My co worker just adopted this adorable 6mo old shepherd mix this weekend. She was living in a foster home, and from what she told me, they were not ideal. The dog came to her with fleas and parasites. They misrepresented her personality (though she is still settling in so that could change) and her training level. She also said that when she had gone to visit the dog, the foster home had another dog there that was very aggressive and was almost attacking her new pup.

Is this a situation that should be reported to the rescue? I know fosters are tough to come by and they wouldn't want to lose a home, but it seems a little careless to me...

I would report it. It never hurts to report. Many bad things go on too long and are only resolved after extreme circumstances because they are never reported. I'm sure the rescue wants the best foster homes for their dogs. If the foster home isn't up to par, it reflects poorly on the rescue, so they will want to fix the problem.

I would report it too. Honestly in the foster world, the rescue has to take care of the meds (at least the one I foster for). If the pup had fleas and I was the foster parent, I would have immediately told my group that I need medication for the fleas. The pup should have gone through a check-up for parasites before it went to the foster home. Again, this is all based on my rescue. All of them are different. When I got Haku, I got some flea meds for free. I only pay for his food.

I agree with what has been said. Tread lightly and be careful how you word the email/phone call/report, but I would definitely let the rescue know of your concerns.

I'm curious if they included a health record with the adoption paperwork? The rescue that we got Lola from gave us very detailed records of shots, spay, heart worm medication given and dates, flea medication and dates.

Aren't rescues supposed to check up on their foster homes?? Maybe that's just around my area.

I agree, report them. An aggressive dog with dogs who need some rehab..that's an accident waiting to happen!

If there is prof of the fleas and such, I woudl take that to them. Anything certified by a vet would be great.

I'm not sure of the documentation she received at adoption. She said she's probably going to talk to the rescue once things have calmed down a bit.

I do see some cats/kittens come to our adoption events covered in fleas. I do believe if anything that is very unprofessional and reflects poorly on the rescue (or in my case animal shelter) and the foster homes do need to keep the fleas under control. If anything, giving the dog a cat a capstar before they go to their new home or adoption event!

As for misrepresenting the dog's behavior, that happens a lot. It may be that they have a big heart and were too afriad the dog wouldn't get adopted if people knew what it was really like or it could be that the dog is just plain scared at being in a new home with new people and is acting totally out of character. I wouldn't say a rescue is a certain way until I had it for at least a few months. Going to a new home is a huge and stressful event for some dogs and I would think very much so for a shepherd.

So I would kindly tell the rescue about the fleas, but probably would wait on the behavior issue until the dog has had some time to calm down and get used to its new home.

I agree about the behavior issues. This poor pup has been in 3 or 4 homes and she's only 6 months old, so she needs time to adjust.

The biggie here to me was the fleas.

I agree with Sara. As well, if your friend is not familiar with rough play, the other dog may have appeared to be aggressive but just playing. Not sure if this is the case, but just playing devils advocate. Definitely make them aware of the flea and parasite issue.