Confessions of a First Time Foster

You might wonder, what exactly are the duties of a Foster Parent for a dog? It all depends on the dog, and the Foster’s abilities. Some dogs come in from very adverse conditions and need special care. I feel lucky, because

Hang on a second, Jackson just pooed in the hall.

Anyway, I feel lucky, because my list is well-defined. I need to teach Jackson to be a good family member with humans, while Brother and Sister teach him the pack skills he’ll need with other dogs (he’s already lived with a cat). I need to make certain he feels loved, comfortable and cared for. Since I also want to make certain that I send him to his new family with as many skills as possible, I’ll also see that he understands basic obedience. I must also ensure that he has

Be right back. Little accident to clean up.

Where was I? Oh yeah. I must also ensure that he has proper Vet care, that he gets his puppy shots and is neutered when the time comes. I’m told he’s still a little young for that. The BFCA-CT covers his Vet expenses, so that helps; I cover his food and grooming. I’ll also probably buy him a harness, since trying to find the tiny ring on his tiny collar results in a lot of accidents.

Speaking of which…

Like I said, I feel lucky. Jackson’s a happy boy with a peaceful puppy spirit. There are other Fosters dealing with dogs who have suffered, who are locked within themselves. They do everything they can to bring these sweet souls out of their shells, and you’ll read some of those stories here. There are Fosters who take in dogs with medical problems and nurse them back to health…when that’s possible. Sometimes it isn’t. And then their role is to offer loving arms for that final journey. But I’m a new foster, and I’m one of the lucky ones.

All I have to do is clean up a lot of poo.

Message from Joan:

I think I am going to give up on the leash – at least until next Fri when we go back to the vet.  Yesterday I finally got the leash on Charlie in the car – that’s what I’ll do for a while.  For now, we’re working on not hating leashes and liking mom.  I feel like there was a victory this morning.  He came over and sniffed my hand when it was hanging out of bed.  I have a basket on the floor with leashes and old collars.  He took the collars and chewed them to oblivion last night.  He does not see a cord or rope he doesn’t want to chew up.  That included the ties on my shorts, my slippers, and some toys etc.  He obviously was an escape artist when tied up.  I get so angry when I see his psychological issues – I think the millers need to be put in cages.

Message from Marilyn:

Miss Darcy is doing okay.  Took a short walk this morning and then she realized that she had a leash on and started bucking…that`s okay, progress. I took her out again, no leash and she loved walking in the leaves…a good reason for me not to rake them up.  She looked at us from a distance and I held her for quite a while and she just sniffed the air and seemed quite content.  Then when I put her on the floor, she ran and curled up in her bed.  I can see a difference, very slight, but a difference.  Some of the fear is gone from her eyes. Wish I could stop crying when I hold her.  She must wonder who this big sissy lady is that keeps giving her little kisses. She loves to look out the window and when we drove in this morning from [my granddaughter’s] softball game, her little face was at the window…all good signs to  me. Yes, Joan, I would love to see these millers in cages and ones that are not really big enough for them to stand.

Message from Kristen:

I will take pictures of Marlin tonight. My son has officially named him Einstein because of his hair. Anyway, Einstein has come along splendidly. He will follow my son all around the house, but will run if we turn to him- this is much better than the first few days when he hid under the bed. Today was a milestone, he went outside to potty and came back in to the house when called (we have 2.5 acres fenced and prior he would try and hide at the farthest corner). His personality is very unique, he never growls or snaps but is very afraid of people.

Message from Marilyn:

I want to give Miss Darcy another bath and then will take more pictures.  Breakthrough tonight…Miss Darcy and I took a 10 minute walk on leash and she never pulled once.  She took me for a walk.  She peed outside and I made a huge fuss and she looked at me like I am crazy, but I am so happy.  She seemed to enjoy the walk.  I feel so much better about things right now.