Hello, Lifelong dog owner, first time foster parent. We have two dogs in our home: R (13f, 65 lbs, hound, spayed, deaf) and T (9m, 75 lbs, hound, neutered). We were referred to a rescue for an emergency foster placement for W, an 8m neutered hound.

Information was sparse aside from the “great with kids and other dogs” and a mention of food possessiveness. However we felt W would be a good fit and expected more information from the rescue as the process went along.

W has attacked R twice and so we have really slowed the decompression process. He arrived very itchy and has several spots where fur has been licked off despite me spending money on home therapies like salmon oil to calm his skin. When we picked him up his owner told us he is wheat/dairy/soy free so we have also spent money on special food and training treats for him (facility is over an hour away so it is easier to just get from our local specialty store). We also discovered he is way bigger than the rescue claimed. On their social media posts they said 75 pounds and then buried in a comment said “more like 115.”

I have asked for W’s vaccination records in case of emergency to no response. My husband wants to return W after the second attack, and when I contacted the rescue they suggested a trainer, which I agreed to while asking they still please find another foster home in the meantime. Nothing since. The trainer was accusatory and said W had no problem with his senior dog. When pressed for details such as for how long, how did he introduce and where, he did not respond.

My question is: what information can I ask a rescue for about a foster dog? I am taking W to their facility for their vet day Wednesday and am planning to ask a lot of questions to them about his background, medical records to get a full idea of W. He is a sweet dog but realizing he is used to a very active lifestyle and feeling I am missing so much about him.

ETA: I know I am harsh on this rescue but know this is all volunteers fighting a constantly difficult fight. I am very appreciative of all who spend their time saving these dogs! Both of our dogs are rescues and would have not survived if not for their rescues.