I am thinking about fostering again.

[wildeyed]

I fostered a heartworm positive ACD about 3-4 years ago. It was a long and difficult process getting him healthy enough to adopt out. And in the process I became fiercely attached to him.

We didn't keep him. My BC had been recently diagnosed with renal failure, and I knew it would be a lot of expense and work to keep her on track. My other dogs didn't much like him. No dog fights, but they were sullen and resentful of his instant dominance in the household. And I was pregnant with my son, and that was going to be hard work, too. So I found a great home for the dog. But I *still* miss him.

I have been thinking about fostering again, after I get our new dog settled in. But I am worried about getting overly attached again. Any hints on how to avoid that? Is it even possible?

[auburngrad82]

1. You'll always get attached if you care about the animals

Just keep in mind why you are fostering the dog. You give them a safe, loving environment until they find their forever home. It's sad when they leave but if you find a good home for them then they will be well taken care of and you will have done your job.

[radfringe]

2. attachment syndrome

It can be difficult. Our first foster greyhound, Mint, was a sweetie - we fell in love with her and though it was heartwarming to see her being adopted - it also broke our hearts - this was last November.

Since then, my partner has repeatedly said if Mint ever comes back - we'd adopt her. She was returned in May (due to divorce and lack of a place that allows dogs) -- we adopted her.

Between then and now - we've fostered two other greyhounds -- IBUPROFEN (aka Boo) and Abeline. But unlike Mint - we didn't get attached. They are great dogs, but there was no mooshyface connection.

Yes, sometimes you do get attached and sending them off to a new home can hurt - but every animal you foster and is adopted -- it leaves room for another dog to have the same opportunity

we have put off fostering until end of September -- it's been non-stop company arriving and leaving since mid-July. One group of friends arrived in mid-July and stayed for a week, this was followed by my partner's family coming for a visit.

Other friends of ours are arriving this coming Monday (how long they are staying we don't know) and my family is due out in September sometime. We felt fostering during this time wouldn't be fair to the foster dog - but after September we will be doing it again.

[wildeyed]

3. Cody, the foster dog, was very sick.

I had him for a long time before he got healthy enough to adopt out. So that may have contributed to the attachment.

I think I will try fostering again, and if I get too attached, we will just have three dogs instead of two (shhhhh, don't tell my husband) and I won't foster again. I can still help out with financial donations and transportation.