Fostering Thots

There comes a point in the process of fostering when a dog ceases to be a separate entity and is just one of the pack.

Perhaps it is a behavior thing and the dog just meshes with the resident dogs. There aren't any major behavior or health issues, he's just one of the gang. I think that's a good thing and what we want for our fosters.

I've done this enough to know it doesn't always work out this way. We had one that was male aggressive, so he presented a very stressful fostering experience. Others foster homes report chewing issues, resource guarding, puppies running amok, training issues. That just goes with the territory. Mine have all had a penchant for running with lingerie and chewing up socks, but still not a big deal.

This is not to say they were perfect in any way shape or form. Buddy was an escape artist, Kobe was homely and emaciated (until you saw how much heart he has), Bo had eye problems, Jackson was male aggressive, Pete and Sidney had never lived inside before. They are rather like children, you take what you get and love them anyway.

Sidney has been with us long enough that he is just one of the gang. Sometimes when you say "oh, he's a foster dog" you can explain away a plethora of issues that you are working on. Sometimes, like with Sidney, you forget he's not a permanent resident.

And we know, someone will be so lucky to adopt him and call him their own. Until that day comes he'll be just one of our pups, in our hearts, hogging our sofa.