After closely tracking Gracie’s behavior for the last week, we decided that the puppy was not a good fit for her. Gracie would play for a time and then wanted to be left alone. Unfortunately, the puppy did not understand. Puppies have two speeds: play and sleep.
We had hoped that Gracie’s Jack Russell energy and maternal instincts would work with the puppy. It became clear over the last two days, though, that he was stressing her out. The tipping point came when we found her hiding from the puppy. She would run away and jump to the highest point on the sofa so that he could not get to her.
We returned him to his foster mom last night. She assured me that he would remain in foster care until he found a home. (The rescue group has its own shelter and uses foster homes too.) It is a comfort for us that another lady is very interested in adopting the puppy. She lost her 15-year old Jack Russell a few months ago so she knows the breed. She is a friend of the foster mom and had met him after he was “promised” to us. He will find a good home.
Next week, we will talk a bit more about what we have learned from this experience. Stay tuned!
Rescue Mommy and Daddy
P.S. When we handed the puppy to his foster mom, he could not stop wagging his tail and licking her face. He was overjoyed. She said they were fostering another puppy, so the little guy will have a blast.
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