[JMaile]

I adopted a rescue dog that was fostered for a few weeks. She is stressed looking for her fosters. She won't eat or drink. More worried about drinking. What can I do?

[tickle]

Be patient, she is very sensitive and anxious not knowing where she is or how she got there. You don't know how many places she has been. How old is she?

She will drink when she is thirsty and eat soon enough; they are smart, they won't do without.

Just make her feel welcome, be quiet around her and give lots of hugs. May a good long walk.

[Wondergirl]

Talk to her and tell her (again and again) the story of how you found her and brought her to her forever home. My cats always settle down when I tell them what's going on. (My son's cat always stresses when my son is on a different shift, so I patiently explain to Kuro that Daniel is working different hours and will be home at such-and-such time. Kuro always settles down then and takes a long nap.) I think animals understand more than we give them credit for, and certainly hearing your calm, reassuring voice will help.

When I approach feral cats as I try to socialize them and eventually catch them to rehome them if possible, I will sit crosslegged nearby as they munch on the food I brought for them and tell them a story about me and rescuing cats and how nice it is to be living in a house and be safe from coyotes and other evil predators.

[tickle]

Yes, I agree WG, Brookie always listens to me when she is anxious. I talk to her, explain, pat her head, scratch her ears and she is more settled after.