Matchmaker, matchmaker make me a (canine) match
February 5, 2021 6:32 PM Subscribe
There has to be a service or a guide for how to pick an adoptable dog. I am completely at a loss for how to sift through all of the profiles and rescues and still take into account our family dynamics.
We adopted a Golden Retriever in 2008 from a rescue group in Texas that really seemed almost like a concierge service. I was very upfront with them that I had no previous experience with dogs and I needed them to help me pick the right dog. And they really came through. We had him for four wonderful years.
Fast forward 13 years later and we no longer live in Texas and don't have access to a good GR rescue group. There are so many wonderful adoptable pups out there but I can't seem to find a rescue group that provides the same level of help with choosing the dog who will be the right fit for our family (two kids age 8 and 10) and four years of overall dog experience.
I get overwhelmed looking at all of the profiles and I also get the impression that the rescues don't know much about the dogs either.
Is there a guide on how to pick a rescue pup for your family or what should I be looking for in a rescue organization to help us find the right pooch for us?
We adopted a Golden Retriever in 2008 from a rescue group in Texas that really seemed almost like a concierge service. I was very upfront with them that I had no previous experience with dogs and I needed them to help me pick the right dog. And they really came through. We had him for four wonderful years.
Fast forward 13 years later and we no longer live in Texas and don't have access to a good GR rescue group. There are so many wonderful adoptable pups out there but I can't seem to find a rescue group that provides the same level of help with choosing the dog who will be the right fit for our family (two kids age 8 and 10) and four years of overall dog experience.
I get overwhelmed looking at all of the profiles and I also get the impression that the rescues don't know much about the dogs either.
Is there a guide on how to pick a rescue pup for your family or what should I be looking for in a rescue organization to help us find the right pooch for us?
I’m in your general area, I think, and Take Paws and Zeus are two rescues that people I know have had good experiences with. Take Paws is all foster. Both involve a more intensive application and fit process than just rolling into the SPCA (which is what we did). Be aware that a lot of rescues’ processes will be more about making sure you’re the right family for the dog, vs. whether a particular dog is right for your family.
posted by MadamM at 8:00 PM on February 5, 2021
posted by MadamM at 8:00 PM on February 5, 2021
In my experience (and geographic area), shelters and rescues are definitely focused on placing dogs with the "right" people. They usually require you to promise that if you ever re-home the dog, you will notify the shelter or rescue first and they may take the dog back. This is obviously not a good scenario for the dogs or the people, so they tend to steer people towards dogs they feel are a good fit.
The best way you can make sure you get the dog you need in your life is to list what you want from your dog. Throw away any silly notions about breed or cuteness. Try to keep your list short. In my case, I asked for a "gentle" dog and that was all. I got the most gentle dude ever.
Once you know what you want, talk to the staff at shelters and rescues and emphasize that you are available for meet-and-greets (meeting the dog and spending a little time together before you choose each other) and that you are willing to wait as long as it takes for you to find your match.
Have fun! your dog is somewhere out there waiting for you.
posted by RobinofFrocksley at 6:07 AM on February 6, 2021 [2 favorites]
The best way you can make sure you get the dog you need in your life is to list what you want from your dog. Throw away any silly notions about breed or cuteness. Try to keep your list short. In my case, I asked for a "gentle" dog and that was all. I got the most gentle dude ever.
Once you know what you want, talk to the staff at shelters and rescues and emphasize that you are available for meet-and-greets (meeting the dog and spending a little time together before you choose each other) and that you are willing to wait as long as it takes for you to find your match.
Have fun! your dog is somewhere out there waiting for you.
posted by RobinofFrocksley at 6:07 AM on February 6, 2021 [2 favorites]
At the shelter, biddable dogs will approach you if you come to their kennels. These are good opportunities for adoption: they like people. Dogs that cower or become aggressive are poor choices. Yes, it's hard; sometimes, you just want to take all the dogs home. But you have to be realistic. Can you actually care for the dog? Will your family take to him/her? Or will you just be trading one kennel for another?
posted by SPrintF at 11:06 AM on February 6, 2021
posted by SPrintF at 11:06 AM on February 6, 2021
Came across this Golden Retriever rescue randomly and thought of this question! They don’t have any adoptable dogs right now, but might be worth reaching out to if you’re still looking.
posted by MadamM at 7:23 PM on February 22, 2021
posted by MadamM at 7:23 PM on February 22, 2021
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I don't know much about rescues in your area, but it may really just be a numbers game. Look at Petfinder for rescue groups in your area. Start contacting them and see which ones give you a good feel.
Maybe get involved in some local neighborhood groups (facebook, nextdoor, etc.) and ask around there for good rescue groups they recommend.
posted by hydra77 at 6:37 PM on February 5, 2021 [2 favorites]