[gemy]

Originally Posted by Mayzoo

We adopted Mario from a pound. We were not screened at all, and Mario was not even bathed during his stay at the pound. He was a mess with fleas and dirt. He had no health screening and only saw the vet to be neutered prior to his coming home with us. We had to insist that he was heartworm tested (at our expense). All we were told about him is he was found in a Walmart parking lot and it took them three days to catch him.

We thankfully knew what we were potentially getting ourselves into. Many people have no idea and do return the animals within the 14 day "trial".

We all had a long road adjusting but I know we all consider ourselves blessed we got Mario. He is very loving and loyal to us now and I *know* he is happy now. Win/win but *only* because we expected the worst, got a fair share of bad, weathered the bad and we all came out of the transition with glowing faces.

We have gotten many dogs from pounds/rescues. Most were much younger than Mario so much fewer issues than he. Bailey, our other furry love, had sarcoptic mange and was invested with fleas and worms. He almost died several times. But again, by weathering the ($$ costly and emotional roller coaster in his case) storms we have a fabulous life-long love in our lives.

IMHO, getting a shelter dog is wonderful only if you are willing to go the full way with that dog. If you are not willing to make a to death do you part commitment, maybe another way would be safer for all involved. There are many happy endings for/from shelter dogs for those who will stay the course, but the course itself is frequently a very bumpy one for a while.

Wonderfull advice.