A Question for Dog People

[stinkerbelle's mom]

I would suggest you list all the things that you are looking for in a dog and then talk to rescue place. They could hook you up with the right animal(s).

Some things to consider with rescues is sometimes they come with their own issues--abuse/abandonment...stuff like that. You certainly don't want to adopt a dog that has abandonment issues or a high energy dog because they will definetly become bored and start chewing. That's why most people are suggesting 2 dogs.

As far as the breed goes you have to consider some dogs need grooming such as poodles. No big deal but something you have to factor in your busy schedule. Does that time you list include traveling back and forth or just your work hours? Also since you live in an apt you might want to check your lease agreement to see exactly what type/size of pet you can have and if you have to pay extra.

Finally I did want to mention I met someone that had a chihuahua and the dog was litter boxed trained so there are some alternatives with the potty.

Good luck to you guys, your gonna make some furbaby very happy. That lady across the street sounds great.

 

[horseshowmom]

I've just always wanted a standard poodle and The Husband is agast by that idea. I don't care, I just want a dog.

He probably is thinking of the poodle as being a frou frou dog. Standard poodles were actually hunting dogs way back when. In fact, my daughter's husband was recently at a training competition for duck hunting dogs, and a standard poodle won (beating out the Labs, etc.)!

I've always wanted a standard poodle too, but I've never had the luxury of just picking out a dog. They just turn up here needing somebody, and I guess I'm it.

I found a pair of pugs that are to not be separated, but they come from a home with children and are written up as being happy with munchkins. Cute dogs, though.

The fact that they came from a home with children doesn't mean that they have to have any. They would be fine in a childless home too.

Sandy V. (here on the Dis) can tell you about Pugs. She had two but lost one tragically (ate a mushroom in a wooded area). I know she found them to be wonderful dogs.

This is exactly why we never tried to get a dog for 10 years. It was someone who worked with rescues who opened out eyes and suggested we try with the reasoning that an older dog would be happier with us. Thank you for your input.

IMHO, while I do understand the reasoning behind the tight guidelines of the rescues (as someone who has dealt firsthand with the problem of pet abandonment, I truly do understand), I think they can keep many dogs from finding homes. As somebody who has adopted more animals than my poor husband likes to think about (living in a rural area where animals are often abandoned), I probably wouldn't qualify under many of their guidelines, but I have provided many, many animals with lifetime homes (and had every single one spayed or neutered).

Please try animal shelters and local vets as I mentioned before. They may know of just what you're looking for, and the fees (if any) are much less.

Did you say couch potato? I think if you look in the dictionary under couch potato it says Mastiff.

Cute, cute, cute!!! My Lab would love to join in, believe me.

 

[Handbag Lady]

Did you say couch potato?

Oh, I am in LOVE! How adorable!


Thank you all. See, I KNEW a standard poodle wasn't too crazy. There are poodle rescues here.

 

[walden]

This is exactly why we never tried to get a dog for 10 years. It was someone who worked with rescues who opened out eyes and suggested we try with the reasoning that an older dog would be happier with us. Thank you for your input.

I see Belle has already mentioned a retired racing greyhound to you. I couldn't agree more with her! The perfect couch potato, a big dog that doesn't take up much room, not big barkers (although all of mine can bark) and actually they need less exercise than most people assume. They are sprinters not endurance athletes. Please check out more about these lovely dogs -- here is a place to start: http://www.adopt-a-greyhound.org/

I also volunteer with greyhound rescue and to me you are coming across as a perfect potential adopter. Someone who is thoughtful and careful, does their research in advance, is already looking into dog walkers and sitters for lunch breaks, is looking at different breeds and is willing to consider older dogs, and already has a fenced in yard! If your references and home visit checked out I'd adopt a greyhound to you in a second.

I have had four greyhounds and they are the sweetest dogs. Three of them qualified as Therapy Dogs and the 4th is just doing basic odedience right now but I have hopes for him. Also, thanks for considering a senior dog. One of my 4 was a 10 year old "return." His family had lost their home due to the economy and I fostered him but then decided to keep him. He was already trained, the nicest old guy and is very much missed.

If you work with a greyhound adoption kennel in your area they should be able to match a dog to your family. The link above has listings of organizations in different states.

 

[Handbag Lady]

I see Belle has already mentioned a retired racing greyhound to you. I couldn't agree more with her! The perfect coach potato, a big dog that doesn't take up much room, not big barkers (although all of mine can bark) and actually they need less exercise than most people assume. They are sprinters not endurance athletes. Please check out more about these lovely dogs -- here is a place to start: http://www.adopt-a-greyhound.org/

I also volunteer with greyhound rescue and to me you are coming across as a perfect potential adopter. Someone who is thoughtful and careful, does their research in advance, is already looking into dog walkers and sitters for lunch breaks, is looking at different breeds and is willing to consider older dogs, and already has a fenced in yard! If your references and home visit checked out I'd adopt a greyhound to you in a second.

I have had four greyhounds and they are the sweetest dogs. Three of them qualified as Therapy Dogs and the 4th is just doing basic odedience right now but I have hopes for him. Also, thanks for considering a senior dog. One of my 4 was a 10 year old "return." His family had lost their home due to the economy and I fostered him but then decided to keep him. He was already trained, the nicest old guy and is very much missed.

If you work with a greyhound adoption kennel in your area they should be able to match a dog to your family. The link above has listings of organizations in different states.

Greyhounds look so cool, too. I know that shouldn't be a factor in getting a dog, but it is a small bonus. Thank you. There are greyhound rescues here, too. I think a lot of Angelenos have soft hearts. There are SO many rescue agencies and they all need money.

Money isn't much of an issue and we can have any size dog we need. There is a small fee for pets in our apartment, about $250-500. No big whoop.

 

[horseshowmom]

I have had four greyhounds and they are the sweetest dogs. Three of them qualified as Therapy Dogs and the 4th is just doing basic odedience right now but I have hopes for him.

I hope to qualify my Lab as a therapy dog in the Spring. While most of the animals I get come to me as adults, he was a puppy when he arrived and literally made himself at home (acted like he was born here). He has all the characteristics of a good therapy dog and loves everybody. Of all the animals I've had come through my life, I think this one has the most potential. It's something I've always had an interest in, and I'm at a point in my life where I will soon have the time to do it.