Originally Posted by Mayzoo  Mario is from a rescue. He came from a pound actually. He is not purebred (yorkie mix), but he is an awesome little fella. He was a mixed bag of gold (ie smart as a tack, eager to please, and very attentive) and coal (abused and completely untrained) when we got him. After a great deal of time, love and training, he is now an awesome family member and my daughter's service dog. Getting him was one of the best decisions we have made in.
We have another rescue (airdale or labradoodle mix) who was diagnosed with sarcoptic mange, severe neglect, life threatening parasite load, etc. We nursed him through and a chunk of change latter, he is also an amazing companion and addition to our family.
If you do not have unrealistic expectations, you should be fine. Pups from rescues rarely come with a clean background. Not all, but quite a few have minor to serious issues. Usually, these issues can be overcome with love, patience, training, love, patience, and more love and patience. You need to be honest with yourself if you are able to deal with potential rescue pup behaviour. Just to name a few you may run into:
1. Seperation anxiety
2. Past abuse issues.
3. No, bad or negative training from their past.
4. Nipping or outright biting, usually from fear.
5. Bad/no housetrainning habits
6. Resource guarding/hording
Before you pick up a rescue ask yourself these: Am I willing to make a life-long commitment, regardless of how my dog turns out to be (rare exceptions of course)? Am I willing to help this dog integrate into my life and family no matter what behaviours present (baring the rare exceptions)? Can you handle training the dog yourself, or can you afford a trainer should one be needed?
Rescues can be amazing additions to a family, but they can have issues that need to be addressed and overcome. Not everyone is suited to rehoming rescues, even though they may make great puupy/dog parents. Personally, I feel truly blessed to have my two amazing "little men" in my life now!!
I hope this helps you some, even though it only partly addresses your specific questions. |