Dog adopton questions-updated post 57

[horseshowmom]

I have to say yes you did above & beyond what the "average" person would have done for your dog financially but when I read your statement (that I bolded) honestly I almost fell off my chair...had to read it twice...do you really feel that way ? It just seems ...I can't even find the right words...can't say selfish since you stated what you did for your dog but I don't know....

I know, I had the same reaction. Certainly can't fault the poster, because they've taken excellent care of the dog, but that didn't come across very well...

 

[Luvchefmic]

I know, I had the same reaction. Certainly can't fault the poster, because they've taken excellent care of the dog, but that didn't come across very well...

actually I probably looked like your avatar when I read it

 

[crisi]

I have to say yes you did above & beyond what the "average" person would have done for your dog financially but when I read your statement (that I bolded) honestly I almost fell off my chair...had to read it twice...do you really feel that way ? It just seems ...I can't even find the right words...can't say selfish since you stated what you did for your dog but I don't know....

Of course. Is the primary reason you have a dog to have a home for a dog? Or because you want a dog? Is it important for you to have the right dog for your family? If this isn't the case, if you are one of those people who take in animals because they need homes, and not because giving them homes fills a need in your life, bless you. I am not. I have a dog because I want a dog and enjoy dogs. But I don't enjoy every dog, I wouldn't adopt every dog, and a dog that fills the dog shaped spot in our home is more important to me than providing a home for some dog who isn't the right "fit" for that hole.

I have an adopted son. One thing that we learned is that we adopt our children because we are selfish and we want children in our lives. People who adopt children out of the goodness of their hearts because they want to provide a home for some needy child - that doesn't work out well.

 

[Mickeyorbust]

Check your local SPCA's...one near us does free spaying/neutering once a month and free shots one day every week. We've never used them but DSIL had her dogs neutered there as well as their shots. She never had any problems and was very happy with the staff and care.

We use Banfield (the vet in petsmart) and, like another poster, pay for the wellness plan. My parents purchased a puppy about the same time we adopted ours. After comparing my monthly wellness plan payment to what DM paid in vet fees she switched to Banfield.

I hope you find a wonderful new family member. Can't imagine not having my goofy guy around.

 

[Luvchefmic]

Of course. Is the primary reason you have a dog to have a home for a dog? Or because you want a dog? Is it important for you to have the right dog for your family? If this isn't the case, if you are one of those people who take in animals because they need homes, and not because giving them homes fills a need in your life, bless you. I am not. I have a dog because I want a dog and enjoy dogs. But I don't enjoy every dog, I wouldn't adopt every dog, and a dog that fills the dog shaped spot in our home is more important to me than providing a home for some dog who isn't the right "fit" for that hole.

I have an adopted son. One thing that we learned is that we adopt our children because we are selfish and we want children in our lives. People who adopt children out of the goodness of their hearts because they want to provide a home for some needy child - that doesn't work out well.

Well I would have to say both..I want the dog and the dog needs a home. Of course it has to be a right "fit" for us and the dog. For the record I have to say I was very involved in 2 major national dog rescues..that's how we ended up with the 8 we have..yes 8..I always had dogs in my home and I would not be crazy enough to actively seek sharing my life with 8..they come, they stay...(sort of like the movie Field of Dreams..if you build it they will come ) when you explain that it has to be a right "fit" of course I agree..one of my positions was evaluation of potential adopters for each dog,

I still can't follow your train of thought, or philosophy, though, even more so in regard to adoption of a human being....you show a good heart for the things you do but then it comes across as cold when you make the statements you do....it just doesn't make sense to me ....either way you have done great for adopting both..and truly that's all that matters

 

[travelgirl06]

As a prior poster said, look into local low-cost clinics. We have 2 rescues (a Westie and a Scoodle (Scottie-Poodle), and one had heartworm before we got her; the rescue paid for treatment through our local low-cost clinic. It was nothing fancy, but our dog was safe and well-cared for...and most importantly has been healthy and heartworm free for over a year and a half now They also sell heartworm meds (maybe other meds too) and offer spays/neuters at a good price.

I think the price from the first post sounds high for a rescue/adoption. Our Westie was $250 (2-4 years old, spayed with all shots, from a local Westie rescue), the Scoodle was about $100 (1-2 years old, neutered with all shots, from the local Humane Society).

As a side note for those of you adopting dogs, be sure to check with the pet stores in your area as some offer Adoption Coupon Books. We got loads of food to get us started and plenty of other goodies with one of these books. The Humane Society also gave us a certificate for a free first visit to Bansfield(?) vet, which we used for a check-up right away.

 

[fakereadhed]

I have to say I am always shocked to see things take such nasty turns around here. I should be used to it, but I'm not.

Crisi said "For me," not for everyone. She was stating how she felt about it, not saying everyone should have the same view. Posting that you feel differently and stating your position is a discussion. What it looked like to me was an attack. I know she can defend herself, but do we always have to go there?

 

[Luvchefmic]

I have to say I am always shocked to see things take such nasty turns around here. I should be used to it, but I'm not.

Crisi said "For me," not for everyone. She was stating how she felt about it, not saying everyone should have the same view. Posting that you feel differently and stating your position is a discussion. What it looked like to me was an attack. I know she can defend herself, but do we always have to go there?

All due respect but I don't think anyone "attacked" her ...I think it was a healthy explain yourself and I'll explain myself exchange of ideas...sorry you took it that way but I don't think it "went there" as you say

 

[marie1203]

Well I would have to say both..I want the dog and the dog needs a home. Of course it has to be a right "fit" for us and the dog. For the record I have to say I was very involved in 2 major national dog rescues..that's how we ended up with the 8 we have..yes 8..I always had dogs in my home and I would not be crazy enough to actively seek sharing my life with 8..they come, they stay...(sort of like the movie Field of Dreams..if you build it they will come ) when you explain that it has to be a right "fit" of course I agree..one of my positions was evaluation of potential adopters for each dog,

I still can't follow your train of thought, or philosophy, though, even more so in regard to adoption of a human being....you show a good heart for the things you do but then it comes across as cold when you make the statements you do....it just doesn't make sense to me ....either way you have done great for adopting both..and truly that's all that matters

I am as confused as you are . Anyway it is rare to find families that have many dogs like us . I end up with 5 the same way. We try to rescue at least 1 dog a year and place it in a good home and so far we have save 3. So really in my house there are always 6 dogs or more. Great to fins disers with the same passion.

 

[Luvchefmic]

I am as confused as you are . Anyway it is rare to find families that have many dogs like us . I end up with 5 the same way. We try to rescue at least 1 dog a year and place it in a good home and so far we have save 3. So really in my house there are always 6 dogs or more. Great to fins disers with the same passion.

yep you me other rescuers on the Dis and everywhere else...we're either crazy, or depending on your beliefs, will have a great meet with St Francis when the time comes

 

[Friendly Frog]

Just my 1.5 cents... I paid 450 each for both of my two girls spays, but they got the full blood workups, the best ( more expensive) anesthesia and of course pain medication. ****If you elect a low cost spay, PLEASE check to see if they provide pain meds after surgery in the price quoted. If not, I highly recommend that you spend extra to obtain this. It makes me extremely sad to think that some animals have to be in pain after surgery in order to save money.

 

[crisi]

I still can't follow your train of thought, or philosophy, though, even more so in regard to adoption of a human being....you show a good heart for the things you do but then it comes across as cold when you make the statements you do....it just doesn't make sense to me ....either way you have done great for adopting both..and truly that's all that matters

So you think its a good thing for people to adopt a dog they don't really want out of a sense of obligation? Or why that would be more disastrous in the case of a child? That is all I am saying. I don't want to be obligated to have a dog shipped to me from a rescue agency that I've never met, that might be a poor fit for my family, simply because that dog needs a home. I'd rather adopt from a family who does know their dogs, adopt a puppy - so I can be a force in its development and don't need to fix trauma issues, and adopt a dog that has gotten a full vet workup - including xrays.

 

[Luvchefmic]

So you think its a good thing for people to adopt a dog they don't really want out of a sense of obligation? Or why that would be more disastrous in the case of a child? That is all I am saying. I don't want to be obligated to have a dog shipped to me from a rescue agency that I've never met, that might be a poor fit for my family, simply because that dog needs a home. I'd rather adopt from a family who does know their dogs, adopt a puppy - so I can be a force in its development and don't need to fix trauma issues, and adopt a dog that has gotten a full vet workup - including xrays.

No I don't think its a good thing to adopt a dog they don't really want ....same thing with a child.....I can only speak for the rescues I have personally worked for...I think perhaps this is one of those times that neither one of us is getting our point across because our only way of communicating is through what we choose to type here...the bottom line is another child and another dog has a home due to you opening your heart and your home and for that you have my full respect and admiration..

 

[disneymom3]

So you think its a good thing for people to adopt a dog they don't really want out of a sense of obligation? Or why that would be more disastrous in the case of a child? That is all I am saying. I don't want to be obligated to have a dog shipped to me from a rescue agency that I've never met, that might be a poor fit for my family, simply because that dog needs a home. I'd rather adopt from a family who does know their dogs, adopt a puppy - so I can be a force in its development and don't need to fix trauma issues, and adopt a dog that has gotten a full vet workup - including xrays.

Just for the record, I totally get what you are saying and it makes perfect sense to me.

 

[NiftyJ88]

All of my dogs have been rescues of one sort or another. The first we took in was a from a family member's SO, who had terminal cancer. DH's dog had recently passed and I was eager for my first dog (never had animals growing up, my bro is asthmatic and allergic). When that dog passed, I really wanted to get another dog, so we ended up rescuing a 9 y.o poodle, who only lived for 17 months with us. During that time, we spent over $7500 on his care. Just 2 weeks after rescuing him, we found he had a tumor that was likely cancerous and he would only have a few months at most. We decided to start looking for another dog since it was summer and I would be home a lot. We rescued an 8 month old designer dog - cockapoo. Then went ahead with surgery on the poodle. We ended up with 2 dogs. When the poodle died, we were getting ready for a trip to Disney just a week later, but when we came back, we rescued another designer dog - bichon-poo. I love poodles, DH doesn't. So we end up with mutts, but I love them. The poodle was free from the rescue since he needed a dental cleaning - they decided to waive the adoption fee. The cockapoo was $250, already neutered and up to date on shots, but needed a microchip. The bichon-poo was $225, already neutered, utd on shots and chipped.
I know I could have rescued dogs at the animal shelter for much less, but I prefer to go through a non-profit rescue that fosters all their dogs. I have a DD4 (who was 1 when we got the poodle and cockapoo, and 3 for the bichon), I wanted to make sure I knew as much as possible about the dog before rescuing. Once the dog comes into our house, he stays for life. I've been able to do that because we make sure the dog will be a good fit for our family and our lifestyle. The rescues that foster were able to tell us much more about how the dog acts in a home environment than in a kennel.

 

[FQ fan]

You have gotten really good advice. If you are looking specifically for a lab, look for a Lab rescue org in your area/ I would say the same for any breed. The wait time can be longer and the screening process should be very thorough. If it's not that should be a red flag.

The breed specific resues know what to look for and will work very hard to make sure that the dog you bring home is the best fit for your family. I feel that you benefit from their caution, they really want to find the dog that will fit with your family forever. Good luck!

 

[frannn]

We ended up adopting the puppy I originally posted about. She's a real sweetie, but not yet pottie trained. We took her to our vet to get checked & found she was well except for a parasite. We paid an adoption fee of 250, and are additionaly responsible for her spaying and last set of shots. Holey Moley she is a lot of work, but I am sure it will pay off when she learns. Any advice is always welcomed!

 

[ceecee]

Congrats on your new furbaby! Sounds like it's going to be a big one. Post some photos. As for potty training, we found the crate training to really help with that.

 

[louey]

Congrats on your adoption Can't wait to see pictures

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

Congrats on your puppy - but just in case anyone else finds this thread and is looking to get a puppy of their own...I have included info below:

What part of the country has a shortage of puppies? I have never heard of that - and I would be more than happy to transfer all the puppies available for adoption in Atlanta up there to find their forever homes if that is indeed true. Regardless, a reputable breeder does not advertise, they are known by word of mouth and you do have to be careful with some rescues as I have found many BYB's and puppymills on Petfinder selling themselves as rescues. We are working with Petfinder to somehow correct this as unsuspecting people trying to do good and adopt an animal are helping organizations that they were probably against in the first place.

This guide is very helpful in finding a reputable breeder if that is the route you choose: http://sekcszoo.web.officelive.com/puppybuyersguide.aspx

Most rescues and shelters do require animals to be spayed/neutered before going to their homes. The humane society I work with will not adopt out any animals before they are neutered or spayed to ensure accidents don't happen. I can't tell you how many people I know who accidentally bred their rescues. I actually know of some reputable breeders who will neuter or spay their pet quality puppies before they go to their homes to ensure the same thing. Beware of some rescues - I fostered for one that was absolutely horrible (I didn't find that out until it was too late). Some have outrageous requirements and actually scare people from rescuing. I got a purebred Boston Terrier from a reputable breeder because adopting through a local BT rescue was nearly impossible. They wouldn't adopt to a household with any children and although I don't have any yet, I couldn't guarantee that we wouldn't have children as we were undecided so that disqualified us.