Dog Adoption Without Info About Dog

[Anonymous]

Become a foster. Foster to adopt.

[Anonymous]

We have only owned rescues (5 total) and have had great experiences with them. Thank you for looking to rescue a dog. The first dog we ever rescued had been abused. We didn't realize what we were getting into. We did everything from dog training to socialization classes to hiring a private behavioral therapist. He never got over his fear of men. He was sweet as could be to us and over the years he allowed a few others into his inner circle but we always had to be on guard. We loved him dearly for the 12 years he lived but it was a lot of work. We've rescued other dogs since then but have always looked at their intake records and we have sadly said "no" to a few that we like when we met them, but they had several bites listed on their records. I'd be a little wary about getting a dog you know little about, especially since you have kids in the house.

[Anonymous]

We got our cat from Lucky Dog and I think if you are willing to work with the dog and your kids are understanding of good habits they should use around any dog, it will probably be ok. And if it is not ok, Lucky Dog has a huge network of fosters and a ton of adopters right now. They will find a place that is a better fit. It will feel sad for you but if the dog is really struggling in your home then the dog will not feel sad to go somewhere else.

We were very worried about how adopting a younger cat would go with our elderly cat, and Lucky Dog gave us some good tips and told us they would gladly take her back if needed--they don't have much trouble adopting pets out. It turned out just fine...they were never the best of friends but they cohabitated peacefully and we even found them snuggled up a couple of times when it got really cold.

[Anonymous]

All our dogs, 7 in all were rescues, except one puppy. The puppy was harder to train than any of my older dogs. They were all great... I loved each one so much. One dog did come with severe emotional and health issues- but I knew that and we dealt with them. He's an old guy now, healthy, still hates other people- loves me. I wouldn't trade him for the world.

Adopt- don't shop. I cannot say that enough.

[Anonymous]

I've adopted two dogs sight unseen. One was being neglected by a friend's roommate so there was some idea she was a safe dog to adopt, and the other one was blindly chosen off of craigslist. Both dogs were wild at first but turned into really great pets. I truly believe if you put time into it, you can develop a good relationship with any dog and have a great pet.

That said, my first dog was never good around small children. Never. (This was before I had kids.) She obviously had a bad history with kids which no one was aware of.

Also, I would never adopt a pit bull or a pit bull mix, or any other breed bred to kill, like Akitas or Presa Canario.

[Anonymous]

We just adopted an 8 year old weimaraner. We really didn't know anything about him AT ALL. We got him from the DC Area Weimaraner Rescue. Honestly, I think they fibbed about him. Anyways, he is a crazy lovable nut. We can't train him worth sh!t. However, he makes us laugh and he is as sweet as he can be. We didn't know what we were getting and I know there are benefits to getting a puppy, but this guy is just wonderful - even though crazy!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I personally wouldn’t, and would need to meet the dog first or at a minimum, have an idea of his personality. I think with kids temperament is very important, and you can’t tell that from a photo. Lucky dog should understand that and give you first dibs to meet him when he arrives

+1

+1 I wouldn't since you have kids and it's not a puppy.

[Anonymous]

We adopted a 2 year old beagle mix from NC on Saturday. Same as you, we didn’t know much about her. Rescue couldn’t say much other than what the shelter she was being transferred from told them. Said she enjoyed playing ball and walks. We were hesitant but decided to proceed. It hasn’t been a full week yet, but so far she’s a great dog. She was found as a stray but seems to be house trained. She’s calm and sweet and our family loves her already.

Tommy is a great-looking dog!

[Anonymous]

All of our dogs have come to us this way. I'm not sure you can tell much about a dog before the dog lives in your house. When you meet the dog at a rescue or foster, the dog is not behaving as it would with you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I personally wouldn’t, and would need to meet the dog first or at a minimum, have an idea of his personality. I think with kids temperament is very important, and you can’t tell that from a photo. Lucky dog should understand that and give you first dibs to meet him when he arrives

+1

+1 I wouldn't since you have kids and it's not a puppy.

I’m the OP of this post, and wanted to add that I agree with some posters that the dogs personality will definitely change as he gets used to you. He may seem quiet when you meet him, but in a few weeks may be super playful and crazy. But I’d want to make sure the dog doesn’t seem freaked out or aggressive to my kids, shows interest in us, etc. he may not show his personality, but he will show whether he could be a good family dog

[Anonymous]

OP, tell us what did you decide?

[Anonymous]

No I wouldn’t and I am very pro adoption. All of my dogs were adopted from rescues and all were really sweet great dogs. But I’d want to meet them and have more info first.

[Anonymous]

Tommy seems to have updated info on his webpage and is with a foster. Hope OP got to meet him!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I personally wouldn’t, and would need to meet the dog first or at a minimum, have an idea of his personality. I think with kids temperament is very important, and you can’t tell that from a photo. Lucky dog should understand that and give you first dibs to meet him when he arrives

+1

+2. Lucky dog and any other good animal rescue won't make you adopt a dog you don't want. They all should have a 2 week trial period, where you can return the dog or keep it until they find another family or foster, and you can get another dog. They won't transport a dog here for you AND get a backup foster. If you decide not to get another dog, they keep your pet fee but whatever, you can expense it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, tell us what did you decide?

Tommy is still available on their website so....