Clueless when it comes to adopting rescues!

[abbierhea]

Hi all - I posted a bit on the 'spotlite' breed today in the 'breeds' forum. I have never adopted a pet from a rescue before - of the dogs we've owned, loved, and lost we've always purchased.

We had a beagle we had to find a new home for b/c she wouldn't stop finding her way from our yard and since we live nearby to a highway we had no choice but to find her a new home. We made every attempt to secure the fence where we 'thought' she was escaping but failed every time! We owned a boxer named Pongo for a little over a year and lost him to unexplained allergies and skin problems - he was absolutely miserable, his skin swollen cracked and bleeding - we tried changing his food (even though there had been no changes to his food in the past) and that didn't work - we felt that 3 months of treatment with no improvement was unfair for him and our vet said it was the best thing for him. His face is what got me - he used to be so happy and smiley and those past three months he just looked at me like this sad face - you could see in his eyes he was tired. I felt so guilty - for wanting him to stay with us and for trying so hard but keeping him in his misery. My husband and I just cried and cried and never had the heart to tell our kids why he didn't come home. . .we just told them that since we couldn't take care of him and make him better we had to leave him with the vet. . .that probably sounds terrible of me! We had always talked about getting another Boxer in the future but . . .we lost him a year ago and my husband doesn't want to try the breed again even though he loved him so much.

We've got alot going on right now so we aren't wanting to adopt anytime SOON - we are in the process of selling our home to relocate to a bigger place in the country (when we bought our house we only had 2 kids - now we have 4). My husband doesn't know this yet (or he does and he's pretending like he doesn't!) but I've been researching Great Danes and have always been amazed by them and have found in the research what wonderful family dogs they really are. I've found rescues in surrounding areas that have Danes - I'd much rather adopt an adult than a puppy and have to go through the puppy stage with a dog that size! I guess I'm just wanting rescue information in eneral - experiences with adoption, experience with this breed, etc, reccomendations? I'm clueless when it comes to adopting rescues! Thanks in advance and sorry this is so long!

[agilitydog]

I will adopt any day of the week over buying a puppy from a breeder.
For one, a slightly older dog is already housebroken(most of the time), they often have learned some manners.

Most importantly, they are forever grateful for you giving them a second chance. If you are interested in the dane you can check out dane rescues. They will have them in foster homes getting socialized, etc.

Dobermom does a lot with dane rescue. She will be a good resource for you.

[brunosboss]

I have had better luck with rescues than I have ever had purchasing puppies. There are several reasons that rescues in my opinion are the only way to go and this is why,
1. any fees you may pay should go to other animals in need to further rescue efforts 2. If you choose to get an adult luck is on your side that the animal should usually have some expirience with potty training 3.Most people get new puppies and there are millions of animals out there who need love and affection.
My baby Bruno is a rescue and I know that he thankful for all of the love he gets not only do I have a wonderful pet I have the gratification that I know I had the chance to give him a second oppurtunity at the lifestyle all dogs would be lucky to have. After Bruno it gave a true passion to not only rescue another animal in need but to actually start helping my local rescue orginizations and doing personal animal rescue. Go for it you will end up getting just as much out of it as the animal that you got to help to save!!!!

[abbierhea]

Thanks for the info - this website has really got me thinking about it and any future pet of mine will definately be a rescue!

[dobermom]

Glad to hear you are considering rescue. There are so many out there who need help.
All rescues work differently, I work with both a Doberman and a Great Dane rescue, and soon plan on being on my own.

Both the Dane and Dobe rescue would like to see you wait till the kids are a bit older. Basically due to size of the dog, they are bound to knock the little ones down.

You may be able to adopt a older dog with your current situation, I just think it would not be the best idea to bring in a young, untrained Dane.

Things rescues look for are your current animals being up to date an all vacs, living situation for the dog, rescues will insist the dog be kept indoors, in most cases they want you to have a fence.

I personally feel breed rescues are wonderful, the people who volunteer for them generally LOVE and have a TON of knowledge on the breed. In most cases they will be able to fit you with a dog that fits you and your familys needs.

I hope that gives you some info, if you have more questions ask.

[abbierhea]

Thank you so much - I appreciate the advice and will definately be coming back for any questions that may come up in the future!

[alimel]

Both my dogs were actually rescued by us, we took them in as strays. Everything that has been said is true how much they appreciate you for rescuing them.

I too am now looking for either a Rottweiler or Doberman from a rescue organization as a companion for my 9 year old Rott/mix. A puppy is out of the question!!!

Good luck