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[quote=Anonymous]Our family (including 3 kids under the age of 11), had such a positive experience with the dog adoption process we started fostering dogs for several of the organizations mentioned on this thread.  I wouldn't recommend one over another.  They're great and work very hard to match a dog with the right family. That's why the questionnaires are so detailed and they do home inspections.  It was a first family dog for us and it had been over 20 years DH or I had had a pet - yet this was no barrier for adoption.  What will kill a person's chances with a rescue group is having animals (current or past) that did not see a vet on a regular basis, that were unvaccinated, not on heartworm/tic medication or were not neutered.  Unrealistic expectations about dogs is another (yes, there's likely to be a lot of dog hair in the house and negative behaviors increase when exercise decreases).  There is such a demand for adoptable dogs in this area that rescue groups can be selective on who gets their dogs.  The groups also don't compete with each other for adoptions.  If one group did your home inspection but you're interested in a dog from another, chances are, they'll use the inspection from the first group.  No need to waste resources on a second visit. They all have the same goal.

My advice to OP is to identify the criteria that's most important for you in a dog. For us, it was being good with kids and low-medium energy.  What would make you have concerns about a dog - for us it was aggression with the kids or other people.  Other than aggression, we were willing to work with the dog to modify behavior.  You dog won't be perfect in the beginning.  The dogs went through a lot before getting to the rescue group and it will take a little time before the dog recognizes his new 'pack' and home.  All the groups we work with have trainers/behavioralists to help adopters work through issues.  You just need to call them when you need help - this help isn't limited to the first month or year.  You can call the rescue group for help at anytime.  It's a lifelong relationship.  But, you need to be realistic that the dog won't know your habits/routines/rules in the beginning.  It took our dog a little while to know our routine.  Until he did, he'd sometimes poop/pee in the house.  After a few weeks, he knew he could count on two walks in the morning/evening or ask to be let into the backyard.  Hasn't had an incident in the house since then.

Petfinder.com is a great way to find groups to work with.  You don't have to limit yourself to one group.  Fill out all their applications so you can be in the pipeline.  Many of them get dogs from shelter partners in rural areas that have low adoption rates.  The dogs come up on a transport and are placed with foster families (most do, sometimes there aren't enough fosters and dogs go to boarding).  The fosters and boarding staff get to know the dog and can tell you more about them.  Listen to what they have to say.  We were told one dog wasn't right for us because he had a high prey drive, another tended to herd.  We had another person tell us that if we all weren't enthused about the dog we met, it wasn't the right dog for us.  She was right and we kept looking. It only took us about a month to find the dog we have now.  Couldn't ask for a better dog.  The only thing I wish I could change about him is that he wouldn't get carsick.  But, it's not that big a deal for us because we're not big travelers.  If we were driving to NY every weekend, well, not getting carsick would be a big requirement for us - and legitimately so!  If frequent car trips is a family characteristic, let the adoption groups know!  Good luck![/quote]

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