Fostering: The First Few Days (Yes, Those Feelings are Normal)
Suppose it’s your first night with your Muddy Paws foster dog. You’ve been looking forward to this for days, but now that she’s here you feel…conflicted. On the one hand, you know the importance of this work, and want to do good in the world. On the other hand, you can’t help but wondering: will she ever stop crying in the crate? Will we ever bond? And what have I signed up for?!
Don’t worry
We hear these concerns from flustered fosters who feel in over their heads on their first night with a dog who doesn’t settle quickly into the rhythm of their new life.
When a dog comes to your home as a foster, they have often have come straight from an hours-long journey on a transport van, or are coming straight from a kennel at our local shelter partner. As you might imagine, these are both stressful places for dogs: unfamiliar and overwhelming. In other cases, a dog might be coming to you from their previous MPR foster. But even changing apartments can induce high levels of anxiety (ask anyone who’s moved in this city!)
This is all normal!
Dogs may bark, pace, whine in their crate, or have accidents indoors when feeling stressed. Even dogs who do not appear classically stressed (not panting or whale-eyed) can exhibit these behaviors due to uncertainty and lack of structure.
Thankfully, MPR has a variety of resources on our website on topics like decompression, enrichment, crate anxiety, and more! You can also access resources for these common issues through your foster portal.
You’ve got this, and we’re here to help
Although it can be overwhelming to have a foster dog exhibiting behavioral challenges, it’s worth remembering that time is on your side. Most dogs will improve significantly with a little patience, structure and time. Every day in your home is another day of stability and predictability for these dogs, allowing them to let their guard down little by little to the point where their true personality can shine through.
Of course, if you feel your foster dog is struggling more than what may be expected, our foster team is here for you! Reach out to your foster buddy with concerns like this and we can figure out the best plan for your pup.
It can also help to remember: if you can make it through the first three days, you can make it for the full three-week commitment we ask of all fosters (or more!).
Dr. Matt Miller has been a volunteer for Muddy Paws since 2020 and works as a veterinarian at Gotham Veterinary Center and Pure Paws. He’ll be celebrating the holidays this year with his wife Hillary, and his pets Sophia, Annie, Dylan, and Eloise.
