Do the boxers in foster homes understand when they leave to go to their forever home?

[Rowdy Boys]

I have a question for all you wonderful - otherwise known as "foster parents".

With all the passing around a foster dog goes through, from being abandoned or surrendered by their original owners, to transport, to a foster home and finally (we pray) to their forever home, do they understand?

Do they understand that you, as a foster parent, are not surrendering them as their first owners did? Do they understand that you opened your home and heart to them in order for them to heal and become ready to move on to a new forever home?

 

[k&cd]

I don't know the answers to your questions, I can only say I hope so. I've always worried about that, but without all the hands involved- most of these dogs that come into rescue wouldn't make it.
It may sound nuts, but I sit down with each of my fosters at some point and explain to them that we are here to help them, help them get healthy and happy again, and help them to find their forever place. And that we won't let them go until we are sure we found it.

 

[Claudia807]

I think they understand. It *IS* totally heartbreaking, though, when you take a dog to his new home and he tries to follow you right back out the door when you leave. Dogs are resilient and I like to think they understand. I think that if they get dumped too many times, eventually they do become damaged. That's why it's so important to screen homes very carefully to make sure the dogs don't get returned.

Claudia
Green Acres Boxer Rescue of WI

 

[Rowdy Boys]

Originally posted by Rowdy Boys
I have a question for all you wonderful - otherwise known as "foster parents".

With all the passing around a foster dog goes through, from being abandoned or surrendered by their original owners, to transport, to a foster home and finally (we pray) to their forever home, do they understand?

Do they understand that you, as a foster parent, are not surrendering them as their first owners did? Do they understand that you opened your home and heart to them in order for them to heal and become ready to move on to a new forever home?

I meant to say "foster parents/rescue" in the post above. I tried to edit my post, but it's been longer than 60 minutes.

 

[adeinert]

I think they do.
I can speak from adopting and fostering.

I adopted two from other foster homes as well as have fostered. My two seemed very much at home immediately, one being a bit more shy, but come to find out she was badly abused and it took almost a year to get over ALL her fears (strangers, men, loud noises). They didn't seem to miss their foster home.

All my fosters' families report a very happy dog when they get home. I think boxers have a kind of sixth sense and they know when the are "home". They also know in the foster home that they are safe and loved.

I fostered a deaf puppy this summer for six weeks. When I left her that day at her new dad's house I felt so horrible leaving. She came to be dogsat this past week and when she saw me and my three boxers, she went crazy! She remembered us! But, when her dad came back, you could tell she knew that was dad.

They are so special and forgiving.
What I also believe though is that the bouncing around often gives them some separation anxiety. When we have one in that has had a few homes already (prior owners) in a short time, they often show some anxiety when left. A stop at a foster home is necessary, but I strongly believe too many moves and their little hearts break. Yet, they always love again.
lovicon I love rescued boxers. Their hearts are so amazingly big.
Ashlie

 

[ssleighter]

I've only fostered 4 boxers since being involved with rescue, but I too think that on some level they know. The 4th one is still with us, and always will be, but the other 3 are always in my thoughts. I got to be very proactive in placing them, and so far two have come to pet fairs to visit me after their adoptions. It's sooooooo fun to see them again. Comet and Rush seem so happy with their new families, it just warms my heart. And they also seem to remember me when they come to visit, which also warms my heart! lovicon

I also had the "talk" with them before they went to their new homes and I'd like to think they understood that I was only a stop on their way to love and happiness, someone to make them better and help them along! And I send them to their new homes with their favorite toy from my house to make it a little easier (I hope)!

Sharon, Mom to Hammer, Ginger, Booker AND Merlin and Morgan the evil kitties! :D

 

[CC]

I sure hope they understand...

I always have a teary conversation with my fosters the night before they are going to their new home, and I explain everything to them.

I bet that there is a little bit of confusion and adjustment needed however, I mean it's tough for them to get used to my house so it probably is also weird at first at a new home. But they are just so resilient...considering some of the abuses and injustices they have suffered in their previous homes, and they forgive all that.

 

[kimmer0223]

I always hope they understand. I have been a foster for only a short while. I had one that was adopted and then he came back. :( But, he was thrilled to be amongst us again. He is such a sweetie! He was recently placed in a GREAT home and they seem to be quite pleased with him. I was a bit scared for him due to the fact he was very clingy when he came back to me. I was scared he wouldn't be able to bond with anyone else. But, his new mom sent me a great pic of him taking a nap with her. That made me very proud of what I do and why.
My other foster was adopted to another GREAT family. She was 6 yrs old and I wasn't sure if she would ever find her forever home. But, she fit like a glove into this family! She was just waiting for the perfect one. In fact, they had already made hotel reservations for them that included her. They made sure the hotel would accept dogs. Wow! I was very happy for all involved and still wish them the happiest life possible. I think I will always miss them, but you give them all the love you have and then love them enough to let them have a family of their own.
I look forward to helping the next one that comes along.

Kim
Mom to Goliath, Maggie, Chito, Chico and Foster mom to Tess

 

[Doggy]

When the foster mother brought Duke to our house, he was excited about "checking things out" but the minute she walked out that door, and he had to stay behind, he ran to the windows and was watching her leave, and whimpered, then ran back and forth to the doors. After awhile, he layed down on the couch and was distraught. That night we didnt get much sleep as he kept getting on and off the bed, going to the windows and crying. I felt horrible for him, I knew he missed her and that woman may have been the one person who had been nice to him prior to his new home, as he had it rough before rescue acquired him. I tried my best to comfort and I think it took a good 2 days before he accepted our home. I would think he now has that much love in his heart for us, we have had him for over a year. The foster mother recently visited him, but he spent so much time clowning around with his "sister" dog that he didnt really pay her much attention, yet I would like to think in his heart he remembered and thanked her for all she had did, I know I did - he is now very happy. loved and playful and that is the greatest outcome possible.

 

[newark]

I can't remember who said it but someone said 'dogs are opportunists, and will make the best of whatever situation they are given' and this is certainly true of rescue boxers. Once they have settled into their new home, they are happy. If you are a lucky foster parent who gets to visit with the dog later on, I have found that they do remember you and are happy to see you, but now view the adoptive family as 'their' family.

Also, this quote makes me feel better about the whole situation: From Dog Fancy's Most Popular Dog Series on Boxers - "All about America's Favorite Dog": "Because Boxers are friendly and people oriented and adjust readily to new situations, they are also easy to place into new homes. A well-screened Rescue Boxer is a great choice for people who do not want to deal with puppyhood. Boxers bond quickly to any new owner who treats them well. Because Boxers adjust to new situations so readily they make excellent adoptees, surpassing many other breeds on their ability to adjust."