Should I foster dogs before adopting one?

Def not in a place right now where I can do either, but when I’m financially stable and have my own place of a decent size, I’m wondering whether I should start fostering dogs before going and adopting one. Also I’m debating how old of a dog I’d want, I’m tempted to adopt a senior dog, but that would mean I don’t get as much time with them and the inevitable heartbreak would come much sooner. But maybe it would be worth it to get a dog that realistically doesn’t have a great chance of being adopted at all.

There’s so many dogs that desperately need homes, I hate that I could probably only handle a few of them at a time. If it were possible I’d take them and love them all

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MarkPaul · 26-30, M

I'm in a similar state of mind. The problem for me is I'm afraid I will get attached to the foster-dog and not want to give it up even if I'm not ready for that kind of commitment on my own. So, for now... I'm holding off.

FrogManSometimesLooksBothWays · M

@MarkPaul You would be good with a dog. I know it. (Not really, but I have a feeling.)

Zeuro · 26-30, F

@MarkPaul I feel that.

Ananke · 26-30, F

If you have 0 dog experience fostering is an AMAZING way to see what having a dog entails! Just keep in mind that you may get a rescue dog who has already received basic training in which case you don't see the years of hard work it takes to raise a well mannered dog. So if you get one thats really well behaved dont think theyre all that way by default lol! (This may sound like common sense but people will literally return puppies because they "are too misbehaved" without understanding they actually have to train them to be well behaved).

It's also a great way to find a dog thats a really good fit for you and start to get an idea of the expenses of a dog without actually paying for them yourself as the shelter pays.

Zeuro · 26-30, F

@Ananke oh don’t worry, I’ve had 4 different family dogs, our current one we got at 8 weeks old, I know it takes a LOT of work lol

Notsimilarreally · 31-35, F

The first dog I ever fostered I wanted to keep. My landlord was like no, it didn't get along with her dog, otherwise I would have. I vote for fostering, dogs need it, it's so helpful, but just be aware you'll probably fall in love with them all 😆

SumKindaMunster · 51-55, M

You can't go wrong with whatever you choose. Dogs are awesome. Old, young, pure bred, mutt, they all bring love, loyalty, devotion, support and unrestrained enthusiasm for their loved ones.

Muthafukajones · 46-50, M

You could join a dog walkers association. Many busy pet owners don’t have time to walk their pets. I used to walk my gfs dog for hours while she was at work… I would also feed him ice cream because he loved it but then found it it made him sick so stopped… I would also make him one strip of bacon every morning while making breakfast until I found out that was also bad for him… I cut back to one quarter strip…. I loved him and fed him and snuggled him… and would call him a beautiful boy!

sunriselover · M

Dogs like ownership.
Fostering one may disturb it when I loses you.

A big commitment. What happens when you go on holiday?

They may live until they are eighteen.

Can you afford to feed it?
Vet bills.

Are you prepared to give it regular exercise?

What does your partner think?

Having said that they are loyal companions. I’ve had dogs for over forty years.

smiler2012 · 56-60

@Zeuro maybe the right call see how it works out for you and most importantly the dog too

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