Might be getting a rescue dog. Tips?

[lost in space]

Our daughter, who just moved back in with us from the west side of WA state, has planted the idea in our heads — hearts too — of getting a shelter dog. I'm here alone for several hours a day, pretty much stuck to my recliner, for hours at a stretch and could use the company. She's committed to helping with the the walking and cleanup. We've found one we like on petfinder, about a five hour drive from us. Any tips, ideas, experiences, dealings with petfinder? TIA

[ka jowct]

You should work with a group that will allow you to foster a dog. This process will be much easier if you can deal with a group much closer to where you live.

[davemchine]

We fostered a few shelter dogs and each of them had severe behavior problems and we were unable to keep them. Sometimes they are in the shelter for a reason. I would suggest either getting a young puppy or getting a shelter dog that can be returned if it doesn’t work out. I’m aware many people have had much better experiences with shelter dogs but I think it’s fair to share my experience.

Edit: we now have two pugs that we got as puppies. One is 6 and the other 12. Very good experience.

[graylocks]

lost in space says he's stuck in his recliner a good part of the day. a puppy would be too much work. i'd forgotten that when I got my last one in 2021. I may get another dog in my life but it will not be a puppy.

please consider a senior dog rescue. might be an awesome fit for you.

[MikeF]

No experience dealing with petfinder. I second the recommendation of a local shelter just so you can visit the dogs and get a feel of their personality.

Our last 7 dogs have been rescues from different breed rescues (golden retriever, german shepherd, 1 from a sign posted in our vet's office). We currently have a german shepherd mix from the local animal control (SPCA-LA) that we've had for almost 2 years. She had been in the shelter for over 9 months when we got her (they said 6 years old but she seems younger). She is very well trained (as we got her; not by us) and can hold going outside for over 1/2 day if necessary. The really sad part is that there are still a few dogs that were in the shelter with her and are still there (2 years later)...

[davemchine]

I had back surgery in my 40's and was stuck sitting on the couch for much of the day. This lasted quite awhile. Our first pug kept me company during that time and she was a source of great comfort. Now that she is 12 and struggling physically I'm fairly emotional about helping her as much as possible.

from a "few" years ago

[anonymouse1]

We got a rescue dog from a distant shelter, and it had behavior problems. We had to give it back (they claimed to rehome them, the I don't know. Broke our hearts, especially my daughter's.

My strong advice: don't do it unless it's a local shelter where you can get to know the dog first. Or maybe someone nearby has puppies or a dog they want to adopt out.

Adopting remotely is an extremely risky idea.

[kj]

I add to the cautionary opinions. When my wife and I got married we got two pound dogs and one was a puppy and a gem. The second was grown and the first night we turned off the lights to go to bed it attacked me. We did not take it back to the pound, but it took a lot of work to get it feeling secure, and honestly, it ended up (actually) on a farm because the first pound dog we got was picking on it so badly. We were young and a little idealistic then, and I wouldn’t do it now. Dogs really like structure and predictability. If you can’t meet their needs, they will misbehave. Plenty of exercise is key. They get bored, so it’s good to be active.

[cbelt3]

An elderly rescue dog may be about your speed. I adopted an old little girl some years ago… her human had to go into a nursing home and she was so lonely and miserable. Once I spent a month bonding with her (which included sleeping on the floor with her) she was a cuddle baby and a real napping professional.

A low energy elderly pup will be the right choice for you. Good luck !

[S. Pupp]

When I was growing up, we adopted a shelter dog. That poor psychotic thing had twelve miserable years with us. She was so intelligent and sweet natured, but incredibly anxious, destructive, and, at times, psychotic (it was obvious that she was hallucinating). We gave her love and attention, but she wanted more than was humanly possible.

Heavy doses of sedatives helped, but doggy antipsychotics were not available at that time. Most of us were in agreement that it would have been better for her had she been left in the shelter.

RIP, Benji. Despite it all, you were loved.