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]

I can't see why the foster mom shouldn't be allowed to adopt this puppy she put so much time and love into.
Why not allow the pup who has finally known love to remain where she is?
Also, if the people really care about the plight of this puppy, I think they will have a warm
fuzzy feeling that she was so loved.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I agree. I think the fosters of these pups should always be first in line. The stepped up and nursed and cared for these dogs when needed.

[Emily, Bentley, & Maserati]

I agree! 

I'm the Vice President of a Dog & Puppy rescue and our foster families always get priority. They have found that special bond that we all hope every dog and owner have! I can't imagine why anyone would find that a negative spin to that story! We all use the term "foster failure" for a reason! :) 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Many if not most people who are not directly involved with rescue are thrilled when a foster keeps the dog; in fact, one problem we have with the DRC FB page is that people are constantly encouraging the fosters to keep the dogs. They see how comfortable the dogs seem in the foster home, and hate the thought that the dog will have to move again and have to adjust to yet another environment. Obviously, they don't think about the fact that when fosters become "foster failures", the rescue often loses a much-needed foster home. 

But to answer your question, I would bet serious money that the"viewing public" will be thrilled that the dog is staying with her foster mom. You can pretty much count on that. 

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

I did think of "foster failure" when I wrote my post just now, Karen. I know it drains the foster pool, but I can't help it, especially for Bella!  sorry! 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I do know it's a natural reaction, lol. Nothing to be sorry for, you didn't encourage this particular foster to keep the dog. :)

It's a real problem comes when people try to guilt-trip a foster into keeping a dog. That decision has to be made without any outside pressure or guilt. 

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

Personally, I would react with positive feelings and understand how the foster Mom (and probably family) fell in love and want to keep her.  This little love has had enough stress in her life-I would want her to stay in a home she knows with people she has learned to trust and who obviously have fallen in love with her.  

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Personally...I would love to see the story end with the Foster Mom having custody!

[Lynda Kamrath]

This is so pathetic and it happens to too many of our little animal friends.  How can somebody keep an animal in a cage their entire lives?  But, what happens with the chickens and pigs is just as bad.  It's all about money here in America, and the laziness of people.  If you can get it cheap and you don't have to do anything - isn't that what it is all about?

[Jen & Hudson]

I think people would love to see such a happy ending to this story. And as for it looking like a public relations ploy, why would that be?? At the very least, it shines a light on the cruel world of puppy mills and raises awareness in the community. And it could also awaken a desire in people to adopt a dog in need, which could then help other area pups in need.

 

Well done!!!!

 

[Sally S Miles]

I think that if the foster mom has bonded with the dog and wants to adopt her then it's a happy ending.   I love happy endings.

[Richard Crowe]

The foster mom will be keeping Bella.  I was just wondering how this would be received by the public.  I frankly think that this would be a good ending (good beginning to the rest of the dog's life). 

Whether the foster mom will keep the dog has never been a question.  In our rescue organization, fosters always have the first opportunity to adopt any dog that they are fostering.

I was just wondering if I needed to spin the story one way or another.  I guess it is pretty positive in the way it ended (or began for Bella).