single, working dog owner

[MartianDestiny]

What are his objections to your owning a dog now that are alleviated with a foster animal?

It sounds from your post that he's concerned about the condo (I'm assuming size and lack of yard) and your work schedule.

A foster animal is NOT the solution to these issues. Most of them have issues of varying degree and need far more attention than a dog you own that is comfortable in your house, etc. It's a rewarding, but sometimes heartwrenching, experience; however, if you don't have the time, space, or commitment to a full time pet chances are you don't have the time, space, or commitment for a foster animal even if it is supposed to be shorter term. They just need work.

Find the dog that is right for your living situation and enjoy him/her IMO.

Fostering is a great experience if you have the time and stability to do it, but you do need the time.

[smilingcat]

+1 with MartianDestiny

Having a foster animals can be very rewarding but it does take time, patience and lots of love. Older foster animals frequently have issues. Sometimes they are the sweetest thing. So its not that they all need lot more attention. It's just that some do and you don't know until you've had the foster for a day maybe even a week or two.

The other thing about foster is that if you really like the dog, you might just go ahead and adopt the dog. Many of the rescue group will allow you to adopt the animal you are fostering. I don't know of any group that will not allow you to adopt a foster animal you are taking care of.

[badger]

I've fostered dogs before. They're good and they're bad. I took Chevy home as a foster-to-adopt. Even though he had the best personality, he had a lot of medical issues that made it hard on me sometimes. He was a lot of work and he was at times a burden, and that's primarily what I think my boyfriend doesn't want me to go through again.

Fostering would be a temporary "fix" to my need/want for a dog. I know fostering's not "borrowing" a dog for the fun of it, they have issues and needs that may be beyond what I can offer.

One foster is a schnauzer with a broken leg. He'll find a home just like *that*, so I won't feel bad returning him after the fostering period. The other one is also from Taiwan, and again, I won't mind giving her up knowing she'll go to a good home.

this is partly why I want Larissa. I've done a great deal of research and have been in touch numerous times with the clinic who has her. They want the best match for the dog as well, and in over 100 dogs they've placed from Taiwan, not one has been returned or have been deemed a mis-match.

[andtckrtoo]

Larissa is adorable!! And her story is heart breaking! I'd love to see her go to someone who will love her as she deserves to be loved.

I second the idea of doggie day care a few days a week. My Aussie goes twice a week - Tuesdays and Thursdays - and he sleeps all day on Wed and Fri. He's simply exhausted. Plus most day cares offer overnight boarding as well - and it's nice to know that your pup will be playing all day when you're not there to be with her.

[GLC1968]

Wow, Larissa looks like an amazing dog!

And a third vote for doggie day care if you've got a good one near you. We had one when we lived in NC and our dogs just LOVED spending the day there. It was an amazing place...I think they liked it better than being home with us!

[Biciclista]

I just read about Larissa too. what a story!

I understand they can be a real handful, basenjis, that is. but she's a cross
and she's her own dog. I hope you get her and tell us all about it. She'll learn quickly to respect the cats.

keep us posted.

[badger]

I brought home the schnauzer tonight. Considering he's stil pretty young, he did very well in the car (stayed put on his little mat) and listens very well. He barks at pretty much everyone and every dog, but he does respond when I correct him. I think he's just super excited to be outside. But he walks very well on the leash, half a step behind me all the time.

He's also really good in his crate. He whined just a wee bit but when I ignored him he just settled down.

The cats on the other hand are another matter. Morley instantly had a full hate-on and hissing away like there was no tomorrow. He took a couple of swipes at the little guy who just wanted to say hi. Scout disappeared under the bed.

This situation is very dangerous, as he's such a good little dog. It's going to be supremely difficult to give him up if he just keeps on getting better from this point on.