Is this possible to search for (or prove the absence of) my Grandmother's Irish birth certificate and Irish citizenship from the comfort of my own armchair in the US, ideally inexpensively? [more inside]
posted by zippy on Nov 25, 2009 - 15 answers

Should I go for the in-plan, cheap co-pay therapist or pony up more cash for the therapist who seems a better fit for my family? Would it be bad to switch therapists shortly into the process? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 17, 2009 - 11 answers

I need great, imaginative, appealing names for black dogs! A friend operates a rescue organization for dogs and cats, and mentioned how hard it is to find homes for black dogs (see Black Dog Syndrome)... and since I was already helping her come up with names, I thought I'd come up with a special list of Black Dog names that are perhaps evocative of personality types, and that might inspire interest so that potential adopters will maybe find their curiosity/sense of whimsy piqued and stop to at least read a description on the website, instead of just passing by any photo of a black dog. Some specific considerations inside... [more inside]
posted by taz on Oct 29, 2009 - 65 answers

I'm a potential dog adopter. Is there a responsible way to "shelter-shop", and if so how do I do it? [more inside]
posted by olinerd on Oct 3, 2009 - 23 answers

I need a kind soul in South Korea to find school records of a woman born in 1937, to help us begin our search for the birth family of our adopted cousin. [more inside]
posted by cda on Sep 30, 2009 - 16 answers

What are the major obstacles of single adoption? [more inside]
posted by fairykarma on Sep 24, 2009 - 12 answers

How big a deal is it not to be adopted by a step-parent? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 1, 2009 - 33 answers

Is it possible to adopt a child when a spouse has bipolar disorder? [more inside]
posted by Pater Aletheias on Aug 27, 2009 - 10 answers

My parents want to give up the teenager they adopted a few years ago. Can they do this? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Aug 26, 2009 - 23 answers

I'm single and interested in embryo adoption as an alternative to domestic adoption. Family history plays a possible, small part but I mostly would like a baby soon. How do I approach clinics at my age and in my situation in order to use a service typically reserved for couples with actual fertility problems? I'm afraid I'll be seen as in a hurry and selfish. How do I stop feeling guilty for wanting to try in the first place? If it does happen, how do I prepare myself and my family emotionally, psychologically, financially and however else for this situation? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Aug 2, 2009 - 7 answers

What's a good gift for someone who will be adopting soon? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jul 23, 2009 - 13 answers

Father born in England. Father now a Canadian citizen. As his son, what are my live/work options for E.U. and U.K.? Singular circumstances... [more inside]
posted by Muirwylde on Jun 25, 2009 - 13 answers

Both of my parents have brown hair, brown eyes. I also have brown hair, brown eyes. My two older brothers have blond hair, blue eyes. Is that strange? A reason to think they may be adopted? [more inside]
posted by scottreynen on Jun 21, 2009 - 22 answers

Has anyone had any experience with international adoption in the UK? We are specifically looking to adopt from a muslim country like Palestine. We've found a lot of general adoption links like adoptionguide.com and adopting.org, but would welcome any other information or pointers.
posted by Mossy on Mar 15, 2009 - 14 answers

Calling all experiences with surrogate pregnancy - on any side of the equation. I am considering having a child through a surrogate mother, and wondered if anyone had any anecdotes, experience, advice, warnings, etc. [more inside]
posted by bunnycup on Mar 4, 2009 - 10 answers

Just returned from a trip to the animal shelter looking for a second dog to adopt. Found a very sweet blind Aussie Shephard and fell in love. Need help to see if this is a good match: Can anyone share experiences/special challenges with caring for a blind dog? [more inside]
posted by Dr. Zira on Feb 9, 2009 - 20 answers

Can I get a second cat without wrecking my first one's life? [more inside]
posted by MsMolly on Jan 29, 2009 - 13 answers

My wife and I are adopting a six year old boy with a tragic past. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jan 22, 2009 - 10 answers

Recommendations for a reputable toy/miniature poodle breeder, especially those located in the Northeast Corridor? [more inside]
posted by orangeshoe on Jan 2, 2009 - 4 answers

Recommendations wanted for "adopt a penguin" gift donations. This penguin research organization came up, but can't find any info if it's legit or not. Links to other recommended/donation-worthy animal "adoption"/charitable gift sites welcome too. [more inside]
posted by NikitaNikita on Dec 21, 2008 - 6 answers

I'm doing a family tree. As part of doing this, I'm trying to trace the ancestors of my maternal grandfather, Lawrence Fortin. The problem is that not only did he die before I was born (in the 40s), as it turns out he was adopted by the Fortin family. The question is, where on earth do I begin in finding records on Lawrence Fortin and who his biological family was? [more inside]
posted by azieger on Dec 15, 2008 - 4 answers

What are some reasons a person would not be able to adopt or foster parent in the United States? [more inside]
posted by fugitivefromchaingang on Dec 5, 2008 - 13 answers

What to call a child who grows up thinking one man is her father when it turns out to be someone else entirely? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 26, 2008 - 16 answers

How difficult is adopting a child going to be for a "non-traditional" couple? [more inside]
posted by geekchic on Nov 19, 2008 - 24 answers

My dog has damaged (bitten through the skin) 3 other dogs and was just diagnosed with heartworm. I know it's a bit impersonal to ask online, but can help me figure out when it is time to consider putting down my pet? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 17, 2008 - 22 answers

I now own an untitled cat. Inspire me with ridiculous pet names you've encountered. [more inside]
posted by spamguy on Nov 10, 2008 - 172 answers

As a first-time pet owner-to-be, what should I know about adopting a cat? [more inside]
posted by spamguy on Nov 3, 2008 - 51 answers

My son and his wife have just adopted a daughter. She is now 3 months old. They want her to know from the beginning that she is adopted. How to they incorporate that into their conversations with her so that it will just be part of her life and something that she always knew.
posted by pamspanda on Oct 29, 2008 - 20 answers

Returning an adopted rescue dog when the adoption just doesn't "take." Happened to anyone? How to handle? (Lengthy angsting and soul-searching within...) [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Oct 9, 2008 - 44 answers

Going from zero to parents in a couple of weeks. Or less. Yikes! [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 10, 2008 - 17 answers

DogFilter: Should I adopt a male or female Boston Terrier pup? [more inside]
posted by krisken on Aug 16, 2008 - 7 answers

When you are beginning the process of adoption, how in the world do you go about sorting through all of the options? Choose the right agency to work with? Most importantly, where do you get the most accurate information about requirements? [more inside]
posted by jeanmari on Jul 30, 2008 - 10 answers

[Taiwanese law question] Does adoption legitimate an illegitimate child under Taiwanese law? [more inside]
posted by Capri on Jul 24, 2008 - 2 answers

What ever happened to the lethimstay.com family? [more inside]
posted by pointystick on Jun 25, 2008 - 2 answers

Should I contact my adopted child, now a teenager, whose birth father died recently? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jun 11, 2008 - 23 answers

How do I coax a new cat out from hiding? [more inside]
posted by altolinguistic on May 9, 2008 - 24 answers

Please help me find a Manchester Terrier! [more inside]
posted by orangeshoe on May 1, 2008 - 5 answers

Does house training a young dog work the same as house training a puppy? [more inside]
posted by Sabine3283 on Apr 13, 2008 - 11 answers

Catfilter: be my conscience, be my muse... [more inside]
posted by dawson on Mar 9, 2008 - 18 answers

A gift for a new member of the family? [more inside]
posted by drycleanonly on Feb 2, 2008 - 5 answers

I would like to begin the three year long process to adopt a child internationally. I am located in the state of Illinois. What kind of requirements will I need to fulfill through the homestudy? [more inside]
posted by aetg on Jan 23, 2008 - 14 answers

Do you know of a place open today (New Year's Day) in Los Angeles where I can adopt a cat? [more inside]
posted by TheClonusHorror on Jan 1, 2008 - 7 answers

Tell me more about publicly-funded attorneys in non-criminal cases. [more inside]
posted by not that girl on Nov 20, 2007 - 14 answers

Should I adopt a cat with FIV? [more inside]
posted by arnicae on Oct 21, 2007 - 14 answers

We have been married for exactly one year and one month. My husband just lost his job and I am working part time. We just found out that we are pregnant with our first child. With recently losing his job my husband asked me if i would consider giving the baby up for adoption. Have you ever had an experience like this before? Did you give your child up even in a marriage? How did it effect your life now? Its something he asked me today but its a really hard decision. [more inside]
posted by Snoogylips on Oct 11, 2007 - 50 answers

I found out my father was adopted. Can I find out who his parents were? [more inside]
posted by atchafalaya on Oct 10, 2007 - 11 answers

Should I get a puppy? [more inside]
posted by davidinmanhattan on Oct 3, 2007 - 52 answers

My wife and I are planning on having a second child, but we are pretty sure we want to adopt. [more inside]
posted by 4ster on Sep 24, 2007 - 32 answers

How do we help a 17 year old kicked out of the house get his property and identification? [more inside]
posted by Leenie on Sep 14, 2007 - 17 answers

My adopted cat is freaked out about her new home, and getting more freaked out with each passing day. Now I'm afraid she's so freaked out she's not even emerging to eat or drink. What do I do? [more inside]
posted by schroedinger on Aug 15, 2007 - 20 answers