Getting my first foster:D

[aussieshep]

Hay Guys,
I'm getting my first foster in a couple of weeks! Right now all I know is that it will be a boxer, any more information depends on what dog is in need at the time. Anyways, I was just wondering if anyone has any tips, suggestions, or stories from experience with this breed or fostering in general that you think might be helpful. I have no cats, dogs or children, just a pet rat.
Thanks

[sandvand]

Oh congratulations! You are in for such an experience! My best advice is to give the baby as much love as you can, have patience because most fosters have been thru so much already. Way to go for making such a great decision to foster, you will see the thanks in their eyes

Oh another bit of advice.....don't fall in love. I have one hanging off the couch snoring right now because I couldn't let go!

[RoughCollies]

Do you have a place where the pet rat can be away from the dog, cage and all? My fosters always drove my rats insane. I have had more dog nose injuries than I ever thought possible. The rats would panic at the noses in the cage and attack.

I was pretty good with not getting attached. Even with Ramone, my chi foster, it was hard but I did it and tried not to look back. Until Kraemer. I still think about him daily and wish to God he was still with me. I haven't been able to get over saying good bye to him and its been months. There are just some dogs that you attach to. With Kraemer, we worked SO hard to get past some of the things he did and problems he had. I finally saw results. I think it was even harder for me since he was my company when my hubby was working nights. The other two would just sleep like normal, but Kraemer glued himself to me whenever I was home alone. We bonded almost as well as I have bonded to my own girls.

Even though he went to a GREAT home, I still sometimes wonder what would have happened if he had stayed with us. I miss him like crazy. Just try not to get THAT attached, it makes it SO much harder to say goodbye. I missed the others, but not like Kraemer.

Oh, another thing. Do not get too emotional until they are gone. If you know they are leaving and you show it, they know something is up and panic. I cried and cried and cried when we met up with Kraemers transporter. And when the guy went to put him in the car, he turned to me and lunged and barked. He had decided I was his new mommy and they were taking him away from me. If I could go back, I would have personally put him in the car (like I did with Ramone, Sage went on her own, and Heidi we pretty much just dropped her off and left) and then shut the door. It was 10 times harder for me and ten times harder for him the way we did it.

I can't say I regret giving him up. I can't say I don't. So, be careful.

[FairyDogMother]

Congratulations! There are never enough fosters so welcome aboard!
4 years ago it was just me Phoebe & 2 cats, then came Oliver about a year and a half ago. I finally started fostering in February. That first little 3 months old baby just left for his new life last Saturday! I've had 6 adoptions, usually have 3 fosters at any given time, oh and yes, I adopted one of them, Ginger.
I have felt really good about the homes that my pups have gone to. I love each one, even those that wear me out during their stay here. I see myself doing this the rest of my days.
I guess for advise I'd say, give them everything they need that you can to help them to be as adoptable as possible and to help them off to a good start as they continue on their journey in this life.
Also remember that you can't keep them all or else you won't be able to help the next ones and there is always someone waiting to take their place and be given the same chance!
Best wishes with your fostering and remember to share it all with us!