Well, I dont know any better place to go but here...I know you guys may have strong feelings about this, but hear me out...

When I asked Michael about being a foster home for Skippy...it was going to be for about 2-3 weeks.  He had a GOOD application pending and Michael was agreeable to it (2-3 weeks being a good amoount of time to see how fostering goes) Plus there was another foster home on "back up" for August 17th when she got back from vacation...

The application fell through, but immediately, my co-worker was extremely interested, filled out the app, went through the process and then changed her mind. 

Many of you probably remember every step of the story. 

Well, now, its been since August 6th and Skippy is such a great boy, Michael really likes him and has been a GREAT SPORT ......

BUT...

He doesnt feel as strongly about the fostering thing as I do and he feels like he never made this long term committment like it is becoming.  And its true, he didnt.  He agreed to a short term placement while the app went through or until another volunteer could take him on August 17th. 

Well, I told that wonderful volunteer that we were just going to keep him because my co-worker decided not to take him.

Its a touch situation because although he hasnt outright said "get him out of here" ...he has hinted that his patience is wearing thin...and wether or not he has reasons that you or I agree with, he isnt fully on board.  He has also said that he has decided that without a yard, three is too many!!!

I would feel terrible moving SKippy to another foster home (just another unnecessary transition) but I hate for Michael to start resenting me or SKippy or something. 

I have to respect him...this is HIS home just as much as MINE and HE takes care of the dogs 50% of the time.  We work opposite shifts.   Just so you know...I am not looking for "Michael bashing" comments, just advice from rattie lover to rattie lover...

I feel like a failure to a foster dog....I feel terrible....

Well Mary the whole situation stinks. You were trying to do the right thing for Skippy and the apps and potential homes fell threw. No fault of yours. If everything went the way it "should have" you or Michael wouldn't be in this situation. Nothing ever goes the way it should though does it.

Is Michael completely opposed to keeping all 3?? Maybe you can get a new house out of it LOL!

I have no advice but I do agree with you that transitioning Skippy now could be more hurt than help where the dog is involved. I dont' know just sympathize with you. ((Hugs))

I wish I had a solution for you or at least something encouraging to say Mary.  Maybe right now is not the right time to foster....I honestly don't know how you manage 2 dogs (and now 3) in a 3rd floor condo.....I live in a house with a large yard and having one dog is all I can handle (but that's just me) and whenever I bring up getting another pup the hubby is not on board so I have to respect his feelings b/c taking care of dogs are as much responsibility as kids and right now one dog and one child are enough for us....but as for you....maybe later on down the road when you two get a house, Michael will change his mind about fostering. 

As for the now (Skippy) can that other foster lady take him?  You're doing a great job with him and have given his life so much value now that I'm sure he'll make a wonderful pet for somebody.  I just hope they're worthy of him!!

Bethany's right Mary.  You agreed to temp foster...ask your state coordinator to line up another foster home for Skippy.  It may take days or even a few weeks but another foster home will open up.  And it won't hurt him....you've done a good job with him and he will go to his next foster home better socialized than when you first got him.  And who knows? While you're waiting for a foster home to open he may well get adopted.

The longest time I've had a foster was 10 weeks (Gavin) but maybe adoptions are slowing down again...it seems that again there are rat terriers coming out of the woodwork....but geez, if you've been doing this from a 3rd floor condo!!?? with 3 dogs....that's a lot of work.

Mary, I know I haven't been here as much as I used to, but I just wanted to applaud you for your efforts with Skippy.  We live in a two story home with a fenced in back yard and couldn't imagine being in a condo.  I know first hand that 3 takes hard work, patience, and a lot of cheese ( lol )                At first  we  didn't think Indie would work out.... he had a SERIOUS food aggression issue.  Brad's patience with Indie was growing thin.  He never said so but I could see it in his eyes.  Granted, Skippy is a foster and Indie was ours I know there is a difference.  But I did have to sit Brad down and explain him that I was working very diligently with Indie and things WOULD improve.  I hope no matter what ( rather you keep Skippy longer or find a new foster for him ) you know that you have done a wonderful job with him and I again applaud you.  Hugs!

Mary would it help if Michael knew someone will be adopting Skippy if she can get him a ride out here end of October? I am really interested in Skippy SERIOUSLY! If thats not soon please let me know. I will take up a collection if need be to get him out sooner. Do Ratbone volunteers get a discount on adoption fees?

If you want I will fill out an app right now.

I am on Actionrats and I think you did recommend him but I'm not sure to whom. I've been watching Skippy for quite some time. Just so you all know who I am too, I actually am a volunteer and Foster parent for Ratbone Rescues. I've been holding off applying for Skippy because I am trying to save some money for fostering etc. by having someone who is coming out for the Nationals in October bring Skippy out with them. That is if he was still available. I thought he'd be already snapped up in a second he is such a cutie and good boy.

If this works out, I'd love to have Skippy as a permenant resident. I've also got the 3-legged baby from New York coming out probably the end of the week to foster, and maybe even Skip from New York (the owner turn-in). I am fortunate as I live in a house with a nice yard and no spouse I have to consider. I was married though for 13 years though and I know it's important to compromise with your loved ones. So I feel for Mary and her delimma. I think she's done a great job with Skippy and I'm sure this will all get ironed out the best for everyone.