B_Skurka said:
Rescue dogs are a great thing and as long as you can deal with the emotional aspects of the risks then I wholeheartedly agree with you. Boondox over on TBN is very active in rescue and I know some folks locally too. Rescue is a great great thing to do, but it can lead to some very heartwrenching stories.
You're right, it can lead to heartwrenching stories.
You post made me think of my first dog as a child. Mickey, a dalmation. She was the runt of a litter of 12 from my unlce's dog, who he showed. Mickey (my "new" dog) had a black spot on her eye, which made her "bad" for showing, but I fell in love with her. Growing up, my dad spent alot of time overseas in the Air Force, and he told my mom whatever we wanted to get, get. Mickey stayed with us for 14 years. With my dad away for long periods of time, she (Mickey) became my best friend. Her legs just wouldn't hold as she got near the "end", and one day coming home from high school, my mom was crying and told me that she had to take Mickey to the vets. The was the last dog I had for 28 years until I got married.
I'm sorry to hear about your dog.
The pic you posted brought back memories of Mickey.
Now, my wife and I are currently involved with the local humane society.
We have three dogs of our own (I shown them here per another post) and currently have two foster dogs.
We've already found good homes to six dogs already (we've only been doing this for five months now), and I only want to take note of your comment about "issues" with rescues.
You're right, go to a "shelter" and you may not be sure of what "you're getting".
But...
One reason why we foster is we can see what "type" of dog we "have".
SOP is that we keep the dog/dogs "quarentined" (spelled wrong I'm sure) for one week. If everything "checks out" health wise with the dog, they socialize with our dogs. Fosters at first are kept out in a fenced area (outside), then garage, then kitchen, then "if everything works out", have free reign of the house with our dogs.
Happy to say, no issues at all.
You can sort of "tell" how a dog is going to behave after a short period of time.
Now, if anyone here is interested
Pic below is of two dogs we have up for adoption.
Clover the Jack Russell Terrier was from a puppy mill. She could only produce one pup per litter so the people "dumped" her off. Three years old. She is very laid back, is getting house trained, and my wife has grown more attached to her than any other dog we've fostered. She's great for driving as well. Took her up to Vermont this past week, and she lays down either in your lap or on the floor and goes to sleep.
The other dog is Scrappy. This is Clovers "son". Scrappy is a "love bug', 6 months old. Wants to curl up with you no matter where your at. Great with children, licks all day long and will follow you whereever you go. He's getting house trained as well.
Both dogs play all day with our three dogs, no problem.
Both dogs are crate trained, which is SOP.
Neither dog has showed any signs of aggression AT ALL.
Keep in mind, have alot of phone calls on Clover and people are interested, so she will most likely find a home in the near future.
Hard to see the dogs you take in go, cried over everyone I've found a home for. But...
If you would of seen where Clover and Scappy came from when my wife and I got them, well, you know you've done them good if you can find them a home.
Thing I find amazing is that people can make choices, animals can't.
Now, after a long day at work, coming home and finding a foster dog taking a dump on you hardwood floors, well, this is a fact of life:StickOutT .
My wife is a very good woman for putting up with me!