First-time adopter

[Anonymous]

I've never had a dog or a cat. Neither has DH. Our kids have been asking to adopt a dog or a cat for a long time, but DH has allergies, so we haven't. We are now considering adopting an adult dog of a hyperallergenic that was found as a stray and brought into a shelter. I'd like to pursue this, as I do like dogs and very strongly believe that it can be wonderful for children to take care of animals. Youngest child is 7, so no babies in the house.

My question is: Am I woefully unprepared for this? I work at home, so someone will always be here, even post-Covid. I'd like to move forward, but I'm worried that DH and I--having never been responsible for dogs--have no idea how much work this will be. Also, have you ever adopted a stray? I've only seen pictures, but this little guy tears at my heart and I'd love to give him a home.

[Anonymous]

OP here--sorry--meant to say, a hypoallergenic breed.

[Anonymous]

We were first-time adopters 11 years ago, and adopted a two year old terrier mix from a rescue group. She is the love of our lives and we have so much fun with her. Like you, I work from home and we have become inseparable - such a great thing to have my friend nearby as I work.

Given your allergy limitations, consider a terrier or poodle mix of some kind. They do become available in shelters and from rescue groups periodically, you just need to keep an eye out for them. In your shoes, I would adopt a young adult, say from 1-4 years old. They tend to be housebroken and more settled than puppies do and are a lot - a LOT - less work.

If the dog is being fostered, all the better - you'll get a good report of how it is with kids, other dogs, etc. Consider being a foster-to-adopt yourself.

Here's a possibility:

https://www.petfinder.com/dog/toby-43791674/dc/washington/k-9-lifesavers-dc19/

If you have trouble finding what you are looking for, go farther out in your geographic search: Look at W.Va, southern VA, PA.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We were first-time adopters 11 years ago, and adopted a two year old terrier mix from a rescue group. She is the love of our lives and we have so much fun with her. Like you, I work from home and we have become inseparable - such a great thing to have my friend nearby as I work.

Given your allergy limitations, consider a terrier or poodle mix of some kind. They do become available in shelters and from rescue groups periodically, you just need to keep an eye out for them. In your shoes, I would adopt a young adult, say from 1-4 years old. They tend to be housebroken and more settled than puppies do and are a lot - a LOT - less work.

If the dog is being fostered, all the better - you'll get a good report of how it is with kids, other dogs, etc. Consider being a foster-to-adopt yourself.

Here's a possibility:

https://www.petfinder.com/dog/toby-43791674/dc/washington/k-9-lifesavers-dc19/

If you have trouble finding what you are looking for, go farther out in your geographic search: Look at W.Va, southern VA, PA.

Good luck!

Thank you so much!!! --OP

[Anonymous]

You can do it!

[Anonymous]

Go for it OP! You sound like a good choice for adoption.

[Anonymous]

Many of the rescue groups do training classes for first time owners- presumably they are online now- definitely encourage you to do this.

My family has only adopted adults- so far we have had the best luck and some of the best dogs ever.

[Anonymous]

I’ve adopted 3 dogs all together. One from a shelter, one from a rescue group, and one who we were supposed to “ watch for a month to help out a friend”.... it’s been 9 years now lol. They have all been great dogs once past the initial getting to know we are their family phase. The two from shelter/rescue group were not house broken so that’s a possibility, and neither one of them knew any words or commands but picked it up quickly. For us, being on a good schedule helps. They know when they walk and eat every day. Go for it OP!

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for your help everyone! I submitted an application to adopt!

[Anonymous]

My only concern is what if your DH is allergic despite it being a “hypoallergenic” breed? Make sure you have a contingency plan in place. It would be terrible for you all to become attached to the dog and then have to give it back. Even worse for the dog.

Not trying to be negative - you sound like a great family who is taking this seriously! Just wanted to pass on another perspective.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks for your help everyone! I submitted an application to adopt!

Awesome! Enjoy your new pup!

[Anonymous]

We were first time adopters 13 years ago. Our first little guy came with a LOT of issues and we did consider giving him back but are so glad we did not - he became part of our family. Even if your new pup does not have issues I highly recommend you either sign up for training with him (or her) or watch a ton of you tube videos on how to train a dog. Training your dog together is not only a great way to bond and build a communication you both understand, it could save his life. We lost our first pup because we did not train him to obey very well, it seem too harsh at the time, but he ended up running away and was hit by a car. Train your pups, at the vary least, not to walk out a door with out you or your permission, but the sit/stay/down commands, when they are trained into them well, work wonders too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks for your help everyone! I submitted an application to adopt!

Awesome! Enjoy your new pup!

Which organization did you use, OP?

[Anonymous]

I have been considering it, but wondering if my lack of a fenced back yard will count against me as an adopter.