Your experience with a rescue dog [Archive]

BlastFromthePast

07-27-2008, 02:32 PM

I haven't had a "rescue dog" persay, but I did get a doberman from the shelter many years ago. He hadn't been abused or anything, but I did rescue him from the sad fate of shelter dogs. They didn't have any "no kill shelters" back in those days. Her name was Roxie and I had her for six years before she got hit by a car. She was a great dog...my first doberman, actually, and the reason that I still love the breed today!

Big Red Machine

07-27-2008, 06:02 PM

Sounds like Roxie was lucky to have found you. Thanks for sharing.

Rich S

07-28-2008, 04:30 PM

As the site develops, we hope to have a section and resource area for doberman rescue, we'll keep you posted.

Kenny R

07-28-2008, 07:04 PM

That's a good idea rich, I'm sure there will be lots of people would find that info useful.

tomc

08-10-2008, 01:29 PM

I decided to adopt our first rescue dog 4 years ago, now I have 3. They are the joy of our lives and we have never regretted it, they have enriched our lives. Each one is such a unique character; I have great fun with them, they have so much love to give. If you are considering owning a dog, please think about offering a loving home to a rescue dog, there are so many wonderful dogs looking for their forever home.

jelly8bean

08-11-2008, 10:42 AM

I have a rescue, she was dumped off at a vets as luck would have it. My guess is she was from a puppy mill because according to the vet records, she was 1 year old, weighed 35 lbs (untreated hookworms), had had a litter of puppies and had an embedded collar. She had always been friendly, but she took a while to warm up to me as a special person - everyone was ok by her. She loves other dogs alot. Now that I've had her 6 years she is my sweetie pie. My other baby girl (a blue) came from the SPCA.. she was bought as a puppy by some parents for the son's family, they decided they didn't want her and gave her back to Mom and Dad..who gave her to the SPCA. This dog had little or no house training or people socialization but has been wonderful. She loves to play with my older girl and is very sensitive.. say NO in a mean voice and she just shrinks into herself. Very smart though, and has quickly found me to the be the person she wants to be with (love love love). I am not a show dog person so rescue is the way to go for me. :)

magtie

08-11-2008, 11:17 AM

If you get your doberman from a good rescue, they will address many issues before they adopt him/her out to their forever home.

hugosmommy

08-11-2008, 01:35 PM

I adopted a doberman about 6 months ago from a exotic bird rescue in rochester ny. i live 20 mins south of philadelphia. it was a 12 hour round trip to pick up my boy Hugo.he was abused on an indian reservation.he is the BEST dog i have ever had. he passed his good canine citizen test 2 weeks ago i was and still am so very proud of him. i tried to adopt from a rescue in pa but i don't have a fence so i was not ever really a canidate for a dobie. I was so sad since i put my dobie down a year ago. My hugo is now trainned of leash at the park 4 blocks from my house.My husband works secon shift and i work first so Hugo is my best friend and buddy if you see me and i am not at work you know my dobie is not too far behind. i would rescue again,i would never buy a dobie again

magtie

08-11-2008, 01:44 PM

thanks for sharing hugosmommy,

Glad to hear your rescue has turned out so well :)

Tombo

08-12-2008, 06:09 PM

Cool! thank you for this awesome story! it really shows that rescuing a dog is the right thing to do. :)

Kimbertalkls

11-25-2008, 01:37 PM

I currently have all "rescues" at home but none actually came from a rescue. And I have dealt with some great rescues but have had clashes with rescues that are not flexible enough to want to deal with a multiple pet/kid home even if both parents in the house are trainers. I currently have two that were turned into the West Vincent Animal Control when Kimbertal had the contract and two other dogs placed by their breeders at no cost because of faults that under PA law made them less desireable to sell...like my bulldog has a trick knee. Knee is fine when he is scaling the kitchen gate to get to the trash or catfood but is mighty tender when he is being called to be put out on a rainy day or doesn't want to come in when the kids have him in the park. That's why it is called a trick knee I guess...
If you can rescue and meet the criteria go for it. I prefer older dogs over younger pups for housebreaking. Adults are good too and have also taken home four retired studs in the past with great results. I love old dogs. They are so grand. I may not recommend it for a novice owner with a new breed or family with young kids and an unknown dog but I have had great luck knock on wood. Anne

VonDoom

11-25-2008, 04:41 PM

I support rescue in anyway i can. But with that being said. I have never Adopted a Dog from a rescue as i feel in many cases if you want a rescue you need to be prepared for a certain degree of moral degragation. It seems like alot of rescue people are pissed off at the world and ready to snap at a moments notice. In many cases you will be passed up simply because you dont own the pooper scooper 2000. I do have the pooper scooper 1000 but that is an outdated model. Yeah im being a little sarcastic.

lab1dobie

11-25-2008, 07:38 PM

All our dogs, both labs and dobes, have been rescues. Each one has had their own issues they needed help with, but with training and lots of love, they are the best. Our last dobe, Red, was a great ambassador for the doberman breed. He was abused and was very wary of strangers and even growled at them. Our new baby, Lucy, was never trained. She knows the basics but her previous owners never said "no" to her. She's in obedience classes now and is doing well. She will be going to another class after the first of the year. She knows she is home with us and she loves us as much as we love her.

It takes patience, love, a firm hand at times, and more love and a rescue will be one of the finest companions you can ask for!!!:)

awesome dobermans

11-26-2008, 12:30 AM

rescuing a dobi or any dog is a very respectful thing to do. in a lot of cases you will get a lovable and an enjoyable addition to your family. i have rescued 2 dobermans and helped them heal their injuries that they had when i found them. they lived long lives with us. from what we feel they did 13 and about 15 years. we are unsure where they came from but they definitly changed when we provided a wonderful and loving home for them. jelly8bean why would you think the pup came from a puppy mill if you have no idea where she came from? by the sounds of it a neglectful owner who cared nothing for her, what a shame. stupid people should not have one of these wonderful animals. you know what jelly8bean she might have come from some really respectful breeders and just was miss handled by some stupid people who cared nothing for her, this seems to be the case more so then some breeder doing this to her. usually good breeders protect their stock bloodlines. it's terrible what happened to her but she is with you now and hopefully she is in an awesome home with you. good luck with her jelly8bean

Kimbertalkls

11-26-2008, 07:37 AM

I would try a different rescue as some are ridiculous and others are good. Also try breeders in your area as many will place a nice dog, even a champion if it throws a genetic problem in it's first litter or if they have an exceptional puppy and a limit on how many they can keep.
We have a local small animal rescue and when my daughter wanted to replace her Guinea Pig that lived 8 years(I think that is long) I suggested the rescue. Well, they required two home visits, a certain cage, five references including your vet and $35 each for the two sister guinea pigs we saw on line. Needless to say we went to the pet store and bought one for $6.50.
There are good rescues out there though so look around. AnneI support rescue in anyway i can. But with that being said. I have never Adopted a Dog from a rescue as i feel in many cases if you want a rescue you need to be prepared for a certain degree of moral degragation. It seems like alot of rescue people are pissed off at the world and ready to snap at a moments notice. In many cases you will be passed up simply because you dont own the pooper scooper 2000. I do have the pooper scooper 1000 but that is an outdated model. Yeah im being a little sarcastic.

Kane08

12-01-2008, 03:13 PM

Kane was a resue as well. Brazos Valley Doberman Rescue. I found them to be very friendly but also very thorough. We first went to meet him at the fosters house..Then we met at a local dog park to introduce the dogs..then there was a house visit to see where he would be living and how the dogs got along on the others "territory". Of course the other is a lab so..wasnt really an issue. Now they are best friends..All in all..I was very lucky to have had such a great experience. I still send his foster dad updates and pics.

Dizzy0427

12-01-2008, 03:50 PM

I have a puppy that I recently "rescued". I found her on the side of a busy hwy as a wormy rack of bones. She was teeny tiny...had the appearance of about an 8 week old puppy, only to later find out that she was 4 months old! She was horrified by all people and new things, and it was obvious that she recieved little, if any care from her previous owners. She acted like she had never seen grass before, and a lot of experiences were new to her.

I love this puppy to death, and accepted her as part of the family, but it gets hard trying to win the trust of a pup that has been mistreated...which she obviously has. She is coming along nicely (Camo), but still has some tempermant and trust issues with new people.
You have to be careful, and acknowledge unwanted behavior, such as being aggressive (esp in breeds like pitbulls, which is what Camo is, that already have bad reps).
Would I rescue again? Absolutely! There is nothing like giving a dog a second chance at life. Camo thanks me everyday by curling up at my feet, and looking up at me with adoring eyes that say "i love you"

jelly8bean

12-01-2008, 05:03 PM

"My guess is she was from a puppy mill because according to the vet records, she was 1 year old, weighed 35 lbs (untreated hookworms), had had a litter of puppies and had an embedded collar. "

This story from the vet who treated her after she was abandoned (dieing from the hookworm) seems to indicate that she was tied out (embedded collar) not cared for (Hookworm) and puppy mill (litter of puppies before she was 1 yr old). She is also super small for a dobie (only 45lbs) has coat issues and other things that speak to genetics. This is why I think she is a puppy mill product. She has had and will always have a forever home with me. :)

lab1dobie

12-02-2008, 02:30 PM

Our last dobe, and our new dobe, were rescues from the Kentucky Humane Society. They do checks on applicants that are fairly stringent. We had an easier time since we volunteered there and my wife was an adoption counselor there a few years ago. They insist on a veterinary check within a week - to get you to establish a relationship with your doctor if you don't have one, even though they are thoroughly screened prior to adoption. They are spayed/neutered, microchiped, and you get a goody bag with discounts to a local pet supply house for food, treats, baths and everything else you may need.

SnuzerDog

01-17-2009, 10:28 PM

My boy Deano is a rescue, and my first Doberman. Got him from a local breed rescue group here in central Ohio, and had to go through an adoption screening process which included application, vet references, home visit and committment to basic obedience training within 8 weeks of adoption! Very thorough, and the folks who run it are very committed and caring- and have a high placement rate due (I would think) to this well thought out process. They are not afraid to say no if the situation is not right as they have what is best for the animal in mind- not getting as many dogs placed as quickly as possible. This also happens to be what is best for the humans involved as well. Incoming dogs are all initially checked by a vet, spayed or neutered, caught up on all shots, then fostered by volunteers for temperament and behavioral appraisal. Once they are a known quantity and/or are brought 'up to speed' on the basics (such as house breaking, etc.) they are listed on the group's website for adoption with descriptions. Once a prospective adopter is approved, they may attend an adoption event to see all the dogs in a group setting and make a choice if they wish. There is a fee, which basically covers the spay/neuter and shots, agreements to sign and basic orientation and then it's off to the races!
I was flattered to be asked to join as a volunteer, and have now attended my second adoption event as such and am enjoying getting to know the group and how it works. Not to mention the dogs! Once I get a few more months under my belt with Deano, I may consider a second Dobe and/or fostering- but I want to make sure my wife and I are both ready for this and Deano is too!
So, I guess my advice is get to know the local rescue group people- meet them, talk to them, talk to local vets, trainers, neighbors and even pet store people and see what kind of picture they paint for you. That should be a pretty good indication of what your rescue experience would be like. :)

tidibole

04-19-2009, 09:32 AM

I've never had a rescue dog, but would be interested in it. I'm just curious, for those who have went this route, to hear what they have to say.This post may be lenthy than it should be but I really want anyone who is considering a rescue dog to hear this!!!

I contacted an out of state shelter almost 7 years ago because I had lost my male and wanted another rescue dog. I applied over the phone and the director of the shelter met me 5 hours each way. He was a lovely 2-3 yr old cropped black male and I was in love from the beginning. I had other dogs, dobes and a Basset. when he came home he had NO interest in me and all he cared about was lifting his leg anywhere and killing anything that was the size of a rodent including kittens!!!After several such incidents I felt it was time to take charge, WHOOPS, he showed me his pearly whites and let me know in NO uncertain terms that he was in charge. And I do not mind mentioning I was definately intimidated...I could very easily have lost the war...BUT I backed up and regrouped, took him outside and did some VERY hard boot camp obedience. During the next week we came to a mutual understanding and the bond grew to exceed all else. He obtained his CGC and TDI within the first year...He never outgrew his prey drive, whether it was bicycles, cats, motorcycles, anything that moved to fast. I recently lost him to Bone Cancer at a mere 9 1/2...would I have traded one second with him? NEVER...He was truthfully the love of my life nd no dog will ever be able to hold a candle to him...My original $45.00 dog that became a $Million$$$$...

Dobs4ever

04-19-2009, 09:46 AM

tidibole

04-19-2009, 10:24 AM

How terrible jelly8bean - I hope the vet reported the person who dropped her off for animal cruelty. My gosh how do you let a dog outgrow a collar til it imbeds. That kind of thing makes me crazy. She is one lucky girl to have gotten you.Having been involved with rescue, this not not an uncommon incident. Many dogs an puppies in TRUE puppy mills must wear identification collars which are generally chains with an ID plate in order to identify as per guidelines of the USDA. Since the puppy obviously grows much faster than perhaps one would expect the collars are never really chcecked. I have a male Weim that was bought from an auction who indeed had the chain collar, I still to this date have that collar. It is sad and unfortunate situation BUT does exist. I remember a partially blind AKC doberman selling at an auction for a mere $10.00...to this day the fate of that dog haunts me!!! I can assure you he would have been here with me had I gone to the auction. My temperement is not such as to be an auction customer!!!

Dobs4ever

04-19-2009, 10:25 AM

Rich - thank you for a wonderful forum. I do not know how to contact you directly so please forgive me if I offend, but I did want to let you know that in the intro page entry RESCUE has a type-o.

tidibole

04-19-2009, 11:34 AM

Rich - thank you for a wonderful forum. I do not know how to contact you directly so please forgive me if I offend, but I did want to let you know that in the intro page entry RESCUE has a type-o.YEAH...I saw that but we all we knew what was meant!!! R E S C U E LOL....

DLS

03-04-2010, 05:25 PM

I have adopted two dobes over the last few years. Koko Puff I lost to cancer a little while ago. Magic is a 6 year old now who is one Handsome dude.

I would recommend everyone adopt A Doberman at least once in your lives. They are the BEST!!!

RKCM

03-04-2010, 06:16 PM

Our first dobie was a rescue years ago when the owner moved overseas. She was a Sr. girl and we learned from her how wonderful the doberman is....will never live without them. Res

chaos_mama

03-10-2010, 12:44 AM

I rescued my dobe. It was a rather unique situation. He was bred by an amazing reputable breeder, however sold (for an amount I could never dream of $4500:eek:) and mistreated. He is a trained AOC dog, and the past owners were not mentally equipped to deal with the responsibility that came with this. We have had some issues adjusting, but nothing that has ever made me reconsider having him. Chaos tries my patience on a daily basis, and we are constantly in a battle of wills, thankfully to my training (lol) I know how to handle these. But rescuing is always a good way to go. Just my .02 :)

RKCM

03-10-2010, 08:11 AM

chaos_mama

03-11-2010, 01:45 AM

Sounds like he is finally in the right home. Good for you. Just ashame that people think it is ok to mistreat any animal. I guess the breeder didn't want him back. He is a lucky dog to have you.

I'm sure some of the others will comment on his training.

We have rescues from time to time. I am thrilled the last one has a home waiting. It is sad when people have dogs and just don't do the right thing. Thanks for sharing.

One of the trainers for the company I work for was actually his breeder and one of his trainers. He needed someone with time, love, and patience for "difficult" dogs. All of which I have. He needed me, and she saw it when I worked with him. He is in the right home finally and thankfully :)

RKCM

03-11-2010, 07:24 AM

Oh, I misunderstood the post. Glad that he is in the right home. Good for you and better for your dog. Thanks for clarification.

Dobs4ever

03-11-2010, 09:30 AM

I tell everyone this all the time and I will repeat it hear as I think it fits - There are NO bad dog just stupid, cruiel and inhumane people. The problem is ALWAYS a people problem. In The right hands we have seen numerous examples of people who go to the pound and rescue a dog then to turn it into a super star in agility, obedience, SAR, TDI etc. So what changed? Did the dog get new genes???? Did the dog suddenly train itself??? No someone CARED enough to spend time with the dog and TEACH the dog a better way to be. Showing is not for everyone and rescue is not for everyone. Each have their place.

Big Dogs

03-11-2010, 01:24 PM

Sometimes the most difficult dogs end up being the most special because you do have to spend more time and put more of your energy and love into it. These are the same dogs that in return when done correctly will grow so close to you that they almost read your mind and have that look in there eyes when they look at you that isn't just looking at you they are connecting with your soul it's one of those truly wonderful moments in life.

RKCM

03-11-2010, 08:54 PM

chaos_mama

03-11-2010, 09:34 PM

Dobermans are so wonderful and you certainly decribed the eyes that connect to the soul. Thanks for reminding me of those moments.

+100
Rescuing Chaos seems to have increased our bond. I don't doubt for a second that he recognizes that I saved him. And is more grateful and loving towards me because of it. I feel crazy sometimes... but I swear it seems like I found my soulmate in a dog. He just knows exactly what to do to either brighten my mood, or give me a reality check...... I feel so lucky to have found him