Need input from Foster families

[featherwind]

Hi Everyone! We (SENC) are putting the final touches on our rescue manual that is 2+ years in the making. One of the things we'd like to see added is "Lessons Learned" from families that have fostered, i.e.: quarantine the rescue dog for 'x' amount of days to help prevent the spread of diseases to your own personal dogs.

You could then give ideas on how you quarantined the dog or what happened when you didn't. I know there are a ton of foster families on N.N and any thoughts/advice/lessons learned would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all in advance!

Deb - SENC Rescue

 

[Jenn]

You have mail.

 

[featherwind]

Thanks, Jenn. That's exactly what I was looking for! The more lessons learned we can talk about, the better informed/educated our foster families will be. We're not out to 'scare the soup' out of them, but they do need to know what can happen if they're not careful. I've had everything but Distemper and Rabies out here. For me, the worst was dealing with Sarcoptic Mange. Thank goodness I have the facilities to totally quarantine, and no other rescue came down with it, but it was still a royal pain to have to deal with. Hopefully, other folks will tell about their experiences. Hint-Hint! Thanks again for your in-put.

 

[Jenn]

I guess I only put the bad stuff down and none of the good stuff.. It is hard not to get attached to them and want to keep them. It is also hard on the dogs you do have, extremely hard.

Mange would scare the crap out of me. Never had rabies either *knock on wood*

Had to sleep next to a smelly dog covered in feces for weeks as well (since they are spayed/neutered atthe time I get them from the shelter and cannot be bathed). Begging them to live or eat or comfort them. You sacrafice alot for them, but everything you do is worth it when you see the look on the adoptive family's face(s). Or see the pictures and hear the stories. Every single second is worth it.

 

[blackbear cove]

I have fostered a great # of newf's and have had good and bad from it.I've found no problems with health at all while fostering all have been up to date on everything.I found with fostering that the newf being fostered does not show it's true self for at least 2 weeks,and I have always watch them closely durning this time with my other newf's never leaving them alone til the true dog does surface.I have found fostering to be a hard but a very rewarding job.It's always hard to say good bye when they leave for thier new homes and they always leave with a part of my heart with them.I love fostering but it takes certain people to do it not everyone is cut out for it.I've even kept a few I've fostered.
The hardest thing I've been thru is agression and that happens from time to time and that is the hardest thing to deal with.

 

[Sue M.]

I replied to this request via Newf-L.
Introducing a foster newf into your family of furkids.

Paula, At least 2 weeks, I'd say even up to a month for the true personalities to come forth.

PS..Deb, The Molly I spoke of in the letter I sent you is the Brown Newf in my Avatar!

[ 01-22-2006, 04:23 PM: Message edited by: Sue M. ]

 

[ardeagold]

We've fostered many different types of dogs. One of the biggest pitfalls is that we now have 13 of them!!

Vet care, emotional care, basic training, and social interaction have all been things we've had to deal with one step at a time.

We would quarantine for a few days, until after the Vet sees the animal and deems it healthy enough to introduce to our crew. Then the introductions are done slowly and methodically.

Each dog is different. You must read them, their body language, and respond accordingly.

All have been "needy" for human attention at first. This passes once they feel secure. It lessens week by week.

Some have fears of outdoor noises...thunder, car engines, wind, etc. This is usually from the ones who have been found roaming the streets. They also tend to be unsure of humans. We've found that the human interaction takes time...and has always been overcome within a few weeks. They turn out to be the most loyal, devoted dogs of all.

Some of the dogs are special needs dogs...and those are the hardest to let go. Very special homes must be found for them. In our case, they've stayed. We have a blind Golden, and a deaf Am Bulldog puppy. They each require different training, and socializing, but they're wonderful pets too, and it's amazing how well they adjust and fit in. They're just like all the others. The only problem with their handicap is in the training. It takes a lot more time, work, effort and understanding on the human's part.

 

[Annie Milliron]

Our most difficult time was when Neiko was undergoing treatment for Heartworm. He needed to be kept quiet and calm, and well, that was asking ALOT. At the time, he wasn't crate trained, so we left him loose in the house during the day... and that worked out ok. All the other dogs were crated except for Sailor.

When we got home, Russell would take Neiko into the den, and close the door. It was my job to keep the other dogs quiet, because Neiko would want to come out and play if he heard the others playing. It was difficult, but somehow we got through it.

 

[featherwind]

I want to thank everyone that posted and sent pm's. Your in-put was greatly appreciated!!!!