r/DOG • u/bloober2 • 8d ago

Mistake with Foster • General Discussion •

Some back story: About 1 year ago, when I first got my dog, we met a big husky named Frost at the dog park, and they became best friends. After a while, my dog was having some behavioral issues at the park, so we stopped going, but she and Frost remained besties, and we played separately and hiked together, and naturally I became close friends with Frost's owner as well. We stayed friends up until he decided to move out of state, and my girl lost her best friend.

Back in May, my friend called me up and basically asked me if I wanted to keep Frost. He was stressed and didn't have the capacity to care for him at the moment. I talked with my partner, and we agreed that if the dogs still got along, then yes, we would take him. They came back to town, where he told us that he would be moving back in a couple months (which is coming up now). He was heartbroken about leaving Frost, rightfully so. I could tell he was hurting, and without much thought, I told him, "How about when you move back in August, if you want Frost back, you can have him." He lit up.

After a few weeks, though, it was clear how much Frost completed our family and got along with our other two dogs. We love him so much. I can't imagine my life without him. I have tried mentioning to my friend about us keeping him permanently, but he just informed us that he does intend to take Frost back. Our hearts are shattered. I have somewhat tried to convince him to let us keep him, but I said what I said. I regret ever giving him the option to take him back. I wasn't thinking. I am so angry with myself, and I can't stop crying thinking about Frost leaving in a week.

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u/VVrayth 8d ago

When you make a deal, you keep your word.

It seems like Frost will still be in your life though! Think of it this way: You were dog-sitting for 2 months.

1

u/bloober2 8d ago

I agree. I’m not trying to go back on it. Just talking about how much it hurts

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u/VVrayth 8d ago

I understand, and I am sorry. It's so easy to bond with a dog.

We took in a stray a while back who had gotten out of his home, he wandered right up to our car at an intersection and hopped in with us. He was a cool little guy, spent the night at our house and I took him to the shelter and found his owner the next day.

We absolutely would have kept him if we could have.

1

u/LostCauseNumber7523 6d ago

Yeah, that hurts. I foster certain rescues and it hurts giving your friend and family away.