my foster dillema

[AdoreMyDogs]

A woman whom works at the same company as me has to get rid of her two dogs: one is a GSD/chow mix and one is a GSD/sheltie mix. One is 6 years old, and the other is 9 years old. She has to get rid of them by this coming Saturday due to an unexpected move. She can't take the dogs with her when she moves, and she knows of no one to take the dogs. She sent an inter-office email, and, like a dummy, I responded and told her that I would try to help. I agreed to foster the dogs if she was unable to find anyone interested. Well, now, as much as I love dogs and I love rescue, I do NOT want 4 large dogs in my small house. I just don't want these dogs getting put to sleep at the shelters, which WILL happen due to their age, size, and breeding. The MHS is having to put puppies to sleep because they are out of room, so you can imagine how quick two older mixed breeds would be put down!

I need help. I really want to help these two dogs, but I simply have no room for a long-term foster at my house, especially since there are two dogs. I was told that I could foster them threw the MHS, granted the owner surrenders them and they pass the MHS's evaluation test, but that the foster could take upwards of 3 months until their forever home comes along!

I have a LOT going on with Kersey in her training right now, and I am also trying to make more time to do more therapy work with Graham. I simply don't have the time for another dog, let alone two large dogs to be long-term fosters.

If anyone knows of any way I can get these dogs adopted quicker then the estimated 3+ months I would really appreciate it. I was hoping to have them no more then 3 weeks, and when I agreed to help this woman, I spoke before I really thought it out. I have not met the dogs, but she said they are friendly and playful. She also said that they occationally "argue" with each other, especially over food. It is not necessary to have them get adopted out together because of this. If they were really close and lovey-dovey like Graham and Kersey are, then I would only feel good about them going into their forever home together, but these guys occationally get into "tiffs" and that tells me that they would do fine if seperated.

If anyone can help, please PM me. I just called Molly & Mike to see if they would be able to help.

Thanks,

Leslie

[ramanth]

Oh Leslie. I totally understand. I wish I had room to foster but I just don't.

I wish you luck in helping finding a home for them albeit a foster one if need be.

*hugs*

[aly]

HEy Leslie,

I know one really good way to speed up the adoption of an older dog is to write up a really cute bio with pictures on it. Post it at the shelter if they will let you. Myabe on certain days you could take one of the dogs and sit up at the shelter for more exposure. The more people can see them, the more likely they will be able to get adopted quicker. At work I have been putting up bios of our long term doggies and it works like magic!

You could also work with your local rescue groups and see if you can post their pictures on their websites or anything. Many rescue groups here have an 'Other Dogs' section on their webpages where they will list dogs available through other shelters or rescues.

Good luck!

[Cincy'sMom]

Leslie-

Planned Oethood down here takes "pet classified and posts them on their site foir a $25 donation. This might be a bit much for 2 but I can help with cost if you are interested. Here is the website
Planned Pethood

[Sudilar]

Leslie, you are an angel for taking them on.
Here are some MI GSD rescues:

Kari Selinger
Marshall, MI 490688
[email protected]
616-781-9190

Andrea Kyriacon
Detroit, MI 48239
313-277-0908
[email protected]

Gail Gray
Bay City, MI 48706-9316
313-475-3570

I don't know how up to date the rest of the list is, but karipets is active, as far as I know. Maybe she could link you up to an all breed rescue group.
You might be surprised at how quickly they may get adopted. My first foster, Gaylord (may he rest in peace), was 7 yrs. old and limping badly and was still adopted in a few short weeks. Bandit is 5 yrs. old and adopted in a flash, too.

I know what you mean by four big dogs in the house!
That is rough. Let us know how it goes, please and good luck!

[Sudilar]

Any news, Leslie?

[AdoreMyDogs]

Here's the latest:

The dogs are currently listed with Animal Welfare Society (AWS), as well as Michigan Animal Adoption League, and I sent two emails to the senior dog rescue today, so hopefully they'll put the info on their sites as well.

Looks like I'll be getting them tomorrow. They appear to be nice (I hope they are, anyway) and the owner said that they like other dogs and are good with all people, kids included. Here are their links:

Here's Cady (pronounced Katie):
Cady

And here's Bogie:
Bogie

I am a little nervous, but hopeful that they won't be too long of fosters. It's really sad right now how many dogs are getting put to sleep at the shelters, and I am glad that these two are not going to be among them.

Looks like I am either getting them tomorrow or Thursday.

[Cincy'sMom]

They look like sweet dogs! Good luck Leslie!

[Sudilar]

Oh, Leslie, they are so cute!! Someone will adopt them quickly. Good luck! You are an angel to save their lives!!!! Wish I were closer to help out!

[AdoreMyDogs]

Originally posted by Sudilar
Oh, Leslie, they are so cute!! Someone will adopt them quickly. Good luck! You are an angel to save their lives!!!! Wish I were closer to help out!

I sure hope so. I get them tomorrow. Their current mom and I met with the dogs at a park yesterday and the dogs seemed to get on fine. Then she followed me to my house, where I introduced the dogs to Minion, and they seemed completely uninterested in him. They didn't lunge or bark or seem too interested, so it's decided that I get them tomorrow after work.

They are really cute, but not well behaved at all. I think I may do some basic obedience with them while they are with me. They really pull on the leash quite a bit and they don't come when called. They also like to run away, which just won't work at my house. When we took them to a park, we had to take them to a ball field because it was fenced in, and one of the gates was frozen open about 3 feet and Cady and Bogie ran threw and were running in traffic . It took LOTS of persuasion to get them back into the ball field, and there was no catching them...they came back when they were good and ready .

So I'll post more tomorrow if I have time...I am going from two dogs to 4 dogs, so I might be busy!

I have emailed two senior dog rescues and no response. I have called and/or emailed a dozen local shelters/rescue groups and sofar I am not having much luck. They are on Petfinder and on the Michigan Animal Rescue League sites. I am going to take them to the MHS to have them evaluated, and then they will also put them on their shelters' sites.

Bogie really looks to me like a KayAnn dog. She is really pretty, kind of fox-like looking, very mellow and sweet, and all redish brown. Here's a pic of Bogie at her current mom's house:


And Cady at her moms house:


I thank you all for the ideas of ways I can get them placed. If anyone has any more ideas of ways I can place them I would appreciate it. I have printed out their Petfinder bios w/ pic and I am going to post it in the kennel shop that I buy Graham and Kersey's food, at a few different vets' offices, and I will see if the shelter will let me post them.

[Sudilar]

You are a hero, Leslie, for taking on these two beauties.

I'll bet you almost had a heart attack when they got out of the frozen gate and into traffic. I would have passed out!!

Four dogs in your house is going to be difficult, but know that you are saving lives! I hope there are no fights because that complicates things.

Do any of those shelters that you have them listed with have an adoption day at Petsmart or Petco? If they are seen in public, people would be interested.

I know you might not have time to post, but please, just post a word or two to let us know that you are ok!! Really wish I were closer to help! Good luck!

[Logan]

I wish you lots of luck too, Leslie. I had four at one time this summer, but two of the four are "couch potatoes" (Lilly and Murphy). Honey and Splash had enough energy to make up for the other two though!

Keep us posted as you can. I am definitely in awe that you are taking this on. And very, very thankful!!!

[K9karen]

God Bless Your Ever-Lovin Heart, Leslie.

[lizbud]

Gosh Leslie,

I wish you the very best on this tremendous act of kindness
and love on your part. Hugs to you . I really cannot
think of a single thing else to do but what you have & are
now doing as far as getting them noticed for adoption. Some
leash walk training would be great for them as you said. Just
wanted to wish the best to you in your efforts. Hugs from Liz
and Moki.

[Dixieland Dancer]

I will keep all of you in my prayers that they get a speedy forever home! You have a heart of GOLD!