Lael
Super Boxer
Hi everyone,
We've recently introduced a new foster boy into our home. We have two girls, Lael (almost 4 now!) and Eva (1.5). The new boy is a flashy fawn, about 2 years old, we'll call him Rocky for anonymity.
We've had him for two days, keeping him between his former owner and potential new adoptive parents. Some things I've taken note of:
1. Rocky is very people friendly, he loves all adults (not sure about children).
2. He is energetic, strong and stubborn (surprised
)
3. His former owner had no control over him, but he is learning his boundaries very quickly and I can tell will be a great dog if given the proper home with training.
4. Rocky is lovable and a wonderful, healthy boy who needs an 'alpha' to show him boundaries; I think he would respond well to a home without other dogs (he's a bit snippy over toys) or kids, and with someone who is confident and consistent with him in their 'alpha' position.
About the potential parents:
1. Quick temper, even in front of us he yelled at Rocky for not sitting... and Rocky doesn't know sit yet. This is the most alarming thing to me.
2. They are very unsure about whether they want him or not. This kind of seems like whim. Neither have read the Boxer literature I gave them.
3. They are not confident around Rocky.
4. They are not very active, and I'm afraid Rocky would not get enough exercise in this home. I would bet Rocky becomes distructive within weeks of being there.
5. The family is interested in going to a basic training class I recommended.
6. The family is concerned about the cost of dog food.... (wait when I tell them how much I spent on yearly vaccinations this year!)
7. They are considering to make him an 'outdoor' dog. I told them straight out that this would not be acceptable, and they need to reconsider. The husband did not take this well.
Here's the kicker: the family considering to adopt him are friends. They asked us to do this because they (supposedly) value our opinion. I'm regretting getting involved at all, because now it is very clear to me that they are NOT ready for a boxer, let alone one like Rocky who will require relentless training and daily rigorous exercise. Actually, I think they should settle with a cat or fish or something; they do not seem open to changing their lifestyle or budget at all for a dog. This is CLEARLY not the right family for this dog.
I would love to take him, but we cannot. And I think he'd be better off in a home without dogs or kids, neither of which work for us (kids coming soon!
).
Anyway, I knew I could get some good input on how to tell this family (without offending them) that they should not adopt this dog, not because the dog had problems, but because he requires much more committment than I have observed that they are ready to give.
Any advice on how to handle this delicate situation?
Catherine
We've recently introduced a new foster boy into our home. We have two girls, Lael (almost 4 now!) and Eva (1.5). The new boy is a flashy fawn, about 2 years old, we'll call him Rocky for anonymity.
We've had him for two days, keeping him between his former owner and potential new adoptive parents. Some things I've taken note of:
1. Rocky is very people friendly, he loves all adults (not sure about children).
2. He is energetic, strong and stubborn (surprised
)3. His former owner had no control over him, but he is learning his boundaries very quickly and I can tell will be a great dog if given the proper home with training.
4. Rocky is lovable and a wonderful, healthy boy who needs an 'alpha' to show him boundaries; I think he would respond well to a home without other dogs (he's a bit snippy over toys) or kids, and with someone who is confident and consistent with him in their 'alpha' position.
About the potential parents:
1. Quick temper, even in front of us he yelled at Rocky for not sitting... and Rocky doesn't know sit yet. This is the most alarming thing to me.
2. They are very unsure about whether they want him or not. This kind of seems like whim. Neither have read the Boxer literature I gave them.
3. They are not confident around Rocky.
4. They are not very active, and I'm afraid Rocky would not get enough exercise in this home. I would bet Rocky becomes distructive within weeks of being there.
5. The family is interested in going to a basic training class I recommended.
6. The family is concerned about the cost of dog food.... (wait when I tell them how much I spent on yearly vaccinations this year!)
7. They are considering to make him an 'outdoor' dog. I told them straight out that this would not be acceptable, and they need to reconsider. The husband did not take this well.
Here's the kicker: the family considering to adopt him are friends. They asked us to do this because they (supposedly) value our opinion. I'm regretting getting involved at all, because now it is very clear to me that they are NOT ready for a boxer, let alone one like Rocky who will require relentless training and daily rigorous exercise. Actually, I think they should settle with a cat or fish or something; they do not seem open to changing their lifestyle or budget at all for a dog. This is CLEARLY not the right family for this dog.
I would love to take him, but we cannot. And I think he'd be better off in a home without dogs or kids, neither of which work for us (kids coming soon!
).Anyway, I knew I could get some good input on how to tell this family (without offending them) that they should not adopt this dog, not because the dog had problems, but because he requires much more committment than I have observed that they are ready to give.
Any advice on how to handle this delicate situation?
Catherine
