So Annoying! (kinda long)

MommyofNiko

UGH! So as most of you know, I am a social worker for foster care. Well I went out to a new home this afternoon and there it was...a probably 6 pound Pomeranian tied to the front porch as her home. 6 foot lead. Always outside. I got mad at my co-worker for not warning me(knowing the animal lover and advocate I am). Thankfully the topic came to the dog. My co-worker asked if the dog was always outside. FM said that the dog was not potty trained. Of COURSE I then tune in that it is very simple tasks to potty train as long as she is patient and willing to work with the dog. I told her to get a crate and anytime she cant keep an eye on her then have her in the crate. Told her not to scold her (which she told me she does when she has accidents in the house). She also said the dog is 1 year and is too old to train!!!!!!!!!!! AHHHH! I told her it is all about positive reinforcement, being consistent and patient. Told her to get treats, what size kennel to get, praising her...This dog was scared of me when I got there but FM let her off the leash and she went potty and I praised her (to show FM how to do it) and the dog ran up to me jumping on me so proud that she made me happy....Told her to take her poop outside and so on. FM was very receptive and called me out of my car when I was ready to leave to ask more tips and info. I just HATE when people get animals and think that there is no work involved. FM said that she only lived here a year, and the dog is a year...so she got this dog as a puppy!!!
Im going to talk with the people who approved her home and ask if this is a warning to them at all! If you cant be patient, consistent and put in the time with a dog then how do we know you can work with foster kids??

LoveMyMylie

complete arrogance... it's astounding.

Sangmort

Very true! Raising a dog is not at all different than raising a child, if you can't even take care of a dog...well.

At least she was receptive to what you had to say. Thanks for the effort Rachael I'm sure the Pomeranian thanks you. ~

BradA1878

no shit, what a shame... that kid and that dog are screwed.

dlroberts

Sounds like she shouldn't be fostering a kid at all. I hope your raising of the issue is a serious red flag for whomever is making the decisions. If not, something is seriously wrong with the system.

MikaAndMe

It's true that raising a dog isn't much different than raising a child. I never realized that until I got Mika, but I wouldn't change it for anything in the world. It is work but it is very rewarding for you and your dog. Some people just don't need dogs just like some people don't need kids. Perhaps this lady should have neither! I just don't see how someone could keep a dog on a 6 foot chain and not try to train them or even love on them. Why the hell else would you get a dog, right? I just don't understand some people's logic. Nice job on what you did though. You can only hope she'll listen and I would definitely take the dog's living conditions into consideration when determining what type of parent this woman would be. Nevertheless, nice job on doing your part!

Kaddy

I must say... I was a kid when we had dogs, so I didn't realize what was really involved with the 'real' care.

I set my alarm every morning for a 6:30 walk and feeding ... I HATE it, but I know it has to be done! Same with the afternoon... we feed at 6:30 and walk at 7:30 - too bad if the show I want to watch is going to be awesome - I made the commitment!

I know I won't ever have children, and I know a dog can't replace that, but... I also know the amount of love I put out for out babies is SO fulfilling and I wouldn't trade it for the world!