Rescue dogs advice

[Soynut]

I live in a small place with one dog, but I'm thinking about pulling another dog out of the shelter either as a foster or adoptive mom. The reason why I'm thinking about foster is so that I'm able to save more than one (only two dogs are allowed in my building). I can only take on small dogs, unfortunately, due to regulations here. However, I don't have a lot of experience with rescues and I would love some advice from you.:frenchbulldog:

[Gliondrach]

I don't know what advice you need. Are you concerned that a dog who's been mistreated might find it too difficult to fit in? If so, a puppy would probably be easier to deal with. If there are any puppies available - and there probably aren't. And you'd have to be sure that the puppy wouldn't grow into a large dog.

Under what circumstances are dogs fostered?

[thevegantwins]

I think your best bet is to contact a local rescue group and find out what their rules are since groups vary alot. Also, make sure they have a trial period so if your dog doesn't get along with the foster, it won't be an issue to contact the group and give the foster back. We tried to adopt a rescued cat years ago and told the people right up front that Felíne was our priority. We selected a deaf, physically handicapped older cat, hoping Felíne wouldn't be intimidated but she was in a terrible state. She stopped eating, using the litter box, and playing even though we had the other cat in a crate in another room. The people had given us loads of advice, which we followed, but when it was clear that Felíne was just not accepting the other cat, the group took the cat back. :(

[Soynut]

Thanks, guys. TVT, that's why I was thinking about fostering - I don't know how my dog will react to a new "sibling" after 6 years as the only dog, it could present LOTS of problems. I guess fostering on my own (pulling a dog out of the shelter and find a new home for him) might not be the best idea in this case. But I've been to my local shelter a couple of times this last week and it's so awful to see the desperation of these poor dogs.

I think rescue groups is a safer bet, especially taking my dog into consideration - there's more information on behavior and personality. Also, a grown up would be better for our situation. It's only that I feel a shelter animal is in a even more desperate need and I would like to get at least one out of there..:(

[thevegantwins]

I feel the same, soynut but I also felt and feel that since we rescued Felíne first and had her for 4-5 years at the time when we tried to integrate another cat into our home, her attitude was our priority. Of course the other homeless animals matter but unfortunately, we can't rescue them all. It is certainly worth a try to see how your dog will react.

[Soynut]

Agree, I think it's worth TRYING.:) To do nothing at all feels much worse. It will ultimately come down to the chemistry between the two dogs... if that doesn't work, I don't know if there's much I can do as a human?....

[Bowwowmeow]

I got Daisy from Home at Last, a pit bull rescue group. I believe they now have a facility, but at the time I adopted her, eight years ago, they were a group of people who removed bullies from the pound and fostered them in their homes. If there is a group like this near you, you could join and offer your home in a fostering situation. That way you would be helping shelter dogs, but you would have other people to rely on if a particular situation didn't work out. There is also a local group called the Homeless Cat Network, who I believe are a fostering network for cats instead of dogs. You might try an internet search to see if there are any networks like this where you live.

It all depends on how much your own dog likes other dogs. I used to have dogs coming to stay with me when their folks traveled, but Daisy got to the point where she didn't like this anymore, so I had to stop. It can sometimes take up to a year for a new family member to integrate, too, so sometimes its hard to tell after a few weeks of not getting along whether this will continue. I've never seen a situation that ultimately didn't work out though, except for one, which was really the fault of the greyhound rescue group, who shouldn't have recommended the particular dog they recommended to my customer. It nearly ended in tragedy, and it shouldn't have happened, because my customer was an experienced person with rescued racers, who wasn't informed as to the full history of the dog. So, it is important to work with people you can trust, and who will be there if it doesn't work out.

[thevegantwins]

Another factor to consider is extra space in your home to keep them separated during the adjustment period. One of our problems when we tried to adopt the 2nd was that we lived in a teeny 1 bedroom apartment so there wasn't anywhere for Felíne to get away from Helen (the deaf cat named after my batty Aunt Helen).

[Soynut]

The more I think about it, the more a rescue group seems to be the way to go. I made a few appointments already with dogs I think would be suitable for my pooch!:) The match could be wonderful right off the bat.... or it could be one year of only DOG ISSUES.:D

[Soynut]

Another factor to consider is extra space in your home to keep them separated during the adjustment period. One of our problems when we tried to adopt the 2nd was that we lived in a teeny 1 bedroom apartment so there wasn't anywhere for Felíne to get away from Helen (the deaf cat named after my batty Aunt Helen).

Thanks, crate training will probably be the way to go when I'm out of the house.

[Gliondrach]

Could you take you whippet friend along to meet any prospective dogs to see how they get on?

[my3labs]

Gliondrach is absolutely right on this point. I think the most important thing you can do is introduce them in a neutral spot. And maybe transition the two dogs over a period of time.

[Oracl]

I think it is wonderful that you want to adopt or foster a dog, Soynut. :thumbsup: :colors:

[Soynut]

Gliondrach is absolutely right on this point. I think the most important thing you can do is introduce them in a neutral spot. And maybe transition the two dogs over a period of time.

Truth to be told, he's not so good with dogs outside. But he's a gentleman to all dogs (cats too!) in his own or other people's home. I'll ask if I can bring him along to the home of the foster mom.

[Tails4wagging]

In the past when Ive taken a rescue dog from a shelter Ive took my only dog with me to introduce them in a neutral area . If they got on that was fine.

Always introduce dogs to each other on neutral ground. I do if friends come with their dogs and my girls havent met them before. Then they all walk back to my home together.

[my3labs]

Truth to be told, he's not so good with dogs outside. But he's a gentleman to all dogs (cats too!) in his own or other people's home. I'll ask if I can bring him along to the home of the foster mom.

That's completely opposite of Carson (our bully), he's pretty ok with other dogs in a neutral area but in his territory he's very protective. Whatever works best for yours is what you should do.
Good luck, and good for you!

[Soynut]

Thanks.:) I've experienced that lots of dogs are like that, territorial at home, but nice outside. It's more normal, I guess. Mine is just not territorial, he'll let ANYONE into his home. One time I opened the door an a strange dog walked in and mine looked as bewildered as me - he did nothing and waited for me to take action.
However, he thinks he's the king of the streets around here which is very frustrating.

[Bowwowmeow]

I'm sure it will be a success because you know your dog, Soynut! You would be amazed at how many people don't understand dogs, even the ones they live with.

[Soynut]

Oh, thank you, Bow.:) We know each other VERY well... I think we are soul mates.:D I'm going to see a sweet chihuahua this weekend! We'll take our time because it's a huge commitment and nothing one should rush into... all though it's so easy to do with all the dogs in need. Going to the shelter was awful, both my husband and I cried and wanted to take them all home. I still think about all those cute faces. I'm still open to rescue one from there.....