Mutt Madd-ness is committed to making a good match, whether it is a short term foster placement or a forever home. There are times when we get a call within 24 or 48 hours to take the dog back because of some behavior the human finds incompatible with the home or lifestyle. PLEASE remember these animals are in transition and it can take time for the pet to feel safe enough to be itself. We have picked up a new rescue fresh from the shelter many, many times and found them to be terrified and unresponsive. Many of these dogs are mostly in shock. They have had no idea what a leash is and their eyes can be wild and wide. Some do not want to come out of the crate or eat. However, in just a few days, most realize they are safe, learn to walk on a leash pretty well, ask to go outside, wiggle their butts vigorously when they see you, and want to play with toys, other dogs, the kids or anybody. THESE DOGS DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT IS HAPPENING TO THEM.
To use a human analogy: imagine these pets are 7 year old children. They have been uprooted from the only home they have ever known, been placed by social services in a loud, scary smelly orphanage alone in a bed. Then they were taken from that place and put in a home with a new family. Just as they were getting used to that, they were put in a car, without explanation, and driven to a new place, a new family, and perhaps another move after that. Imagine how that 7 year old child feels! Then realize it is happening to the pet you just adopted. They are scared, confused, disoriented. They act out. They can forget their manners. They may pee on the floor even though they are housebroken. They may have anxiety and try to get out. We are asking you to consider all this when adopting or taking on a foster dog. Give the pet time to adjust. Be compassionate and understanding with the baggage your pet is carrying. Do not expect it to walk in and be a model family member in 10 minutes (although this can happen), or even 10 days. Just as you might expect a foster child to need time to feel safe and secure and loved in your home, so too does a fur kid need that same time and gentle patience.
So, this is a long message but an important point – give the animal you have just taken into your home the time it needs to adjust to you. It is a life, not a stuffed animal, and has feelings, needs, fears, and a history that we can only guess at.
All of you do so much to support these precious souls and we appreciate each and everyone of you.
Mutt Madd-ness