we first got him, but he doesn't seem to have it anymore and he gets along with most dogs he meets. We are dog sitting our in-laws lab/pit mix right now and they are having a blast. We will of course see if Chops gets along with the dog before we take them home.

So now for the questions; has anyone fostered a dog before? What are they challenges and rewards? What happens if they don't get along when they get home? They say that we get to chose to adopt first if a family wants her, which sounds neat, but we hopefully would be able to give her up so that we could foster another dog. Are we able to take her places with us? We go on day trips alot right now to lakes, streams, etc and would want to take her, would we have the ask them or tell them we are doing this?

Sorry so long, but it's a big decision and we want to make the right one. Thanks in advance for your insight and suggestions.

EAO76 · #2 10-20-2009, 08:30 PM

I have fostered about 10 dogs for my local boxer rescue. It can be difficult & emotional but it’s also very rewarding. Here is another thread that may answer some of your questions. Fostering Negatives

As far as taking her camping & such that would depend on the temperament of the dog and the rules of the rescue. Also keep in mind these dogs have been through a lot. When they first come to you they may be recovering from spays, kennel cough, mourning the loss of their families, etc, etc. It’s recommended to be very low key with them at first so traveling right off the bat may not be a great idea.

GOOD LUCK!

LLANGE1852 · #3 11-01-2009, 10:42 AM

I have fostered quite a bit for Nor Cal Boxer Rescue in CA and now a little bit for Green Acres Boxer Rescue in WI. I have always treated my foster dogs the same as mine. When they were younger I took them to the dog park alot and if I had a very social foster I took foster dog with. If not, the foster dog stayed home. We went on a number of camping trips with fosters but usually after a honeymoon/get to know you phase at home.

As far as letting them go....its hard, sometimes much harder than others. :-) I always think of it in terms of I have to let this one go so I have a spot for the next. The fosters usually are so thankful for the love, attention and food that it makes it so worth it!

-Laurie