Ruin Maniac Posted October 6, 2012 Share Posted October 6, 2012 Hi everyone, Some of you may have seen my thread in the Puppy Problems forum regarding my search for a companion dog. As well as being offered some fantastic advice, I have also been reassured that there are some common misconceptions about rescue dogs and that I shouldn't disregard them based on what some say. This is a relief to me, since a rescue dog was the first avenue I began to pursue when I decided I would like a new companion. However, adopting a rescue dog seems to be a different set of hurdles, and I want to be prepared for them. The age limit of 25 has been a setback when I've looked to adopt from some shelters, even when I've felt a dog there could be right for me. I am an adult, independent and financially secure but I am renting (a dog friendly home). Am I going to be seriously limited by my situation and age? I understand why these things will raise concerns, and I know that many people my age can be highly irresponsible and have little knowledge of how serious a commitment dog owning is. What can I do to prove that I'm aware that a dog is a serious investment of time, finances and care? Is there such a thing as a bad rescue? I ask this because I was given accounts (I cannot confirm these, they are second hand) by multiple people of horrible experiences when adopting pets. Among others, these include: Adopting a dog that was child-aggressive, unknown at the time of adoption, and having to have it PTS as they were told the rescue would do the same because it has bitten someone. Adopting a dog that was terrified of people raising their hands, even to reach something. Would immediately begin to growl and could not be touched until she settled. Adopting a dog that was fine with women, but hated men. I accept that they may be exaggerated and even biased, but I would like some reassurance and would like to know what kind of questions I need to ask before adopting a dog and also whether there are warning signs about rescue facilities, volunteers and animals that I should be keeping an eye out for. I am determined to either get a rescue dog or a dog from a reputable breeder. I cannot and will not support anyone that uses puppies for profit. So any advice you can offer will be appreciated a great deal. If you do decide to have a look at my thread in Puppy Problems, and you think you may have a suitable dog for my situation, I'd also be happy to hear from you. Thanks everybody :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staffyluv Posted October 6, 2012 Share Posted October 6, 2012 Dogs from reputable rescues will have been temperament tested and all the dogs 'quirks' and 'issues' should be made available to you when you enquire about a particular dog... I didn't know that rescue orgs had an age limit, I have never heard of that before... Your best bet is to contact a rescue (or a few of them), explain your circumstances, the type of dog you want to give a home to and add anything that you won't accept.. You have to remember that a lot of rescue dogs are there because they have never been trained or had very little training and or socialisation. Often times, they have been dumped in a backyard and turned into barkers, diggers, dogs that jump up or shy away and generally problem dogs.. All these things can be fixed with time, patience and training... Not all rescue dogs are like this but some are.. If you don't want to spend the time training or walking a dog, then you need to let the rescue org know,so they don't suggest one of these dogs... Yes there are bad rescues out there but by and large, I dare say they all are all in it for the dogs... I wish that there was more screening for homes by some as here on DOL we have seen more than a few come here to complain about their rescue is not what they trout it would be. It also takes time for a rescue to settle in, some more than others.. One of my fosters was still a bit shy a month after being here. She was great here with us but wary of strangers. She had 4 visits to the new family home, a meeting at the park twice with them, their kids over the space of a couple of weeks before she went to live with them.. Some take more time than others but remember, you can always contact your foster group for assistance in settling your new dog in.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ruin Maniac Posted October 6, 2012 Author Share Posted October 6, 2012 (edited) Thank you, Staffyluv :) Should I be asking them about those tests or potential temperament issues, or will a good shelter lay them on the table first? The age limit I've encountered with Victorian Dog Rescue and a few independently run shelters I've contacted to ask questions. I think people are concerned I will treat a pet like an accessory to the home and not a family member. Ideally, I'd prefer a dog I adopted to have issues that weren't extreme. This would be the first dog I've been fully responsible for and I'm not sure my experience would be adequate enough to help them overcome issues such as extreme aggression, fear or destructive behaviour. If I took the chance, I'd also worry that, if these things were taking considerable time to improve, the neighbours or landlord might put it at risk of being evicted from the house. I would therefore not be offering a dog like that the chance it deserves to a good quality life. Timidness, rehabilitation for injuries and lack of training are things I'd be willing to dedicate myself to improving, however. And of course I will be considerate of the fact that the dog is in a completely new environment and will need time to become comfortable. A house pet isn't something you can pull out of a hat, I'll do whatever I can to make the transition as smooth as I can when the time comes. That's no problem. :) Edited October 6, 2012 by Ruin Maniac Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staffyluv Posted October 6, 2012 Share Posted October 6, 2012 A good shelter will tell you but in all honesty, it would be better for you to ask.. At least you know what they have discovered about the dog then.. Also, dogs often act quite differently in a pound environment compared to in a foster carers home... I suggest you contact a rescue organisation near you and ask them what they have that would suit your circumstances.. Check out pet rescue.com.au, as they list a lot of animals in foster care already... It is good that you know your limitations, as its your first dog in your own etc. Have you de died on a type of dog? Small, medium, large breed? How much grooming, exercise or training can you do or will have time to do? Once you know the answers to these questions, go to the generals optic section and start a thread telling people what you think you want and the times you have etc.. I am sure we can help you come up with the right dog for you. Just because you are in Vic, doesn't mean you need to just use Vic rescues.. Most rescues are happy to transport dogs and there is a wide network that accomplishes amazing feats for dogs... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plan B Posted October 6, 2012 Share Posted October 6, 2012 The age limit of 25 has been a setback when I've looked to adopt from some shelters, even when I've felt a dog there could be right for me. I am an adult, independent and financially secure but I am renting (a dog friendly home). Am I going to be seriously limited by my situation and age? I understand why these things will raise concerns, and I know that many people my age can be highly irresponsible and have little knowledge of how serious a commitment dog owning is. What can I do to prove that I'm aware that a dog is a serious investment of time, finances and care? I've never seen a rescue or a pound with an age limit like that. The only age limit I've seen is for 18+ which, for legal reasons, is more to do with signing a contract etc. Renting shouldn't be a problem - a huge percentage of Australians rent - though most will require confirmation from your landlord/real estate. Is there such a thing as a bad rescue? Unfortunately, yes. Though I would say most of these are just misguided and don't take into account both the dog's needs and the family's needs. Rather, they just want to see the dog in a home. This is where the horror stories stem from, lack of proper screening and matching. Should I be asking them about those tests or potential temperament issues, or will a good shelter lay them on the table first? You should most definitely ask. While the better rescues and shelters will tell you all issues the dog may have, you have to remember that each home/family has different requirements, and if you don't ask the questions, you're not always going to get the answers you need. Matching a dog to a family is a two-way partnership between the Rescue and yourself. Both need to work together to ensure the best possible outcome. Look for a group that will offer an adequate adoption trial. Four weeks is a good amount, though as you know, some dogs can take longer to settle, while others adapt very quickly. You'll want a Rescue that will help you during that trial and even beyond, maybe one with behaviouralists/trainers already on board if you so need them. Bear in mind that, even when a dog has been in foster care for a long time, they can display different behaviours in any new environment. So while a Rescue will do their best to tell you about any issues they know of, there may be some that haven't presented in their current environment. On the flipside, some behaviours they display in their foster home, might not present in your home. Ultimately, the Rescue should be doing all they can to ensure the best possible match, and that both you and the dog are enabled to make it work. Ask as many questions as you can think of because that will better help the Rescue find that perfect dog for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loving my Oldies Posted October 6, 2012 Share Posted October 6, 2012 Is there such a thing as a bad rescue? I ask this because I was given accounts (I cannot confirm these, they are second hand) by multiple people of horrible experiences when adopting pets. You bet there is ... sadly. Remember pet rescuers are human beings with all the faults and failings that implies. Just because someone rescues a pet from a pound doesn't mean they are a good person. Start trawliing through the PetRescue website, if (more likely when :laugh: ) you see a dog who appeals to you, contact the rescuer ask all the questions you feel you need to ask. Explain what you are doing, that you are justing starting your search for your dog and if you sense even the slightest antipathy don't proceed. A good rescuer WELCOMES questions. When I rescued and fostered, if I felt my dogs weren't suitable, but also felt they were genuine if would always refer them on to another ethical rescuer. Make notes. Don't leave a rescuer hanging. If they get in touch with you, respond. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Her Majesty Dogmad Posted October 6, 2012 Share Posted October 6, 2012 (edited) Plenty of bad rescuers around. Why anyone would want to rescue an 1.5 yr old dog and then hand it to an 80 yr old is beyond me. That's a rescuer I heard about this week ... 80yr old suddenly became unwell so couldn't take the dog. It's not about handing a dog to the first person that calls OR wants to adopt it. It's about making a match so the dog isn't looking for a home in the next few months or years. I rescue different kinds of dog as well as a purebred. Even with the purebreds they are still individual and we make the individual match with a home, we don't just say here's the next Italian Greyhound available to the people on our waiting list ... If it sounds like hard work - it is. The worst aspect of it are the people who really muck you around and make ridiculous demands of any dog. Edited October 6, 2012 by dogmad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aphra Posted October 6, 2012 Share Posted October 6, 2012 There are good and bad rescues like everything in the world. I think you'll find the bad ones are easy to spot: if you think you're being pushed into taking a dog, or they don't want to answer your questions, or if things seem a bit suss, then they possibly are. More to the point is finding a rescue group who are sympathetic to your needs and who you find some common ground with. For example, we don't have an over 25 year age limit; we try very hard not to make blanket assumptions about people's level of responsibility based on blanket criteria such as age. But all rescue groups operate a bit differently based on the value-systems, experience and, yes, prejudice, of their individual members. If you have an uncomfortable experience with one group, try another one. If you find a group who seem to be saying the sorts of things you like, contact them and tell them what kind of dog you are looking for. It's quite possible that even if they don't have the dog you want, they have a good prospect coming into their system, or know of one with another rescue group. Like pretty much any area of human endeavour, if you make the effort to build a bit of a relationship with people, talk to them about what you want and are worried about, you'll find most rescue groups willing to help. If you're after a particular breed of dog, then by all means talk to breeders and find the right breed. With the right breeder you'll get lots of help and support. If you're more interested in particular attributes than breed, a rescue might suit you. Look for a rescue group who are happy for you to ask lots of questions, who offer a trial period, and who wills support you once you get your new dog home, both during the trial and beyond. Contrary to popular opinion, most rescue dogs are good citizens who just got unlucky. If they have issues they tend to be minor ones that you see in dogs around the community, such as jumping up, pulling on the lead, selective hearing. Most rescue dogs aren't broken, or bad, or ugly, or big or dangerous, or whatever. Just as an example, and bear in mind that we're a really small group and don't have huge numbers of dogs coming through. I rehomed an incredibly cute, 3 month old Shih Tzu X puppy this morning. We have a Cairn Terrier and a Mini Schnauzer looking for homes (although I think they are both spoken for), both dogs are house trained, have terrific house manners and are great with other dogs. I have no idea why either of them would be in a pound. I'm beginning to think that its almost as important to match a person with the right rescue group, as it is to match them to the right dog or cat! Good luck with finding the right dog for you, try not to get too anxious, this should be a fun experience. Trust your instincts and find a breeder, or a rescue group you can trust to hel0p you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Rusty Bucket Posted October 6, 2012 Share Posted October 6, 2012 You might want to look at this. My main criteria was "pick the friendly dog". If you pick the "hard case" then some really deserving and easy dog may get PTS. And you may end up bringing the "hard case" dog back too because training it to behave nicely is too hard. http://www.clickandtreat.com/shelterdogs.htm And if the shelter is listed with PetRescue - it's more likely to be a reputable one and not a variation on animal hoarders or animal charity scam artists. http://www.petrescue.com.au/rescue_directory You can always come back here and ask us if we'd be comfortable dealing with the rescue of your choice. Or ask us to recommend our faves in your area. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ruin Maniac Posted October 6, 2012 Author Share Posted October 6, 2012 All of this information and advice has been extremely reassuring and helpful. PetRescue has so many dogs it's as wonderful (in that people are helping homeless dogs) as it is sad (in that anyone would choose or have to abandon them). I'm particularly saddened by dogs owned by older couples who've had to retire to homes (and those dogs are often seniors themselves). I'll start getting in touch with some of the rescue groups. Just letting them get a rough idea of what I'm looking for and my situation/lifestyle would be appropriate? What's the standard procedure as far as interstate adoption goes if I find a dog I like in, for example, Perth? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Rusty Bucket Posted October 6, 2012 Share Posted October 6, 2012 standard procedure would depend on who you're adopting from. But you could expect the interstate rescue to organise a home check with someone they trust in your area coming out to assess your home, and discuss making it dog safe for the dog you want. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ruin Maniac Posted October 6, 2012 Author Share Posted October 6, 2012 That doesn't sound too complicated. :) Is it better to drive/fly out and visit the dog in person before they are brought home though? Has anyone had any experiences with that? I know puppies are flown out fairly often, but what about an older dog that's a little more shaped personality and behaviour wise? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plan B Posted October 6, 2012 Share Posted October 6, 2012 (edited) That doesn't sound too complicated. :) Is it better to drive/fly out and visit the dog in person before they are brought home though? Has anyone had any experiences with that? I know puppies are flown out fairly often, but what about an older dog that's a little more shaped personality and behaviour wise? We generally don't adopt interstate, not because we have a rule against it, but because we do require everyone to meet the dog in person before anything proceeds and even then, we don't do same-day adoptions as we get all relevant checks done after the meet and greet, and there's not too many people who have the ability to do that. We also don't fly pups, so that might be something you want to look into, as other groups could be the same. There are Rescues that don't require you to meet the dog beforehand but it's something I'd always recommend, if possible for you, because then you can be absolutely sure you've made the right decision. Maybe you should track down a few dogs in the same sort of area that appeal to you and plan a little weekend away, giving you more options for adoption. That way you won't have had a wasted journey if the one dog you go to visit doesn't work out. (Not that any meet and greet is ever wasted but you know what I mean). Edited October 6, 2012 by Plan B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purdie Posted October 6, 2012 Share Posted October 6, 2012 Also check on ...www.saveadog.org.au Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Rusty Bucket Posted October 6, 2012 Share Posted October 6, 2012 @Purdie Does saveadog desex and microchip all pets before rehoming? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purdie Posted October 6, 2012 Share Posted October 6, 2012 @Purdie Does saveadog desex and microchip all pets before rehoming? Yes ;Adoption fee includes;desexing,vaccination,worming,microchip.vet check and assessment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Rusty Bucket Posted October 6, 2012 Share Posted October 6, 2012 Tah for that Purdie. I think I must be going blind - couldn't find it on the website... tho it's there now. Like things that magically appear on supermarket shelves I'm sure I checked already. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loving my Oldies Posted October 6, 2012 Share Posted October 6, 2012 And if the shelter is listed with PetRescue - it's more likely to be a reputable one and not a variation on animal hoarders or animal charity scam artists. http://www.petrescue.com.au/rescue_directory Not necessarily. There are rescue groups with their animals listed on PetRescue that I would run a million miles from . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keetamouse Posted October 6, 2012 Share Posted October 6, 2012 (edited) I do send my dogs interstate, one has gone to NT, SA, Qld, VIC, I won't send to WA as I feel it is too far for the dog to travel. I have at least 4-5 phone calls with the new owners and can get a very good idea of their character and whether they can give the dog a great home, I have people in that state to do the home visit for me and report back, if I can't get that done I ask for pics of their home, fencing, the whole family, their other dog/s and references, I tell them warts and all about the dog they are adopting, I have a dog going to Byron Bay next week and she has a weak bladder and she dribbles occasionally from a damaged bladder from having babies too young, according to the vet, she can go on meds for life or she doesn't need to it is not serious, the new owner has her vet report and still wants to adopt her, so she is going, it is a great home and I don't want her to miss out on this home as she does deserve the best this little lass. She was picked up in Bungendore rather neglected and in a bad way and had been living under construction machinery and had injured one of her legs which has now healed, she is a cross westie girl called Lollie. Maree CPR Edited October 6, 2012 by keetamouse Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Perry's Mum Posted October 6, 2012 Share Posted October 6, 2012 I adopted Perry without having met her - I had long discussions about her and her past and what I would do with her with two separate people from Koolie Rescue and they had me and my house checked out. I paid for her to be flown down from Armidale on the understanding that it was a three week trial and that she would be returned at my expense if it did not work out. I fell in love with her before we had left the airport - she has been a challenge at times but also a total joy and we have been together almost 9 years now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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