Puppy vs. Rescue

[Britster]

I thought this could be an interesting topic.

Honestly, what would you prefer? To get a puppy around 12 weeks of age or rescue a dog? What are the pros/cons of each?

I know personally, I would love to rescue a dog. But I find it so difficult to get approved, they always seem to find something "wrong" whether it be not a fenced in yard or something else. I do understand why they're picky as these animals have been tossed around from home to home usually and they're just trying to find the best placement. Often times with a rescue, you will be taking on the dogs problems that past owners created or let go on. I must admit it - it scares me. What if I rescue a dog and he/she is too much to handle for me? I'm not one to just give up on a dog but it's something I worry about. Sometimes a dog will act one way in a shelter and get into your home and completely do a turnaround (good or bad). On the other hand, a lot of times getting a rescue is better because some may already be potty trained, they're already through that puppy/biting/chewing/peeing everywhere stage, etc. And you're saving a life! My pros for getting a new puppy however... I would like to raise my dog from the start so I can have control of how my puppy grows up and gets socialized, etc. It's fun to be able to watch a puppy grow and be like a mother from such a young age of a pup's life.

What do you think about this?

[CouversMom]

Originally Posted by Britster

I thought this could be an interesting topic.

Honestly, what would you prefer? To get a puppy around 12 weeks of age or rescue a dog? What are the pros/cons of each?

I know personally, I would love to rescue a dog. But I find it so difficult to get approved, they always seem to find something "wrong" whether it be not a fenced in yard or something else. I do understand why they're picky as these animals have been tossed around from home to home usually and they're just trying to find the best placement. Often times with a rescue, you will be taking on the dogs problems that past owners created or let go on. I must admit it - it scares me. What if I rescue a dog and he/she is too much to handle for me? I'm not one to just give up on a dog but it's something I worry about. Sometimes a dog will act one way in a shelter and get into your home and completely do a turnaround (good or bad). On the other hand, a lot of times getting a rescue is better because some may already be potty trained, they're already through that puppy/biting/chewing/peeing everywhere stage, etc. And you're saving a life! My pros for getting a new puppy however... I would like to raise my dog from the start so I can have control of how my puppy grows up and gets socialized, etc. It's fun to be able to watch a puppy grow and be like a mother from such a young age of a pup's life.

What do you think about this?

I too like the idea of a rescue, but with my social butterfly Couver, I would have trouble with the possibility of getting an unsocialized rescue. We go everywhere, and I want to know that my dog will be able to handle it. The feeling of saving a live is an amazing one... I rescued two cats from the shelter, but I also do not plan on taking them to the kitty park, where I will have to worry about agression or other unknown problems...

With a puppy, you have them from the beginning. While having them from the beginning does not necessarily guarantee you a perfect pup, you do have more time to mold them.

While I know many people on here disagree, I would have a really hard time getitng into a situation that I do not feel 100% confident about. I have seen puppies needing rescue though... so maybe that could be an option?

[megansmomma]

First~my Bogey was just over 1 when I brought him home from the shelter. He was a spazzzzz! Now 1 year later he is the best little guy that I could have ever asked for

Second~there is a difference between a rescue and a shelter dog. A rescue should have been in a foster home, you will be able to meet him and get a better idea of you are compatible. I took a chance with Bogey and he is perfect!

My Doodlebug is a rescue that I adopted as a puppy so it is totally possible to be able to have both. Truth be told, I wouldn't change a single thing about either one.

Finally, I am not opposed to anyone purchasing a puppy either as long as you do it the right way. No bybers, puppymills, pet shops~make an educated well researched purchase.

[greyacresmom]

I TRIED to rescue. Sent out many e-mails. But, yes you are right about them either not responding, or finding something wrong. NOBODY would let me have one because of the greyhounds. So I did the unthinkable and got Maximilian, momma's million from a pet store.

He and the hounds get along great. I know my greyhounds, and new that I could watch and train if there was problem. NOBODY thought I knew what I was doing. There are more "littles" deaths from just getting stepped on by a large breed dog, than probably the prey drive of the greyhound. Most people know their dogs.

***sigh**** I guess I am still bitter. One day I will get over it...

[chachi]

Well I have a nine yr old child so alot of rescues wouldnt give me a dog. I do have a good home for one though. My front and back yard are fenced so its a pretty safe environment for dogs. Anyway I buy from breeders. I also like to get dogs as pups since I have a child and let the pup grow up with the child.

[megansmomma]

Originally Posted by greyacresmom

I TRIED to rescue. Sent out many e-mails. But, yes you are right about them either not responding, or finding something wrong. NOBODY would let me have one because of the greyhounds. So I did the unthinkable and got Maximilian, momma's million from a pet store.

He and the hounds get along great. I know my greyhounds, and new that I could watch and train if there was problem. NOBODY thought I knew what I was doing. There are more "littles" deaths from just getting stepped on by a large breed dog, than probably the prey drive of the greyhound. Most people know their dogs.

***sigh**** I guess I am still bitter. One day I will get over it...

I don't mean to be rude but if you do grayhound rescue why in the world would you ever think it was wise to purchase from a pet store

[redvalaria]

I can absolutely talk about both angles, cause I have one of BOTH.

Hamish was a surrendered dog, who was about 4 when I got him. He was a "runner" and I really believe his family was abusive because he was scared of feet, ran a lot, but he was such a grateful, lovely creture who just adored my (wait for it) 171 pound Great Dane. The were the best pals. Phantom died at 8, but while they were together the were the best buddies in the world (helps that Hamish weighs 19 pounds!). He was housebroken and played fetch, loved me, followed me around so much my daughter nicknamed him "my doggy husband".

Fergus I got at 13 weeks. He is my heart, my protector (he really does bark at everyone canine or human who comes near our chair!). Everything his is, or isn't, is MY fault. Housebreaking has been just LOADS of fun. I don't miss it at all! and his obedience is non existant. But I got puppy kisses and he and I bonded in a totally different way.

My next one? I will let fate decide. If my breeder has a litter, maybe I'll get one of his cousins....or if I find a rescue (I do a lot of rescue work--out vet is a registered non profit rescue) that needs ME and fits into our family, then that's how I will go.

What I will NOT do: go to a pet store. Or a byb'er. or order a dog off the internet.

but I will leave the rest of it to fate.

[greyacresmom]

Originally Posted by megansmomma

I don't mean to be rude but if you do grayhound rescue why in the world would you ever think it was wise to purchase from a pet store

Be rude all you want. I didn't think it wise perse, but unavoidable. I had lost my last little, (lost three in the span of 8 months due to old age) and didn't want the greyhounds to be without a little. I didn't want them to forget that a small dog is part of the pack. I had tried rescues, pounds, and even breeders. After 4 months of looking and trying, I had to give up. Would you have had another suggestion?

I live in a town of about 6000. I had to drive 3 hours one way in order to even find one. Would I do it again? For Max? Yep.

And also just to clarify: There is a HUGE difference between working with retired racers and puppy mills. justsoyaknow

[m2thev]

I can give you both sides since I rescued a cocker girl and just got my little yorkie girl

First, I think each experience is personal and varies differently by individual.

My rescue girl was surrendered by a wife and husband who recently had their first child. She went straight from their home to ours. She was housebroken, fully vetted, spayed, and well socialized.

Although everything turned out great, I knew my next furbaby would be a puppy. I wanted to be able to choose my puppy, the breeder, and I wanted to raise my furbaby from puppyhood throughout adulthood. I wanted the fun, energy, playfulness of a puppy, and even wanted to puppy train her myself.

I just got my puppy a week ago Friday, and couldn't be happier She came from a YT member and is everything I always wanted and more! Right now she's laying in my lap as I type this response

It was a win/win for me and my family with both experiences. Both experiences have also been very fulfilling. Hope this helps and doesn't confuse you more!

[MollysMum54]

I have adopted 2 rescues, but not at the same time. My first, Willow,a collie whippet cross, was 6 years ago. She was 10 years old when i rescued her and i loved our 4 years together.
I watched her change from a frightened little thing who had suffered years of abuse, into a trusting confident girl who i believe loved me as much as i loved her.
Molly was much younger..2 years old when i adopted her 2 years ago. We have such fun together. It is a different relationship but i love her so much.
With so many dogs in care, i dont think i would ever feel comfortable getting one from anywhere else..Thats just how i feel and i'm not saying its right for everyone.
All i will say is please look into adopting a rescue before you look at puppies.

[livingdustmops]

Originally Posted by greyacresmom

Be rude all you want. I didn't think it wise perse, but unavoidable. I had lost my last little, (lost three in the span of 8 months due to old age) and didn't want the greyhounds to be without a little. I didn't want them to forget that a small dog is part of the pack. I had tried rescues, pounds, and even breeders. After 4 months of looking and trying, I had to give up. Would you have had another suggestion?

I live in a town of about 6000. I had to drive 3 hours one way in order to even find one. Would I do it again? For Max? Yep.

And also just to clarify: There is a HUGE difference between working with retired racers and puppy mills. justsoyaknow

Sorry but there are to many Yorkie breeders in Arizona for you to have to buy from a pet store. I also know to many small dogs end up in rescue in Phoenix and Tucson so again I don't understand buying from a petstore. I did Yorkie rescue for over 6 years in the state and yes it is doubtful we would adopt to someone with greyhounds due to the size but the shelters would and many breeders would.

What town do you live in?

[greyacresmom]

Originally Posted by livingdustmops

Sorry but there are to many Yorkie breeders in Arizona for you to have to buy from a pet store. I also know to many small dogs end up in rescue in Phoenix and Tucson so again I don't understand buying from a petstore. I did Yorkie rescue for over 6 years in the state and yes it is doubtful we would adopt to someone with greyhounds due to the size but the shelters would and many breeders would.

What town do you live in?

I live in Golden Valley. I did find about 6 breeders at the time that had pups, and like you said, there was not a breeder that was willing to sell to me with the Greys. I do not feel bad about my decision: only because of the fact nobody has any idea the amount of work I put in looking for a rescue. I would have preferred it. Anyway, as the post states, and all my posts about this: I AM BITTER. The reason I am bitter? They made me go to a pet store. Time was of an essence. My Greys were already without a little for a few months.

You can look back and say: "so and so would have adopted to you" and "you should have got to such and such". I did not keep a list of all that I called. I did have a few email correspondence, which has been lost since my laptop died... I hindsight is 20/20 as they say. But at the time: the huge BUNCH of people I contacted would not adopt to me. I did what I had/needed/wanted to do. And as I have said...if I wanted another and they all gave me the same amount of BS, I would go to a pet store again. As much as I would HATE to.

[livingdustmops]

I did not say a breeder would not sell to you...I said rescue would not let you adopt...Most of the breeders in AZ would have sold to you ...

Why the rush? Do you fear the Greyhounds could do something to a Yorkie...

P.S. I am fully aware of where Golden Valley is...and Las Vegas has breeders also who would have sold to you.

[greyacresmom]

Originally Posted by livingdustmops

I did not say a breeder would not sell to you...I said rescue would not let you adopt...Most of the breeders in AZ would have sold to you ...

Why the rush? Do you fear the Greyhounds could do something to a Yorkie...

P.S. I am fully aware of where Golden Valley is...and Las Vegas has breeders also who would have sold to you.

Sorry, I thought I read that you agreed breeders might not adopt to me. But that is the fact. About the rush: Yes, if you read the original post, the greys had been without a little in the pack and I wanted them to keep a little in the pack. I wanted a YORKIE. The pounds around here didn't have any. And when I called PX area pounds, they would not tell me over the phone what little dogs they had. I looked on pet finder at the time and all the yorkies were with rescues. **(this was over 2 years ago-so not sure of the polices now) and PX is a 4.5 hour drive from here and I have a truck that I am lucky to get 15mpg with. So I could not just up and go every weekend to "see" if they had what I wanted. Again...NOBODY has any idea of the time and effort that I went to, to get a yorkie pup from a rescue/breeder. So that is the reason I do not feel bad. There you have it. Until you have walked in my shoes...you should not judge!!

Again..I am bitter that I had to go to a pet store. That was my last resort. If it was something I wanted to do....do you think I would be so bitter about it?

I know a lot of people hate the stuff GPA makes them go thru to get a Grey, so I knew what to expect..but to be turned down with out a home/vet/reference check...totally sucked.

[livingdustmops]

Originally Posted by greyacresmom

Sorry, I thought I read that you agreed breeders might not adopt to me. But that is the fact. About the rush: Yes, if you read the original post, the greys had been without a little in the pack and I wanted them to keep a little in the pack. I wanted a YORKIE. The pounds around here didn't have any. And when I called PX area pounds, they would not tell me over the phone what little dogs they had. I looked on pet finder at the time and all the yorkies were with rescues. **(this was over 2 years ago-so not sure of the polices now) and PX is a 4.5 hour drive from here and I have a truck that I am lucky to get 15mpg with. So I could not just up and go every weekend to "see" if they had what I wanted. Again...NOBODY has any idea of the time and effort that I went to, to get a yorkie pup from a rescue/breeder. So that is the reason I do not feel bad. There you have it. Until you have walked in my shoes...you should not judge!!

Again..I am bitter that I had to go to a pet store. That was my last resort. If it was something I wanted to do....do you think I would be so bitter about it?

I know a lot of people hate the stuff GPA makes them go thru to get a Grey, so I knew what to expect..but to be turned down with out a home/vet/reference check...totally sucked.

What rescue's did you apply to?