Puppy vs. Rescue

[Britster]

Everything Fldebra said

I did not want this to be a rescue bashing thread because I appreciate ALL that they do for sure!

[JERSEY BOY]

Originally Posted by 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.

Before I bought my Jersey Boy from a Breeder, I applied to Rescues about 5 and never received a response. We thought we would be perfect applicants, we were owners of a large breed dog for 12 yrs that we gotten from a shelter when he was 1 yr old ( he passed away). We thought an older dog would be better for us as opposed to a puppy, we're in our early 50's, our children are grown and out of the house, a beautiful fenced in yard, great vet record, lots of love to give and not 1 approval or denial so we did not know what the problem was. The waiting was horrible, we would get our hopes up waiting for return e-mails or calls and no responses. We were ready, willing and able to give a little resuce a wonderful happy life. The rescues have discouraged me from applying again. When we are ready for our 2nd baby we will purchase from a breeder.

[MaddiesMommie]

Wow! I have learned a lot from this thread. I had no idea rescuing was so complicated. hmmm We sorta 'rescued' or 'adopted' from a lady who was no longer wanting her small baby.

Here has been my experience from that: Cooper was brought home as a boy because HER owner did not notice he was a SHE. She spent her time on a deck alone or in a small pet taxi where she would also go to the potty. (This caused all sorts of skin problems.) When we got her she was about 18 weeks old and had no socialization or manners. That has been our biggest challenge. Everything is difficult with her. It has certainly taken lots of time and caused our Maddie some stress to get used to the addition. We are adjusting but I don't know if I would have done it if I had known the challenges it was going to cause us all.