Some of you know that I've been looking at adopting a dog. I had been looking at puppies, but after the initial tug at the heart strings, I came to realize that it wouldn't be a good fit - puppies are for families, not for a single guy.
So instead, I decided that I would start looking for a senior dog. Common thought says that a senior dog is too set in their ways and will be too expensive to take care of, but then again, with a senior dog you have a great behavioral history of that dog (as they usually have been in foster homes) and really, its an old dog. They don't want that much from you, other than a warm roof over their heads.
The more I looked into it, the firmer my decision became. I broke the news to my girlfriend (sorry, no puppies with a bow tie for Christmas!). Instead, I'd look for a great dog just looking for a new, final home.
Beej was a "senior" dog, but my friends know she wasn't. She may have been younger than her listed age, but even in her elder years she was still a lot of fun and a great friend.
So I made some calls, described my situation, and wouldn't you know it...they were thrilled someone was calling specifically for an older dog. One even went so far as to propose something to me, something I hadn't even thought about. Its got my wheels turning.
What about fostering a senior dog?
The owner has passed or the dog loses its sight and medical costs become too expensive or after 10 years, the once young couple finds that their friend doesn't do well with their newborn...senior dog stories are the saddest. Unfortunately, due to the glut of dogs out there, most rescues can only pull out the "saveable" dogs and for the most part, senior dogs aren't considered adoptable.
Fostering a senior dog would buy them some time until the right fit was found. Medication and food costs would be reimbursed. And if the dog isn't adjusting well to my situation, I could swap with another foster family. Its doing a good thing, not just for one pup, but for more.
On the other hand, I could find a great dog and have to give it up. I could get a dog that doesn't do well with me and it'd be weeks before I could move it out. New dogs coming in would mean a constant state of adjustment, possibly never getting to that "comfort" state that makes owning a dog so rewarding. Worst...maybe I have to constantly relive having old dogs die on me.
Is adopting just one senior dog "good enough" or should I take the opportunity to do more? I don't know...thoughts?
So instead, I decided that I would start looking for a senior dog. Common thought says that a senior dog is too set in their ways and will be too expensive to take care of, but then again, with a senior dog you have a great behavioral history of that dog (as they usually have been in foster homes) and really, its an old dog. They don't want that much from you, other than a warm roof over their heads.
The more I looked into it, the firmer my decision became. I broke the news to my girlfriend (sorry, no puppies with a bow tie for Christmas!). Instead, I'd look for a great dog just looking for a new, final home.
Beej was a "senior" dog, but my friends know she wasn't. She may have been younger than her listed age, but even in her elder years she was still a lot of fun and a great friend.
So I made some calls, described my situation, and wouldn't you know it...they were thrilled someone was calling specifically for an older dog. One even went so far as to propose something to me, something I hadn't even thought about. Its got my wheels turning.
What about fostering a senior dog?
The owner has passed or the dog loses its sight and medical costs become too expensive or after 10 years, the once young couple finds that their friend doesn't do well with their newborn...senior dog stories are the saddest. Unfortunately, due to the glut of dogs out there, most rescues can only pull out the "saveable" dogs and for the most part, senior dogs aren't considered adoptable.
Fostering a senior dog would buy them some time until the right fit was found. Medication and food costs would be reimbursed. And if the dog isn't adjusting well to my situation, I could swap with another foster family. Its doing a good thing, not just for one pup, but for more.
On the other hand, I could find a great dog and have to give it up. I could get a dog that doesn't do well with me and it'd be weeks before I could move it out. New dogs coming in would mean a constant state of adjustment, possibly never getting to that "comfort" state that makes owning a dog so rewarding. Worst...maybe I have to constantly relive having old dogs die on me.
Is adopting just one senior dog "good enough" or should I take the opportunity to do more? I don't know...thoughts?
I agree with Sara. In all likelihood, you will bond with one of the dogs you foster and that will be that. They will become yours. :) Have you contacted Pasado's Safe Haven? The are always looking for perm and foster homes for their old dogs. http://www.pasadosafehaven.org/adopt_a_dog.html
Also, if you want to foster a specific breed you can contact the local breed club and go that route.
I'm not allowed to look on Pet Finder anymore. I'd have a dozen dogs.
Good luck and let me know if you need anymore info.
Posted by: Jessica | November 18, 2009 at 12:48 PM
Did you know when I volunteered for PAWS, I worked with their Foster Care program? I can probably answer some questions for you about this. :)
Most, if not all, animal shelters will give the foster parent the first option of adoption. If you find a great dog, you wouldn't need to give it up. If that were to happen, would you consider fostering another dog as well? Part of the benefit for animals in foster care is to get the socialization - with humans and other animals.
If you've thought about this far, why not give it a try? What have you got to lose? Even if it only ends up that you foster 2 dogs before they are adopted out, that's 2 more that will have some great moments with you.
Posted by: Sara Henault | November 18, 2009 at 12:55 AM