r/fosterdogs

We had him for 5 months but had to request a foster transfer because of an upcoming trip (flying out of town for back to-back weddings)— he is extremely dog reactive and so boarding wasn’t an option and for liability reasons, the rescue only permits other fosters to watch their dogs. We requested the foster transfer months in advance but a couple days before the transfer date, they took him off the adoption website and said a member of their staff would pick him up and take him to the vet for a “behavioral evaluation”. We packed up his food, favorite toys, bed, etc. and sent him with the staff the morning of our trip. An hour later, we got a call from the rescue that he was euthanized because his biting/reactivity was likely due to “neurological issues”.

We understand rescues have limited resources and he would’ve been difficult to re-home. But he was a sweetie 99% of the time and though he had a significant bite history (including both of us), they were never above a tooth scratch level bite. He was a young aussiedoodle mix.

He did chatter his teeth after some of his random biting episodes, which could have been a sign of a neurological issue but the lack of transparency from the rescue on the results of their “evaluation” is frustrating. They also refused to let us go with him to the appointment, even though we thought we would be in the best position to describe his behavior and advocate for him. We also expressly asked them to let us know the results before they went forward with anything. His appointment was at 9 am. They called us at 10 am that he had already been euthanized.

We feel horrible and like we failed him as foster parents. I don’t think I can ever foster again and I can’t stop crying thinking of what a sweet dog he was. It feels so wrong and unfair. We’re devastated.

If I’m being honest I think the reason I’m posting this is because I’m having a lot of guilt and confusion and I’m looking for validation and/or perspective.

A couple years ago I saw a dog running around my neighborhood. She was an Australian cattle dog and she was chasing cars in a busy street (typical cattle dog behavior) she was a little aggressive, but I was able to put a collar on her, left a note on the house she was by and took her home to wait for the owners. She turned out to be very sweet, but highly anxious.

I posted up flyers, posted her to all of the “found dogs” pages, but didn’t hear anything back for almost two weeks when the owners of the house I left a note at said “that dog has been hanging outside our house for weeks, we just moved in we have no idea who’s dog that is”

So from then on, I decided that I would “at least foster her for a bit” and try to get her trained up. She was a force to be reckoned with. She destroyed furniture, was terrible on a leash, and could not be around other dogs.

Now (3 years later) she’s great at the dog park, doesn’t really tear stuff up anymore, and is generally an anxious but well-behaved dog. She still has a tendency to lunge at passers by, especially cyclists, and she goes mental when someone knocks on the door. 🫣

The problem is that she, aside from being anxiously attached to me, doesn’t seem very happy and I’ve noticed she brings me more stress than happiness. I exercise her as much as I can, but it never seems to be enough. I’ve also started traveling more for work and with her unpredictable behavior I have a hard time finding/asking people to watch her. I’m missing the freedom I had to just leave in my previously dog-free life.

I’m considering re-homing her for both of our sakes, but it feels like giving up on her despite believing she has potential to be a great dog.

Does anyone have advice or experience with this? I’d love some perspective from someone who knows better and possibly some resources.

I am new to fostering. I took in a momma dog and her puppies 2 (almost 3 now) months ago. The puppies weaned and all adopted out but I still have the momma.

She has grown to be VERY attached to me. Always right by me or resting her head on my lap. She looks to me constantly for reassurance, love, everything.

Since the puppies weaned and shes been out in the house with us all day she is just getting even more attached (the last month). Its not to the point of having separation anxiety. Im able to leave the house and she rests peacefully in her kennel. So its not a bad level of attachment. But I worry that if I let this continue that she wont ever successfully adopt out. That itll affect her ability to bind with her next family.

I wonder if i shouldn't ask my rescue to move her to another home. Does anyone have any insight on this?

I certainly dont want to cause her stress by moving her around either. She is very comfortable here.

Shes a truly great dog and I love her but I cannot just adopt her. My cats refuse to accept her. Everyone is coexisting on separate floors of the house right now and its all good, but for this reason I do not wish to "foster fail" and keep her for good.