Dog fosterers - how do you give them up?

[CazD]

I've had a little dog on foster from the local dogs home for the last month - and now a couple have come forward saying they'd like to adopt him. They seem like lovely people and have passed the vet check (I'm guessing the centre only vet check but dont home check as within a few hours of saying they wanted him, the centre rang to say they had passed the checks). The dog was incredibly nervous when he first arrived with me and I've worked really hard with him and he is much more chilled now, although he does follow me everywhere. So why do I feel so awful about letting him go? I feel like I'm rejecting him when he's put all his trust in me. Tell me I'm being silly.

 

[lizzi2]

You sound quite normal to me! Is very hard to part from them, as you do get attached. Sounds like you've done a great job though, and should be able to take comfort from that........as you've obviously given him what he's needed over last few weeks, a stable loving home - much better than being in a kennel environment which can stress so many dogs.

 

[moosea]

I fostered quite a few dogs while I was unemployed several years ago.

I happily handed them over to their forever homes knowing that I had done all I could to prepare these dogs for 'normal' life.

I knew that, being unemployed, I was not able to keep any of the dogs.

It was harder to let go with some than others, but I always felt like I had made a real contribution to those dogs lives.

 

[Star_Chaser]

One in one out there is always another dog that needs your help and this one will hopefully go on to flourish in their new home.

Mine get a little pack and a letter to go with them for the new owners so that they know habits routine, diet and meds quirks they have and training methods so that they can continue with the same type till they can introduce their own.

I do stay in touch with the people who have my fosters its lovely when you start to see those photos of their new lives especially the really challenging ones who you just know are going to be a little cheeky

 

[Alec Swan]

.......

So why do I feel so awful about letting him go? I feel like I'm rejecting him when he's put all his trust in me. Tell me I'm being silly.

You're not being silly, and it's understandable. You've had some success, allow the dog to move on, take on another, gain further success (and the vital experience which goes with it ) and then take on more of life's misfits, succeed and sometimes fail, and you will become one of the few who actually understands the mind of a dog!

First, you need to release your latest success.

Alec.

 

[cremedemonthe]

As others have said, it's normal to feel the wrench.I fostered a lab x staffie who was in the council pound for 11 days after which he was due to be pts because of his "type" he was about 6 months old, a sensitive soul and very friendly.I fostered him to save him being destroyed but couldn't find anyone to take him on that was suitable and to be honest we had bonded with him and I only half heartedly looked for a home anyway!
6 years on, he's still with us and laying flat out on my bed at this precise moment!
It's VERY hard to give them up!
Good luck, Oz