Anyone adopt a rescue pet?

[ByTheSea]

We've been looking for a new puppy and discovered a wonderful non-profit animal rescue organization in our area.

They rescue pet's from dog pounds around the state, place them in foster homes, get them up to date on all their vaccines, spay or neuter if old enough, and get those ill or hurt healthy, then hold pet adoptions as PetCo's around the area on Saturdays.

Although they do have plenty of puppies, we've been checking their website along with several other places for puppies for several months and last week we found out new dog.
Meet Snow!

She's almost 2 years old, Brittany/Beagle mix, completely housebroken and very well trained, unfortunately she was also somewhat abused and neglected - she cowers easily, is very timid, but is extremely gentle, needs to be next to someone 24/7. I can't imagine anyone hitting her, but if you lift your hand up too quickly near her it's pretty obvious she's been through some tough times.

Although we were set to get a new puppy, I am so pleased with Snow, she fits in our family so well (and immediately accepted our other Brittany as the Alpha dog in the house) I highly recommend this sort of program to anyone considering a new dog. The puppies get chosen very quickly, but I do have to say, skipping the whole "house-training" thing has it's advantages.

The organization uses the adoption fees and donations to rescue new dogs and cover their medical expenses. I wish we had a bigger house/yard as there were so many that need good homes. We already had purchased some puppy supplies (small collar, toys etc.) that we donated when we picked up "Snow"

 

[Serena]

I did, or I adopted her from a shelter.

Snow is beautiful, and those eyes, wow! I'm glad you all found each other.

 

[Kallison]

I got my velcro dog from the pound at 11 mos. He is a purebred labrador. His family were dual career couple with one child, they basically kept him crated all day long. He was wild and crazy, I would find him on top of my kitchen able eating off the plates. He still counter surfs, but I am now the alpha dog. He listens to me pretty well, most of the time, or maybe he trained us! We love him, he will be 5 this spring. The invisible fence was the best, he doesn't even wear the collar any more. Without that I never would have made it with him.

 

[phillybeth]

Thank you so much for adopting a rescue dog! I am a volunteer with a rescue group, and without wonderful adoptive homes like yours that open their hearts, there is no way we could save as many dogs as we do.
I have also adopted 2 rescue dogs myself, so I understand the level of committment it takes.

 

[bjgrazi]

Not only was our dog a rescue, but our cats as well. I think pound puppies make the best pets.

 

[rasnlms]

We have a rescued dog - a greyhound - she is the best!

Our cats are all rescues as well.

 

[jazznms]

both are friends and family members are pound puppies


U saved a life today POUND PUPPIES are the best

 

[Virgo10]

Six of our 16 cats came from a local shelter: Rusty, Jasper, April, Chester, Little Kitten and Cricket. Six were strays: Kitty, Calico, Little Spooky, Legs, Buddy and Mom Cat. One was given to us by a relative, Prissy and one was taken from an abusive home, Cleo. The only cats we bought were Mollie and Tessie.

All are special in their own way!

Roberta

 

[WDWfan uk]

We have had our "rescue" dog for just over a year now.

Looking back, we now know just how traumatised he actually was, and like you, any sudden movements of our hands resulted in him crouching and bracing for impact - makes your stomach turn, doesn't it?

He is a gentle sweet unassuming handsome dog and to see him happy and content is just so rewarding.

 

[PigletsPal]

I also was look for a resue dog for months. I wanted a Yorkie but they tend to have alot of medical problems more than I was able to take on bein on chemo myself so I was driving from the Miami pound to the Broward Pound twice a week on my days off. Then we found Max a lapso and my DH and I fell in LOVE. He has been such a joy since we got in 1/2/04. I never thought I would be such a dog lover (I've always had cats). Then 2 weeks ago my DH found 2 kittens out in the road so we are a family of 3 growing boys, plus 3 cats and 1 dog. If my house wasn't so sm, I would be back at the pound getting another dog..........LOL

 

[damo]

What a good deed you have done!!!!! She is a beautiful dog. I wonder if she will have more beagle traits or more spaniel traits.

 

[tkd lisa]

Our 3 cats are also rescue animals. They've been really good. My DD volunteered at a rescue shelter on the weekends. It was a nice program where younger kids (10 and up) play with the animals, take them out for walks, clean cages, and bring the animals out to prospective adoptive families. She really enjoyed it!

 

[peg2001]

All our pets have been rescues but only one from an animal organization. The others have been rescued from the streets. We've had several losses over the years due to old age and illness so we are down to 1 dog and 3 cats.

Peggy

 

[scarlett873]

we just found our puppy through an animal rescue too! she's a rottie/lab mix...spunky little thing! her mom was dumped off and was found by one of the rescue folks along with several puppies. we were among the few to be able to adopt one of the pups...her name's jasmine.

 

[RickinNYC]

We got our dog from a kennel. He'd spent the first year of his life locked up in a Manhattan apartment bathroom. The owner didn't want any responsiblity so he was never walked, barely fed and never touched. She then told her little boys that if they didn't bring him somewhere, she was going to have him put down. Nice, eh?

In any case, the little boys brought him to a local vet, telling him the story. The dog was covered in feces and urine, his rib cage was showing, and he was shaking and terrified, never having seen the light of day. The vet cleaned him up, brought him back to health and brought him to a yuppy doggie day care for a bit of rest, relaxation and attention.

Not long after, my partner Joe was walking by the day care and saw a picture of the little guy. He immediately went in and visited with him, started taking him for walks, became deeply attached. He decided he wanted to give him to me for Christmas but the kennel owner refused until I got a chance to meet the guy. Excellent policy if you ask me.

Anyway, Joe called me, and I came by, brief case and laptop in hand, spiffed up in work duds, a la suit and overcoat. When I got down on my haunches, they opened a door and out rushed this little black ball of fur. I was immediately knocked onto my back and subsequently covered in sloppy kisses. We were best buds at first sight. My first reaction? "I want him!"

And the rest is history. Bill (aka the Prince of Darkness), a black lab and corgi mix (or vietnamese pot belly pig, not sure which), has been a permanent fixture in our home. He's now 8 years old, and has taken over the apartment. He has a full belly, no more exposed ribs. He used to be terrified of belts but now just sniffs them out of boredom. He used to just sit at the entrance to our apartment, refusing to venture beyond the confines of the foyer. Now he runs like a bat out of hell through the joint, tossing his toys in his wake. He was afraid to be touched, now he constantly nudges our hand for a scratch. He used to sit across the room and stare, now he naps in our lap. He used to rip into our books and videos when he was alone. Now he sleeps on the rug, right smack dab in what we call "Bill's sunbeam." He used to bump his head against the bathroom door when it was time to go to sleep, now he demands to be let up on our bed for his nightly cuddle and scratch before he settles on his own warm bed.

He's my absolute, #1 best friend and I can't imagine our home without him. Aside from my partner, he's the first thing I see in the morning, and the last thing I see at night. It took quite a bit of work, love and time, but he's the best.

 

[katerkat]

Both my boys are from a shelter - I wouldn't get an animal from anywhere else, personally. Well, rescue group or shelter - just not a pet store or breeder. (And, for the record, I know there are some valid reasons, such as allergies, to get a cat from a breeder. I just wouldn't, since I don't need a specific breed.)

Snow is very pretty, and very lucky to have you!

 

[Carl]

My last two cats came from shelters.

 

[Padre Disney]

We did adopt a dog from a rescue about nine years ago. He was a yellow lab mix. Looked like a lab mostly. They told us he had been found wondering around with no collar. He looked about a year old and was so pretty. We took him for a check up before bringing him home. Vet said he looked great and would make a wonderful pet for our four children.
We had thought about having him inside and had tried it for the first few days. During the night he tore up our couch in the basement. Three nights later he went to the bathroom in the house. Since he was a bigger dog this was not a small amount.
When we out him outside he barked NON STOP. We soon understood why he was found wondering around. He jumped on people all the time and jumped into our back screen door putting his paw through the glass cutting his paw open requiring stitches and a big vet bill. We tried for 6 months to work with him and change him with no luck. We ended up taking him back. Our kids really wanted a dog but understood and when we took him back they went with us to drop him off hoping he would find a better home then what we could give him.
About seven years ago my mother gave us a cat that she had taken in as a stray. He was only a year old. He has been the best pet we could ask for. Not sure if we would ever try a dog again.
(not completely against dogs because I had a chihuhua dog for 18 years and he was great.) If we do ever try a dog again maybe it will be a little dog.
I think our situation was not the norm and most of the time adopting from a rescue operation is the best.

 

[bratus913]

Our Golden Retriever, Riley, is a rescue dog. We got him in October, 2003 at 15 months old. He was neglected at his original home (outside in a small pen 24/7, never given attention and little food) and was very mellow and laid back when we first met him and brought him home.

That changed with a quickness. Amazing what love and attention will do to the attitude!

He has since changed into a 'typical' 20 month old Golden (think VERY large puppy) and we are going through our SECOND basic obedience course (the first was very 'old school' - I didn't care for the method and neither did Riley). Anyway, he is progessing well and starting to get the idea of what is expected of him. I expect him to graduate in 2 weeks and on to advance training!!

Congrats on you new baby - rescue dogs are the best!!

 

[msteddom]

This is my 9 month old puppy Jake!

We adopted him from an organization that runs a rescue shelter down in Rosarito Beach, Mexico. Jake was born in the shelter, so he has known only love. He is the best thing that ever happened to me!


Melissa