Animal Welfare Professionals

This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous

HI all, 

I have been fostering for senior large dog rescue for 7+ years.  Mostly doing medical foster, but always seniors.  Recently,  I started fostering with a rescue that does all age ranges.  Recently, I/ rescue pulled  up a sweet older dog from the shelter.  She clearing needs dental and separation anxiety. During the weekend a person at store hosting the rescue a senior dog was "asked" for. In talking to my contact at the rescue it was going to a senior woman who is housebound with family that visits daily.  I told the rescue she wasn't a good fit. She needs a pack and is literally always underfoot.  I myself fell yesterday and hit my head because she was underfoot. And I knew  she was right there. But tried to take a half step falling over her hitting my head. 

The rescue said they are placing her in fta program.  I am too new to the rescue to know how to make my point before she goes to the home. I offered to meet or talk with the fta family.  That was rejected.  How should I handle this?

#FosterPrograms

If you are a foster affiliated with a rescue or shelter you are obliged to abide by their policies and procedures.  However your input, observations and experiences  are valuable and should be taken in consideration in placing the dog.There is not enough information provided to comment any further.

Does the rescue take care of the dental? Does the customer take care of the dental. Do you take care of the dental.

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Rochelle Hamp
Executive Director
Headwaters Animal Shelter
MN
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-12-2024 09:55 AM
From: Anonymous Member
Subject: What would you do?

This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous

HI all, 

I have been fostering for senior large dog rescue for 7+ years.  Mostly doing medical foster, but always seniors.  Recently,  I started fostering with a rescue that does all age ranges.  Recently, I/ rescue pulled  up a sweet older dog from the shelter.  She clearing needs dental and separation anxiety. During the weekend a person at store hosting the rescue a senior dog was "asked" for. In talking to my contact at the rescue it was going to a senior woman who is housebound with family that visits daily.  I told the rescue she wasn't a good fit. She needs a pack and is literally always underfoot.  I myself fell yesterday and hit my head because she was underfoot. And I knew  she was right there. But tried to take a half step falling over her hitting my head. 

The rescue said they are placing her in fta program.  I am too new to the rescue to know how to make my point before she goes to the home. I offered to meet or talk with the fta family.  That was rejected.  How should I handle this?

#FosterPrograms

Hi,

I share in your stress about want to find a good match for your fosters.  We all want the best for the dogs we bring into our lives. It might be worth it to have a convo with the rescue about the home that your foster dog is going to so you can learn why they feel your dog is a good match.  I would work more on trying to understand why they feel the match is good than on why you're concerned its bad, because criticism of what they're doing isn't likely to go well, in my experience. 

It seems like that would be really helpful.   If the housebound woman is in a wheelchair or has a walker, the odds of your foster getting underfoot are much lower in my experience.  I've found that's more of a problem with faster moving people. Regardless, there's a chance they might have a very good plan for how things might work out well.

If you've worked to understand their viewpoint, but both sides still disagree, I'd probably look to foster my next dog for a rescue that aligns more with my viewpoint.   There are so many groups other there... we all benefit from donating our time with an org that best matches our philosophies. 

Good luck and i hope the best for you foster girl! 

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Sheila Segurson, DVM, DACVB
Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist
Director of Community Solutions
Maddie's Fund
Pleasanton CA
9258608284
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-12-2024 09:55 AM
From: Anonymous Member
Subject: What would you do?

This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous

HI all, 

I have been fostering for senior large dog rescue for 7+ years.  Mostly doing medical foster, but always seniors.  Recently,  I started fostering with a rescue that does all age ranges.  Recently, I/ rescue pulled  up a sweet older dog from the shelter.  She clearing needs dental and separation anxiety. During the weekend a person at store hosting the rescue a senior dog was "asked" for. In talking to my contact at the rescue it was going to a senior woman who is housebound with family that visits daily.  I told the rescue she wasn't a good fit. She needs a pack and is literally always underfoot.  I myself fell yesterday and hit my head because she was underfoot. And I knew  she was right there. But tried to take a half step falling over her hitting my head. 

The rescue said they are placing her in fta program.  I am too new to the rescue to know how to make my point before she goes to the home. I offered to meet or talk with the fta family.  That was rejected.  How should I handle this?

#FosterPrograms