I don’t worry about my mutt Ace whenever a dog I’m fostering gets adopted. If anything, he lets out a huge sigh of relief because most of the time the foster dog has been stressful for us both!
Ace usually crashes for a day or two once a foster dog leaves us, not because he’s sad but because he wants to catch up on some rest!
Dogs have the ability to move on right away, and Ace reminds me of that every week. Out of sight, out of mind. We humans are the ones who get attached. If I act sad and depressed, then Ace might act depressed too, but only because he’s picking up on my energy.
If I foster a dog and she gets adopted, Ace might look for her for a few days. After that, he will continue on as normal. If the dogs see one another again in the future they are always very happy to be reunited, but they are also fine when it’s time to part again.
There may be some exceptions to this, such as if you have a long-term foster dog for several months or years. Your dog may have started to view the foster dog as a member of the family. Just like if someone in the family were to move away or die, it could be hard for your dog when the foster dog (finally!) gets adopted.
The best thing to do for a confused or depressed dog is to take him on a long walk, work on training or do something else to distract him. Feeding him extra treats and giving affection will only encourage him to keep acting depressed by reinforcing that something is wrong. If a dog is depressed for any reason, a nice, long walk is usually the best medicine.
Have you fostered dogs? Does your dog miss your foster dogs when they get adopted?
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January 24th, 2010 at 10:46 pm
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
January 25th, 2010 at 8:53 am
Thanks! Glad you agree! It’s hard not to humanize our dogs though, even when we are aware we’re doing it!
January 25th, 2010 at 3:19 pm
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.
January 25th, 2010 at 3:46 pm
It takes a lot of time to foster a dog, and it’s not always easy for those of us with busy schedules. Donating time, supplies and money is a GREAT way to help!
January 25th, 2010 at 8:04 pm
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.
January 25th, 2010 at 9:08 pm
It’s great when it works out like that. I’m sure your dog’s former foster family loves it when she comes to stay!
January 26th, 2010 at 7:04 am
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.
January 26th, 2010 at 8:02 am
I’ve never thought of this. I should look into fostering a cat.
January 26th, 2010 at 8:52 am
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.
January 26th, 2010 at 8:54 am
Oh and to Kittywalk…. Yes, foster a cat! I believe cats are in greater need than dogs unfortunately…
January 26th, 2010 at 9:08 am
Fostering a cat is a great idea. There are many more homeless cats than dogs. I’m glad Casey went to her forever home! Good for her!!
Tess, sorry to hear about your sisters dogs. That is a sad story.
January 26th, 2010 at 10:24 am
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!
January 26th, 2010 at 10:40 am
It’s definitely harder on the human in most cases! I usually don’t have trouble seeing the dog go, but many, many people do. Some cry every time a foster dog gets adopted!
January 26th, 2010 at 5:30 pm
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.
January 26th, 2010 at 6:23 pm
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.
January 26th, 2010 at 9:12 pm
Haha! I have to laugh at your comment, Marie, because that’s exactly how Ace is! Huge sigh of relief!
Sarah, I think it takes a lot to turn down potential homes. Sometimes it’s easy, like if the people are obviously not good dog owners. But sometimes, the person or family has their heart set on that one dog, and it’s hard to explain to them that the dog is not right for them.
February 7th, 2010 at 11:29 am
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?
February 7th, 2010 at 1:07 pm
You should foster for 4 Luv of Dog. They always need fosters. No, I don’t have a foster dog right now. It is usually pretty stressful so I only do it about three times per year. I have plenty of dogs coming and going for pet sitting, so it’s hard to focus the time on a foster dog with issues. But it’s rewarding and I do love fostering when I can. I’ve thought about fostering a cat since it would be easier (hopefully!).
September 6th, 2010 at 5:24 pm
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!
September 6th, 2010 at 7:42 pm
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!