Little Gifts

There is already a 3 page thread about this here in General and another in the rescue threads.

I took on a surrendered foster boy who was obviously well loved by his original owner. I just accepted that he was terribly sad and tried to meet his basic needs while identifying the things he preferred - type of bed, where he liked to sleep, what he liked to eat and when, where he liked to be touched. Little things I guess. I also talked to him a lot in the comforting tone we all use. He was uncomfortable about a lot of new things but we got through it slowly. My youngest dog also helped him learn how to play with other dogs and toys, which was beautiful to see as we don't think he had much to do with other dogs before. He and his quirks rehomed much quicker than we expected (to a family with kids who he adores!) and I still miss him and think about him a lot. I think it is a day by day thing and we shouldn't assume a dog wouldn't cope with a new home that can provide similar routines/lifestyle until there is evidence that it is not happening. Dogs have their preferences too I guess - some can be challenged to change and others perhaps just find it too stressful.

Yep I just saw this on my FB page this morning too. They have collars, harnesses and leashes that are in the colour of traffic lights with words on them so Green says 'Friendly', Orange says something like 'Be Cautious' and Red says something like 'Stay Away'. A great and simple idea that even kids could understand. Edited to add I think there is still a need for things like this for foster dogs and dogs being rehabilitated for behavioural issues. Not all dogs are fully trained when out in public - some are out in public to help them get to where they want to be.

I have an apron and a bag that says that but I don't think I'm really there just yet!

I'm intrigued to find out who the dad of those brindles with the crinkly noses was! They are all just precious - thank you for the photos!!!!!

So sorry MTD. What a great age she got to!

I had an SBT eat about 3kg of Hills Science Diet kibble and oh my lordy wasn't he a bloated beast. He survived the experience but I'm not sure his bottom ever forgot the after affects.

There was a thread on this in Off Topic and I remember discovering someone, who I never ever understood posts from, was a guy! He said he never understood what I was on about either when I posted. Good to have our miscommunication explained so simply!

I had a pack of Vivitonin left over from my old girl last year and it went to Seniors and Silkies. I think it is great to pass them on if you no longer need them.

See that's wierd to me Carlo because I would say on here what I would say to my rescuer and she is a regular on here as well! Even if we disagreed on something there would at least be a discussion and reasons that went with it. Plus I have to constantly remind myself that these are her dogs and all decisions are ultimately hers because in my effort to be 'helpful' during the adoption process I do sometimes overstep that line. Being able to have two way communication is so important and the human and dog relationships can only benefit from that.

Takoda has grown into a very good looking young lady!

My rescuer provides all the food and medication for the dogs I foster. I do choose to supplement the kibble with other things I buy myself. I was also given a crate, dog bowl and harness and if I had've needed a bed I'm sure I would've been given that too. While the vet she uses is quite a way from where I live I have had no real emergencies. I did have trouble taking desex stitches out once and chose to go to my own vet for help (which I was prepared to pay for) but my vet is so lovely she took them out for nothing (even she had trouble with one) and also gave me some calendula cream for free for one area that was slightly infected. If I had a true emergency I would call the rescuer on the way to my nearest after hours vet and let her know what I was doing and that I would pay for it. It is her dog but I think she trusts my judgement on what is a true emergency and needs immediate after hours attention and what could be managed overnight until I can arrange to see her vet the next day. The one cost I'm not sure everyone is prepared for is the damage to your house and property. You have to expect some chewing of furniture (or your favourite shoes!), piddling on carpets and replacement of collars/leashes, doggy blankets and bedding. You also have to expect some injuries to yourself sometimes! If you are truly fussy or like your house in a pristine condition then fostering will probably drive you insane. My laundry constantly looks like a war zone full of dog paraphenalia and I have now become one of those people who has laundry drying on her front verandah for the world to see! Yes all the dog stuff goes out there now on a big clothes horse so the back under cover line is free for human clothes.

Stussy supervising a game of bitey face!

Our new guard dog doing his thing -

Well then this is MY blanket!

MY bed! MY toys!

Have a look at this thread: http://www.dolforums.com.au/topic/239114-just-volunteered-to-foster/page__p__5882420__hl__foster__fromsearch__1#entry5882420 This is an issue that comes up from time to time. I am a foster carer and was initially going to foster for a group who took on a lot of staffies because that is a breed I love. However they were willing for me to take them straight from the pound with no quarantine or assessment; basically telling me I could choose whichever I wanted from pics or basic breed, sex and age info. Instead I am a foster carer for someone who quarantines and vets her dogs first and who listens to me about what I think would best suit our household and who is always available to answer any questions I have. They are her dogs and I respect her knowledge and wishes but they are also her dogs in my household so it has to be a two way thing. I want to do my best but I can't if I have the wrong dog or if I have concerns or questions I can't get answered or if I simply don't have the skills for that dog. I couldn't support a group who couldn't or wouldn't support me because the dogs always lose out. Even though I don't even own one of the breed I foster I still feel very much part of an extended family of the other foster carers, adopters and the rescuer herself. And because of that I also get involved in other activities to promote the breed, the foster dogs that are available and of course raise money. It's all very wholistic and is a nurturing environment for me. Don't let this experience put you off - not all rescue is the same.

Her eyes tell you that she will devote her life to one special person out there! She is just waiting for that right one to come along!

There are several instances on here of where an only dog fell in love with a foster/rescue dog and so a second permanent dog was added to the household. So that says several important things to me. Firstly, the human has to be in a position to permanently have a second dog and a desire to have a second dog if the circumstances are right. Secondly the new dog has to fit in with the first dog - in fact the first dog has to love and need the new dog. Basically a second dog has to be for both of you given you will be sharing a life together for many years to come. It's a bit like that old analogy of it being about the icing on top of the cake and not the cake itself. There are plenty of instances in rescue where people get a new dog and it doesn't get on with their existing dog so they get rid of the existing dog! They are certainly getting a second dog for the wrong reason and haven't factored in the needs and likes of their existing dog at all. I also want to add that even though we are a multi-dog household (currently have 2 foster pups as well) we have a solid routine we adhere to for the dogs which actually includes one on one time with each of them doing something they love, which could simply be cuddles or it could be playing tug or brushing them. Whatever they enjoy, but we think it is important that this special time is not interupted by the other dogs. I personally find this one on one time very relaxing for me as well. It keeps our individual bonds strong with each dog.

Excellent idea about distracting him. Such a simple idea but it will work because he can't resist you dangling a toy in his face! Then we he barks for the right reason I can use verbal praises. I'll add some more photos this morning once FB finishes loading stuff there. It is being special this morning.

Dweeb just still needs to know he has a mummy when he's feeling tired, or hungry or scared! I think both would do great in homes with kids. As for Dimples being shy, she certainly isn't here! She's constantly outside here exploring, ususally with our two following her, while Dweeb is constantly finding new toys and hoarding them on a bed he has claimed. He prefers the indoor comforts of life! I fell asleep on the top lounge here when they were having their morning tea time nap only to wake up an hour later with both of them on the lounge with me. I'm going to have to learn to go to bed early at night like they do if I want to get enough beauty sleep! Now I'm after a bit of advice. Dweeb is very vigilant about noises so will make a good guard dog. The problem is he is doing a danger bark and growl at every noise he hears outside and inside the house. I don't want to discourage the overall behaviour but channel it to things affecting this property as the neighbour next door is already slamming her window and telling him to shut up. Lots of these noises will be new to him of course but as an example we were outside playing this morning and he heard my sister walking up the hallway inside the house and went into alert and bark mode over it. Usually I would praise/acknowledge the wanted behaviours and ignore those that weren't but this is an important learning time for puppies and I'm not sure how best to do that without putting him off doing it at all. I don't want to do anything to make him fearful of barking when it is appropriate but the guy across the road coming home and the neighbour next door moving her bin or the guy behind starting his lawn mower are not threats. He does not seem frightened by the noises, just alerted to them quickly and vocally. Is it something he has to learn himself based on my responses to the supposed threat?

We only call them that so their cuteness doesn't go to their heads!

Thank you! The funny part is my heart girl was the naughtiest dog for at least 3 years! She ate everything we owned and still can't pass by an uncovered doona or pillow without destroying them. The person who asked me to mind her for that first weekend still apologises to me for introducing us! But I happen to love a spirited and inquisitive dog and she has taught me not to be worried about taking in naughty foster dogs because I've been throught it all. Naughty doesn't mean they aren't loyal and loving; you just have to find a way to channel that specialness!

Lots of wrinkle action on most of the snouts of Blossom's bubbas! Some of Daisy's babies seem huge! She obviously feeds them well!

He is just such a small bubba and loves cuddles when he is sleepy and just fits into your neck. Dimples is the same but being bigger she likes more space and likes a cuddle but then wants her own spot to lie in. We are really trying not to become FF's because then no more fostering will be possible. Plus pei tend to choose their own forever homes, not the other way around!