My SPCA just seized 60 dogs from some <profanity>

So me being Ms. Superomgsavetheaniamls like most of you lol decided to help. I have decided to either pick a dog and pay for all of his/her bills (maybe 1-3 depending on costs, we will just tighten the budget) or if I can convince my boyfriend to foster a dog I will do so.

Now I just called them but they were so busy I did not have a chance to talk all that much. I asked if they would pick a dog that will not eat my cats and will not eat my dog. They said that they normally recommend that all fosters be kept away from the animals in house… Well how do you do that? Cats you stick them in a room and they are cool… but dogs?

We donâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t live in a big house. Its one story and the basement is not done. We have a massive backyard but Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]m not sticking some poor abuse dog/puppy by himself.

Anyone know how to do this? Or should I just grab one of the puppies so if there is a fight at least Bruno will pwn and there wonâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t be damage done.

Thanks all!

I think if it's a puppy it won't want to do anything bad to your cats. They'll hide for a few days until they figure out that this new clumsy smelly thing isn't going to harm them. And if they have been around dogs they can train the puppy how to behave around cats.

Bruno would do fine with a puppy; or young dog, even... see if they can't do a temperment test on the dog, so you can see what would 'likely' happen when introducing him\\her to another young dog. If you get a foster who is not a domineering sort, Bruno would only benefit from the experience of having another dog around.

Argh I misunderstood, sorry.
Do the introduction on netral territory, like out on a field. If you bring a new dog home sometimes the one who is on his 'home turf' will become territorial. If they have a chance to become acquainted on neutral turf there is a much better chance it will go better. Also if one does get aggressive / rude you will see it and can opt not to get that dog. If they behave nicely there is still a chance that they will have scraps when they live together but as long as they are not hurting each other it is usually best to let them work it out themselves.

I am having a hard time with this. I am so afraid I am going to put my cats in danger. Either from some sort of disease or bite. I do want to help though, 60 dogs is a lot and not many people are lining up to take them in. I think the SPCA said there was 10 families asking.

I’ve talked to my vet and they said it was a chance but nothing bad “should “happen. I’ve talked to the SPCA and they said due to the fact that there are so many dogs it possible they could have some parasite or fleas.

I really want to do this. I have been trying to convince my boyfriend that we should foster for almost a year, he always says no. But I always wanted it to be cats, not dogs. Cats are easy, and a lot easier to quarantine.

I just don’t want my boys to get sick… but I really want to help… I guess I’m just scared =)

Parasites and fleas are a whole 'nother story. If that is what you're worried about I'd take the dog to the vet first and get a clean bill of health before exposing your home and your other pets to them. Maybe the thing to do is set up an area in the basement where you can keep doggy in quarantine - dogs don't ask for much, a soft bed, food and water, exercise and attention. They don't care about tiled floors and wallpaper. Maybe you could find an old carpet remnant and put it down there to make it a little more cozy.

I wouldn't worry about a new dog biting your cats. Your cats will be wary enough to hide until they decide that the dog is safe to approach. It's funny you say cats are easier, I think it is the other way around, but maybe it's because I am more comfortable with dogs than with cats and can read them better than I can cats.

Would it be possible to board any dog you pick at your vet's until the dog gets a passing grade on the health test? The ASPCA should pick up on the big bad scary things though fleas are another matter and your vet can bathe and treat any dog you get for parasites.

If you want to help in a big way I suggest selecting an adult dog. Puppies are far easier to place. I learned while working in animal rescue that dogs and cats over about 3 frequently stay in the shelter permanently. There can be some real benefits to an adult animal that people don't often think about like they're usually past the stage where they chew on everything and if they come from a good home they're potty trained though I wouldn't bank on it in this particular case. Also, larger dogs are harder to place. Since you do have a large back yard you might consider your ability to accommodate one of the big guys. As a professional pet sitter I meet LOTS of dogs. Generally, the big guys are laid back babies. It's the little ones who bite me!

When you do pick a dog take your time and trust your instincts. Remember, dogs are pack animals. It's their nature to get along with other dogs. They're usually pretty good at integrating all on their own unlike kitty cats! Since whatever dog you pick will have been in a home with 59 other dogs chances are really good that not only will the new guy get along with your existing dog but he'll prefer having another dog as a companion.