26 responses to “Will my dog miss my foster dog?”

  1. Omar Reyes (Dog Care Journey)

    Hi Lindsay,

    You are so right. I think it goes back to issue of “over humanizing” our dogs. We tend to think that feel the same way that we dog, that they experience the same feelings and emotions. I agree with you that they do feed off of our emotions, but like you said, they live in the moment. Great ideas on getting them out if you do believe they are depressed.

    Omar

  2. Apryl

    I would miss them but know they went to their forever home. I haven’t fostered any yet but maybe someday. For now, I donate as much money, supplies, and time as I can to organizations. Mostly money at this point but in college I had a lot more time than money so that was what I gave.

  3. Shay

    We get together from time to time with Lady’s former foster family. She spent 10 days with them before we adopted her, and she is always very happy to see her former foster Mom and Dad and doggie brother. She also has no problem when it’s time to go home with us. In some ways, they are like her human aunt, uncle and a dog older cousin.

    We are also fortunate that Lady’s former foster family is happy to host her as a guest when we’re heading out of town and can’t bring her with us (assuming they are available). Since they continue to foster new dogs, they tend to be around & available. We don’t want to take advantage of their hospitality, but I do have some family (including my own parents) living far enough away that bringing Lady would risk her health. It is a major relief for us to know that instead of boarding, Lady is staying with people and dogs she considers extended family. And while her “older cousin” former foster brother is always happy to see her, I don’t think he sits around wondering when we’re having our next playdate or sleepover.

  4. T Moody Designs-Tess Moody

    That is so neat that you foster dogs. I didn’t know that was a thing pet owners did. My sister had two dogs and one passed away and the other was so depressed that she almost died of a broken heart.

  5. Kittywalk

    I’ve never thought of this. I should look into fostering a cat.

  6. Sarah

    Casey just left this morning with her forever family and Bailey has spent all morning running the house and going in and out looking for her. Duke could care less, lol, one less “kid” to pester him. She’ll get over it, she has already began to shift her playful energy to Duke, much to his dismay.

  7. Sarah

    Oh and to Kittywalk…. Yes, foster a cat! I believe cats are in greater need than dogs unfortunately…

  8. Tammy

    I’ve considered fostering (can’t do it now in our apartment, but some day!) I wonder, how does the HUMAN in the foster situation get over missing the foster pet?! That seems very emotionally difficult to me!

  9. Marie

    Well, I can say from experience that my dogs seem to heave a big sigh of relief when a foster dog goes to it’s new home. I don’t think that they miss them at all.

  10. Sarah

    As a person here is what I tell myself; If I keep my foster than I cannot help another homeless dog because I already have two of my own and without me that dog would be dead. It was hard to see Casey go and I did shed a few tears but I am very comfortable with the family that she went to and I know they will take care of her. I refused to “ok” a home for her that I wouldn’t have put my own dogs into, I said no to three before I said yes to one.

  11. Tierney Silver-Goeden

    Do you have a foster right now? I just finished fostering the world’s neediest cat. It was hard for me to get rid of him but whew, talk about a weight lifted off my shoulders (literally).

    I am always looking for a second dog but I am waiting for the right time. Maybe in a few years.

    I love checking out craigslist and petfinder, even just for the photos. I have a serious weak-spot for Nordic dogs. I find that (in general) their energy levels and preferred workouts tend to compliment mine. I have also found an increasing love for the GSD and Pits though.

    Maybe dog-foster care is in my future? :)

  12. Pam

    My 7 foster puppies left today for adoption in New York, since that area has better spay/neuter laws than where I live (rural VA.). I have been sad all day long, but keep reminding myself that I was just a stop in their journey to their individual forever homes. While they were with me, I sometimes felt overwhelmed with the amount of care they required….but now all I remember is how sweet they are and how much joy they brought into my home. My dogs looked for them for a short amount of time, but now seem content with a much quieter home!

  13. Lindsay Stordahl

    Yeah, my dog always lets out a sigh of relief whenever our foster dogs get adopted – as do I! But it is such a rewarding experience, and my dog and I both enjoy it for the most part. I’ve never fostered a group of puppies at once!

  14. Carrie

    We have had our foster dog since June and she may be getting adopted tonight. I am so sad that she might be leaving, but am very happy for her. We have another dog that really enjoyed the foster’s company also. I’m afraid he might be really sad once she leaves. Also, because our foster had been with us for about 4 months, I am concerned how the transition will affect her.

  15. Donny

    I just fostered my first dog, and he got adopted after only 2 weeks! I miss him terribly, but my dog doesn’t seem to care at all, though he was looking for him last night. I’m getting another one, and I’m more worried about me as I know the average time it takes for a dog to get adopted is way over 2 weeks….and I was super attached that quickly……so hard to say goodbye, even though I knew he was going to a great family. Ah….tis life. At least I’ve still got my baby and he ain’t going NOWHERE! :)

  16. May

    Hi, I am currently fostering a dog, that otherwise would have been put down. It’s been a little over 3 weeks, I may have finally found a good home for him. I admit, I worry how it will impact my own dog, who likes him, though he likes to be by self other times. I agree with you that any foster needs to know that he or she is making a difference, we save lives, if we kept the ones we foster, we often cannot foster anymore. I keep telling this to myself, though it is not easy. I got attached, but I know I saved his life and I am looking to get him a permanent loving home, I would love to keep him, but if I do, what about the other dogs out there that need help. I hope my dog won’t miss him too much or at all. We’ll find out soon.

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