Foster Mom

[bcgirls12]

I recently started fostering dogs and my first one was a sweetheart and we placed in a wonderful home. My second one just left yesterday and it really feels like I've lost my best friend. How do you get past this because I feel great for what I've done but terrible without him here?
I would like to keep doing this but I have to learn not to get so attached.

[Frenchy]

Originally Posted by bcgirls12

I would like to keep doing this but I have to learn not to get so attached.

I think you have to get attach ! They need all the love they can take when you foster them. And even if you tried , I don't think it is possible to not get attach to them. Do you have other dogs at home to help you when fosters leave ? What helped me when I started was , one would leave , another one would come in , so I didn't have time to get sad.

[bcgirls12]

Yes I have 3 of my own that keep me busy, plus I work. I treat fosters as I would my own. I know I will get attached, I just don't like the empty feeling.
Time to get another one maybe

[Frenchy]

Originally Posted by bcgirls12

Time to get another one maybe

Just be careful to not burn yourself out ! I know some people that did it too much and had to quit. Rescues need foster families so badly .... you're doing a great thing by the way !

[bcgirls12]

I've heard you can burn out, but I just needed to release my thoughts today and I thank you for taking the time.
I love doing it and I can't see me stopping yet.
Now that I found this board I think it will help!

[coppperbelle]

I have fostered a number of dogs over the years and while I have been happy for them to go to their forever home, I can't help but feel a little empty when they leave. One thing I have learned is to say goodbye to them but don't watch them drive away. I did that once with a particularly difficult puppy who attached herself to me. I will never forget her little face peering out the window desperately looking for me. It broke my heart to see her go.
I have found that a quick update on how well they are doing in their new home really helps.


Burn outs can happen and I feel myself becoming a bit tired of late so I am chosing my dogs to foster carefully. I had one very difficult foster a few months ago and so many people don't tell the truth when they surrender a dog.

Thanks for doing what you do.

[Love4himies]

I understand what you are going through. I just had my last two foster kittens from my first litter put up for adoption last Friday. Very heartbreaking, but just keep telling myself I did what I was supposed to do, prepare them for their forever homes.