Should we foster her?

[clara4457]

Many people think that there are breeds that are meant to live outdoors and while there are some breeds that can handle the weather better, it is never meant to be a place for them to live all the time. Dogs are den/pack animals and even if they "work" outside, they should always "live" inside. There is a good opinion piece on one of the St. Bernard rescue group sites here

So you want to keep your dog outside:

Outside Dogs

Many potential adopters ask "Is this an 'Outside' dog?" Our answer is, "Not anymore." We attempt to place dogs with people who understand the need of a dog to be a part of the family. Even thousands of years ago when man and all animals lived "outside", there was a cave or den for shelter, and man and dogs lived in small groups or "packs" .The truth is, times have changed but we and the dogs haven't. Both humans and dogs are "pack" animals; we do not tend to be solitary. Domesticated, companion dogs no longer have packs of other dogs to live with, so dogs now need to be members of human families or packs. Furthermore, both people and dogs are "den" animals. This is the reason that dogs can be housebroken. Dogs want shelter in a safe, secure den - your home - and they want their den to be clean.

Obviously, dogs can be forced to live outside, alone and away from their families. But to force this kind of life on a dog is one of the worst things you can do to him. Such a life goes against a dog's two most basic instincts: the pack and the den. If you have any doubts about these ideas, think of all the whining, barking, clawing dogs you have seen tied up alone outside. Dogs trying desperately to get their human families' attention, and then just giving up to become hyperactive, listless, fearful, or vicious when the stress of enforced solitude becomes too much to cope with. The rationale given by people who permanently keep their dogs outside is that they will spend time with the pet outside. Even the most well-meaning pet owner does not spend significant time outside, particularly when it is raining or cold. Consequently, under the best of circumstances for the outside dog, a bowl of food and water hastily shoved before him, a quick pat given, and his owner, his WORLD is gone, leaving the animal to spend another 22 or 23 hours alone.

A dog brings you the gifts of steadfast devotion, abiding love, and joyful companionship. Unless you can responsibly accept a dog's offer of these great gifts, please do not get a dog. If you already have a dog, perhaps this article will help you to see things from his point of view, and possibly motivate you to change your relationship with him. A sad, lonely, bewildered dog, kept outside, wondering why he cannot be with his family, brings only sadness and unhappiness to the world.

Although I know that you have the dog's interest in mind, he would be much better off going to a reputable rescue that will help him find a good home where he can live his life in love and comfort.

JMHO

[Blackrose]

No, as she's a "spoiled princess," she'd be emotionally devastated being away from the people all day.

That is what I thought, but I just wanted to make sure. All of the Saints I've met have been the BIGGEST babies in the world (and quite drooly ) and as a breed I know they hate to be away from their "pack".

As I'm still trying to work out options here, I'd like to ask another question:

they are not solitary animals and thrive when they are part of a pack. Be it human and/or animal.

Blackie and Rose have never had any issues with staying outside because they have each other for company. Rose has lived with Blackie her whole life and they are quite fond of each other. I have a 6'x20' kennel that I use as a "crate" for Chloe that runs adjacent(sp) to B&R's kennel. I could just purchase two 10' panels and add on to that (to make it 16'x20') and that could be the Saints kennel. Would having the company of other dogs help her cope during the day (she would be coming in at evening/night) when she would be outside, or no?
Of course, that depends entirely on whether or not the Saint is good with other dogs. I know it will take B&R some time to get used to a new dog as they have their own doggy hang-ups.

Would a rescue by any chance be in the position to foster the Saint for Tim while he is overseas without placing it up for adoption? I know that is a waste of time and resources, considering how many Saints that NEED a rescue, but I wasn't sure on a rescue's policy concerning dogs relinquished due to the owner being deployed.

If the only alternative for the Saint is to be placed in a rescue, would it be horrible if we tried to keep it here first and if things weren't working out to place it in a rescue or rehome it ourselves?

I'm just trying to come up with ideas that would seem more "agreeable" to Tim, because I think at first he'll blanch at the idea of just giving the dog up to a rescue. When he's running short on time, maybe not, but there is always that chance that he actually "likes" this dog and wants to keep it. He may also not want to the dog to be kept outside and would rather place it in a rescue. I really don't know.

Again, I really need more info about the Saint in general, and Tim's stand on everything. I'll see if my mom can get ahold of him (I do believe he is currently located in South Carolina and I'm not sure if Mom knows his phone number).

[Karen]

Would having the company of other dogs help her cope during the day (she would be coming in at evening/night) when she would be outside, or no?

Frankly, probably not. Especially as she has been with a family - as in kids! a Saints favorite kind of people. She'd be missing her people, and other dogs are just not a substitute, in the eyes of a Saint.

[Blackrose]

Frankly, probably not. Especially as she has been with a family - as in kids! a Saints favorite kind of people. She'd be missing her people, and other dogs are just not a substitute, in the eyes of a Saint.

Okay. Again, just wanted to make sure.

(BTW, our family does have kids...five to be exact. My older brother who is almost twenty, me at seventeen, and then I have three younger siblings ranging from the age of 7-13.)

Do you think we should try it anyways and if it doesn't work put her into a rescue (with Tim's approval) or should we try to convince him to place her into a rescue first and foremost?

[Karen]

I'd encourage him to contact a rescue right away - the less she gets bounced around, the better.