Advice on fostering basset hounds or adopting an older hound

[Liz]

We had two basset hound/lab mix dogs who have both passed away but they were the BEST dogs ever and we have wanted another basset ever since. We are thinking of being a foster home for bassets looking for their forever home or adopting an older basset (8 yrs or more) who has been in foster care. Has anyone ever done this and was your experience good/bad? My biggest concern with fostering an unknown dog is not knowing their history. I wouldn't want to put my family/grandchildren at risk if we ended up with a dog that bites. Appreciate any advice as we evaluate whether this is right for us. Thank you!

P.S. We currently have a little terrier mix (7 months old) who has been a hyper beast making us long for our bassets!

 

[klacey1]

Awww. We had a basset for 13 years. She was truly my best friend-- a once in a lifetime dog. She died two years ago and I still think about her almost everyday.
We actually rescued a 5 year old basset/beagle mix who we had to return because of violent tendencies (attacked us & our bassett, who was 10 at the time). Like you-- just couldn't risk it.
So no experience with fostering and OUR rescuing did not go so well, but the shelter clearly lied to us about the dog's history (claiming it wasn't violent-- it tried to bite me the moment we brought him home). I know there are many positive rescue stories out there! I would research shelters/rescue groups that have a positive reputation and perhaps do a trial fostering before adopting a dog permanently. Perhaps look for a purebread basset? Our girl had the BEST temperment-- so sweet and loving and funny. We never dealt with major health problems in her twilight years either-- she just slowed down over the years and passed away in her favorite spot in her sleep.

 

[yoopermom]

If you foster through a reputable foster group, they will do their best to place an appropriate dog with you.

Honestly, as someone who has adopted *many* older hounds, I would be hesitant about putting one of mine with someone who had a 7 month old terrier, simply because it would be like asking a senior citizen to live with a 2 year old . Has the pup been through puppy class yet? Has s/he learned to "quit" when acting silly/hyper/feisty on command? Do you have a way to contain the pup so the older dog could have some peace and quiet?

I'm not saying to give up on your idea, it's a noble one, and many dogs need a good home. Rescue may tell you, however, that you'd be better off with a "middle aged" one, who will be more willing to put up with the pup (and put it in its place).

Good luck!

Terri

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I think there are some realities you really have to ask yourself before you open up your home and heart to fostering animals - one of the most important being, will you be putting anyone already living there at risk by doing so, particularly children?

Another being what type of experience will you be able to offer to the unfortunate soul coming into your home? Most animals will already be coming from difficult, sometimes horrific, situations so the experience you offer should be one of a welcoming, safe haven where they can readjust and recompose enough to develop stability so they can find there forever home. (The last thing you want being learning bad habits from your home.)

I wouldn't want to put my family/grandchildren at risk if we ended up with a dog that bites.

We currently have a little terrier mix (7 months old) who has been a hyper beast

These, IMO, are things to be seriously considered. And please don't take offense, they are reasons similar to why I myself am not fostering at this point.

In fostering German Shepherds (my favored breed), there are a lot of rules put in place for safety. Age rules govern not only children living in your home, but children visiting your home regularly. I have had young children in my home regularly. I also have a dog that doesn't love other dogs. Then there's the issue of physical space - a foster dog needs a space of his own. In our case, we also need to have a 6ft fence surrounding the yard that's in good repair. We are also required to have solid experience with the breed, especially for those dogs who've had little to no socialization or training or otherwise have special needs. (And there are other requirements as well.)

So really, it's kind of a tall order. And I do not fault the breed rescues because their rules are put in place for reasons based on their experiences in the past. I also know from my own experiences that I want to have these rules in place as well because I know they make sense and they're for the good of all involved. Now granted, German Shepherd rescues may have to be more stringent than those of most breeds, but I guess my point is that there is always a lot to consider. For some, it may seem silly; but for me, I prefer it this way. I will be fostering at some point, but the timing and circumstances will have to be right. YMMV

P.S. Remember that for those whose circumstances aren't right for fostering, there are lots of other ways to help that don't involve actually taking a dog into your home. Donations are always needed. Most rescues have a Wish List. Dog walking, cleaning cages, socializing animals, taking photos for websites, donating old blankets, towels and other items, etc., are some of the other ways people can help.

 

[Liz]

Thanks for the replies! Definitely a lot to consider while deciding if this is right for us. When I think with my heart and look at the bassets needing a home I imagine they are all like the bassets we had before (perfect temperament and would never bite anyone) but when I think with my head I realize all dogs are different and we need to consider this next step carefully. Thank you again for giving me more to think about!

 

[marie1203]

Right now we have 7 dogs in the house this is how I am feeling LOL. 2 fosters we do this all the time and we had have wonderful experiences. There is nothing that can be compared to seeing a dog start to trust again and coming out of its shell. We foster many different breeds of dogs including a basset hound that came knocking on my door (I am not kidding I heard something like a knock I open my door and there he is ). Also it seems you are doing in order to find a dog and there is no question that you will most likely fall in love with all your fosters and the hardest part is letting go. We kept 2 of our fosters they are brother and sister and at the time it was the peak of the recession no one wanted to adopt 2 dogs. Thinking about separating them was heart breaking there is no one without the other so we kept them so they can stay together. With that begin said there is many things to consider. Fostering is a lot of work, we train the dogs for basic commands, potty train, vet procedures, etc. As many have said the fact they you have a puppy you most likely no rescue will put you with a senior. We have a senior and the puppy is driving him crazy (thankfully the puppy found a home and is leaving next week ). I would suggest you contact directly the organizations you want to foster and have them explain to you how their fosters are places so you can make the decision if you are comfortable with.
With us we foster for organizations all over the east coast so there are times we are pulling dogs of shelters but we have enough experience to handle even aggression but I have to say we never had a bad case at all. One dog we thought might be veery aggressive because how he behaved in the shelter but once he was out he was the sweetest thing ever. The shelter environment can freak some dogs out. Good Luck!

 

[Liz]

Right now we have 7 dogs in the house this is how I am feeling LOL. 2 fosters we do this all the time and we had have wonderful experiences. There is nothing that can be compared to seeing a dog start to trust again and coming out of its shell. We foster many different breeds of dogs including a basset hound that came knocking on my door (I am not kidding I heard something like a knock I open my door and there he is ). Also it seems you are doing in order to find a dog and there is no question that you will most likely fall in love with all your fosters and the hardest part is letting go. We kept 2 of our fosters they are brother and sister and at the time it was the peak of the recession no one wanted to adopt 2 dogs. Thinking about separating them was heart breaking there is no one without the other so we kept them so they can stay together. With that begin said there is many things to consider. Fostering is a lot of work, we train the dogs for basic commands, potty train, vet procedures, etc. As many have said the fact they you have a puppy you most likely no rescue will put you with a senior. We have a senior and the puppy is driving him crazy (thankfully the puppy found a home and is leaving next week ). I would suggest you contact directly the organizations you want to foster and have them explain to you how their fosters are places so you can make the decision if you are comfortable with.
With us we foster for organizations all over the east coast so there are times we are pulling dogs of shelters but we have enough experience to handle even aggression but I have to say we never had a bad case at all. One dog we thought might be veery aggressive because how he behaved in the shelter but once he was out he was the sweetest thing ever. The shelter environment can freak some dogs out. Good Luck!

Marie, the two bassets we had were brother and sister. We brought both home as puppies overnight to decide which to keep and well after that there was no way we could give up either one.

Our local basset hound rescue organization is having a "meet and greet" this weekend so we are going to talk to them and get more information.

Thanks again everyone!

 

[monkeybug]

Marie, the two bassets we had were brother and sister. We brought both home as puppies overnight to decide which to keep and well after that there was no way we could give up either one.

Our local basset hound rescue organization is having a "meet and greet" this weekend so we are going to talk to them and get more information.

Thanks again everyone!

Where are you located? We happen to have a Basset hound who needs a new home, and we'll be traveling across country this summer!
We took her in over the summer because her owner was going off to college and her parents wouldn't keep her. She couldn't have a dog in the dorms, so it was a new home or the pound.
She is the sweetest, goofiest dog ever! 3 years old and full of energy.
She does have bad habits though. She jumps, she chews if she gets bored, she steals food off the counter if she can reach it (and she's loooong, so she can reach a lot!), and she gets on the sofa. I'm sure all things she can be trained not to do, but with a toddler and two school aged kids, we don't have the time.
I would NEVER take her to the pound or a shelter, so she will move with us if need be, but we would like to find a home for her if we can.

 

[Tiggeroo]

Are you anywhere near ocean city nj? We have a parade this weekend that has a large group of Bassett hounds who are mostly part of a rescue group. They'd be happy to talk.

 

[Liz]

We are out west but thank you for the offer!

 

[monkeybug]

We are out west but thank you for the offer!

So are we! We are moving from Ca to Virginia! I think we've found her a home though.