Puppy vs. Rescue
 

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? :confused:

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 :p:p:p:p:p

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. :)

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:D 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...

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.

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 :confused::eek:

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. :aimeeyork

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. :cool:justsoyaknow

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

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 :D 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 :wub:

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! :p

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.:thumbup::thumbup:

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.

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.

What rescue's did you apply to?

Jez. I will look and see if I still have them bookmarked. This was over 2 years ago. Just got to work. Work the dreaded swing. Will let you know. What is the big deal now anyway. Don't believe me?

Another thing I must say I find kind of annoying.... the kid rule for one. Most Yorkie Rescues have Yorkies that are 8lbs and over yet no kids under 10? I understand if a dog is tiny or aggressive towards children but if they're not... why not allow a family with a child under 10? One of the Yorkie rescues I've seen makes that VERY clear. Also, some will require a fenced in yard. Don't understand that one either. Just because I don't have a fence doesn't mean I won't take my dog to the dog park, or a fenced in area to run every day, or whatever. Or for long on leash walks. Also, requiring you to be over 25 yrs of age. I understand this to a point, but at the same time, just because you're under 25 does not mean you will not take care of your animals. Some people are MARRIED at the age of 21, 22, all younger than 25. Let's say they want to get a dog and rescue one but they're not allowed? I find that ridiculous. Ugh, It's just irritating because it turns people OFF and then things like going to a pet store happen! I 100% understand Rescues must be strict but sometimes I feel they go overboard when we have millions of animals being put down every year.

My stepmom volunteered her time 3x a week to this one shelter nearby and after a few months of volunteering, wanted to adopt 2 cats. Her adoption application was declined? Why? Because they're 1 year old dog Lily was 1 week behind on her shots but the shelter had even spoke with the vet who stated she had one scheduled for the following week. And cats at that point were overwhelming the shelters! After she had volunteered her time to help the dogs and cats there, and was clearly a good person with a good home.

When we found our Toby, I thought Rescue was the way to go. We had just lost our Choco lab and I felt getting a rescue was the more responsible thing to do.
We had given a puppy to our adult daughter, and I couldn't imagine dealing with the puppy housebreaking issues. We adopted Toby and he was totally housebroken, but had social issues. We have had him for a year now, and we love him dearly and he is totally a member of the family.
It has taken a year for him to come around a become what I consider to be a "normal " pup. I guess in hindsight a newborn puppy would have taken the same amount of time, the issues would just be different. We love this little boy like crazy, but I think if we had raised him from a puppy, we would have had a lot less guesswork.

I understand your feelings against buying from a petstore. I admire your persistance in lobbying against petstores and puppymills. But this is a done deal. She said she did not want to do it, tried everything she could think of NOT to do it but really wanted a Yorkie before her Greyhounds forgot their little dog manners. MANY, MANY people here on YT have bought their dogs from pet stores. Most regret the decision once they find out what most pet store puppies come from, but not the fact that they now have a Yorkie. It does no good to continue questioning every single detail of her posts. Its not like she is going to take the pup back! And it sounds like you are questioning her honesty. That makes no sense, she did not have to admit getting her dog from a pet store but did. If she was going to be dishonest, I think that would be the thing to cover up.

As long as we are sure there is a warning/disclaimer in any thread about getting puppies from a pet store, I think we need to hold back the personal judgements of those that have already made the purchase. Circumstances are different all over. I think it is better to save the third degrees for those that have not yet made a purchase. If they are just thinking about it, then you can do everything possible to change their minds. But once it is a "fait accompli" better to say what a shame they had to resort to a pet store, maybe list some alternatives others might consider before resorting to it and then move on -- IMO.

I know there is always a way to avoid buying from a pet store, but seriously there was a day that I might have done so myself, if my mom had not discouraged it. I had heard of puppymills but honestly had no idea the horror that goes on in them until I saw videos posted here on YT. I want to get the word out not to use them too -- but just don't want to keep hitting someone over the head after the deed is done.

I do want to make sure you know that I understand your feelings. You are a great advocate for animal welfare in your stand against pet store puppy purchases and the puppymills that make a mint from the abuse of dogs. Just trying to find a middle ground when it comes to those who already have a pet store puppy.

Can't you find a puppy at shelters/rescues? I've read many places on this site and others that you can usually find a puppy at those places.... but I understand where you are coming from. Maybe you can get a puppy AND a rescue/shelter dog! :D:D

You make very good points! I think rescues should have some general guidelines but allow waivers of certain requirements when other factors overshadow them. For instance, no fence -- but they do walk their dogs on leash, live near a dog park, or have a good recommendation from their vet that their dogs are in good physical condition -- those things could compensate for the lack of a fence. Under the general age requirement but comes with a good vet recommendation and maybe one other authority figure attesting to their maturity and responsibility -- waiver the age. I too, do not understand the no kids under 10 rule, especially with larger yorkies. My yorkies LOVE my 2 year old grandson! I mean they get so excited when he comes over, they are beside themselves with joy. Ben actually cries when my grandson leaves. I would never let them be with him unattended (but then I would never leave a 2 year old unattended without dogs either). But I know they love him and they are all good for each other. I have seen other kids though, that I did not want around my pups. Its more of an individual thing than a hard and fast age.

There needs to be more whole family concept evaluation and less rigid adherence to a set of strict rules, imo. I know there are many that meet all the rules you listed that would make horrible choices for adoptive Yorkie parents. I also know there are many that are disqualified that could provide excellent homes for Yorkies that are sitting waiting for a family of their own. I hope the rescues that are members here on YT will think about this and maybe consider waivers when otherwise well-qualified folks apply.

To answer the question I would rescue. I have had both and raising them from a puppy and doing everything right still dosent insure that you will have a great dog. I have a female who spent 7 years in a cage popping out puppies and was severely abused and completely unsocialized...with the same training, love and patience that you would have to go through with a puppy she is by far the best dog Ive ever had. She is so smart and well behaved...and for me it was one of the most rewarding things Ive ever done. Its something you can just feel good about. All dogs are trainable....some may never recover completlely but its a worthwhile effort. Its such a myth that you cant teach an old dog new tricks...they are so willing to learn.

With YHR each foster mom has the final say over who adopts. I of course only have Truman who it seems will be a forever foster :( But I would look at each application with an open mind. The idea that only rescue would not adopt to a home with small children seems a little one sided. Many of the dogs in rescue come from home that had children or were from couples having children so they no longer wanted to keep their pets. It IS one of the leading reason to give up your pet. I am sorry that there are some that feel it is unfair that you are turned down because of having small children~I was too when my daughter was under 10 but that didn't stop me from trying and finally succeeding to have a rescue AND a puppy. It should be difficult to rescue because it is very easy to give up a pet. A rescue wants to make sure that you have impeccable vet references and will be a very stable loving FOREVER home. Rescues are all volunteers and give so much of their time to what they do that it would make your head spin. It is something that I am very passionate about. :(

It really bothers me when threads turn into "rescues are bad" because we work very hard at what we do. :( We try to do the best that we possibly can to make sure that those that are fortunate enough to have been saved will have the very best home. I would never disqualify someone because they had children if I had an appropriate foster looking for a home. I can tell you that Truman would never do well this kids. He is old and cannot see, gets underfoot and loud noises scare him to death. But if I had a younger pup I would consider anyone that was reasonable and a good match. All rescues are not the same. But good rescues will hold that bar HIGH! :thumbup:

Such a good point...its so easy for people to bash rescues because they were turned down at some point. People really need to consider what these dogs have already gone through and there next home needs to be the last home.

Thank you for your comments and I agree with you but she stated she would do it again and that is why I get upset.

What many people do not understand is that reputable breeders have the same high bar...and many don't sell their puppies to families with young children. They know these puppies are not products and they want the best for their dogs. They want to match the best puppy to the home they are going into.

I will also say every good rescue has a beginning point and what they ideally would like...doesn't mean everyone is accepted or rejected for those reasons..but a beginning. Rescue is always open if people can make a good case...but I can almost quarantee you that many of the phone calls that come in ask what the price of the dogs is first.....:eek:..and then start screaming and cussing when we wouldn't adopt to this family. I have said many times, rescue is not a place to get an inexpensive dog.

One other point is that young families are busy and don't have the time in many cases for these dogs and everyone knows Yorkies demand a great deal of our time.:D...They are also very difficult to housetrain...the majority of rescue's that I got were from families like this and I got 3 dogs because they bit the child so I do worry about this. Statistically speaking only 38% of all dogs and cats will remain in their first home for their entire lives and nationally, over 50% of all adopted animals are no longer in their adoptive home after just the first year.

:thumbup::thumbup:

Thank you very much for coming to my defense. I do appreciate it.

Until you have walked in my shoes.... I looked for months for a yorkie. I have bad hands and wrists and needed a certain size. I could not just walk into the pound and get a yorkie here.

I looked into many rescues. (I can't find them right off) but I was denied no less than 5 times. I went to three breeders and was denied.

So if you want to pick and choose, I did say that I would do it again if that was my only option, and look back and READ I would do it again if it was for my Max.

I hate puppymills as much as anyone, but a person has to do what they have to do. Also, read that I am BITTER about this!!

Just because the rescues would not let me have a dog, I didn't think that I should have to do with out one: one of the breeds that I have wanted for YEARS, but unable to afford, or no room at the inn. Finally, I was in the position to get one, and I DID!

I don't even always agree with the different greyhound group rules, but they are there for a reason. SO I DO UNDERSTAND the reason for some rules, but again, I WAS MAD AND AM BITTER, because I was denied before they did the house check, or vet check.

We can continue to fight and argue about this until the day that we both die. I am not sorry I did what I did, because Max is a wonderful little guy. Great with all the hounds, and is my heart. *they all are* I would have preferred to get a yorkie from a rescue, but there are times when a little checking needs to be done. Rescues don't need to play GOD. I only mean that there are always exceptions to the rules. Even with rescue. Yes...I know what they come across, I see it myself with the Greyhounds.

Until all rescues realize that there are exceptions, people will go to the stores.

Just for fun, ask around and see how many would let you have one with 6 greyhounds, or kids, or no fenced yard, only stay at home retired...

I hope my post did not make you think I was saying rescues are bad! I support them wholeheartedly -- with words, prayers and donations! I only said that I thought waivers should be considered when a family was right in all other aspects. Sounds like you already do that -- so it would not even apply. I have read so many times though, that people are disqualified for small children, no fence, or having other dogs. As long as it was done with the whole situation in mind, I trust that the rescue/foster mom will make the right decision. I do understand now that you wrote more, that sometimes a person may think they are disqualified only for one criteria, when the rescue/foster mom has really dq'd them for a variety of reasons -- sometimes because of their priorities as well.

I would not want you to think I was downing rescues in any way, shape or form! I might have my own idea of something that could widen the adoptive field, but I would never diminish the efforts of our heroic rescue folks! I appreciate you holding the bar high -- as it should be.

I have written before about winding up keeping Rocky -- the last person wanting to buy from me had very rough/rowdy kids and a very large dog. I declined to sell to them, saying I had decided to keep Rocky. I really had not intended on keeping him, but I wasn't going to let him be in danger either. So, I understand what you are saying. I should not have commented in any way that could be construed as criticism. I do appreciate what you all do!

Those statistics are sad! I would never have guessed that many people did not keep a pet, especially one they rescue!

The other day I got very upset over an article in our paper. It started on the front page and I just skimmed through and started complaining the situation was unfair and should change. When I finally got around to continuing the article on the inside page of the paper......I saw that there was much more to the story and my first impression was really inappropriate. I guess there are a lot of times there is "more to the story" than a first glance would tell.

Rescue folks -- keep doing what you do! We really do appreciate it!

I am sorry you are feeling that this has turned into a "rescues are bad\'. NOT AT ALL! They do a fantastic service. I think that most of us that has had a bad experience with them is because they have these BLANKET rules. There should be exceptions to every rule. I also know that they are all volunteers and overworked...but responses to email is SLOW. No rescue is perfect. But all rescues: including the one I work with: should be a little more forgiving in the basic rules of adoption.