I'm getting a puppy! -update page 6

[Jynohn]

I have to chime in here because I know how strong the urge to "rescue" a pet store puppy can be. I have always been against pet stores and won't even buy supplies or food in stores that sell puppies. Yet, for some reason I always have the urge to "just look" when I pass a pet store in the mall. Well imagine how upset I was when I saw the most adorable Great Dane puppy in the pet store one day. He was skin and bones and obviously not being fed enough for a giant breed puppy. I asked one of the employees how much he was being fed and she replied "two cups a day." So obviously he was getting the same amount of food as the poodles and minipins next to him, even though he was over 3 times the size!

I love Great Danes and my first instinct was to call my husband to see if we could take him home, but thankfully logic took over. I called the ASPCA instead and reported the petstore for underfeeding. If I had taken that puppy home, I no doubt would have loved him unconditionally and he very well could have made a wonderful pet. But by buying him, I would have been contributing to the cycle that makes pet stores and puppy millers profitable. See they RELY on you feeling bad for them, throwing logic aside and wanting to rescue them. That's how they stay in business. Because if people put aside their emotions and think rationally, they would eventually figure out that it's better to go with a rescue or a reputable breeder who does health testing, breeds for temperament, properly socializes puppies, etc.

I still think about that puppy from time to time, but I don't regret for a second that I didn't buy him. If I did, there would have just been another puppy in his place the following week. And the cycle continues...

 

[goofy!]

.....

 

[pugslee]

I have to chime in here because I know how strong the urge to "rescue" a pet store puppy can be. I have always been against pet stores and won't even buy supplies or food in stores that sell puppies. Yet, for some reason I always have the urge to "just look" when I pass a pet store in the mall. Well imagine how upset I was when I saw the most adorable Great Dane puppy in the pet store one day. He was skin and bones and obviously not being fed enough for a giant breed puppy. I asked one of the employees how much he was being fed and she replied "two cups a day." So obviously he was getting the same amount of food as the poodles and minipins next to him, even though he was over 3 times the size!

I love Great Danes and my first instinct was to call my husband to see if we could take him home, but thankfully logic took over. I called the ASPCA instead and reported the petstore for underfeeding. If I had taken that puppy home, I no doubt would have loved him unconditionally and he very well could have made a wonderful pet. But by buying him, I would have been contributing to the cycle that makes pet stores and puppy millers profitable. See they RELY on you feeling bad for them, throwing logic aside and wanting to rescue them. That's how they stay in business. Because if people put aside their emotions and think rationally, they would eventually figure out that it's better to go with a rescue or a reputable breeder who does health testing, breeds for temperament, properly socializes puppies, etc.

I still think about that puppy from time to time, but I don't regret for a second that I didn't buy him. If I did, there would have just been another puppy in his place the following week. And the cycle continues...

 

[taekwondo mom]

Oh we have a Pom we love her so much !!!
As far as good with young ones she is great.She keeps trying to give my nephew her bones and toys so we have to watch or they both chew on the same bones..
Good luck ..

 

[poohandwendy]

I think what concerns me the most is this:

My boys have a boxer, which they could care less about. My children are the odd children that don't care about pets. They(my kids) aren't grabby, and I know they wouldn't smother the dog, they probably wouldn't ever even pay attention to it.

I can't even express why, but the above is disturbing and very sad to me. I cannot imagine taking an animal into my home if I thought for a second that anyone in the home would be totally indifferent to the pet. I guess I just have a totally different outlook. And I think it is very naive to say with certainty "I know my dog and it will not have a problem' with another animal moving in. Any new animal introduced into the home is a HUGE adjustment, especially for the animals.

I wish the OP well and I hope it all works out as planned. I would advise against it.

 

[jrmasm]

P&W, I'm not sure that I understand your concern. DH and I love animals. It seems that our oldest DD (10) did not inherit our love. She is tolerant and helps out with their care when asked but does not encourage interaction. Our youngest DD is CRAZY for animals. Two of our three dogs sleep with oldest DD.

I can't imagine not having dogs because our DD doesn't love them as much as the rest of us.

 

[nealymouse]

I tried to rescue a newfoundland from a pet store/ puppy mill. I called several rescues in the New England area and was told to stay put. It sounds crule but if you DONT buy the puppies then most pet stores will start calling dog rescue groups and sell the dogs really cheap or even give then to the rescue.

If people stop buying puppies from the Pet Stores then the pet stores will stop selling them.

People who continue to buy from the pet stores are just plain stupid (yes I have put on my flame suit !!!!)

 

[poohandwendy]

P&W, I'm not sure that I understand your concern. DH and I love animals. It seems that our oldest DD (10) did not inherit our love. She is tolerant and helps out with their care when asked but does not encourage interaction. Our youngest DD is CRAZY for animals. Two of our three dogs sleep with oldest DD.

I can't imagine not having dogs because our DD doesn't love them as much as the rest of us.

I guess I should clarify, what the OP describes is the majority of the household being totally indifferent. That is not what I would consider a warm, welcome atmosphere for a new family member.

There is also the possibility that this dog would not take to young children very well. So, what if the dog starts nipping at the kids (very possible)? Then you have kids who not only are indifferent, but will not like the dog. I just see red flags with that.

 

[VSL]

I understand, poohandwendy. In jrmasm's case, it's just one of four people who are indifferent. In the OP's case, it's three (I won't count the baby!) in five people who are indifferent.

25% indifference compared to 60% indifference.

And, again, you really do never know how an animal will react to another.
Also, even if the OP is right and the Boxer is fine, maybe the Pom won't be..

 

[kilee]

Small breeds can be iffy w/ kids. That would be the bottom line. There will some exceptions to any breed, but there is no way you can lump every dog together by their breeds nature. Someone listed Shih Tzu's as being good w/ kids. Well, I have one that HATES little kids. I don't take him near them. The thing is that everyone is going to have different preceptions of each breed.

I have to agree w/ not supporting puppy mills-- in turn pet stores. BUT-- for some people this won't matter. That is a personal decision I suppose. I would really check the dog for signs it's going to be harder to socialize (this is highly typical in pet store dogs). The first biggest one-- will the dog allow you to look it in the head's. When you put the puppy up near your face does it constantly turn it's gaze away? This is typical of puppy mill puppies--- and it is a huge red flag.

The only thing I don't understand is why anyone would keep 1 dog outside and then still get another dog??? My neighbors do this. I don't understand the concept of an outdoor dog. Doesn't seem like much of a life for that dog.....

 

[jrmasm]

Just a thought. The kids might be indifferent because the boxer is big (might be intimidating or too energetic to play with). A small dog might spark their interest. I really think that our baby (almost 2) prefers our smallest dog. We have an 80lber, a 45lber and a 12lber.

And I don't get the outside dog thing either. That's my red flag.

 

[bigolive9]

Tina, what breed is Dante? I have a westie, and I think Dante looks kind of like a westie or a bichon. I know, totally different looking breeds, but I can't see his fur well in the picture.
I got Mac at a pet store- it is a local, small pet store that I knew the owner. I don't think they use puppy mills, but you never know. I had no intention of getting a dog- I was with my friend. I also had no intention of buying a westie- I wanted a Bichon or a pom. But, I saw him in the window, and fell totally in love with him. We were lucky, as he was healthy, and he has a great disposition. He loves people, and, a year later, I still think he is the cutest dog I have ever seen.
That said, I will not buy from a puppy store agin, no matter how reputable it is. The first few days of having him, I felt torn, because I loved this tiny furry boy, but felt so guilty for buying him at a pet store. Our next dog, which will hopefully be in a couple months, will be from our local Animal care and control, and will likely be a mutt. Shortly after we got MacIntyre, I found www.puppymillrescue.com/ online. If there is a site that will make you think very carefully before you purchase a dog from a pet store, this is it. Warning: there are graphic pictures on this site. I have not even looked at most of them. However, this organization is doing wonderful things to try to stop puppy mills.
Ultimately it is up to each person to do what they feel is right for their situation. But, there are many well behaved and loving dogs put down every day. Please consider all of the options before you decide.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

I guess I should clarify, what the OP describes is the majority of the household being totally indifferent. That is not what I would consider a warm, welcome atmosphere for a new family member.

There is also the possibility that this dog would not take to young children very well. So, what if the dog starts nipping at the kids (very possible)? Then you have kids who not only are indifferent, but will not like the dog. I just see red flags with that.

I'm really thinking about this whole indifference thing. We have 2 dogs and 4 cats. I would have to say that even though all of my kids like the dogs, only my 6yo really has a bond with both of them. They all like the quieter (older) one, but my older 3 kids get pretty irritated with the hyper, loud, larger, dog (Sheena). I comment that I hope when they are older that they stick to cats because they seem to be too annoyed by dogs and just don't seem to enjoy them. They do play with them some, but my 6yo and I are usually the ones to interact with them. The cats are a different story and my boys come home from school and go for the cat toys so they can play with the kittens.

My kids are older and I have the animals for my enjoyment, but I do hope that people look at the life span of an animal and agree to make the commitment for as long as the animal lives and not treat the animal as something to be thrown away if not wanted anymore (not saying this is the case with the OP, but is the case with some people).

 

[bigolive9]

I was sitting here watching the Olympics, and it occured to me that my post might come off as sounding a little harsh. Please do not take it that way- I just wanted to share the puppymill site, because it truly impacted me when I found it. I would not trade MacIntyre for any other dog in the world, but I cannot help but feel a bit guilty.
OP, wherever you get your puppy, I am sure that you will love it. The important thing is that you are happy with your choice. Congratulations on expanding your family with a new pet! Good luck.

 

[poohandwendy]

but I do hope that people look at the life span of an animal and agree to make the commitment for as long as the animal lives and not treat the animal as something to be thrown away if not wanted anymore

I am just seeing red flags in a few different areas. Taking an animal into your home is a huge commitment. I guess I just feel like this is more of an impulse thing than a serious, thought out decision being made.

And if that is the case, that attitude is what fills our shelters after the infatuation period wears off.

 

[Aimeedyan]

I am just seeing red flags in a few different areas. Taking an animal into your home is a huge commitment. I guess I just feel like this is more of an impulse thing than a serious, thought out decision being made.

And if that is the case, that attitude is what fills our shelters after the infatuation period wears off.

Glad I'm not the only one seeing red flags. I'm actually seeing more than a few!!!

I need to step away from this thread before I say something I might regret later. This kind of disregard for living beings completely disgusts me

(slowing stepping away...)

 

[srfrgrl07]

Did you know there is a certain way to introduce a new dog if you already have a dog? I know because I did my research.

Would you mind sharing that information or the link to where you found it? We have a 1 year old dog that we adopted from the local humane society and are in the application process of getting a second dog from a local rescue shelter and this information would be helpful.

Our current dog is a terrier mix. I've determined that he has some schnauzer in him and maybe part cairn terrier or a smaller terrier breed because of the texture of his coat. He is about 23 lbs. He is taller than most smaller breed terriers, though. He has lots of doggie friends and gets along with all small and large dogs at the dog park, but I'm just a little concerned about how he will react to another dog in the house 24/7. Our friends have brought their dogs to our house for hours at a time here and there and he has been fine; wanting to play most of the time.

The dog we are interested in is a schnauzer/shih tzu mix and looks just like our current dog. He is a little smaller, but also 6 months old so will probably grow up close in size to our current dog. The description I've read about him as well as the correspondence I've received from the foster home depict him as friendly, good with other dogs and very similar in behavior to our current dog.

Sorry to hijack this thread and go on forever about it, just looking to see if anyone has any input. TIA!

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

I haven't read the whole thread but I did want to add that you should speak to your vet. They see a bunch of different dogs come in all the time. I have a VERY old vet. I had purchased my puppy and was so excited. Brought him in for a check and shots. He took one look at me and asked why I would ever think about getting this breed of dog. "Oh, I had read up on them. I spoke to breeders. My friend's mom is a breeder." His response "well good luck with it. I hate these dogs. Nothing but varmint dogs. Make sure he doesn't bite me." I tried for 2 years working this dog. I truly wanted it. Ended up taking it to a rescue group. They told me my dog needed a job and a sport. I needed to put my dog through an obstacle course everyday and take it to competitions on weekends. I'm not joking - this is what she told me. I thanked her for her time, gave her a completed vet report, paperwork for AKC, his microchip paperwork, etc and the standard donation.

Moral of the story. Check with someone who knows dogs and will be completely honest with you!!
Good Luck with everything.

 

[Pixiedust34]

And I don't get the outside dog thing either. That's my red flag.

You're right about that. Dogs are pack animals, and we humans are its pack. Unless a dog is a working dog (guard, herding, etc.), it should really be an indoor pet so it is with people most of the time.

 

[VSL]

I just don't agree with keeping a pet outside anyway...

I'm sure there are people who do, but to me that's not a pet. That's 'just' a guard dog then. As someone else said, it's not much of a life for him/her.

But that's just my opinion. I'm sure there are others who disagree.