SO, i thought that it would be fun and good if we started a thread for brainstorming ways to help Wi get a dog. Somewheres not so much to complain to discuss whats already happened (though noone take me the wrong way here - it was a COMPLETELY valid thing to complain and discuss - no offence meant) But somewhere to focus on the positives and move forward.

Wi, i hope if nothing else its a place to see that there IS a forward as crazy as this siutation has been.

I was thinking perhaps if you told us the type of dog, and the charachteristics you are looking for, some of us could certainly do some research for you!

I was thinking i might be able to do some internet research on the breed and also on humane societies and animal safety houses around the united states.

Perhaps someone else could make phone calls, someone else could help find funding, etc.

Just suggestions for others. Please let us know what it is you are looking for, and I for one will start searchin!

[wi_fighter]

We're thinking Collie, Golden Retriever, or Cardigan or Pembroke Corgi.

I'd like a breed that's easily trainable if it isn't trained already.

It has to get along with cats.

Murphy got along with other dogs, cats, kids, knew sit, stay, speak, and was housebroken and crate trained. She was also spayed, up to date with all of her shots, and microchipped. She was a snuggler, but also was happy to lay quietly next to you if you were busy.

So, can we come up with a dog that meets those requirements?

[(JD)]

Goldens are sweet for families... but not the best for advanced training (they never really grow up ) I don't know what part of the country you are in... and if the size of the dog matters due to expense for food, care, size of car, etc...

Of course there are dogs waiting for you ...they're out there saying "PICK ME PICK ME CHOOSE ME!!!!"

[bebop]

wi sounds like the ideal dog! I have a shepard/husky mix but can't seem to break him from chewing or I would gladly send him to you. he has seperation anxiety but we are working with him on commands. he has started "shaking" paws lol he is such a sweet sweet dog though. he loves to run run run but I can't get outside with him like he needs. he needs teens to run with him lol

[tracylee]

I had a golden lab and she was awesome, she would snuggle up with my cats with no worries at all, absolutely brilliant with kids too and I found her easy to train (went to kennel club once a month with her and did about 10 minutes a day). Excellent dogs.

[Genevieve]

Have you considered a poodle? Not a yippy toy, not a snappy standard -- but miniatures are generally smart, easily trainable, easily cat-acclimated, don't shed, are hypoallergenic, and have everything in the world going for them -- as long as you have a groomer who'll do a plain trim...

Just an idea. I think I lot of people overlook poodles because of the poodle clip image. That's actually a hunting clip, but it looks so silly...

[wi_fighter]

I don't understand that hunting clip either. A Eukanuba dog show announcer said it has something to do with keeping the head and extremities warm.

We've got an application in for a Retriever/Spaniel mix (they think that's what she is). They've already reached one reference. We should know something by tomorrow.

[Sabrina]

and ............. holding thumbs etc.

Hope it's OK if I ask wi fighter (Shirley) a question....

It seems quite the endeavor to get a dog in some states ....... is it because people are doing such a good job at controlling the animal population in some places?
Here, where I live they hold adoption drives in parking lots, with 20-40 dogs on the weekends-- there are just too many to find homes for. All you have to do is pay for the spay or neuter operation and pick your dog up after the operation-- of course with an adoption fee--- but no forms like you speak of or interviews and did you say reference checks too??? gosh things sure must be different there.

There is a volunteer service here, if you have a van you can volunteer to take a group of dogs to other states-- I would like to do that some day-- to give those dogs a chance at living-- that would be so rewarding.

I was just wondering why it's such an ordeal to adopt there--or perhaps most states are like that?
Gee, I wish you all the best and I'm sure you'll have a new member of the family soon. **crosses fingers**

[wi_fighter]

Mandy, I don't know why it's so hard here. Our neighbors couldn't even get a dog from one of the shelters because they hunt. They weren't going to use that particular dog for hunting, but they still couldn't get the dog.

Some shelters will even come to your house and do a check first, while another shelter doesn't even ask for references, they just need your vet's phone number. The breed-specific rescue programs want to know that you're familiar with that particular dog so it won't get surrendered again. Some of the rescue agencies even want to do post-adoption house calls.

The place we visited last night just wants two non-family references and all they ask them is if they believe you'll keep the animals up to date with health care and take good care of the animal. They want my landlord's number to make sure I'm not breaking any lease requirements, and they want the vet's number to make sure that my current pets are up to date on vaccinations.

The dog we're looking at this time was found as a stray 2-1/2 weeks ago, adopted out a week ago, and returned on Monday because they let the puppy have the run of the house while they were gone and she destroyed stuff.
1. She's a puppy.
2. She's a Spaniel. I just read that Spaniels get destructive when they're bored.

Some people. It even asks "It may take a month or longer for your new pet to adjust. Are you willing to make that commitment?"

[Maven]

This is not about anyone here--I don't know who is and who isn't qualified for pet adoption, and haven't read all the messages to note anything to sway me one way or the other on a person.

But there should be restrictions on adoption. I'm not saying the ones that have been mentioned are reasonable, but a person should not be able to drop by the shelter and pick up a dog or cat. Their homes should be evaluated. They should be checked out. Anyone with a history of abusing animals should not be allowed to adopt. Anyone who can't afford to care for a pet--including vet care--should not have one. Anyone who isn't a responsible person should have a pet. Pets should be matched to owners; a sedentary person should not have an active pet. Pets need to be exercised, so an owner needs to be able to handle that.

There should not be ads for "Free to good home" unless you're going to thoroughly check potential owners out. I hate that Freecycle allows free pet offers, although they do recommend checking out potential new owners. That doesn't mean it's done.

There are people who pretend to be good people wanting to adopt pets who get them and sell them to people who give them to science research and those who perform animal research. There are legal methods for obtaining these animals, and this is NOT a legal way of obtaining animals.

Animals are living creatures and shouldn't be handed to just anybody.

I haven't followed all these threads, but if you haven't already, how about trying Petfinder.com? They match pets with owners.

thanks for your reply Shirley. I agree --- "Some people" ---- what do they expect from a puppy and in a new home!!
I guess most places are just cautious-- and that is a good thing-- they need more caution here where I live!

Yes Maven ...... I believe animals and children are our most precious living beings on this planet. It upsets me (sometimes to extremes ) when I hear of - let alone witness, abuse towards animals or children.

Well. I have no work to do now since she is getting a dog

[wi_fighter]

I'm gonna get unlimited dog kisses pretty soon.