On relationship building after three days with a foster

A guest post by Sean about our foster dog, Val

As of today, May 1st, we’ve officially had our first foster dog for three days. I’m considering adding expert dog foster to my LinkedIn profile.

I think I’ve done a good job forming the foundation for a strong, trusting relationship so far with our new blocky-headed friend, Val (the shelter’s name “Batty” just had to go).

A new kidlet piglet doglet in the house

It’s been a tiring first few days, involving a lot more “dog time” than I’m used to. This has partly been because we are trying to get everyone acclimated to each other to harmoniously share the house, and also because I’ve chosen to spend a bunch of time with Val to start getting to know her and make her feel welcome.

To me, dogs aren’t children or people replacements — but I do draw a lot of parallels between how I develop relationships with humans and how I think about my relationship with a dog.

First introductions

Meeting Val and starting to get to know her has been a lot like first meeting and starting to spend time with a huma…