For some reason lately I have really, really, been wanting to get a dog

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

Even though I've never had one. I've always had cats. We have two fantastic cats right now. One is a 10 year old Maine Coon female cat who is very loving with us but shy around most people. The other one is a Russian Blue sort 2 year old male who acts more like a dog than a cat (the most amusing cat I've ever been around). They just tolerate each other and are not close at all.

But for a long time, I've been wanting to have a dog. I used to read (and still do) all kinds of dog books. I watch all the dog TV shows. I watch the dog shows. I have always loved cats for their independence, but I think I'm about ready to experience the more demanding dog experience.

I've been throwing out hints for awhile now. I think my husband is on board, but only for "sometime".

Is it unfair to the cats to subject them to something totally out of their realm? (They are 100% indoor cats)

We would want a smallish sort of dog. I have known Shelties and loved them, they have always been on my list. I have an acquaintance who has a Corgi and they seem great. I'm open to a mutt from the pound, but am only anxious because it's literally a surprise package. I have lately fallen completely under the spell of the Shiba Inu - they seem like my Plato ideal dog in terms of size, appearance, temperment,etc.

Any thoughts?

[Why Syzygy]

1. I've never owned a dog either.

Always cats, even though I've lived with dogs. I'm now partial owner of a Shih Tzu. She and my cat play quite a bit. Nothing daunts her. I've already decided if I move somewhere else with my cat, I want a Shih Tzu of my own. She is the smartest dog I've ever seen.

How do you think your cats would do? I think the Maine Coon would be fine. They are very laid back. I wouldn't say it is "unfair" to them. Most likely, they would either enjoy it or ignore it. The cat is going to be boss even of a pup. Yanno?

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

2. Me, too. I have three cats, whom I dearly love,

but lately I've thought it would be really cool to have a dog too. But I'm worried about how the cats would react. Would they be scared, angry or jealous? Would they think I'd ruined their lives? Would the dog attack them? Would they try to eat the dog? I'd like a dog who enjoys water and who I could take sailing, and I don't care much for the little, nervous, yappy ones. I'm also at work during the day, so the dog would have to be home alone with three (possibly angy) cats. So maybe I shouldn't have a dog at all.

I'm going to continue to monitor this thread for comments...

[david13]

3. The big difference is ... your cat does not demand that he can take

you for a walk every morning and every night. A dog does. Dogs are good exercise, as they take you for a walk twice a day. Do not forget that. Do not ignore that. It is one of the most important things to a dog, to get out and get that exercise.
They get real unhappy if they don't get to go.
But it is very good for your health, and very nice to walk.
I don't know what books you have read, but I recommend the dog whisperer. He is a miracle worker, as far as I (and many others) are concerned.
But he will emphasize that walking, that exercise.
Also, get a dog from the pound. They will appreciate it far more than the other dogs. And you are saving his/her life.
dc

[elleng]

4. Spend some time with dogS.

I suspect that just about any breed could satisfy you emotionally, so visit with those with practical characteristics you desire, and spend as much time, wherever you can, with some.

Have a wonderful time.


I love dogs, have had one for much of my life, but can't now, so I'm hoping for you.

[ginnyinWI]

5. I'm a cat person but have had one dog too.

We got her when the kids were small. She was a cocker-poodle cross and a lot of fun. And a fair amount of work, but hey I was home with two little kids anyway. We have lots of stories about her funny antics. This was lots of years ago, and I do think about getting a dog again from time to time. My husband is against it, because of the constant work and not being able to leave a dog overnight as you can with cats. So for now, no dog.

If we did get a puppy I'm sure the cats would adapt. Especially if it starts out smaller than they are--they'd shrug and think, "...crazy, but no big deal."

[hamsterjill]

6. Perhaps you could foster one

Most rescue organizations have need of homes where adoptable animals can be fostered until a forever home can be found. Perhaps you might do that to see if having a dog is going to be a good experience. (And most will gladly let the foster family KEEP the pet if that works out best, too).

I've had both dogs and cats (together) before without any problem whatsoever. Yes, they are different creatures, but given a little time and patience, they all learned to get along and enjoy one another.

Good luck.

[Why Syzygy]

9. Cats and dogs

When my son was younger, we had three cats, two dogs, a rabbit and fish. What fun times those were! One of the cats would only play with my son. She didn't care for the rest of us. The Maine Coon (sweetest thing) sat in the rabbit cage with the rabbit, when he wasn't following us everywhere. When the rabbit escaped his cage one day and we all, including dogs and people, had him cornered between the fences, the rabbit ran right up and over the head of the small dog and kept going.

No one had any squabbles. Just one big happy family.

[REACTIVATED IN CT]

10. I second this suggestion

Lots of rescue groups and shelters need foster homes. If you end up not adopting your foster, at least it will be "cat-tested".

Petfinder is a good place to look for rescues/shelters near you.

[JanusAscending]

7. I'm still looking for a suitable home for mine!

My "baby boy" is a 5 yr. old Bichon Frise'(a very oversized one) I'm in Ct. so it's probably not feasable for you, but anyone one else out there who feels as you do....let me know! For financial and health (mine) reasons I can no longer keep him, purely for his benefit! I wish you luck in finding one if that's what you decide to do.....and please...take a rescue dog!!

[roody]

40. Have you found him a home yet?

[mopinko]

8. take ja's dog.

you can put him on a plane. i think a small dog would definitely be best for you. little dogs are still dogs.
i have 3 1/2 dogs (one resident grandpuppy) right now, which is the legal limit in chicago. i wouldn't know how to live without dogs.

[badgerpup]

11. If you want demanding, then a Shiba Inu will fill the bill...

http://shibainus.ca/

They're beautiful dogs...heard them described as a 'fox on steroids'...but you might want to re-think this on your cats' behalf.
They're HUNTERS.

Jack Russell terriers are demanding too...Patron Saint of Perpetual Motion and ADHD.

Don't mean to sound snarky...just have been listening to...well, not horror stories, but grumbles from friend whose mother is owned by a rather un-restrained pack...which includes a Jack Russell terrier. :hide::yoiks:

If you can get a rescue dog, it would be a kindly thing to do. If you really want a purebred there are societies set up that rescue various breeds.

Good luck!

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

12. I saw one at the local Pet Smart with its owner and I just swooned.

He was a real sweet, friendly little guy. She had cats and said she had gotten it from a small breeder who socialized the puppies with kids and cats before letting them go.

They do look a little foxy, but I think the way the tail curls removes a lot of that.

[Coyote_Bandit]

13. When you're ready to get that dog

I'd like to recommend that you consider two things:

First, consider getting the dog from somewhere other than a traditional rescue organization. There are lots of good dogs in need of loving homes. Check with your local vets. I have a dog that came to me this way. Seems the vet had agreed to take in and rehome the dog - her patient - after his owner died suddenly. The dog came to me with complete medical records and history - and with an agreement regarding her future fees for treating the dog.

Second, consider getting a dog from a reputable breeder that includes a health guarantee as part of their contract. If you don't want to do that then I'd recommend conditioning any adoption - and any payment - on a full medical exam done at your expense by a vet of your choice. A medical exam will not be able to reveal all potential genetic medical issues, of course, only those that currently have some physical markers. Beware of representations as to the health and fitness of an animal made by anyone who has an ibterest in placing that animal in a home. Unfortunately, there is a local rescue group here that is known to misrepresent the health of their animals.

Having a dog as a companion will immeasurably enrich your life - assuming you get a healthy dog that is appropriate to your circumstances and assuming that you invest time with the dog and his training. I've had a variety of animal companions throughout my life. There is nothing that compares to the relationship with a dog.

[bain_sidhe]

23. Must stick up for rescues

I volunteer for a local rescue group, and we go out of our way to detail any possible problems, and we won't LET a family adopt a dog that we think is going to present a problem for them. Yes, some rescue groups will lie to get a dog adopted, but most don't because it's stupid. Not just wrong, stupid. That is, it's stupid if the rescue group's true purpose is *rescue*, because a dog isn't rescued until it's in its forever home. What good is it to trick a family into adopting a dog, only to have that dog returned the next week or month because it's not what the family was told it was. Or even worse, have the dog dumped at a shelter (contrary to our adoption contract, which requires them to return the dog to us if they decide not to keep it, at any time, for any reason, but it happens), where it may be put down.

And to answer a question down-thread, most good rescue groups will put a novice fosterer under the wing of an experienced fosterer for the first couple of fosters. In fact, I never made it out of my "training" because I adopted the second dog I fostered, and don't have room to house another dog long-term. (And some fosters ARE long term, especially so in this economy.) Now I just do short-term dog-sitting for the *real* fosterers, if they have to go out of town or have some other issue that requires the foster be temporarily placed. In fact, I'll be getting a puggle puppy later today, to hold until next Monday when the permanent fosterer can take him.

[Coyote_Bandit]

27. It would apear

that your rescue group - like most rescue groups - does not really place animals in forever homes. Nor do they relinquish ownership of the animal. Instead they retain an ownership interest in that animal - one that requires that the animal be surrendered back to them should I no longer be able to care for the animal. That is an unacceptable option for me. When I take in an animal I make a commitment to the animal - not to a frickin rescue group. I currently have three animals. Should something happen to me, my animals are known and comfortable in two other homes that are willing and able to adopt them. I am the one who knows the acquaintances, the experiences, the preferences and the needs of my animals. I am unwilling to permit someone who lacks that knowledge substitute their judgment for my own. Surrendering an animal back to a rescue group is, however, an option for folks who lack the resources and responsibility to see that their animals have other options to be rehomed with people they already know.

I've got no beef with the kind souls who foster animals and volunteer their time to help animals secure homes. Bless 'em. But there are many animals available from less traditional sources - often without any associated expense. Those sources and those options ought not be dismissed or discounted. Those animals are equally deserving of a good home. And for some folks that $150+ adoption fee charged by some rescue groups - along with the (sensible) requirment (and cost) to spay/neuter within 30 days - is cost prohibitive.

I'm not opposed to all rescue groups. Some are delighted to place a spayed/neutered animal for a reasonable fee - without a surrender clause - after verifying that I don't have a history of animal abuse or neglect and that I have the appropriate facilities and resources to care for the animal. Those 20+ page adoption applications some rescue groups use are really too lengthy and intrusive to verify the basic information necessary to place an animal.

Some rescue groups serve a useful and valuable purpose but:
(1) Many are unnecessarily intrusive in their adoption procedures;
(2) Many are overreaching in their animal surrender/return policies;
(3) Some do misrepresent the health and/or temperament of the animals they place; and
(4) NONE of them are able to know the genetic background of their animals and their susceptibility to related health problems.

The bottom line is that not everyone is willing to take in an animal without knowing something of its history - including its medical history and genetic susceptibilities. Many rescue animals - much like puppy mill animals - are susceptible to long-term chronic health problems. The ONLY way to get that kind of information is to adopt an animal from a reputable breeder - and many of those breeders are willing to provide a contractual health guarantee for their animals.

Next time I go looking for a dog I will seek out a reputable breeder with a health guarantee. I've had the experience and borne the costs - more than once - of caring for a dog that had long-term chronic health problems that had a genetic origin. I'm not willing to take that on again if I can avoid it. If I had the money I spent over the past couple of decades caring for dogs with chronic genetic health problems I could pay cash to buy a frickin Mercedes. And that does not consider the emotional costs invested in their care.

Someone wanting to adopt an animal needs to know that there are many other sources to obtain an animal other than the traditional rescue groups. Depending on the individual circumstances some of those sources may better serve their needs. Rescue folks ought to respect that. Long-term the most successful placements are those that match the needs and desires of both the person and the animal being adopted.

[bain_sidhe]

28. We agree and disagree

I get that you disagree with the surrender clause. Some people do, and they have every right to choose another rescue. And it's not like we check up, beyond sending a "how are you guys doing?" on the anniversary of the adoption. But I've read too many stories about dogs getting adopted from a rescue group, and later dumped at a shelter where they are euthanized, or put on craigs list as "free to good home" - a prime source for "bait dogs" for dog-fighters - and I agree with our policy. You may be the sort of responsible owner who would never do such a thing, but too many people aren't. We do check vet care on previous pets, and we do a home visit before finalizing the adoption, but we can't weed out all of the irresponsible sorts - we're not the kind of rescue that never actually approves anyone for adoption. We do our best to screen out the obvious "bad guys" and take our chances with the rest. So, as I said, I agree with our policy. We disagree on that.

But we're in total agreement on this:

Long-term the most successful placements are those that match the needs and desires of both the person and the animal being adopted.

We strive to do this with every adoption. I only had to respond to your comment that made it appear that most rescues lie about the health and/or temperament of our fosters. We live with them, we give the adopter all the information we have, including whether we think the dog will fit their home and lifestyle (or at least, what we know of it - we're dependent on what the adopter tells us about their lifestyle). But, as you say, we can't know everything because too many of them are strays and we don't *know* their background. On the occasions that we have an owner surrender to place, we give the adopter every scrap of information the owner has given us.

And I completely understand that this isn't enough for some people, and encourage those who want more information, a health guarantee, or a better idea of the size and/or temperament that a puppy will become as an adult, to research breeders, and buy from a reputable one.

I just felt you were painting rescues with too broad a brush.

[Coyote_Bandit]

29. Some rescues

do wonderful work. Some a little less so. And some are appalling. Nothing unique about that. It is true of people/organizations in every industry and field of endeavor.

I think it is a good thing that the rescue group is willing to take an anaimal back. However, I do not think that such a surrender should be mandatory. Some organizations do in fact enforce surrender clauses. Those clauses are a deal breaker for me. My animals are part of an extended family. They spend time in other homes with other people who would be willing to take them in and care for them should I be unable to continue to care for them. That surrender clause does not accomodate such situations - indeed, it doesn't even permit me any input into determining how best to ultimately care for the animals. Even if I have had sole custody of the animals for a decade or more. In such a situation I am not willing to permit someone who has little knowledge of the animal in question to substitute their judgment for my own.

Rescue groups are generally thought well of and have lots of advocates and defenders. People are often unaware that animals are available for "rescue" from sources other than traditional rescue groups (e.g., vets like the one I got my dog from). Many also assume that all breeders are bad and irresponsible. Folks need to know that there are alternatives to tradiitonal rescue groups, that there are responsible breeders and that it is possible to obtain an animal that comes with a health guarantee if medical concerns are an issue.

[bain_sidhe]

30. Ok, but...

I just had to note, we probably WOULD accomodate your situation. Of course, we'd probably meet and do a home visit on the members of your extended family, but we'd probably do that and consider it an "adoption in common" if you indicated at the time of adoption that this is your plan. (We even have a line on our adoption application asking about what you'd do if you could no longer care for the dog.) ;-)

I don't know this, of course, because that particular situation has never come up. But bottom line, we don't WANT the dog back, because that uses up a foster home that could be fostering a new dog. We just want to make sure our dogs have good homes. And we did have an application once for someone who wanted to "share" the dog between themselves and their parents - it was a dog with separation anxiety, and their solution was to take both their son AND the dog to the grandparents for "day care." We did home visits on both places, and approved them, but they ultimately settled on a different dog (from another rescue). I know this case intimately, because the dog was the one that I ultimately adopted myself. Because in trying to figure out what would be the "perfect" home for him, I realized that I was describing *our* home. Besides which, I couldn't hack the uncertainty of fostering, and am now the group's vacation/illness dog-sitter instead.

(*edited to add a link to my Huckleberry's (used to be Lucky) petfinder page: http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=13512681 (note, I did not write the description - another fosterer had him first, but couldn't keep him because he couldn't stand being alone while she worked.))

But your larger point, that many rescues *wouldn't* accomodate your arrangements is well put, and well taken. And I don't actually disagree that some rescues lie about their dogs. But many don't. I also don't disagree that some rescues are so... er... strict about their requirements that they hardly ever adopt out a dog. I view those groups as people who want to be able to write off the expenses of caring for their personal dogs. A real rescue group wants to send each foster to a forever home, so they can rescue another one.

[Coyote_Bandit]

31. I would so LOVE

to have your rescue group here. I actually raised my circumstances with several of the groups here and none were willing to consider the circumstances of what you call a common adoption. In fairness, I should point out that there are responsible breeders who have also refused to consider the same circumstances.

My two small dogs are mostly city dogs that live in a house on a quarter acre lot with a small fenced backyard. But they (and I) spend about one week each month at either my parents (small acreage with a really big fenced back yard and no other pets) or my brother's (a working organic farm near a drive through animal safari). They also have regular opportunity to spend considerable time with a friend and her two small dogs (one of which is related to one of my dogs).

I'm not trying to portray all rescues as bad - though some could clearly stand some improvement. My objection to surrender clauses is their rigidity and inability to consider situations such as my own. If something should happen to me I know there are at least two homes they could go to where they know the people and the environment - and where the people know them. That's where I would want them to go. I can't see how that isn't in the best interests of my dogs.

[bain_sidhe]

32. I can't see how it isn't in the best interest of your dogs, either...

AND the best interests of the rescue - Especially while I'm sitting here with my heart aching over a shy little border collie at a rural shelter we work with - an older girl who was dumped - that we can't take in because we have no foster homes available. She'll probably be put down on Monday if they can't find a rescue to take her.

And, there are dozens of these heartbreaks every month. Why would a rescue want to deny your dogs a perfect solution when there are SO MANY, MANY, MANY, MANY, MANY, MANY, MANY, MANY, MANY, MANY, MANY other dogs in need with no solution in sight???????

(Sorry, I'm a bit emotional today over this girl.)

Edited to add a link... any Michiganders out there with room for this girl?

http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=14499495

[Coyote_Bandit]

33. She's a beautiful girl

I'll send her lots of good thought and warm wishes.

FWIW, I have been advised as to why the "perfect" solution for my dogs isn't so perfect to at least a couple of local rescue groups. First, my parents are too old. Nevermind that they lead active lives, have very few health issues and Dad still chooses to do physical labor a couple of days each week. Of course, inspecting the premises would require either a short drive - or entrusting the inspection to another rescue group in closer proximity Second, my brother's youngest child, a nine year old, is too young to be around the 15 pound dogs. Nevermind the fact that the child has been around the dogs since she was born. Never mind the fact that this child raises, cares for, trains and shows animals as part of her 4H activities. Nevermind the fact that this child has lived her entire life interacting with a wide variety of animals. Inspecting these premises would require a trek out to the country - and there are no other local rescue groups nearby. I also suspect that some in this metropolitan area are biased against approving the adoption to a working farm - after all, we all know that farmers are insensitive to the needs of animals. Third, my friend rents rather than owns her residence. Nevermind the fact that she is legally permitted to keep more animals, has the written permission of her landlord to do so and her square footage is larger than many homes. Doesn't make sense to me. I don't blame the volunteers. I blame the directors and boards who have put such rigid policies in place. Policies which do not have the flexibility to consider individual circumstances.

If I could take your beautiful girl I would. :hug:

[bain_sidhe]

37. Your good thoughts worked! She's safe!

Another rescue pulled her. ::whew!::

As for those "reasons" you listed, well, all of them COULD be reasons not to adopt to that person, but it would depend on the dog. For instance, a shy dog who runs away when frightened probably *shouldn't* be adopted to a working farm, because the first time it got scared, you'd never see it again. Or a very young dog of a long-lived breed probably shouldn't be adopted to a very old person... you get the idea. IMHO, policies like that are supposed to be guidelines, not straightjackets. And frankly, I consider a dog adoption to be nothing BUT "individual circumstances" - each dog is different, as is each potential adopter - age, environment and things like that are something you look at when trying to find the right match. I don't think any of the things you listed are a bar to adoption, *except* for a dog that would not do well in those situations.

[Coyote_Bandit]

43. I'm happy for you and your beautiful girl

I hope she goes to a forever home soon.

I've made a point to introduce my dogs to my extended family and to see that they are comfortable with both the people and their different physical home environments. If something were to happen to me I would want them to go to someone they know who would care for them in an environment which was familiar to them. I've done my best to make that happen.

[MiniMe]

39. I have to butt in here

The rescue I work with (a breed rescue) does insist on a single adopter, or a couple, but they would adopt out to a group of people as long as there was one person is responsible. They just want to have 1 person who is responsible for the dog. We would much rather have a dog not be returned, but we do have a clause that the dog must be returned to the rescue. It is never enforced. If you have somebody else who loves the dog and will care for it, great. We adopt out about 600 dogs a year, what we want most is to find the best place for the dog, we consider the dog our "client", not the adopter. Somebody has to be responsible to keep track of the vet work that is needed. As long as everybody in the house agreed with the adoption, we would be good. The "return" clause is mostly so the dog doesn't go to a shelter.

[Coyote_Bandit]

41. In my case

I live alone and assume full responsibility for the care of the two dogs in question. I travel with my dogs and spend an average of one week each month at either my parents home or at my brothers home on his small working farm. My dogs are familiar and comfortable in each location and are acquainted with all the extended family members. The dogs live 3 of every 4 weeks with me in my home on a quarter acre lot in a large metropolitan area. If something were to happen to me I would want my dogs to go to a place they are familiar and comfortable with people who know them and whom I am confident will care for them. I don't think my preferences are the least bit inappropriate given the circumstances. But there are local rescue groups that would not even consider honoring that desire.

If there is a surrender clause it can be enforced. I think it is great that rescues are willing to accept surrenders. But I also think that - compared to a long time owner - they lack the necessary knowledge of an individual dogs experiences, acquaintances, preferences and needs. The should not be permitted to substitute their judgment for that of the dogs owner/caretaker.

Not all rescue groups are created equal. THe really good ones are far more willing to consider individual circumstances and desires. Takes more time and effort but IMHO ultimately results in more and more appropriate placements.

600 dogs a year? That's great. What breed?

[MiniMe]

45. Labs

In our case, we would actually rather you give them up to where they are comfortable, as long as the person is willing to take them. We have that clause, but it would not be enforced. Like I said, we just don't want them to go back to a shelter. Like I said, in your case, you have made the arrangements, and the dogs are comfortable there. And we would most likely never even know. If you have ever heard stories about why some of the dogs were given up, you would understand. We got one dog in because they had a kid and the lab, and they were both playing in a pile of leaves. The kid got scratched by the dog, most likely by accident, so they gave up the dog. That is an example of a dog we would want back. I have loved most of my fosters, and even keep in touch with the new owners for a while after the adoption. That is partly because I really care what happens to them, and partly to help the new owners out with what I have learned about the dog, and ways I dealt with it. One of my recent fosters I wrote about in the Marshall the escape artist thread. Marshall got adopted and went to a very good home, who was willing to work with the escape artist. It really does give us a reason to foster when a dog does really well.

[Coyote_Bandit]

46. I love labs!

But my boys are small housedogs and I would want to have a much bigger back yard before taking on anything other than a small dog.

One of my favorite dogs ever was half lab and half cocker. Lab body - cocker size with lab ears. Black with a white mark on her chest. She was orphaned and my folks took her in when she was 3 days old. Her mother was an escape artist. She dug out of the yard and got hit and killed by a speeding car. That little dog really thought she was a people most of her life. We lost her about 10 years ago at nearly 19 years of age.

Again, your rescue is far more flexible trhan many of the local ones in this area. Thank you fore being willing to considewer circumstances like my own.

[MiniMe]

48. What they say and what would actually happen are 2 different things

Like I said, we have it in our contract, and won't take it out. However, it has never come to that, and I doubt it ever will. People move with their dogs all of the time. We just don't want one of our former dogs going to the shelter. They will also have a home with us if need be. Not everybody is as lucky as you are with having a place for your dogs to go to. We are getting in a lot of dogs now who have been given up due to foreclosures. Not everybody has a backup plan.

A lot of breeders are putting that clause in their contracts now too. I was working an event for the rescue, and I met a very cute and sweet lab puppy. I told the puppy never to come see me, and the owner (who was the breeder) took great offense at that, and told me that any dog who didn't stay with the owner had to be returned to her, and she put it in all of her contracts. From a rescue standpoint, I understand why. The breeder doesn't want the dog back, but she doesn't want it to go to the shelter either. It's a nice thought, but if your dog gets away from you somewhere, you don't always have control of what happens to it. You hope you get to the right shelter, but it doesn't always happen. And try as you may to find your dog, sometimes you can't. I've had several fosters who were pretty obviously family dogs in their prior lives. But I don't like to dwell on it as it hurts me to think those things.

[Coyote_Bandit]

50. You're right

a lot of breeders are using surrender clauses in their contracts. There is a local breeder here who contacts me whenever she has a surrender. I'd love to take in one of her dogs but I hesitate to now. My boys are old and set in their ways. Not sure they would be accepting of an "intruder" - or how the stress might affect their health.

[MiniMe]

54. You are right to be cautious in that situation

If your boys aren't used to having other dogs around, it can be stressful for them. If you have 2 boys, a female would probably be best, but sometimes females can be really bossy. Talking about dogs here. And if the other dog isn't used to having other dogs around, it isn't a good situation. My boys are used to having other dogs around, and they even put up with the recently neutered ones. Gus is really good if they are pups, but he doesn't let the older boys get away with much. That is why I usually take in younger dogs. Girls can get away with just about anything. My recent foster (the escape artist) was 1, and had just been neutered. Gus was really good with him after initially growling, time in the crate does wonders for my dogs getting used to a new dog and a new dog getting used to them. The other issue I have sometimes is that Gus is a little protective of Eddie, even though Eddie is almost 3 now.

OK, you made me do it, here are my boys. I have to show them off now.

Gus:



Eddie:

[EndersDame]

34. Is that really true!?!?!

I have one cat from a breeder two were strays and my puppy was abandoned by my neighbors. I had no idea how intrusive they were . If I couldnt take care of my animals I want to choose who to take care of them. While I do believe that candidates should be screened I would think that an interview would suffice to get the general character of the person

[Coyote_Bandit]

36. Ummmm......

I'm not sure exactly what you are referring to - but the tale I have detailed is absolutely 100% true.

Those surrender clauses generally don't have a sunset date and remain enforceable. I've got no problem with rescue groups being willing to accept an animal that is being returned. My objection is that those surrender clauses make it mandatory if re-homing becomes necessary and they do not consider the desires of the owner or the experiences, acquaintances, needs and preferences of the animal. Some rescues enforce those surrender clauses and some don't. All have the legal right to do so. If that clause is in the adoption agreement then you can't assume that it will not be enforced at some future date.

I also think that a responsible pet owner has arrangements in place for the care of their animals should they no longer be able to care for them. And I think that to the extent possible that includes insuring that the animals have some knowledge and experience with the people and environment into which they would be placed.

[roody]

35. Please do not buy from a breeder.

This country killed 5 million unwanted dogs and cats last year.

[bain_sidhe]

38. I don't think blanket statements like that are helpful

Breeders aren't my favorite source of dogs or cats, either. But there are some circumstances where that is the best choice for some people. So, my advice would be, if, for some reason, you can't take a shelter/rescue dog into your home, and you feel you MUST buy from a breeder, buy from a reputable, responsible one.

That would be one with the parents (or at least one of them) on the premises, that lets you meet the parent, raises the puppies in a home - and lets you SEE the premises in which they are being raised, does genetic testing, requires spay/neuter contracts for animals that either don't meet the breed standard or have genetic predispositions to health problems, and offers a health guarantee, as well as being willing to take the dog back if it doesn't work out for any reason.

And, it's important to let people know that purebreds end up in shelters, too. If they MUST have a purebred, that doesn't automatically rule out a shelter dog. It does rule out knowing whether they're puppy-mill survivors, though.

[Coyote_Bandit]

42. There are lots of places

to get a pet. And lots of reasons for choosing - or not choosing - one source over another. Neither bred or rescue dogs/cats are more - or less - deserving of a loving caring home.

I've detailed at length my reasons for choosing not to get an animal from my local shelters. I don't presume that your circumstances or desires are substantially identical to my own. Nor do I presume the right to determine what is most appropriate for you.

[roody]

44. Adopting a rescue animal saves a life.

[Coyote_Bandit]

47. So does taking in any animal in need of a home

There are lots of "rescue" animals available that do not come from traditional rescue organizations. Puppy mill animals are sometimes available through non-traditional sources. Breeders sometimes have animals that they cannot place and are willing to give to a suitable home. Vets often have animals to place. In the past I have taken in many stray animals that have been dumped (used to live in a rural area). I've also taken in a puppy mill dog that I acquired through law enforcement. I believe I mentioned earlier that I have a dog I got from a vet - who took the dog (her patient) in after his owner died. I also have another dog that came to me from a vet - the breeder would not place it because it had some health problems and the vet had done thousands of dollars of diagnostic work (DNA testing, ultrasounds, full x-rays and blood, a veterinary school consult, and neutering) to identify the source of those problems. That dog lived a normal doggie life without need for medication.

There are also reasons for taking in a dog with a health guarantee that comes from a responsible breeder. I've watched several dogs suffer with chronic genetic health problems. Emotionally it can be difficult to watch and financially it can be quite expensive if the problems are chronic and continue over a period of years. Some cannot afford either the financial or emotional costs of this kind of undertaking. And a rescue group simply does not have the resources or the knowledge to extend health guarantees. Only a responsible breeder who tests and knows the larger genetic history of an animal can offer any guarantee against these kinds of issues. I'm not asking you to make that choice - but it is a good option for some. And it is not for you to dictate what is and is not an appropriate choice by someone whose circumstances you do not know.

So should someone adopt a dog from a rescue or from a reputable breeder? Well, it just depends. They can be equally rewarding. There are advantages and disadvantages of each:

(1) As mentioned, puppies from reputable breeders are health tested and come with a health guarantee. If the puppy/dog develops a genetic illness the breeder will usually provide information and financial support by covering veterinarian bills. This kind of support is not available from rescue groups. And, yes, there are responsible breeders whose motives are not primarily financial.

(2) Puppies from responsible breeders are bred for temperament. You have some idea what to expect. Adopting a mixed-breed dog from a rescue (yes, the rescues do have purebred dogs but they compromise a fairly small percentage of their dogs and choice is limited to what dogs are available at any time) usually means that you do not know their temperament very well ahead of time - which can lead to problems when it comes to training the dog.

(3) A rescue may not be the best place for someone looking for a puppy. There are more adult dogs in rescues than puppies. And those rescues are likely to be well populated with puppies that grew to be adult dogs that were not properly trained and socialized in early life - and as a result have some behavioral problems.

(4) In ***some*** cases rescue dogs come with behavioral problems. The dog may have a previous history of problems and require extra care and attention to successfully adapt. Some people simply don't have the patience for these kinds of situations. God bless the fosterers who work with these dogs to make them more adoptable.

(5) Rescue dogs are a great idea for someone on a budget. Total cost for adopting a dog/puppy from a shelter will be in the range of $100-$200 - a lot less expensive than buying a puppy from a responsible breeder. Other expenses (e.g., food, vet care, etc.) will be the same.

There are advantages and disadvantages when considering the source to obtain a dog (i.e., rescue or bred). Some people need to be able to choose certain characteristics in their dog. Some people need to get a puppy and train it as it matures - rather than retrain an older dog. These folks may find more choices by getting a dog from a responsible breeder. Others must be aware and limit the costs associated with getting an animal. Many find great satisfaction in adopting a rescue dog and helping to save a dog that has been mistreated. Of course, rescue organizations are not the only source to secure a mistreated, traumatized dog. And anyone who chooses to get a dog from a breeder (or source other than a traditional rescue) can always voluntarily choose to support animal rescue.

It simply does not matter where the dog comes from nor how much was paid for him. All that is important is that the owner is responsible and shares an unconditional love and friendship with the dog. Assuming that is true, it is not for you or anyone else to infer that the wrong decision was made.

[bain_sidhe]

49. In reference to your #4

(4) In ***some*** cases rescue dogs come with behavioral problems. The dog may have a previous history of problems and require extra care and attention to successfully adapt. Some people simply don't have the patience for these kinds of situations. God bless the fosterers who work with these dogs to make them more adoptable.

That's less often true now than it usually is. There are a LOT of owner surrenders of perfectly good, well adjusted dogs who are victims of job loss/foreclosures. But yes, in general, a higher percentage of rescue/shelter dogs have behavioral problems than in the general population of dogs, just because giving up a dog is an irresponsible owner's first choice when their dog turns out to be a problem (often because they *made* the dog that way, but that's another rant).

All three of my current dogs were rescues with behavioral problems. But I have the time, interest, and knowledge to work with them. Other people might not. This isn't an argument, necessarily, for adopting a puppy or from a breeder. A good rescue organization will take your skills and needs into account before letting you adopt a "problem" dog. And they will *tell* you it's a problem dog, because as the two rescue volunteers who have chimed in here have said, we don't WANT the dog back, we want to save another one, so it's important that the potential adopter know and accept the issues. But we'll certainly *take* the dog back rather than have it sent into a bad situation.

That said, one of my previous dogs, Rambeau, was a "vet rescue" who we adopted at age 12 when he was going to be put down because his owner could no longer live on her own and moved in with her daughter - who wouldn't let her keep the dog. In fact (outrage alert), she brought the dog into the vet and said "my mother's at the beauty parlor, and I want that dog dead before she gets out." So the vet called the softest touch they knew... us.

;-)

[Coyote_Bandit]

51. .

I have a co-worker who has an extended family member who adopts a puppy, turens it into a spoiled undisciplined monster and then surrenders it. Rinse. Lather. Wash. Repeat. Does it every couple of years. Hacks me off. Placing any dog with that woman should be conditional on the successful completion of an obedience class - and periodic re-testing. Most dogs with behavior problems are that way because of their previous owners. Folks with patience and skill can work with them to overcome those problem behaviors. Unfortunately, not everyone has the skill, patience or desire to work through those behavior problems. Some people don't even have the skill to train a puppy in basic behavioral skills.

[bain_sidhe]

52. Puppies are a LOT of work!

I'm temporarily fosting one until tomorrow. (I don't foster long term any more) I've had him for a week, and I'm *exhausted*! Give me an adult "problem" dog every time. Granted, I don't work with the aggressive dogs, and I wouldn't because it would put my own crew at risk. But with puppies, you're teaching them *everything* for the first time. It's crucial to get it right, so they don't turn into somebody else's "problem dog." (As you stated, and as I'm repeating, in the hopes that it might enlighten even one soul who thinks puppies are "easier" because they have no "issues." In a real sense, *everything* is an "issue* with a puppy.)

[Coyote_Bandit]

53. Puppies do have to be taught EVERYTHING

Spent some time with an 8 week old schnoodle a couple of weeks ago. You could watch him change from day to day. But he wanted to mouth and chew everything. He didn't know where to do his business - and was unfamiliar with both carpet and grass. He was just beginning to respond to his name. He's got a good mamma who knows dogs (and other animals) and an extended family so he'll be a good dog. Right now there's a lot of work yet to be done.

[HamdenRice]

14. A few observations from a former cat owner, current dog owner

I notice you want a small dog. One thing to keep in mind is that the size of the dog has almost no correlation to how easy it is to take care of. In general there are several large dog breeds that are easier, more cat friendly and less demanding than several small breeds. Lots of small breeds and mixed breeds are part terrier which maybe won't be easy to get to live with cats. While some large breeds, especially the retrievers, are super easy going.

Also, I understand the importance of rescue and shelter animals, but if you are a first time dog owner, getting a puppy is much, much easier in the long run. Puppies are an incredible amount of work at first, but because of the way they bond (they think you are their mother), in the long run they are much, much more cooperative dogs.

Lastly, training a dog can be very jarring for cat owners. Cats are independent. Dogs are extremely dependent. Worse, ultimately, you have to get your young dog to submit -- something completely foreign to cat owners. It doesn't involve being mean, but it does involve certain physical gestures. Once you accomplish this, you probably won't ever have to do it again. Again, it's easier with a puppy.

Dog ownership is in a way much more physical than cat ownership.

[Why Syzygy]

15. Absolutely.

Very well said. Cats are like wash and wear. Dogs are dry clean only silk.

[badgerpup]

17. I've never heard it put quite that way...

...but that's an incredibly accurate and to-the-point analogy.

:applause:

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

16. All good points, thanks.

We were thinking a "smallish" sort of dog, but your points about temperment are very well taken. My sister-in-law had a terrier that was pretty demanding while friends have a Golden that is almost as mellow and decorative as our cats. I always have been a fan of the Sheltie as I mentioned, and the Shiba Inu is a similar size, so I think I just lean in that general direction out of personal preference.

My husband stopped by pet store to look at dogs! Don't freak out, we would NEVER go through a pet store, but I think he might be getting the bug. This will be a loooonnnnggg process until we figure when and if we are ready. The foster suggestion above is good, but I wonder if they would be willing to let a complete novice foster?

I have a friend who lives with a dog sitter and they have occasional dog borders, which is pretty neat.

[roody]

19. Please save a life and don't buy from a breeder.

5 million adoptable dogs and cats are killed every year in this country because nobody wants them.

[REACTIVATED IN CT]

22. A local shelter might be willing to give a novice a chance to

foster. You could start out by volunteering at the shelter itself so they can get to know you and vice versa.

[roody]

18. Our county shelter wants adopters to return the

animal to them if it does not work out. Dogs are wonderful. I volunteer at the shelter and foster dogs. You can find a wonderful dog at the pound.

[Dover]

20. Best tempered, smartest, sweetest dog with children and other animals

that I've ever been around is an Australian shepherd. A nice medium size, and so devoted, loving and calm but attentive. A natural understanding of boundaries too. Never needed a fence as she knew exactly what the boundaries of the property were and generally required very little training - sensitive to simple voice/tonal signals. I think they are the dog-equivalent of a Maine Coon.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Shepherd


Of course I'd be very happy with a mut from a shelter and would probably look for an Aussie mix.

[beac]

21. My cat and my dogs were best friends.

We lost both our dear dogs in the last year and she clearly misses them.

I recommend looking into fostering. Most SPCAs and shelters have a program where you can act as a foster family to dogs they either don't have room for or need some special attention before they are ready for adoption (usu sally something mild like kennel cough or healing a mild skin condition due to living wild) or are awaiting a spay/neuter appointment. It would be a great way to see how all the members of your household, two- and four-legged feel about adding a canine to the mix.

The shelter generally pays for all treatments. You provide food, a warm bed, nice walks and a ride to the vet as needed. You may even find your perfect dog in one of your fosters :)

[soleiri]

24. I've been obsessed with getting a dog.

But the cats of the world are conspiring against me.

I wanted to get a black lab puppy. I Looked online, studied the breed, visited shelters, and then another pregnant cat showed up on our doorstep, again.

[EndersDame]

26. Cats have their minions

[EndersDame]

25. My three cats will not forgive me for bringing home a puppy

The neighbors left her out on the porch when they moved and she followed me home. I then moved back in with my mom to help her out since she fractured her hip. Dogs esp. puppy's require an enormous amount of attention and care. I would also recommend against getting a terrier or chihuahua mix and go for a more docile breed like a lab . I love my little Terrier/Mini pinscher mix puppy to pieces , but she definitely is a little Napoleon and is totally brazen independent and fearless (i love that about her but cats do not)after reading about and observing different dogs a lab mixes seem to be the most easy going.Terriers I have come to know are just crazy by nature. I am still trying to have them get along with no success (most of it is on the puppys end) any advice on that would be appreciated