Save A Dog Organisation.

[slk]

After much discussion, hubby and I have decided that we are going to get a puppy for our family.

Our Pug passed away 5 years ago. Since then, we have adopted 3 rescue dogs, each failures in varying forms (a pugx that passed within months of having her, a small white fluffy thing that had aggression issues that weren't picked up on until she took a chunk out of my middle daughters lip and my sons ear and only recently a mini schnauzer who was found to be deaf and just wasn't suited to small children and we rehomed her appropriately).

So. Given our family is young we have decided that an older rescue dog may not be ideal for us. But, I still like the idea of getting a dog from rescue and have noticed that Save-A-Dog get the occassional 'puppy'. I am thinking that under 16 weeks would be ideal for us.

We are not fussy on breed or pedigree - although we don't want a large dog (probably small to medium).

I am going to call the organisation today and just have a chat.

Part of me feels 'guilty' for wanting a puppy over a dog, but I do have to look at my current situation and make the safest and most practical choice at this point for our family. I am not rushing into anything - my children are 9, 7 and 3 - good ages but each passing month that we wait gives them a little more maturity (oh, the puppy is not for them, we are the ones wanting a dog and they get to enjoy him/her but it's certainly not a case of getting a puppy for the children).

I'm assuming it's a reputable organisation - any feedback or warnings anyone can give me would be greatly appreciated :D

[BJean]

After much discussion, hubby and I have decided that we are going to get a puppy for our family.

Our Pug passed away 5 years ago. Since then, we have adopted 3 rescue dogs, each failures in varying forms (a pugx that passed within months of having her, a small white fluffy thing that had aggression issues that weren't picked up on until she took a chunk out of my middle daughters lip and my sons ear and only recently a mini schnauzer who was found to be deaf and just wasn't suited to small children and we rehomed her appropriately).

So. Given our family is young we have decided that an older rescue dog may not be ideal for us. But, I still like the idea of getting a dog from rescue and have noticed that Save-A-Dog get the occassional 'puppy'. I am thinking that under 16 weeks would be ideal for us.

If you want more predicability wrt physical attributes, size, temperament, energy level, care requirements etc

you would have more likelihood of 'success'

if you decided on a breed based on your family's needs

and then seek that puppy from a reputable registered breeder.

'small Puppy' is not sufficient criteria for a family.

:D

Edited January 8, 2010 by lilli

[slk]

Please, give some credit. "small puppy" in not my only 'criteria'. I don't want a large dog (even small puppies can grow to large dogs).

I will wait for the right breed / mix. I will do my research.

Our first loves are pugs. Our boy was from a breeder. But in all honesty, I can't justify spending $1500 on a puppy for pedigree when there are pups ourt there (albeit mixed breeds) in need of a good home. Believe me, I will spend any amount of money on a dog to keep them healthy and happy (our last rescue cost me thousands to get to the point that she needed to be rehome, don't begrudge one cent of it).

What I'm asking is, has anyone had any experience with Save-A-Dog, what should I be wary of when adopting a puppy from shelter/rescue.

[mutt lover]

Please, give some credit. "small puppy" in not my only 'criteria'. I don't want a large dog (even small puppies can grow to large dogs).

I will wait for the right breed / mix. I will do my research.

Our first loves are pugs. Our boy was from a breeder. But in all honesty, I can't justify spending $1500 on a puppy for pedigree when there are pups ourt there (albeit mixed breeds) in need of a good home. Believe me, I will spend any amount of money on a dog to keep them healthy and happy (our last rescue cost me thousands to get to the point that she needed to be rehome, don't begrudge one cent of it).

What I'm asking is, has anyone had any experience with Save-A-Dog, what should I be wary of when adopting a puppy from shelter/rescue.

My family and myself have always adopted dogs from shelters, and have never had a bad dog yet! Like you I'd love to get a

pure bred dog just love the mini schnauzer's but would never be able to afford $1000 to $1500 for a dog so for me will always go back to shelters, and nowdays you can go into pen with pups etc to see if you or your child bond with them.

Good luck hope you find something soon.

Edited January 8, 2010 by mutt lover

[Animal House]

To be honest, with 3 rescue failures already, I would be going with a reputable breeder and getting a pug. If you spent thousands on your last 'failure', then $1500 is not unreasonable. Or you could look at getting an older pug through rescue perhaps?

If you get a pup from any rescue, you cannot be guaranteed what the father was like, he may have diseases, aggression issues, any number of things.

While it is commendable that you want a rescue dog, in this case I would be strongly advocating a good breeder who can pick out the right pup for you.

[BJean]

Please, give some credit. "small puppy" in not my only 'criteria'. I don't want a large dog (even small puppies can grow to large dogs).

huh?

small puppy = small breed/mix that is a puppy.

I will wait for the right breed / mix. I will do my research.

Our first loves are pugs. Our boy was from a breeder. But in all honesty, I can't justify spending $1500 on a puppy for pedigree when there are pups ourt there (albeit mixed breeds) in need of a good home. Believe me, I will spend any amount of money on a dog to keep them healthy and happy (our last rescue cost me thousands to get to the point that she needed to be rehome, don't begrudge one cent of it).

What I'm asking is, has anyone had any experience with Save-A-Dog, what should I be wary of when adopting a puppy from shelter/rescue.

That you wont really know what the mixed breeds in the puppy are -

therefore there wil be more variability wrt mature size, temperament, behavioural traits etc.

[Kirty]

I have had a few dealings with Save-A-Dog and they are all lovely people. They seem to do good health and temperamane tests, but I've never actually adopted from them. They have a website and their puppies are listed on it.

[BJean]

What I'm asking is, has anyone had any experience with Save-A-Dog, what should I be wary of when adopting a puppy from shelter/rescue.

just looked on SADS' website

and if I was looking for a puppy, I'd want more reliabilty when it came to breed identification - and yes I get it that they're a rescue and do their best

but I really don't think a family with your dog owning history (I'm thinking of your middle daughter who had a chunk of her middle lip bitten) should play 'pick the breed' (and therefore characteristics etc) when choosing a suitable puppy for their family.

as an example, (for their medium to large sized dogs, and I know you're looking at puppies)

http://www.saveadog.org.au/dogs/dogs_medlarge.asp

Leo is not a Maremma x

and

Ella is not a Lab x.

No lab in Ella.

Ella is an Anatolian x maremma.

If you were to adopt her as a puppy thinking she was a labx

big variance in behavioural and temperament expectations.

If you like pugs then try pug rescue???

Edited January 8, 2010 by lilli

[Austerra]

Keep a watch on DOL listings you will probably find a pug on limited reg for pet home or one slightly older that has been run on in hope of showing/breeding but hasn't quite reached the mark, the only thing it may take a while just keep looking. At least you will know what you are getting.

[Jimmay]

I got Tyson as a rescue pup without any knowledge of his breeds, my only requirement was that he was good with cats and motivated enough for training and he fit the bill. I don't see breeds being THAT big of a deal when getting a mutt, and if she's raising it from a pup it can be raised to accept kids etc.

What you can't avoid of course is health issues that arise with poorly bred dogs, that's just something you're going to have to accept if you're going to get a rescue pup.

Edited January 8, 2010 by Jimmay

[BJean]

I got Tyson as a rescue pup without any knowledge of his breeds, my only requirement was that he was good with cats and motivated enough for training and he fit the bill. I don't see breeds being THAT big of a deal when getting a mutt, and if she's raising it from a pup it can be raised to accept kids etc.

What you can't avoid of course is health issues that arise with poorly bred dogs, that's just something you're going to have to accept if you're going to get a rescue pup.

Being raised to accept kids

and being suitable/ideal to be raised in a home with children

are NOT the same thing.

Breed does matter, and to imagine that a dog being a combination of breeds will somehow overide this fact, is fanciful.

BUT it's way too hot today, so I'm off to the beach and I'm sure another DOLer will come along and fill in the blanks ;)

Edited January 8, 2010 by lilli

[InspectorRex]

I agree with other posters. Contact a few Pug Breeders( I can give you the details of one here in Vic who is reputable and sometimes does have dogs to find forever homes) who may have a "pet" puppy for sale, that way you know what Mum and Dad are like and will usually have full back up support.

Personally I would not take on another "rescue" given your past experiences Unless you have seen how the dog reacts in all situations etc.

A dog is for Life so the choice you make means that the dog should be a family member for many years and not to be rehomed again because things did not work out.

If a dog comes into this household it stays whether or not it makes the grade in the show ring etc or illness takes it from us.

[Kirty]

Reading what slk has written, none of the dogs she adopted were unsuitable because of BREED. They were dead, aggressive or deaf! Nothing to do with their breed. Many many dog owners are not set on a particular breed and are flexible to meet any dog's needs. I am that type of owner. I have four dogs with very very different needs here, and I adjust to suit each one. If you have an open mind and are flexible, there is nothing wrong with adopting a mixed breed pound puppy.

[LouBon]

Good on you for rescuing. Jump onto the rescue thread here on DOL if you haven't already and post in there, i'm sure you will get lots of feedback.

[Jimmay]

I got Tyson as a rescue pup without any knowledge of his breeds, my only requirement was that he was good with cats and motivated enough for training and he fit the bill. I don't see breeds being THAT big of a deal when getting a mutt, and if she's raising it from a pup it can be raised to accept kids etc.

What you can't avoid of course is health issues that arise with poorly bred dogs, that's just something you're going to have to accept if you're going to get a rescue pup.

Being raised to accept kids

and being suitable/ideal to be raised in a home with children

are NOT the same thing.

Breed does matter, and to imagine that a dog being a combination of breeds will somehow overide this fact, is fanciful.

BUT it's way too hot today, so I'm off to the beach and I'm sure another DOLer will come along and fill in the blanks ;)

Hmm well Tyson resembles a stafford am I right? Staffords are supposed to be high drive, high energy dogs that love nothing more than a good tugging match yes? Tyson is too lazy to even chase a ball let alone tug on the spring pole I constructed for him after researching the breed he resembles the most.

Edited January 8, 2010 by Jimmay

[Loving my Oldies]

Can I suggest having a look at the current thread about what you'd wished you knew before adopting a dog? Some good and fun stuff there.

Look at PetRescue.com.au. Lots of rescue groups adopt interstate.

And remember there will always be some people on DOL to pick you up on the slightest off chance thing you might say ;) . No throwaway remarks allowed here .

[slk]

I'm learning that I need to be careful how I word things, because they are being slightly misunderstood.

Our rescues did not work out through lack of caring or just not wanting to put the time in. We went for breeds that are known to be good, family dogs. Our pug x passed away far too young (heart related and not diagnosable and so no-one is to 'blame'). The aggressive dog was PTS. I got her from a collegue of my husband - she was going to be surrerened to the RSPCA because she killed one of their hobby farm chickens. She was 'raised' around a young (3yr) old child. She assured us that she was very stable and sound with children. 2 serious dog bites in 1 day and I called her and her response "oh no, not again - I was hoping she wouldn't do it there". She had bitten their child. Rightly or wrongly, I marched her up to the RSPCA and more than likely she was put to sleep becuase I had to write on that surrender form that she bit my child. I couldn't rehome her myself, because I was far too concered that she could be passed on again to a family with children. Our schnauzer, she was a puppy farm girl and we knew that she had behavioural issues and we were willing to put in the hard work to help her. We had a visit from one of the lovely behaviourist on here and would have gone to any length to help her settle into family life and would have worked with Judy for as long as it took (and she would be our first point of call if we every needed dog help again, she's worth her weight in gold!). But her hearing defecit (a result of no vetinary care while she was breeding and an ear infection left far too long) made her unsafe and unstable to have around young, impuslive children. She was rehomed caringly and appropriately.

I think that perhaps this may be the wrong forum to discuss this. I have been deemed, from my history, as someone who shouldn't adopt, regardless of circumstance. I'm sure that we will be able to adopt a puppy as a pet, that doesn't have to be pedigree. Geez, growing up our family dogs were all 'bitzers'. No papers in sight. Raised from puppies and all fabulous family pets - they were either neighbourhood giveaways or pound puppies.

I'll keep my eye out. I'm sure the right one will come along.

I have spoken to SAD organisation and got some helpful information. I'll wait, and watch, and if the right puppy comes along then we'll have a look.

[pip1981]

Good luck slk!

I'm sure you're right, and the right puppy in need of a good home will come along soon

[Loving my Oldies]

Good luck slk!

I'm sure you're right, and the right puppy in need of a good home will come along soon ;)

Ditto

[mita]

Reading what slk has written, none of the dogs she adopted were unsuitable because of BREED. They were dead, aggressive or deaf! Nothing to do with their breed.... If you have an open mind and are flexible, there is nothing wrong with adopting a mixed breed pound puppy.

Well said, Kirty.

Like Jimmay has said, even if you go for a particular breed, there's variability in temperament & how the dogs were socialised, within the breed.

My breed of choice is p/b tibetan spaniel (bit of a pug wearing fancy clothes!).

But each one's had some behaviour differences because of traits in their particular bloodline plus how they were socialised. So we've had a tib who adored babies & children (raised with them) & one who ignored children to go to adults (not raised with kids.) But never one that'd bite a child.

I've only ever heard good things of SADS. So best wishes to the OP looking there for a suitable puppy. Purebred or mixed breed.

Only thing I'd add, is to also look on PetRescue for any rescue puppies that are being fostered in a home with children....& loving it.

I hope the OP is not put off keeping us up-to-date on how her search is going. It's how we learn on DOL.....from each others experiences & knowledge.

Edited January 9, 2010 by mita