Need Advice

[TammyB]

Many of you know that I foster dogs. Well I have a current placement of a 2 1/2 year old, that was pulled from a puppy mill about 7 months ago. We had a couple interested in adopting her, and came out to see her this past weekend. Now I've grown very attached to this girl, but because of our pet limit, we are unable to adopt her. I know part of me is looking for the perfect home, but really is their ever going to be a perfect home? So I was hoping to get your feedback on a few things,

 

1) When they were leaving they asked us "do you have any really good restaurants near hear" (I'd like to add that they had their 1.5 year old dog with them) So my concern is that they are going to have a sit down dinner and all the while their dog is left alone in their car.

 

2) Since Elsie came from a mill, most mill dogs are poop eaters, well their 1.5 year old dog isn't house trained yet, and even thought they leave papers down, he still finds places to hide and go to the bathroom. My concern is that: a) Elsie will eat his poo & that they might be lazy in their training and Elsie will regress and start going potty in the house again.

 

3) They mentioned to me that their goal to put both dogs in their finished basement while they are gone at work. Well my concern with this is that being that they are new and getting to know each other, the dogs shouldn't be left alone together until they are 100% certain that they won't get into a fight. (we have had Elsie for 7 months and we still crate her while we are gone, but with that said I would trust her with my dogs alone, I just know she will have an accident in the house)

 

Now I know I'm being very over protective of her, and I want to give this couple a fair shot. So that's why I was hoping you guys to hopefully shed some light on these issue I have. Over all they are a nice younger couple.

[~Melissa~]

i don't know if that place would be Elsie's best interest IMHO. From what you said some red flags went up which causes concern.

 

Do you get a say Tammy in if these people get to adopt her?

[Maura]

honestly tammy, i think its not in the dogs best interest to let these people adopt her. you are right with all your concerns. i dont think they're ready to take on the responsibility of having a rescued dog like her -- and their restauranting and leaving dogs alone without taking into consideration any of those things makes me believe they arent the right people. go with your gut on this one. i dont think youre being overprotective, youre doing your job and trying to find this puppy the best home possible!

[TammyB]

Yeah we have the finial say on who she goes too. But like I said, maybe it's my fault, because I'm too over protective of her or I'm looking for something that no one can fill. KWIM?

[TammyB]

I should also mention that DH is 80% sure they would be a good fit for Elsie.

[lambert13]

I hear ya Tammy. I think you are justified as well as possibly over-protective at the same time as far as placing the dog. And best of all, it comes from you being an incredibly caring person who only wants the best for the pup.

 

What I would do is find a way to tactfully bring your concerns up to them. There is nothing saying that you can't ask them anything. With the restaurant thing it is possible that they just like going out to eat. With the basement thing, maybe it's a long term goal once the two dogs are ready for it.

 

But, it is important to know those things or to at least be able to educate them about it. They may have no idea about when to leave the dogs alone together. And that does not automatically mean they are going to be bad pet parents.

 

I say have some more discussion with them. If you let them know you just want to know some stuff because you care so much about the dog, I am sure they will have no problem talking about it. If they have a problem with it....they are obviously not the type that you want to give the dog to. Its a win-win if you talk to them.

 

Hope that helps some!

[LCBride2007]

I like what Jason said - talk to them. Maybe there are some misunderstandings, or maybe just a little education would help them be better doggie parents. They may have the best of intentions, but not know all of the best ways, ya know? If they get at all defensive or anything, then maybe they're not the right fit. But it can't hurt to talk to them.

[Leia78]

That is a tough one. I think those are all valid concerns, especially the third one. Have you spoken to the couple about it? Maybe you can shed some light into the responsibility and the care that they will have to take with adopting another dog. My dog is a rescue dog, and the woman who runs it visited my house, asked me a ton of questions, was in contact with me making sure everything was going well after I adopted Bubba. So i think having a conversation with them about it seems fair and it may put all your concerns to rest.

[TammyB]

Yeah maybe I will call them later today and talk to them about my concerns. BTW they live 2.5 hours away, so when they asked about restaurant, I knew they probably didn't eat dinner yet. But if it were me I would have said "fast food" but maybe like you guys said, maybe I'm just reading into things much more then I should.

[Christine]

Tammy I have to agree I would let them know your concerns, honestly I bet they would be happy to get some advice since adopting Elsie will come with an understanding of who she is.