I am ready to adopt a Rescue Dog

[alimel]

It has been 5 weeks since the death of our 16 year old Beagle. He has left a hole in our heart and we miss him everyday. Our 8 year old Rottie Mel is very lonely, he has been very sad and we are looking into adopting an adult Rottweiler from a rescue organization called Gulfstream Guardian Angel Rottweiler Rescue in South Florida. Does anyone know anything about them? I was wondering how you would know if the dog you are adopting is healthy and true to the personality they describe. Our dogs were rescued by us as adults 1-2 years old, we found them as strays and we were very fortunate. I am a bit concerned adopting an adult dog. Any suggestions?

[Tankstar]

Bring your dog with you to make sure that they would get along well. As most rescues wont know the true tempermet or history of a dog. Adopting a older dog is great. It wont fill the hole in your heart for the loss of your other dog. but it will help mend it. The personlity the describe is only what they would know of it. Also to make sure its health is as good as they say is to bring it to a vet you trust probably the one you would use for your dogs now, and get him/her to do the evalution on the dog you choose.

[dobermom]

How long has the rescue had the dog your considering? Do they keep them in foster homes or a kennel?
A foster home is always better, but there is nothing wrong with a kennel either.
The GREAT thing about an all breed rescue is the people who volunteer do it for their love of that breed. They tend to be very knowledgable, and understand the breed. I do think they will know the personality of the dog, its something you know when you specialize with that breed.

Remember there is always the "honeymoon" stage, you get the dog home, and he is a perfect angel, then he gets more comfortable, and starts testing the waters.

[Faith]

my advice to add to the above - have several dogs that you get interested in. don't settle on one right away before you meet them in person because you may get your heart set on him and then find out your current dog and the new dog hate each other.

another thing to check on - does the rescue group allow you to "foster to adopt"? it's a wonderful way to go - especially when you have to be concerned first for your current dog. you become a foster home for an adoptable dog and if it's not working out (please give it at least a week to decide if it's not) then you just have the dog until someone else adopts them. but, if you love him and he fits in well, you get first dibs on adopting him.

[dustynduke]

Why not take your dog with you when you go to a rescue? You may be surpised what you may come home with. After all dogs have first impressions too.

[dogcraz_ee]

Aren't most temperment tested to a point of placing ones in homes that are not dog or food agressive? It is risky adopting an adult, I agree in taking along your pet now and see how it reacts to this dog. I would definately have somebody take it out and check it out good on your own, ask questions about its health as far as they know and about its personality behaving there. Good luck.

[alimel]

Thank you! They are coming to perform a home check at my home this week, gee, sure hope I pass! I had to fill out paperwork with references and they checked with my vet. This makes me feel good, at least they are not willing to give their babies to just anyone.

[Faith]

Originally Posted by dogcraz_ee

It is risky adopting an adult

not really. adopting an adult has a huge amount of benefits. alot of folks wrongly assume that there must be something wrong with an adult dog for it to be in rescue. but, dogs get given up for all sorts of reasons.

the benefits - adult dogs can be calmer (no worrying about training them not to jump on your guests), have bigger bladders and have sometimes had obedience training with their first owners. plus, there are no surprises on how tall/big they will get - what you see is what you get.

[dobermom]

I agree with Faith, its NOT risky adopting an adult! My future dogs will be adults I adopt from rescue.


Sound like your working with a good rescue, the Dobe rescue I work with is VERY picky with who their babies go to. We want to see them in good, stable, FOREVER homes.
Also, dont be upset if you see a dog you think you like, and the rescue steers you away from it. They may know he will not be compatable in your house. Remember these people have been arund the dog for a period of time.

[shanniesue2]

One more bit of advice. Go meet the dog on your own before you introduce your current dog. That way you get to make sure that you like the dog on your own and you won't have to be worrying about watching your current dog's behavior and reaction, you can focus all your attention on meeting the new dog. Then after you've met a dog that you like, arrange to have your dog meet the new dog. But go to a park or something. Somewhere that is neutral so that neither of the dogs have to stress about having someone new in their territory. Then if both dogs get along, see if the rescue organization will allow you to do a trial period with the dog, at least a week, so that you can make sure the new dog really does fit your lifestyle.
This way you've had the opportunity to meet the dog in several different times and places. That will give you a really good idea about his personality and any issues you might be facing with a new dog.

Good luck! And good for you for rescuing! There are so many great dogs out there that are homeless.