my Penny dilema

I think if you let your friend adopt her, you will always worry about her. It is probably best to wait to see if you can find someone who you feel more comfortable with. If you really want to keep her, then do it! There's no shame in being a "foster failure"!

Follow your heart!

maybe have her take Penny for a weekend retreat? It wouldn't solve the busy Mon-Fri schedule but it might allow time to see if they all get along, realize how much work a dog is, etc.

I did mention the love part to Pam today and she had some good insight. She said that you need to feel right with whatever decision that you make. She said that given Penny's age, she won't be any less adoptable in a few months if you decide to adopt her out. It's not like when people hang on to foster puppies thinking they are going to keep them, then decided to adopt them out once they are adults and they are MUCH harder to adopt. We just recently had a scenario like that but luckily the adult dog got adopted. The other option would be to post her and just be really picky. They are totally fine with that and welcome your input. I was going to adopt Dayzee myself if they had let the crazy dog soup guy adopt her:-)

I think being a foster failure is amlost inevitable at some point... We fell in love with Pearle and that was my answer. I loved all of the kittens but there was something special about Pearlie. This is one of the reasons we haven't fostered lately. I become mommy to them all and I fall to pieces when it comes time to adopt them out. Go with your heart. If you feel like she's "at home" with you, then she is.

Of course I have advice! I think you should keep Penny, then help her find another rescue who would be a better fit for her family. Dog knows there are plenty of them out there. That way you guys can save 2 dogs instead of just one!

Perhaps your friend would like 2 kittens!! They could play with each other when no one else is home. I have a couple brothers over here who would love to go to the same home!! ;)

She does like cats but her daughter is highly allergic to them. Maybe I should tell her to look for a toy poodle. They're hypoallergenic, aren't they?

If you're not comfortable with the adoption, then don't. However, I'm unsuccessfully racking my brain with a tactful way of dealing with it. I'm good with animals, not with people. Yikes!

As long as you know that you have legitimate doubts, then your friend is not the best place for Penny to go. When you find the right person or family you'll know. Penny will be happier and you'll know that you did the best thing.

Echoing what others have said, when you know what is right for Penny, you'll know. And you can help your friend find the furever pet that is the exact right fit for her as well - everyone will be happier in the long run!

I would try just being as honest as possible with her. It's not as if anything you said here is hurtful. I would explain that Penny really needs to be in a two dog home and requires a lot of initial attention and that knowing her situation, maybe you can keep an eye out for a pet that may be more suitable for her. To those who do not have pets, you are the expert since you foster. I would listen to you! Good luck!

I agree with everybody else. If it doesn't feel right it's probably not. Your friend will understand. I think I'm going to end up being a "foster failure" too.