Contacting Dog's Past Home?

[Linds]

So I wanted people's opinions on here.

Fergus's first family was heartbroken when they had to give him up. We've had him now a little over two weeks and I was considering sending a picture or two to them and just tell them he's settling in well and getting along great with the dogs.

Should I? Is that like rubbing salt into it?

For those that had to rehome a dog, what would you like for the person who got your dog to do? I just don't want to hurt them more but I thought it might be a nice gesture (and I wanted to ask them what his exact birthdate is)? Maybe?

Opinions?

 

[Oko]

I think if I were in that situation, I would be really happysad and grateful to hear from the new owners that my dog I'd given up was doing so well in it's new home, but maybe wait a couple more weeks so the hurt isn't as fresh? I don't know, it's tricky.

 

[Linds]

I think if I were in that situation, I would be really happysad and grateful to hear from the new owners that my dog I'd given up was doing so well in it's new home, but maybe wait a couple more weeks so the hurt isn't as fresh? I don't know, it's tricky.

That's why I keep flip flopping. I would be hoping with my head that my dog was doing really well, adjusting great and happy but my heart would break at the same time to know they were doing so wonderful without me.

 

[casey82]

If it were me, I'd welcome any news a the new family would be willing to share. Did you guys discuss this at all when you got him?

 

[Julee]

I would want updates, even if they were bittersweet.

 

[SaraB]

Send it. I cried for weeks after we had to rehome one of our danes due to SSA, but it really did help when I received updates about how well he was doing. I still live for those updates, I float for days when I get new pictures of him.

 

[Beanie]

I would want updates, even if they were bittersweet.

Ditto... if I had to rehome any of my dogs I would always be wondering about what their new life was like. I would want to know. Even if it made me miss the dog even more... I would just want to know.

 

[Tortilla]

If I were in that position I would also want updates and pictures and stuff.

 

[Greenmagick]

I would want updates, the sooner the better. I would prefer multiple in the first couple weeks/months actually as that would help me feel really good about my decision when I would most likely be questioning it the most still

 

[Shai]

I think a note and picture would be really considerate and nice for them.

 

[SpaceMutt]

Going to add to the chorus of 'I'd want the updates.' I'm sure feelings vary, and it's tough in emotional situations like this, but I'd appreciate any concrete evidence that I did the right thing and gave my dog a good life, even if it had to be with somebody else.

 

[Laurelin]

Yep count me in! I think it would be great to send a little update.

 

[Southpaw]

We are planning on contacting Cajun's previous owner. I mean, she lives around the corner from me and probably sees me walking her anyway lol but... I think an update is nice.

 

[sassafras]

Yes, go ahead and do it. I've done it for pets that I have contact information for their previous owners, and no one has ever been mad or anything like that. If it were me, I would appreciate an update knowing they were doing ok.

 

[JessLough]

I assume you mean by email? I mean, I'd probably send it anyway, but with an email, if they don't want to see it, they don't have to look

I gave Ren and Rogue's old owner updates, though they ended up adding me on Facebook to see

 

[Toller_08]

Spring's new owner contacted me and I was thrilled. She still sends me a yearly update and it makes me so happy, and it just verifies to me that I definitely did the right thing by rehoming her. We were not at all a good match, and the family she found absolutely adores her. So yes, I think if you want to, definitely update the previous home! If they don't want to hear from you, they can ignore the e-mail or let you know. But chances are they'd like an update.

Dogs that we've owned that were rehomed to us I often gave the previous owners a bit of an update here and there as well and they always seemed appreciative.

 

[AllieMackie]

I'd say send it. Perhaps share your thoughts openly with them - that you weren't sure if the update would make them happy or sad, but that you're happy to continue to send updates if they want?

 

[ruffiangirl]

I'm friends with the lady I got Diesel from on Facebook and she likes and comments on his pictures often, I think that's the only reason we are still friends on there lol.

 

[noludoru]

Should I? Is that like rubbing salt into it?

Not at all. Okay maybe a teensy bit. But it's better than nothing.

For those that had to rehome a dog, what would you like for the person who got your dog to do? I just don't want to hurt them more but I thought it might be a nice gesture (and I wanted to ask them what his exact birthdate is)?

Even for my fosters who I KNEW weren't staying, I loved the updates I occasionally got. It's so nice to hear they're doing well. And there were a few I cried over and wanted to keep. I still wonder how Ariana and the Maine Coon boys are doing.

I would wait until you have a reply from them to ask for the birthdate, or look at vet records.

Alternate idea: do a blog post about him and link them to it, and tell them you'll do occasional updates - lease it up to them if they want to hear about him or not.

 

[ruffiangirl]

Oh I missed the second question.

I have only rehomed one dog, Pippin my Chow Chow, she went to live with a friend who I went to school with, she was 2 when she went and stayed until her passing in 2011 at 12...I'm pretty sure the only reason I stayed friends with her for some of those years is because of Pippin to be honest. So yes I wanted updates.