am i going to be a failed foster?

When I'm, faced with a dilema such as this I think

"Am I making sacrifces or compromises"?

If you have to make any kind of sacrifice to the well being of any of the dogs then it is not worth it in my mind. If its a compromise to better the pack then it may be worth it.

Anotehr thingto keep in mind is company......you may be happy and relaxed with your sweet littel pack but if you notice that visitors are out off by the dogs it is a key clue that you have too many. I'm not saying another persons opinion should manage how you live BUT their reaction is a sign to the reality of how well you have them under control. If they are overwhlemed by the greeting or number of dogs it is a clue you dont have them under control. If their is a overwhelming smell of dogs in the home you may want to rethink it. If a toddler was brought to roam in your home with the dogs free how comfterable would you be? Again I'm not saying these are factors BUT they are signs that your comfort level with that many dogs hindering you from the reality of the situation. Think outside your emotion for the dog and what is best for all.

A successful foster human is one who trains and places a needy dog apprpriatly. A failed foster mom is well......a lady with a lot of dogs, lol!

Actually I'm going to say you've done a fabulous job of fostering and that he can now go to someone else who will appreciate him as much as you and your husband have!  You've found a gem that is going to make someone else very very happy.  It will be hard, no doubt, but just imagine the joy he's going to bring someone who doesn't have any pets or is actively looking to expand their brood.  Be proud of yourself and I wish you the best in finding him a new forever home!

There are times when a foster can look great if  the rest are just 'too much'.  So do beware ...

On the other paw - how geriatric are the two elderly ones?  There are times when it is TIME for a younger dog if all the ones that are actually yours are the same degree of 'elderly'. 

Another thing to consider -- if you have one that has significant behavior issues -- it could be a matter of time (particularly if you are already overloaded) before the bad behavior wears off onto the 'good' one. 

If this is unusual for you (particularly if you've fostered before with no temptation to adopt) then you really have to evaluate carefully -- does this one look good because the rest of my situation is SO difficult, or ... is this one truly a keeper and CAN I give the others the time and care they MUST have before I commit to another.

In all reality - it's up to you.

I foster often - that's how I ended up with Casey and one of my cats.

There was one foster that I wish I would have kept - but I knew it was the right thing for me to give him to someone else. He was far from perfect, had dog aggression issues, and severe seperation anxiety. But he fit in with my family so well - I loved him to death. But... I knew that if I kept another dog - I wouldn't be able to foster any more - 2 is really the max that I can handle time wise. Jeagar was great, and I do miss him, but I know he is VERY happy in his new home, and that's really all I can ask for.

I've fostered a few dogs... Teenie was my last foster. I failed. I could not find an appropriate home for her, so I kept her (in what was NOT an appropriate home, but she was well cared for, and very, very loved). I had her for two years. This was her retirement home. She went to the Bridge on Dec 28, and I miss her, very much. t was the right thing to do, in her case. She needed a place to feel safe, for a little while.

I would think about it in terms of the rest of the pack. How well does the new dog fit in? Will the others lack if he is around? How old are the old dogs? Will they be happy for another friend or feel left out?
 

Boy I am tired of typos from sticky keys !! I apologize guys. .. damage to the keyboard and always being pressed for time I should have re read my post before hitting send.

Bonita of Bwana