What do you think...

[Richard Crowe]

We have a darling Maltipoo who was kept in tiny cage for many years.  She could not move her rear legs because of muscle atrophy. She has been undergoing physical therapy and I did a press release that resulted in a local TV station doing a story on her plight.   

http://www.10news.com/news/maltese-learns-to-walk-after-being-left-...

As a result of that story, we have received many requests to adopt this little dog. However after viewing the requests, her foster mom has tearfully admitted that she just can't give up this little dog and wants to adopt her.

Thinking only of in a public relations theme.  How do you think the viewing public might react to this?  It could be that they will get a warm and fuzzy feeling because of the bonding between the dog and the foster mom,  Or they could see the TV news coverage as a public relations ploy.

Our decision will be made solely in the interest of what is best for the dog.  I just wonder what your impression would be if you saw the video clip; and later learned that  Bella was to be adopted by her foster mom...

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

You know far more about rescues than me, but I don't think it needs to be spun.

Be honest in that the foster mom bonded with the pup, but that are many more wonderful puppies
needing homes in foster care or shelters with touching stories of there own. Just use it for awareness of how many pups are out there that need a loving home.

[Gail and Bailey]

Why does the public have to know?  Would it be good enough to just say that she found a loving home and the folks want to remain annonymous?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

That's the best idea, Gail! 

[Camilla and Darwin]

I would be happy personally, and I would guess that most people who have been touched by the story would feel the same way.

[Miss Ellie]

Oh most definitely the foster Mom should be able to keep the dog...and what person wouldn't want to see that...I think it's wonderful and means this sweet little thing will not have to be uprooted again...a happy ending...makes my Monday!

[Donna K & Quincy]

I don't think you really need to put a spin on this, but if you did the fact that Bella was so neglected for so long and is now so loved that her FM can't let her go to start over again with a different family should be all the spin you need. I'm glad she is staying with her FM, with all the time and care she has invested in Bella they will have formed quite a bond that would be a shame to break. Hopefully she will continue to foster for your organization and it will still be a win, win for everybody.

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

Perhaps some of the people that responded would be interested in either adopting another dog or fostering.  It is great publicity.  No matter what the dogs are the winners.

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

This is what I was thinking, as well.  Maybe  callers, now aware of the situation, would be more inclined to adopt and can be guided to others that needed forever homes.

[BG and Gavin]

That's right Andy.  We had a similar media blitz as a result of our local humane society putting out a plea for assistance for a cat they dubbed Joe that had been found on the side of the road with 17 gun pellets in her head.  A horrible case of abuse.  The operation was to cost between 2-4K.  Well the community donated a whopping 20K and over 200 people asked to adopt the cat once it is healthy.  The society is overrun with cats and has asked that people adopt one of the other cats that they have in Joe's name.

[Robin and Libby Louise]

I think people will see it as a happy ending - it is to me, that's for sure!

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

I don't see why people should be upset if the foster mom has decided she wants to keep her.  Disappointed maybe but not upset.  If you tell people it was unexpected but a very happy ending for Bella who requires specialized care, I think people who really want the best for her will be happy for her. I'm betting most people want to adopt her because she is so adorable and loving and you have many dogs like Bella that you save.  So offer to keep in touch, and work with them to find an equally sweet little cuddlebug.  I agree that fosters have earned "first choice," even if it makes it harder for rescues.  I know you don't want it to seem like a PR ploy but Bella's story may have done a world of good in helping you find homes for other equally deserving Maltese mixes.    

[Judy, Meg & Polly Wolly Doodle]

It is always disappointing to think you want a dog, try for it and then not get it, but most sensible people would just be thrilled that the dog has a loving home and it makes sense that the person that worked through the issues most understands the needs.   Maybe a new press release about how it was so rewarding to work with this put that the bond developed and the foster mom could not let go.  Positive outcomes on fostering encourage more, positive outcomes on rescuing also encourage more.