If your looking to adopt a pet please look at www.petfinder.com//index.html

[NewJersey]

I don't think I'll be allowed. I live in a condo complex so I have no backyard and the dog would be left alone during the work day (except when I come home at lunch and walk it). I want a dog so badly though!

 

[kilee]

We've had 4 dogs-- 2 since puppies- 2 we got as adults.

We had a yellow lab (who passed away a few years ago) we got from the SPCA-- she was the most wonderful dog ever, truly. She was 1 in a million though. The pet shelters around here are 99% pit bulls, literally. Might be nice dogs, but I'm just not interested. She was 5 when we got her.

Then we adopted a shih tzu through a rescue group on petfinder. She was the meanest dog ever. I know that was probably 1 in a million too. She ended up being returned after biting numerous times, agressively- me, my son, and my husband. She was not nice, at all. The rescue group was not helpful in suggestions eithe when I tried to work w/ them on how to help this dog.

Since then--my husband has acutally said no more rescue dogs for now. We have 2 puppies now that we got from specific breeders. We had a specific bred we wanted and went w/ it.

I think there is a pet for everyone- and each person knows best what will suit them. It is a great site though.

 

[Kim in TN]

We use petfinder for our small rescue group that we run out of our Vet hospital. We have found some wonderful homes and people willing to drive many states to adopt one. We allow families to adopt that have children as all of us have children too!

Kudos to all of you that have adopted rescues and/or strays!

 

[dkferret]

I got my last dog through petfinder. My coworkers check the site all the time too. And the shelters I volunteer for list animals on petfinder and it has worked great.

 

[poohandwendy]

I am not going to take your advice, I can't...you can't make me! (I probably will look, but I am not going to do any more than look!)

LOL, all of my 7 cats and 1 dog are rescued animals...I am obviously beyond my limit!

But, I totally agree with you that there are millions of really wonderful pets very desperately waiting for loving homes, just bumping this in hopes that your post unites a furbaby and family!

 

[grlpwrd]

I like Petfinder, too, as that is where I found my 2 sister cats from a Humane Society in Baltimore. I also adopted a Ragdoll cat locally from Craigslist.

I didn't like unrealistic expectations of some rescue groups, though. Some wanted to interrogate me to the 9th degree and then expect home visits. I can understand them making sure they find good adopters, but come on... that was too much.

 

[debden]

I am trying through petfinder but most of the time the dog is adopted by the time I call or email or it is a 250. adoption fee. Also even when I put my zip code in it gives me a huge radius two states away and Canada. I live in NY.

I have been a little frustrated.

Yes they do bring up quite a wide radius when you do their general search with your zip code.
Go below that box and find the animal welfare groups with your zip code and leave the group name as 'any'.This will bring up Shelters in your area and also the surrounding areas/states.
You might want to stop by your local shelter and take a look.I'm sure there are many animals that are not listed/shown.The animals they have available probably changes all the time as they are adopted and get many new animals in every day.I'm sure it's almost impossible to keep the sites updated.
The adoption fees differ from shelter to shelter and yes they can get very expensive.You can also try the local Vet's in your area.Some do have pets for adoption or know of a pet that is available for adoption.You might want to check that out.
Good luck and I hope you find that special fur baby!
Debbie

 

[debden]

We've had 4 dogs-- 2 since puppies- 2 we got as adults.

We had a yellow lab (who passed away a few years ago) we got from the SPCA-- she was the most wonderful dog ever, truly. She was 1 in a million though. The pet shelters around here are 99% pit bulls, literally. Might be nice dogs, but I'm just not interested. She was 5 when we got her.

Then we adopted a shih tzu through a rescue group on petfinder. She was the meanest dog ever. I know that was probably 1 in a million too. She ended up being returned after biting numerous times, agressively- me, my son, and my husband. She was not nice, at all. The rescue group was not helpful in suggestions eithe when I tried to work w/ them on how to help this dog.

Since then--my husband has acutally said no more rescue dogs for now. We have 2 puppies now that we got from specific breeders. We had a specific bred we wanted and went w/ it.

I think there is a pet for everyone- and each person knows best what will suit them. It is a great site though.

Sorry for your bad experience with your Shih Tzu.It's too bad the shelter did not evaluate that dog better so he could be placed in the proper home as a 'special needs' dog.He probably needed a home where there were just adults who had the time and patience and love to give him.And sometimes that's not even enough for animals that are too far gone because of abuse.
He may not be adoptable.Hopefully they let the next adopter know of the dogs nipping/biting problem.
So sad.
Debbie

 

[kilee]

The Shih Tzu was actually through a rescue group on petfinder. If it were the SPCA- I would of possibly expected it. As, our LOCAL SPCA is more of a revolving door. No real "guidelines" for who can adopt what/when. A dog comes and goes to the adoption kennels.

Unfortunately, what I was initially told the dog was a turn over from someone who couldn't keep her anymore. What I was later told- the dog was a 4 yr old rescue from a puppy mill-- where she was kept in deplorable conditions w/ no human interaction, matted, and of course born to breed. She had then been in 3 homes in 3 months- because nobody kept her. I know why- she was just nasty, mean, and too aggressive. Ultimately not her fault, but she was probably never going to make a good family pet- the sad result of her unfortunate start. Now, had they disclosed that info right from the start- I'd probably of had reservations- and kept looking.

 

[debden]

The Shih Tzu was actually through a rescue group on petfinder. If it were the SPCA- I would of possibly expected it. As, our LOCAL SPCA is more of a revolving door. No real "guidelines" for who can adopt what/when. A dog comes and goes to the adoption kennels.

Unfortunately, what I was initially told the dog was a turn over from someone who couldn't keep her anymore. What I was later told- the dog was a 4 yr old rescue from a puppy mill-- where she was kept in deplorable conditions w/ no human interaction, matted, and of course born to breed. She had then been in 3 homes in 3 months- because nobody kept her. I know why- she was just nasty, mean, and too aggressive. Ultimately not her fault, but she was probably never going to make a good family pet- the sad result of her unfortunate start. Now, had they disclosed that info right from the start- I'd probably of had reservations- and kept looking.

Yes they should have disclosed that very important information to you.This dog may not be adoptable.But if they don't let people know this dog has behavorial problems he'll just keep being brought back.Too bad.I'm sure there is someone out there who would be willing to take that dog and try to help him adjust.What a sad,unfortunate situation.
Debbie

 

[NewJersey]

About how long does the process take, on average?

 

[famofsix]

Yes they do bring up quite a wide radius when you do their general search with your zip code.
Go below that box and find the animal welfare groups with your zip code and leave the group name as 'any'.This will bring up Shelters in your area and also the surrounding areas/states.
You might want to stop by your local shelter and take a look.I'm sure there are many animals that are not listed/shown.The animals they have available probably changes all the time as they are adopted and get many new animals in every day.I'm sure it's almost impossible to keep the sites updated.
The adoption fees differ from shelter to shelter and yes they can get very expensive.You can also try the local Vet's in your area.Some do have pets for adoption or know of a pet that is available for adoption.You might want to check that out.
Good luck and I hope you find that special fur baby!
Debbie

Thanks for the encouragment...I needed it...when I posted we had just lost out on a very sweet dog. We have visited two shelters so far. I have located on petfinder for some time now. I received a very nice email from a shelter through petfinder located about an hour from my home. THe adoption fee was higher than I want but it seemed like the person was looking for a good fit for us rather than pushing any dog on us.

It is important to us to get a dog that will be happy with an active family and multi-age children. DH wants a medium size dog and they seem pretty popular. I am always sad to see so many large dogs at shelters. It seems they grow out of puppyhood and people don't know what they do so they end up there. Maybe this weekend I will take the kids to the local shelter and see the dogs in person. I would love a lab mix but they are big.

I worry sometimes that dogs rescued from a "high-kill" shelter will not have trustworthy temperments. Since we have a two year old this is a big concern. How do you determine the right dog for you when the history of the dog is sketchy? I would rather not get a puppy but with a puppy it seems I might have better temperment luck. I don't know. I know I would like to be able to help by adopting a rescue dog.


I will let you know what we do. I want to get the dog before the snow flies here in Upstate NY and that's not much time

 

[debden]

About how long does the process take, on average?

New Jersey do you mean the adoption process? It all depends on what the process is for that particular shelter.If you can find the shelters web address you can find out what they require for adoption.
Some require references and a home visits and others don't.There are also different adoption fees for each shelter.
Debbie

 

[debden]

Thanks for the encouragment...I needed it...when I posted we had just lost out on a very sweet dog. We have visited two shelters so far. I have located on petfinder for some time now. I received a very nice email from a shelter through petfinder located about an hour from my home. THe adoption fee was higher than I want but it seemed like the person was looking for a good fit for us rather than pushing any dog on us.

It is important to us to get a dog that will be happy with an active family and multi-age children. DH wants a medium size dog and they seem pretty popular. I am always sad to see so many large dogs at shelters. It seems they grow out of puppyhood and people don't know what they do so they end up there. Maybe this weekend I will take the kids to the local shelter and see the dogs in person. I would love a lab mix but they are big.

I worry sometimes that dogs rescued from a "high-kill" shelter will not have trustworthy temperments. Since we have a two year old this is a big concern. How do you determine the right dog for you when the history of the dog is sketchy? I would rather not get a puppy but with a puppy it seems I might have better temperment luck. I don't know. I know I would like to be able to help by adopting a rescue dog.


I will let you know what we do. I want to get the dog before the snow flies here in Upstate NY and that's not much time

I'd like to think that the people who work at the shelter can give you the backround and temperament of the dog you choose.
I have five cats so I know when I go into a shelter I need to know if the cat gets along with other cats,if their FIV/FELV negative and if they share their toys/food without getting defensive or growling/hissing.
You can make a list of questions and bring them with you.If the shelter cannot answer your questions to your satisfaction then I would go elsewhere.
Or if the pet was brought in by someone who owned the pet originally maybe the shelter will have backround information from them.
Having a 2 year old I can understand your concern and I would let them know at the shelter your concerns also.
Good luck finding your furbaby and let us know how it goes!
Debbie

 

[NewJersey]

New Jersey do you mean the adoption process? It all depends on what the process is for that particular shelter.If you can find the shelters web address you can find out what they require for adoption.
Some require references and a home visits and others don't.There are also different adoption fees for each shelter.
Debbie

Yeah, I have been mulling an adoption for a while now but there are no Scottish Terriers in the area but they are near my parents in NJ, but they are all way too young. I found a Scottish Terrier for sale who is housebroken, all the shots up to date, and spayed for $600. I might go with that after I look more into the breeder to make sure she is legitimate.

 

[kerrynic78]

We found our "Toto" look a like on Pet Finder. He was actually a rescue from Puerto Rico (Save A Sato) but we found him through Pet Finder. We love Jack to death and wish we could adopt many more!!

 

[arminnie]

I would rather not get a puppy but with a puppy it seems I might have better temperment luck. I don't know. I know I would like to be able to help by adopting a rescue dog.

Maybe not. I got my first cocker Sundance (who was the love of my life) as a puppy. He ended up with a terrible temperment as did his littermates.

I knew the breeder, the mother dog, and had met the father. The father was fairly young when bred and later developed a vicious streak that ended up being passed on to his puppies.

Two of the littermates had to be put down by age 3 for being extremely vicious with no provocation. The owners were lovely sweet adults (with grown children) who loved the dogs very, very much. It just killed them to have to have them put down so it was not done on a whim.

My dog had very aggressive tendencies, and I had to always monitor and limit his interaction with others.

My next two cockers were rescue dogs (age 1 and about 2 1/2). Both were SO sweet and didn't have a mean bone in their bodies. The first one was not trained at all, but both had been thoroughly evaluated by the rescue organizations.

I have a puppy that was given to me this summer. I know the mother dog and the father very well - even the grandmother. I'm still not sure at 5 months that he will stay as sweet as he seems. I sure hope so.

 

[debden]

Maybe not. I got my first cocker Sundance (who was the love of my life) as a puppy. He ended up with a terrible temperment as did his littermates.

I knew the breeder, the mother dog, and had met the father. The father was fairly young when bred and later developed a vicious streak that ended up being passed on to his puppies.

Two of the littermates had to be put down by age 3 for being extremely vicious with no provocation. The owners were lovely sweet adults (with grown children) who loved the dogs very, very much. It just killed them to have to have them put down so it was not done on a whim.

My dog had very aggressive tendencies, and I had to always monitor and limit his interaction with others.

My next two cockers were rescue dogs (age 1 and about 2 1/2). Both were SO sweet and didn't have a mean bone in their bodies. The first one was not trained at all, but both had been thoroughly evaluated by the rescue organizations.

I have a puppy that was given to me this summer. I know the mother dog and the father very well - even the grandmother. I'm still not sure at 5 months that he will stay as sweet as he seems. I sure hope so.

I guess there's no guarantees when you get a dog what his/her tempermant will be in the future.Wether it's a shelter dog,pet store pup or a friends dogs puppy.There's no way to tell.I think most turn out OK but there are a few that acquire behavorial problems.
Debbie

 

[JoyLuck]

Petfinder.com is a WONDERFUL invention! I got the newest member of our family through the website, our Pug puppy Gus. I do the opposite of most people, I look for a more dire situation. Gus was from a litter that was not being well cared for. In fact there were no survivors from 2 previous litters. SO sad. He and his littermates and both parents were removed from the home---thank goodness! I got a call from someone who knew I would foster or adopt as needed. None of the pups can be papered, which detered most adoptive families. also, the risk of health issues from poor maternal health. I have experience with this, so it was a good fit! Mom and Dad and one other male stayed with the 'rescuer', and gus and his sisters all went to caring homes.

Our other petfinder.com rescue is a Katrina Dog, Lace. She is a Lab/Chow mix who we fostered then adopted in Oct. of 2005. What a doll! She had some issues related to Katrina,(who wouldn't?!) but with some help, we have resolved them. I can't even go on the website anymore...my husband KNOWS we will come out with another 'addition to the family'!

 

[debden]

It's so great to read about everyone's success stories!How all these beautiful animals are united with their life time friend.
If you've never visited your local shelter take the time and go.It's a very eye opening experience.Sooo many animals with no homes.So sad.You walk in and all of a sudden your the center of attention.They all reach out hoping for some attention and love from someone who could be a life long friend.
So if anyone is looking for a pet please look no further than you local animal shelter.
So many beautiful faces looking for a good,permanant home.And please don't forget that older animals make great pets too!!
Debbie