In urgent response to help out a friend we are fostering 2 adult (6 years old) Basset hounds. They are siblings, male and female, neutered and spayed with full vaccination records and medical aid. I know that a few people on the forum do foster dogs on occasion. DH is worried about Harley getting attached or being upset with dogs in her space. These two dogs are very very well socialised and have a labrador buddy that they have regular play dates with. Could this be damaging to Harley's sense of being? What should we be careful about?
Of course I don't know Harley, but I honestly wouldn't worry in either direction (either getting too attached or jealous). I've not had an issue with jealousy, but when I've seen others with it, it's usually more if your own dog isn't used to being around dogs and how it plays out seems to have more to do with the human's reaction than the dog's. Harley knows she's number one with you and she's used to playing with other dogs, so she should be just fine. As for the getting too attached, my own experience is that I'm the one who gets too attached, not the dogs. Dogs tend to live in the moment and while they may mope for a few days once their pals leave, some good walks and extra lovings usually do the trick. A fostering experience is different from a dog who has been part of a pair for years and years - then losing a "partner" can be really hard, especially on an older dog. I think you'll be fine and Harley will be fine and that you'll all enjoy the experience of your new charges. Do expect a settling in period of a week up to a month where the foster pups may do some uncharacteristic things (weeing indoors, hoarding toys, less/more energy level, destructive chewing). They should have to earn trust and freedom in the house and on walks, just like a small puppy, albeit at a quicker pace. Otherwise, just treat them as if they were your own dogs, with the knowledge that you'll have some tough goodbyes when they move on to their forever homes. Most of the time, that's really the hardest part!
Thank you Emily. It makes me feel better that they regularly play with 2 labradors so the lab level of energy compared to the basset level wont be a shock. They are very well socialised and friendly with animals and children. The cats are going to be SO cross. They have barely made peace with Harley.
Now the CATS...that indeed is another story entirely. I'm jealous of the basset hound thing. I don't want one for myself, but I would love to foster one, just to see what they are really like!
