[PharmACT]

I could really use some help & advice from more experienced owners and foster parents.
On August 1, I "saved" a dog from being euthanized at a local shelter because he had kennel cough and was just really sick. He had been picked up by the SPCA because he was found tied to a tree, with a note saying his owners couldn't care for him any more, and to please find him a good home. Due to being so sick & skinny, and the shelter being over-populated, he was to be euthanized. So I took him in as a foster dog.

After 20 days of antibiotics, "Roscoe" was FINALLY better from his upper respiratory infection(s) and kennel cough. Two weeks ago, I took him to visit a potentional family so that he could meet their dog. Long story short, he went after their dog. This was his first sign of dog aggression -- he gets along with my two other pitties, greyhound, and two cats in the house...so this aggression was new to me. Well the aggression has gotten worse. Walks are a chore because he goes ballastic when he sees another dog. He got evaluated by the shelter's animal behaviorist on Monday, and he gave me some training tips.

The problem is...I run a dog sitting business out of my home and invite some of the dogs to stay in my house. Well, obviously I cannot have any clients at my house right now, or else Roscoe will rip them to shreds. He went after a dog on Saturday that was supposed to stay with me, and bit his ear.....this was after I took Roscoe for a run (running next to my bicycle), until he tired himself out....so even after being exhausted, he still was irritated and aggressive towards this other (super calm) pup.

I asked the shelter if they could take him in for two weeks, and have the trainer really work with him and his dog aggression. The short answer is No...they do not have the time or space to take him back. Due to his behavioral issues, there is a very HIGH chance he will be euthanized if returned to the shelter. They suggested that if I cannot handle him, then basically I need to get take another dog that would be better behaved and a better representative to the community. They want to see good, deserving dogs in foster homes.

SO............if I keep him, I have to find the time & energy to devote to rehabilitating his dog aggression and give up business/clients because I can't have any other dogs in my home...........OR, do I return the dog I saved and have him euthanized so that I can help a "more deserving" dog?

Besides his dog aggression, Roscoe is a SUPER sweet dog that is really playful, loving, and energetic. He loves to chase tennis balls and play with my resident dogs.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO???? Please help. My heart is breaking!