another chocolate lab to keep me and chili busy. prefer 8 weeks to 3 years old with no known health issues. Live in New Mexico and willing to travel to AZ, TX, CO
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another chocolate lab to keep me and chili busy. prefer 8 weeks to 3 years old with no known health issues. Live in New Mexico and willing to travel to AZ, TX, CO
Check these out.
Luvin Labs
Labrador Friends of Arizona
Desert Labrador Retriever Rescue | An Arizona-based Rescue Group
Rocky Mountain Lab Rescue
Mile High Labrador Retriever Mission
Heart of Texas Lab Rescue
Texas Lab Rescue
Texas Sporting Breed Rescue | DFW Adopt a Labrador | Golden | Setter | Pointer
I know someone that might be having chocolate puppies in one of your states, what is your time line, right away or later in the year?
my timeline is w/in next 6 months. I have been looking at the pounds/shelters last couple months but everything in this area is pit or chihuaha mix.
put in a 8 page application for a dog...what a surprise, I could adopt a baby for less. see how it goes, Im open minded. talked on the phone with one of the volunteers. sounds like they dont like my fenced in yard cause the gates only 4 feet high...gave them my vets info...see how the interview and home inspection goes...are all adoptions so intense? might just buy another dog. The dog Im trying to adopt has been living in a vets cage for last year, Im sure thats better than my home...done ranting.
Yes, they are. These dogs often come from terrible situations or are ripped from their family due to illness, divorce or death, and the rescuers do everything in their power to provide these dogs with the best adoptive families possible and take the responsibility to care for the dog for the rest of it's life very seriously. It's a lot of heart and soul (and time and money, not to mention blood, sweat and tears) that go into a rescue and these people take their role very seriously.
You'll spend about $1,500 on a new puppy, which is hardly the cost of a rescue that will be spayed/neutered, vaccinated and health-checked before the adoption.
I get it. I was denied the adoption of a cat once because my dog was over 6 months old and intact. I still find that extremely unreasonable, given the circumstances (how many cats are in need of a home on a daily basis?) and the fact that I have been an approved foster home for very picky rescue organizations for Labs and Goldens since I was 25 years old.
Before I found out I was getting Brooks I put in an application with Lab Club of the Potomac rescue. It was pretty much as you described with your experience. Plus if I was interested in a particular dog, myself, my wife, and Sophie would have had to go meet the dog first before they would give final approval. I follow LRCP and it's heartbreaking to see so many nice dogs, especially seniors needing homes. I think when Brooks is fully mature (at least 3 years old) I may start taking in seniors. Nothing planned in the short term though, Brooks is more than enough to keep me busy!
good luck.
I just want to note: yes SOME rescues are pretty anal and crazy picky (to picky). sometimes they are picky in general with tons of flat rules. I find breed specific rescues tend to be more so.
But that isn't ALL rescues. YES a good rescue will have an application, a call and a home visit but it should be mostly painless and rules should be more based on the dog (ex: a dog with zero recall that tends to run away - yeah they'll require a fairly good fence. other dogs maybe no fence as long as owners are responsible about not just letting the dog loose on day 1 - and YES I know many people who actually DO THAT). I hope more rescues are able to find the middle ground of yes screening but not going too far.
Consider all breed rescues, labs end up there too.
ETA: I don't see how asking that the family meet the dog is "too much"?
The rescue I work with has a one page application and in depth interviews are done with potential adopters regarding the specifics of the dog someone is interested in. Good rescues ask lots of questions, do home visits, make sure the entire family is onboard and ensure that all dogs in the household are compatible. It may feel like a hassle to potential adopters but they want to do right for both the dog and adoptive family and avoid a bad fit.
Not all adopters do their research and need to be told that a dog won't be a good fit for their family or lifestyle...and sometimes a specific fence type is necessary for a specific dog. A good rescue will take that information and make suggestions about other dogs in their program or other breeds that will be a fit for a family and their lifestyle.
Look at it as they are doing their research just like you are.:)
I'd applied with a rescue prior to finding Sunnie (that dog was taken by the time my application was finalized and Sunnie was recommended by the coordinator of that rescue...she was in an out-of-State shelter and I never would have found her myself). I don't remember the length of the application but I had to give three references and the name of my vet (they checked with all four sources) and then I had a home visit. I was just glad that they thought enough of their dogs to thoroughly vet the folks interested in taking them.
Im ok with the process, i filled it out and sent it in. Im just thinking in the back of my mind how I have raised an awesome chili doggie and now I get to be interviewed and have my vet/friends/family questioned along with my home scrutinized when I am trying to help. Its not about the money(for a new dog or for an adoption)...since this is my 1st time, Im just going with the flow...but even my non pet owner family is like wtf when it comes to adoption. I dont even know if I will like the dog after I meet it or my dog will like it after I have spent a good day or so of effort. I have a great loving home looking for another family member...hope it all works out. Its not a problem to buy another 2k puppy, but it shouldnt be a problem to adopt 1 either.
Best of luck to you, I am sorry they are giving you a hard time. Just so you know, I do just about the same thing, my questionnaire is only two pages though. ;-)
a good rescue isn't grilling your family and vet. Nor are they "scrutinizing your home".
They want to see that you brought your dog to the vet at least semi regularly and generally more or less listened to strong recommendations (if not we would ask why and there may be valid reasons). How else are they supposed to know you actually bring your dog to a vet? We've had applicants with 10 year old dogs that hadn't been to a vet in 7 years. In some cases we did adopt to them after further discussion (so it's not black or white either).
I actually don'T particularly like personal references but they can be handy to get an idea of your experience with dogs in general. believe it or not we've had some sorta say this wasn't a good time for that person to get a dog :P
The home visit really for me is about the family meeting the dog (in most cases) and seeing the dog in their environment. We look for things that could be a danger or an issue not fr cleanliness or size of home. Ex: someone who thinks their house is fully secured but there is a huge gap - not saying we won't adopt but we'll point it out). As well as seeing how the dog and any resident animal get along. Sometimes we'll do that on neutral territory if needed (based on dogs). Remember most people want dogs to get along quite well and are not really willing to trouble shoot blending issues.
Yes some visits are ridiculous. But remember a GOOD rescue isn't there to JUDGE ANYONE. Especially with all breed rescues and stuff. It's about finding the right dog for that family. We've had MANYYYY people apply on a dog that is totally not a fit for their home/schedule/lifestyle. No we are NOT gonna adopt that particular dog to them. But if they are willing to let us recommend a better fit we do. And we've made great matches that way. It's rarely rarely rarely about "being a good dog owner or not" but about finding the family a dog that is the best fit for them, and a family that is a good fit for the dog to increase odds it's a forever home.
I've adopted out to first time dog owners, family with young kids, lots of no yards, no fenced yard, living in apartments. all depending on keen-ness of adopter and the dog in question.
Think through .
To save on the lab rescue questionnaire and get a actual dog after repeated rejections.
Cost here in New England to adopt is close to 800 for a lab.
Turned down due to no fence .
Turned down due to small kids.
We adopted a chocolate lab on Facebook for 100 and the dog arrived neutered and in great condition.
The rescue had a no return policy but said he was kid friendly .
He was not, found out that the foster when took the dog out for walks ,the dog on walks he did not bark at kids .So they classified him as kid friendly.
We absolutely loved him but with a 4 yr old we could not risk a incident..He was not exposed to kids and there antics . But I absolutely cried like a baby when. I dropped him off.
Also when they said medium dog ,out comes a skinny 80 lbs really tall chocolate lab hound mix. We were able to rehome him with a good local rescue.again he was a amazing dog .
We have Gigi we got for 400 ,half the price of the local rescue cost from a backyard breeder. Wish adoptions are a little cheaper especially labs.
We learned a lot about breeds ,breeders ,adoption and just having a big dog. We made a few mistakes and it's experience .
We are actually going to foster a dog a d next year I am building a fenced area.
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i am pro positive for adoptive/rehoming....just a tad sensitive. maybe its my memories of walking down the execution line at the spca back in the 70's....
I hope I can adopt this big 3 yr old choc lab in area. just wished it wasnt so detailed. if anything i should be asking more questions for its health insurance policy.
The actual meeting with this particular dog may not go well....but you'll have been approved to adopt A dog and won't have to go through all of that with a future pick. According to the rescue I'd used, approvals from other rescues are often used by rescues, too...maybe the rescues/shelters have select lists of ones they'll consider, but you may already have a leg up with other places, too. One of the questions on the form I had to fill out was about other applications/other rescues.
Good luck...hope all goes well with this.
I'd guess it depends on the shelter or rescue, and the availability of dogs in your area. Through the SPCA shelters here, I've adopted adult dogs twice now. I was interviewed pretty intensely for both dogs but via long, friendly conversations (email/phone, in person). To my surprise, competition for dog-friendly, people-friendly, medium/large dogs was (and still is) strong. I had to act quickly - check listings daily & email a completed application asap because the most likely candidates got snapped up before I could even drive out to see them! I think I must fit some sort of profile for the ideal adopter for older dogs because both times, the shelter decided during my first visit that I was the right person. But when I asked a volunteer at one shelter about a younger German Shepherd, she shut me down on the spot by telling me they were looking for a particular kind of person to adopt him. I was a little taken aback but took that to mean they were looking for someone with high energy levels.
Adoption through rescue organizations seem to take longer here, more like what you describe.
Good luck with your search!
I got my cat from a local pound here. What I thought was odd was to adopt a dog I would have had to go through the same thing your describing.
I wasn't looking for a dog at the time I wanted a cat. I still have her and she is a nice kitty :)
But anyway I went in to look at the cats they had and I filled out a VERY short application form, picked the cat I wanted and had her in the next 2 days. Only reason being was because she had not been spayed yet. They didn't even check with my vet. Seems they are much picker with dogs adoptions compared to cats. Here anyway.
I got my 1st phone call after application, everything went well, emailed some pics of my yard/fence. everything seemed good, even my fence issues seemed like it could be rectified with help on both sides. next step is to meet with dog, hopefully I fall in love....this rescue seems to be fair and open minded so far.
IMHO rescues are dealing with a lot more people who have no clue or very little knowledge about owning a dog and what it takes, the commitment. As a group, we get it, we know. It boggles my mind how most of us would be turned down by a rescue. But they don't know us, they don't know we have what it takes. Other than a dog that does not like children (if you have kids), is too much dog for an older person, a dog going into a home with little to no chance of getting the exercise it needs, or does not get along with current pets, we all qualify. But they don't know that. They often get very attached to their rescues and are searching for the "perfect" placement, if, they admitted the truth, they don't want to find because they are too attached.
I don't mind giving references, especially my vet. The home "inspection" does not bother me either. They are not looking for a mansion or a super clean home. For me getting seniors, a minus to a rescue would be finding a house with lots of stairs or insecure footing type floors would be a consideration. Luckily for the seniors and my old bones living and sleeping areas are all on one floor.
I want so bad to get another senior lab and am hoping upcoming doctors appts will show the improvement I've made so I can start looking.
Fingers crossed for you Fran!
Going to meet the dog tomorrow. says the biggest issues with dog are that it is 100% cured from heartworm and has lots of energy. anything recommended to look for at visit. it will be at a vets clinic. getting excited.
Our first Lab Brutus was three when we got him...he'd been treated for heartworm a year before and was considered cured. He was. But he had major issues with outside/exercise heat for his entire life. He actually started having seizures at about the age of 11 or 12 that seemed to be heat related but we were never really able to pinpoint that. (A subsequent Lab...my yellow girl Honey...was diagnosed with seizures directly related to internal overheating and so I reflected on what was triggering those of Brutus in earlier years.) Bru was pretty much a big couch potato but we definitely had to keep an eye on external temperatures, not walk him in temps over about 60 without a cooling jacket if in direct sun, and allow him to call the shots relative to exercise in general. The vet confirmed for us that the heartworms or the treatment itself was probably what compromised his system to begin with. (My Honey was a hyperactive/anxious dog and created her own heat...definitely not mellow Brutus' problem.)
I hate to rain on this parade but thought it was worth mentioning...you can check out possible connections if you think something like this would be a problem based on what you do with your dogs (exercise-wise).
good to know. only other info I gained was that it walks nice on a leash and he needs room due to all his energy. I figured being with my chili would drain both the dogs quite a bit in addition to their walks. I actually was more concerned about behavioral issues and things to look for as I really dont want a barker. I baby sat a dog before for 2 weeks that wouldnt let a bird in my yard...constant barking...anyways Im hoping its a dog that will fit my family.
I hope the meeting goes well. I'd try to think of any behaviors that might be a deal breaker for you and ask about those, in case whoever has been caring for him can offer insight on that. I suspect that how the pup acts when he first comes home will not be how he acts once he settles in and gets comfortable. Does Chili come to this meeting? Good luck at your meeting!
If I like the dog, there will be a meeting w/my wife and chili...and if that goes well, a home inspection/visit, and then adoption I believe. Sooo much harder than just buying a pup or even picking up a dog from the pound. I guess once you get approved, the process will be easier the next time.
Good luck! Can't wait to hear how it goes!
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the meeting was good, gonna introduce my dog on saturday. Attachment 5743Attachment 5744
He looks like a happy guy!
He has got some issues from my non educated eye. just got neutered. just finished heartworm treatment and has hump in lower back from treatment but vet said should go away. need 4 month retest to be sure heartworm issue cured. barked at a few dogs that came near him. lots of jumping and energy. I am thinking with training and love can get thru some of my initial impressions...but if he is aggresive towards my baby chili or barks alot, I dont know. only 1 dog has been aggressive to chili and that was a full grown intact pit. guess we will see how saturday goes...
So far, so (mostly) good....good luck with the meeting. Hope all will go well and the boys will get along.
Wishing you well on Saturdays visit.
well my meet and greet got cancelled, looking for a better fit according to rescue workers :(
Oh, no...did they at least give you a reason for why they didn't think it had a chance for working? I'm so sorry.
said he was a bit too aggresive/high energy.
and I was too chill I suppose.
Well...the aggressive you can certainly do without. Rely on their having observed him more than you were able.
The first dog I applied for was a 6 month old female Beagle. I was just told originally that someone claimed her before my application was approved. Come to find out, the foster decided to keep her after they'd posted her as available, which annoyed me no end. OK...I found Sunnie...I was happy. Then the rescue told me the first dog was available again....turns out she wasn't really housebroken and the foster changed her mind. Really??? I wasn't about to change my mind about Sunnie but, too, I knew that Beagles had a reputation for being hard to housebreak and this one was already 6 months old and "bad" enough to turn off the foster.
Everything happens for a reason.
You and Chili will find the right one.
I took chili best friend for walk today and was nervous cause I attached them together with 18 in leash to there harnesses. it was best walk, most likely due to service dog.
Attachment 5750
i am clueless on rotating phone photos sorry.