I need a new dog. (1 Viewer)

[Chadstroma]

So I need a new dog. Would like a white/yellow lab again, but not 100 decided. The problem is this.... I know I'm not supposed to go to a breeder so I have been to the local shelter about 5 times over the past 2 months. 90% of the dogs are pits. I'm in the pits are good dogs camp, but I'm just not looking for a muscle bound clumsy dog with a tail from hell. (Ive had them in the past). All the other dogs have something else wrong or don't fit our family. Either the dog hates kids, or is great with kids, but hates other dogs or some other random reason they aren't a good fit. If there is a good dog, they are all signed up and gone unless you camp out at the shelter.

Am a scoundrel for not adopting? If I do go to a breeder, how do I know they aren't puppy mills? Do I have to pay $2,000+ for a lab who wont be crippled by 5?

Where do you live?

Silver Spring, Maryland

Small world. Used to get to Silver Spring a lot as old company was headquartered there. Also interested in this thread as had to put my 16 year old lab down 4+ months ago, just getting to the point of wanting another dog, having to decide between shelter or not..

I'll be honest, my local shelter was a pain in the ###. I guess they are doing the best they can, so

Petfinder was a great idea. The whole adoption process seems ### backwards. These dogs need homes but they make it so difficult to adopt. Just one minor thing I experienced at my local shelter was when I wanted to put an application for a dog that already had 6 applications. The girl told me they weren't taking anymore. I come back a week later and the dog is still there. This time, with only 3 applicants. I put one in, but didn't get the dog. It can also be expensive. I'm paying $450 for a 6 y/o large breed dog. It isn't astronomical, but it's nothing to sneeze at either. I could just avoid all the fuss and go buy the exact dog I want, as a puppy, with ZERO hoops to jump through, AND pay nearly the same price.

I don't know if there is a better way, but some of it seems counterproductive.

Just like everything else, it is all about the individual rescue/shelter. My experience was great. She had already nearly 100 applicants before I even inquired. Had a few emails go back and forth of asking questions- decided he sounded like my new dog. Put in the application, was approved and drove out to meet him (with the agreement that if for some reason I did not like him in person or he did not seem to like me, we would walk away). Showed up. Spent a little bit of time with him, said ok, let's do it. Handed over the $300. She handed me the dog. I did not bring a leash or collar with me so she gave me the ones she had with him. She followed up a little bit later to see how he was doing. Sent her pictures of him a couple of times. Great experience.

 

[sho nuff]

get a german

We're still talking dogs here right?

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Alright, went and picked up my boy last night.

He's every bit as handsome as the pics on petfinder. He's perfectly behaved, friendly, house trained, just awesome.

They see me ridin

This pic does not properly display my huge monster face

Im sexy

Just one slight problem, the bite wound the foster care giver casually told me out on the front of her poorly lit porch turned out to be a gaping hole, and not the good kind. I get him home and start to roughhouse with him and then out of the blue, he gets really timid about me petting him, like he's been beaten. I check him more closely and this is what we find:

Bite 1

Bite 2

A large gaping hole, and not the good kind! I start putting together clues from out conversations and it's pretty apparent one of her two personal German Shepards bit him.

I wrote the following email late last night.

Hi ******,

First off I want to express gratitude for allowing us to adopt Django. He is an awesome dog!

I am however concerned about the gaping hole on his back. He has a second healing wound on his left side which I'm not so concerned with, however his is sensitive in that area. I'm not upset with you. I'm just a little let down that I am going to have to take him to the vet tomorrow, most likely for stitches with possible anesthetic following on the heels of his adoption fee. Again, I am by no means angry with you, nor do I feel deceived, I just did not expect this. I understand that you obviously can't guarantee his health, but this is something that happened very recently while under your care.

I have attached two pictures.

Could you please contact me tomorrow as early as possible so that I may proceed per your protocol. I look forward to talking to you.

PS - Regarding his medicine, could you tell me when he was last treated? (So I know when to administer the second dose.)

-- Thanks again

Moobin

Maybe she didn't see how deep the bite was, but part of me is now starting to feel like she was aware and passed it off on me.

As part of the adoption fee we receive 30 days of free pet insurance, but that doesn't go into effect until tomorrow, so I am hoping my vet is cool. It's still at a minimum a $75 deductible out of my pocket following the $450 adoption fee. Either this just happened last night before I picked him up, or it was there the day before when he was allegedly seen by the vet. I'm hoping she will subtract what I pay today off the fee, but I'm not holding my breath. In the end I got a great dog and I'm happy.

 

[pollardsvision]

That stinks. It looks quite fresh. I'd try to put something on it until you get to the vet. Those can get some pretty ugly infections. Looks like he'll need some antibiotics, at a minimum.

Hopefully, your boy heals up quickly. Even better if the adoption lady kicks back some or all of the cost.

It's 9:00 already, I'd go ahead and call her. Who knows when she'll check her email.

He looks like a wonderful dog.

 

[GroveDiesel]

So I need a new dog. Would like a white/yellow lab again, but not 100 decided. The problem is this.... I know I'm not supposed to go to a breeder so I have been to the local shelter about 5 times over the past 2 months. 90% of the dogs are pits. I'm in the pits are good dogs camp, but I'm just not looking for a muscle bound clumsy dog with a tail from hell. (Ive had them in the past). All the other dogs have something else wrong or don't fit our family. Either the dog hates kids, or is great with kids, but hates other dogs or some other random reason they aren't a good fit. If there is a good dog, they are all signed up and gone unless you camp out at the shelter.

Am a scoundrel for not adopting? If I do go to a breeder, how do I know they aren't puppy mills? Do I have to pay $2,000+ for a lab who wont be crippled by 5?

Where do you live?

Silver Spring, Maryland

Small world. Used to get to Silver Spring a lot as old company was headquartered there. Also interested in this thread as had to put my 16 year old lab down 4+ months ago, just getting to the point of wanting another dog, having to decide between shelter or not..

I'll be honest, my local shelter was a pain in the ###. I guess they are doing the best they can, so

Petfinder was a great idea. The whole adoption process seems ### backwards. These dogs need homes but they make it so difficult to adopt. Just one minor thing I experienced at my local shelter was when I wanted to put an application for a dog that already had 6 applications. The girl told me they weren't taking anymore. I come back a week later and the dog is still there. This time, with only 3 applicants. I put one in, but didn't get the dog. It can also be expensive. I'm paying $450 for a 6 y/o large breed dog. It isn't astronomical, but it's nothing to sneeze at either. I could just avoid all the fuss and go buy the exact dog I want, as a puppy, with ZERO hoops to jump through, AND pay nearly the same price.

I don't know if there is a better way, but some of it seems counterproductive.

Yup. Now try to adopt a child either living in an orphanage in a third world country or bouncing around from foster family to foster family in the US. We adopted both a dog from a rescue group and a little girl from an orphanage in Taiwan. Both processes were very expensive and ridiculous. The rescue actually ran a freaking background check to make sure we didn't have any animal cruelty charges against us and did a visit to make sure our house and yard was suitable. Insane.

Oh, and they told us that the dog was potty trained and crate trained and she was neither. Good times. Still love my dog, but sheesh.

 

[Chadstroma]

After all of this, I would get pet insurance. I did for my guy and have used it much more than I thought I would or would want to. I use Trupanion which has been great. If you want a referral, just let me know. They have no life time limits, no yearly limits... no limits. They pay 90% of all expenses after office visit fee and deductible. I ended up using Banfield (big vet inside Petsmart) and they have a monthly program that pays for all office visit fees, all shots, two yearly check ups, and get 10% off on all their services you use. So, both together are a nice peace of mind... anything comes up- I take him in. They say "we can do this and that for him" I say, "do it" and dont worry about how much it will cost. Both together now cost me around $70 a month but the two services has saved me well over a grand so far if I did not have them.

 

[3C's]

If anyone in the PA area is looking for a black lab. Feel free to spread the word.

PLEASE READ: For anyone who loves black labs, the Danville SPCA has 19 black lab puppies that desperately need homes ASAP. The Danville SPCA had a drop off of four week old black lab puppies still weaning from their mothers milk. There are 19 puppies total. The SPCA contacted a no-kill shelter but as of today it is unable to take the dogs. If you or you know of someone wanting a puppy - a black lab puppy-please contact the Danville SPCA ASAP and give a puppy a loving caring home this season...before the unimaginable happens.

Contact Info:

Danville SPCA

2801 Bloom Road

Danville, Pennsylvania 17821

Phone:570~275~0340

 

[The Captain]

If anyone in the PA area is looking for a black lab. Feel free to spread the word.PLEASE READ: For anyone who loves black labs, the Danville SPCA has 19 black lab puppies that desperately need homes ASAP. The Danville SPCA had a drop off of four week old black lab puppies still weaning from their mothers milk. There are 19 puppies total. The SPCA contacted a no-kill shelter but as of today it is unable to take the dogs. If you or you know of someone wanting a puppy - a black lab puppy-please contact the Danville SPCA ASAP and give a puppy a loving caring home this season...before the unimaginable happens.Contact Infoanville SPCA2801 Bloom RoadDanville, Pennsylvania 17821Phone:570~275~0340

Damn. I hope they find good homes. Just put my 12 year old lab down yesterday so it's too soon for me. Cant imagine replacing him right now, but if I ever do this would be the situation that would make it happen.RIP Maltby. I miss you boy.

 

[3C's]

If anyone in the PA area is looking for a black lab. Feel free to spread the word.PLEASE READ: For anyone who loves black labs, the Danville SPCA has 19 black lab puppies that desperately need homes ASAP. The Danville SPCA had a drop off of four week old black lab puppies still weaning from their mothers milk. There are 19 puppies total. The SPCA contacted a no-kill shelter but as of today it is unable to take the dogs. If you or you know of someone wanting a puppy - a black lab puppy-please contact the Danville SPCA ASAP and give a puppy a loving caring home this season...before the unimaginable happens.Contact Infoanville SPCA2801 Bloom RoadDanville, Pennsylvania 17821Phone:570~275~0340

Damn. I hope they find good homes. Just put my 12 year old lab down yesterday so it's too soon for me. Cant imagine replacing him right now, but if I ever do this would be the situation that would make it happen.RIP Maltby. I miss you boy.

:(Sorry to hear.

 

[Rohn Jambo]

I have found him.

I will love him and squeeze him and....

God he looks a lot like my Bailey. Great find!

My wife always makes jokes about how non-emotional I am and how I never cry.

That dog makes me melt into a giant sissy.

The best dog is the one that you love and loves you back on day one.

 

[The Sniper]

Bump. Interested in any further comments. Looking for a dog for our family (kids 8, 6 and 2). Needs to be able to play a long time. Thanks.

 

[Chadstroma]

Bump. Interested in any further comments. Looking for a dog for our family (kids 8, 6 and 2). Needs to be able to play a long time. Thanks.

Love my Goldendoodle. Great family dog. Very loving. You have no worries about him biting or being aggressive in any way (but is very protective of the family members from what he perceives as danger). Tons of energy to play with the kids and have fun with them. Looks great (I have had women stop their cars and get out to look at him and take pictures of him... almost impossible for me to walk by someone without comments like 'beautiful dog'... he is the 'star' even when I go to the pet store with him). 1st generation shed very little (2nd generation are not suppose to shed at all). Very intelligent (Standard Poodles are usually ranked in top 3 of dogs and Golden Retrievers top 10 or so... and mine has shown tons of intelligence, like figuring out how to open a drawer to get to some treats). In many ways extremely trainable. (he was never house broken when I got him at 1 year, took him home... had two times he went pee and other than when he has been sick, does not go in the house- basically self taught to not go inside)The cons are because of his coat you need to take him to a groomer (you can get by with some touch ups but unless you got skills, he will need to get groomed about every 6-8 weeks). He can be very goofey and very easily excited which breaks down his training a bit. Big guy- 85 pounds, so food costs a bunch and takes a strong hand to handle (kids wont be able to walk him unless you really work on training him).

 

[MCguidance]

The last 18 months has been hard on the family, dog wise. We had to rehome an Italian mastiff after continued aggression (he's in a perfect spot now) and putting down the family dog about a month ago, we are looking again. I've decided on going the shelter/foster care route this time. I don't need a pup, but a great dog.

How has your buddy worked out for you? As good as you thought?

 

[thayman]

The last 18 months has been hard on the family, dog wise. We had to rehome an Italian mastiff after continued aggression (he's in a perfect spot now) and putting down the family dog about a month ago, we are looking again. I've decided on going the shelter/foster care route this time. I don't need a pup, but a great dog.

How has your buddy worked out for you? As good as you thought?

We've always been very happy going to a shelter/humane society. Just start visiting and have you and the family play with different dogs for a bit and see what clicks. Some really great dogs that need a home out there.

 

[pollardsvision]

Got a pound dog. He's awesome. I can't see any reason not to go that route. No matter what type of dog you are looking for, there's one that fits near you that needs a home.

 

[The Ref]

If you do want a "pure" dog Google your area for a rescue leauge. Be prepared to fill out a bunch of paperwork but it's worth it.

We have a smooth hair dachshund that has been a joy.

 

[Raider Nation]

I need a new dog

One that won't make you nervous... wonderin' what to do?

 

[ROCKET]

Bump. Interested in any further comments. Looking for a dog for our family (kids 8, 6 and 2). Needs to be able to play a long time. Thanks.

I have two Corgis, wonderful family dogs who love to play even though they are vertically challenged. My two best friends in the world. Everyone will have their opinion on the perfect family dog. I love dogs and there are tons of awesome choices. GL with whatever breed you choose.

 

[matttyl]

I'm up to 3 dogs now. Got a border collie that came with the wife who is now 11. Together the wife and I obtained the dog in my picture, an Aussie Cattle dog from the local SPCA who's now 6ish. Last summer we got a "senior rescue", a 12-14 year old (no one really knows) border collie. So far so good with all 3, but with our first child on the way in August I hope it stays that way....

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

I have found him.

I will love him and squeeze him and....

God he looks a lot like my Bailey. Great find!

My wife always makes jokes about how non-emotional I am and how I never cry.That dog makes me melt into a giant sissy.

The best dog is the one that you love and loves you back on day one.

Django was an awesome dog and I miss him so much. Had to put him down last fall. I was crushed. He was 6 when I adopted him so maybe it's because my time with him was so short but I'm still missing him and tearing up as I type this.

I miss his fat face so much.

 

[MCguidance]

I have found him.

I will love him and squeeze him and....

God he looks a lot like my Bailey. Great find!

My wife always makes jokes about how non-emotional I am and how I never cry.That dog makes me melt into a giant sissy.

The best dog is the one that you love and loves you back on day one.

Django was an awesome dog and I miss him so much. Had to put him down last fall. I was crushed. He was 6 when I adopted him so maybe it's because my time with him was so short but I'm still missing him and tearing up as I type this.

I miss his fat face so much.

So sorry bud.

Any plans on getting another?

 

[heckmanm]

We have a smooth hair dachshund that has been a joy.

We have 2 dachshunds - brothers from different litters. They're like a couple of hairy clowns. Love 'em.

 

[eoMMan]

I need a new dog

One that won't make you nervous... wonderin' what to do?

Nice.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

I have found him.

I will love him and squeeze him and....

God he looks a lot like my Bailey. Great find!

My wife always makes jokes about how non-emotional I am and how I never cry.That dog makes me melt into a giant sissy.

The best dog is the one that you love and loves you back on day one.

Django was an awesome dog and I miss him so much. Had to put him down last fall. I was crushed. He was 6 when I adopted him so maybe it's because my time with him was so short but I'm still missing him and tearing up as I type this.I miss his fat face so much.

So sorry bud.Any plans on getting another?

Last winter out neighbor offered us a free Presa Canario puppy. I said no to my wife because I didn't want another dog and told her she's not the one who cares for them and she certainly isn't the one putting them down nor digging the graves over the years. 3 weeks later my wife decides that I'm right, the dog is going to be too big and generally just doesn't want to deal with a puppy.

After those 3 weeks of the puppy sleeping on my chest every night hell if she was getting rid of MY DOG!

So we have this beauty, Stella:

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e159/pabdanyell/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsade058e3.jpg

She will be my last dog. Ever. I took Django in for a routine check up and on the way into the vet he had a seizure for the first time. I had to put him down the next day and it CRUSHED me. Burying him CRUSHED me again. Typing this is crushing me now.

While digging that hole I swore to myself that Stella will be my last dog.

 

[The Ref]

We have a smooth hair dachshund that has been a joy.

We have 2 dachshunds - brothers from different litters. They're like a couple of hairy clowns. Love 'em.

Absolutely! I call mine a clown all the time.

 

[tonydead]

Last winter out neighbor offered us a free Presa Canario puppy. I said no to my wife because I didn't want another dog and told her she's not the one who cares for them and she certainly isn't the one putting them down nor digging the graves over the years.3 weeks later my wife decides that I'm right, the dog is going to be too big and generally just doesn't want to deal with a puppy.

After those 3 weeks of the puppy sleeping on my chest every night hell if she was getting rid of MY DOG!

So we have this beauty, Stella:

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e159/pabdanyell/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsade058e3.jpg

She will be my last dog. Ever. I took Django in for a routine check up and on the way into the vet he had a seizure for the first time. I had to put him down the next day and it CRUSHED me. Burying him CRUSHED me again. Typing this is crushing me now.

While digging that hole I swore to myself that Stella will be my last dog.

Gorgeous.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Last winter out neighbor offered us a free Presa Canario puppy. I said no to my wife because I didn't want another dog and told her she's not the one who cares for them and she certainly isn't the one putting them down nor digging the graves over the years.3 weeks later my wife decides that I'm right, the dog is going to be too big and generally just doesn't want to deal with a puppy.

After those 3 weeks of the puppy sleeping on my chest every night hell if she was getting rid of MY DOG!

So we have this beauty, Stella:

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e159/pabdanyell/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsade058e3.jpg

She will be my last dog. Ever. I took Django in for a routine check up and on the way into the vet he had a seizure for the first time. I had to put him down the next day and it CRUSHED me. Burying him CRUSHED me again. Typing this is crushing me now.

While digging that hole I swore to myself that Stella will be my last dog.

Gorgeous.

Thank you!

She's a great dog. She's good with my kids, she's very well behaved and just a genetic freak. So agile and blazingly fast. I've always taken my dogs to the park when I train (,sprints and hills). She's the only dog that's ever kept up with me. She could lap me she's so fast. GREAT guard dog. Trust me, nobody is coming in my house w/o a gun.

I really can't recommend the breed enough to EXPERIENCED dog lovers who have the time to put in. This is pretty much every dog IMO, but especially important for a strong minded dog like the Presa.