Puppy Foster Parents Question
 

Well, on Feb. 9 (a cool rainy day here), our daughter called to say DG#1 had rescued a fluffy black & white puppy in their yard that morning. DG#1 has decided that Grandma & Grandpa need to adopt this puppy because they already have 3 dogs and grandparents have none (by choice). "Found" signs were posted at the local vets' offices and at Petsmart. Daughter has searched for "Lost" signs in her part of town.

I went to look at her, at DD#1's request. The puppy is about the size of our deceased Westie's and very friendly. DD#1 explains that she cannot keep the puppy, due to the fact that they already have 3 dogs and this one is not "fixed". However, she wants to keep the puppy close, so that she can locate the "parents/owners" of this little cutie. There was "no room at the inn". Our local "no kill" shelter was full.

So, I come home and discuss with DH. He said "whatever you decide". We decided to be "foster parents" during the interim search. DD#1 supplied food, kennel, 2 bowls, blanket and extra towel. Now, we have taken her to DD's vet, gotten 6 month shots and general assessment. Vet says puppy is just 6 months old, per assessment of tooth growth and will only grow about 30% more, to about 25 lbs. and needs to be "fixed" soon, if we decide to keep her. He cannot identify her breed, ...she has the build of a Westie, but the blk/wht markings of a border collie with a Terrier nose. We gave her a name at the vet's office, made an appointment for booster shots and surgery at the 1 month "fostering" anniversary, she has accidently peed & pooped on our carpets and rugs (:thumbdown:.), plus we have bathed her twice with another scheduled for later today. She came to us crate trained & house trained (if we pay close attention).

The question is, at what point did we move to becoming parents/owners instead of "interim foster parents"? DH says it was when I went to see her, even though we believed we were too old to start again and did not want the mess that comes with pet ownership. DD#2 agrees with her Dad. But "Grace" was "homeless" and adorable. LOL

Oh, by the way, DH saved her life on Wednesday when he dislodged a small stick she had chewed and tried to swallow. She was able to cough it out without an emergency trip to the vet.

Yes, I agree. When you went to see her she was yours. And when you named her it sealed for sure.

What a sweet story and how nice you adopted her after all. She is in a loving family now, you won't redree this decisson.
Grace is a very nice name and is when she became yours for sure.

Naming them is always the turning point for us. That's how we ended up with Huggie Bear, Moosie Bear, wee Gracie Allen and Clyde Kadiddlehopper.

I think as soon as you took her to the vet and named her.

I rescued Stormy, the cat from a rain storm where he was hiding under a tree, he is so thankful every day he shows me his love, he is all fixed and ready to live here for ever

Our first rescued dog was in Vanuatu shortly after we arrived in 1992-she was a small puppy found shivering in the bushes the morning after a Cyclone Betsy. We named her Betsy, and she was just a mixed breed (we call "Island breed")-black and tan-sort of like a shepard-grew to about 60 pounds. She was the sweetest, gentle, loving dog we could imagine. My boys took her with them everywhere, she was just so sweet. I believe these needy animals are put before us for a reason-we were meant to give them a loving and secure home that they deserve. Every dog we have had sense has been a rescue and all have turned out to be part of our family. Just cherish the opportunity to make a loving family for her! Nearly in tears here--------

you named her, paid vet bills--nobody has claimed her in nearly a month. She's yours--love her. You'll never regret it!

IMHO, you did not become adoptive parents to this furbaby until you named her and made that appointment to have her fixed. That was the moment when some part of your mind or heart said, "I'm keeping her!" :D Congratulations on the new addition!

Kadiddlehopper has me rolling on the floor laughing! What a name!!! I am glad to know I am not alone in the goofy name category. Years ago I had a cat named Seuss Isosthenes Paddywack!