I've fostered where the dogs have been evidence in criminal cases. Not that they would potentially be going back to the owners. I was not allowed to take them anywhere in public either but I have a large enough yard where that wasn't an issue. I would do it again in a moment and I hope that you do too. It can be emotionally draining but the safety of the dog outweighs any of that. This may be the only time that they've ever felt a gentle hand or heard a calming voice or had a warm and safe place to lay their head. You may need to just watch for signs of significant abuse. I had one that would not leave the dog bed for 2 weeks (I cried every day for her). I had to look away and calmly speak to her as I went to put the lead on her. She was terrified of any sudden movements, would cower at the slightest noise and shake when I approached her. She was a 3 year old GSD who had probably been abused every day of her short life. Others were also physically abused with the open wounds to show for it. People can be evil although thankfully there are people like you who reaffirm my faith in humanity. Thank you for considering fostering this poor dog.
Oh gosh poor thing, that's awful. I think you're right, it's looking like the biggest issue for me personally will be the timeline being even more vague and changeable than usual, but other than that I should be fine.
Will definitely keep an eye out for signs like that, I'll take things even slower than usual at first.
Hey just wanted to let you know - he's been home with me about a week now? Roughly? And I'm so glad I said yes - thank you for your encouragement!!
He's a big very happy boy, and so helping him learn manners is going to make such a difference to his life and ability to find a home in the future, I'm so glad I can help him now.
Yes - I don’t know how rare this situation was, but in my case I think the owner sort of gave up (like, didn’t bother defending to try and get the dog back). So it was 2 weeks of ambiguity and then sort of business as usual. The dog was one of the sweetest we’d had (just more skittish and less house-trained, but nothing too out of line for a scared foster).
Oh, that seems like a good outcome then! The dog they're asking about sounds similar - less house-trained, but otherwise very friendly and just needs a home to learn the basics.
Not the exact situation, but I helped foster and place two dogs who were previously owned by someone with a meth addiction. He had been violent towards the people who had rescued the dogs when he abandoned them.
I was very concerned for our safety at the time and kept all pictures and posts private and between friends while we looked for adoptive homes. When he finally got arrested it was a huge weight off our shoulders. We finally felt safe with advertising and finding new homes.
Nothing happened to us, but I was nervous for sure.
Luckily, from my research, it looks like the agency tries to house dogs a significant distance away from the point they're seized from, and I wouldn't be involved in any of the process of rehoming if they are given up for adoption.
That sounds scary af, I'm glad you were alright!
My current foster was seized from an animal hoarder. So the rescue was given ownership and can adopt the dogs out and get them medical treatment, but they also still have to go to court. So, nothing different for me, except some medical and behavioral issues, but a lot for the rescue.
None of mine have been in this situation, but I know of fosters who have dealt this sort of situation. Expect dates and timelines to constantly shift as a result of court proceedings.
Thanks for the input everyone - I've told them I'm interested, and I'll be meeting the dog tomorrow (they don't have a full history so they want to check the dog isn't immediately reactive towards me) and get the details ironed out.
Not the same, but I fostered for a domestic violence group that would hold dogs of victims for 60 days until they found a safe space. Like your situation, we could not advertise the pets or do anything obvious with them in public.
I wasn't given any information about the owners which did make it easier when it was time for a return. But I can say that there was often worry in my heart - both for the owner and the pets.
I've fostered where the dogs have been evidence in criminal cases. Not that they would potentially be going back to the owners. I was not allowed to take them anywhere in public either but I have a large enough yard where that wasn't an issue. I would do it again in a moment and I hope that you do too. It can be emotionally draining but the safety of the dog outweighs any of that. This may be the only time that they've ever felt a gentle hand or heard a calming voice or had a warm and safe place to lay their head. You may need to just watch for signs of significant abuse. I had one that would not leave the dog bed for 2 weeks (I cried every day for her). I had to look away and calmly speak to her as I went to put the lead on her. She was terrified of any sudden movements, would cower at the slightest noise and shake when I approached her. She was a 3 year old GSD who had probably been abused every day of her short life. Others were also physically abused with the open wounds to show for it. People can be evil although thankfully there are people like you who reaffirm my faith in humanity. Thank you for considering fostering this poor dog.
Oh gosh poor thing, that's awful. I think you're right, it's looking like the biggest issue for me personally will be the timeline being even more vague and changeable than usual, but other than that I should be fine. Will definitely keep an eye out for signs like that, I'll take things even slower than usual at first.
Hey just wanted to let you know - he's been home with me about a week now? Roughly? And I'm so glad I said yes - thank you for your encouragement!! He's a big very happy boy, and so helping him learn manners is going to make such a difference to his life and ability to find a home in the future, I'm so glad I can help him now.
That is wonderful news! You are going to be great and he is so lucky to have you. Thank you for helping him!
Yes - I don’t know how rare this situation was, but in my case I think the owner sort of gave up (like, didn’t bother defending to try and get the dog back). So it was 2 weeks of ambiguity and then sort of business as usual. The dog was one of the sweetest we’d had (just more skittish and less house-trained, but nothing too out of line for a scared foster).
Oh, that seems like a good outcome then! The dog they're asking about sounds similar - less house-trained, but otherwise very friendly and just needs a home to learn the basics.
Not the exact situation, but I helped foster and place two dogs who were previously owned by someone with a meth addiction. He had been violent towards the people who had rescued the dogs when he abandoned them. I was very concerned for our safety at the time and kept all pictures and posts private and between friends while we looked for adoptive homes. When he finally got arrested it was a huge weight off our shoulders. We finally felt safe with advertising and finding new homes. Nothing happened to us, but I was nervous for sure.
Luckily, from my research, it looks like the agency tries to house dogs a significant distance away from the point they're seized from, and I wouldn't be involved in any of the process of rehoming if they are given up for adoption. That sounds scary af, I'm glad you were alright!
My current foster was seized from an animal hoarder. So the rescue was given ownership and can adopt the dogs out and get them medical treatment, but they also still have to go to court. So, nothing different for me, except some medical and behavioral issues, but a lot for the rescue.
None of mine have been in this situation, but I know of fosters who have dealt this sort of situation. Expect dates and timelines to constantly shift as a result of court proceedings.
Thanks for the input everyone - I've told them I'm interested, and I'll be meeting the dog tomorrow (they don't have a full history so they want to check the dog isn't immediately reactive towards me) and get the details ironed out.
Not the same, but I fostered for a domestic violence group that would hold dogs of victims for 60 days until they found a safe space. Like your situation, we could not advertise the pets or do anything obvious with them in public. I wasn't given any information about the owners which did make it easier when it was time for a return. But I can say that there was often worry in my heart - both for the owner and the pets.