My potential Labradoodle rescue pup

[tis_me]

I love dogs, but have been unable to have one for quite a few years now. I can now get one and want to get one that is a low shedder (allergies are a bit of an issue with some of my family members). I got a call tonight about a rescue Labradoodle that I could have for $100 bucks from a local small store. A friend of my aunts had gotten one from them and was very happy she did, so I left my name at the little store if one came up again.

I want to be sure that I ask the right questions. I like the idea of getting a rescue dog rather than a regular bought one because I feel I am doing something good for the animal/pet world too. But I don't know if I am doing the right thing. It is a 14 wk.old puppy who has evidently been kept in a crate that is too small for it for enough time that it is walking on its feet rather than its pads some of the time " a type of limp" they said. They say it is healthy and that once it gets some love and care and proper environment it should be a great dog. They say it is active and interactive and friendly. They said that they had another rescue puppy that came in with the same walking issue and the family that took it has been very happy with the dog and it had stopped walking like that.

I have read that a Labradoodle is a great dog and the one I met last year at a friends house was just wonderful in personality. We have every intention of training it and giving it plenty of attention.

What are the main questions I should ask?

Thank,
Chris

[Faith]

1st - rescue dogs can turn out to be the best pets in the world. some may require more training or extra time and attention, but it usually pays off big. i'm so glad you want to go that route.

2nd - i wouldn't take anybody's word that the walking problem in the other dog "just cleared up." ask if you can get the names/numbers of the other owners and call and talk to them about it. it seems wierd that this is a problem that they've seen in other dogs. it sounds like it could be a health issue due to bad /over breeding, and you should be well informed in order to avoid costly medical bills later.

also, what reason did they give for it being in a place where it needed rescuing? i read the part about the crate but - i mean, how did the other owners give the dog up? was it taken away by animal control? did someone take the dog from them? did they turn it in and give examples of behavior problems?



as a further note.... there is some contention on this forum about mixed breeds being called by a fancy name, being considered a designer breed rather than a mutt.... so you may get less responses than you expect. and, if you get any rude responses, just ignore them.

[bernicesmama]

I have a rescue and agree with faith, they are wonderful! I swear they know you saved them and never forget it.

I would call a vet's office maybe to ask them some questions about this type of condition. I would also ask all the questions faith has listed above. good luck

[Moo]

A rescue is a wonderful idea. However, do not be set on what you expect. A rescue mutt may not be the mix that it is thought to be, nobody can tell, unless it was an owner surrender given with the pedigree... and even if it is indeed the mix, the inherited genes are all variable.

Definitely contact a vet about the condition. Read up.

And with any puppy... Be ready for everything.

[Trace]

That's a great mix of tempraments if that is what he is - good luck.

You could also ask if you could take it to a vet for a look over if you are really worried.

[tis_me]

We have picked up the puppy today after quite a delay. We will be taking her to the vet next week to get more answers to our questions. I did get some info about the circumstances of her beginnings, but I have a sneaking suspision that we weren't told the whole truth. When we went to get the pup it was agirl , but we had been told it was a he. So I am not sure what happened, but she needed a home and I didn't want to see her put down if there was anything we could do to help her. She is very sweet, but indeed she does walk very low on her feet, and not on the pads of her feet. She seemed very thin as well, so we will love her and feed her and do the best for her in any case. I am praying that she will fully recover, but if not we will still love her anyway as long as she lives. Thank you for your advice and appreciate this website and the wonderful people who seem to visit it.

Chris

[rottiegirl]

"I got a call tonight about a rescue Labradoodle that I could have for $100 bucks from a local small store. A friend of my aunts had gotten one from them and was very happy she did, so I left my name at the little store if one came up again. "

So your rescuing a dog? from where? It sounds to me like your buying a mix breed at a pet store, therefore supporting puppy millers, it's one thing when your truly rescuing a dog, but buying one at a pet store isn't a rescue. If you have your heart set on a Lab/Poodle mix, just wait good dogs always seem to just show up, a few weeks ago at our shelter we got in a whole litter of Lab/Poodle mixes.

[GSR Trucker]

Rottie, your tone is a little accusitory.
Maybe the store works with shelters and rescues like PetSmart??

You need to get facts before making comments like that, you came off sounding kinda rude.

[rottiegirl]

I have generally found that people who rescue are proud of where they got their pets from, and often mention it. She also says "little store" I personally wouldn't describe petco as a little store.

However I do see and respect your point.

[SalemWitchChild]

Little stores also work with local humane societies. The one in frankfort use to all the time. So just because someone says "little store" doesn't mean they are just buying from puppy mill breeders.