9/10 UPDATE w/Picture---He's home

of getting a 2nd dog.

One that doesn't have as much energy as a puppy and already housebroken. We have a 9 yr old chihuahua so we want to adopt an older dog.

Where do we begin? I've seen a few postings on Craigslist. My 1 concern about that is how do we know they are being honest regarding their health?
And what about Petfinder and shelters ,do they do a full physical on the dogs before putting them up for adoption.

I saw a lab on petfinder who is blind and I keep going back to him. I want to contact them to get more information.

Any tips or specific questions we should know about before beginning the process?

TIA

UPDATE: 8/20-----We submitted an application for
RICHMOND yesterday. I heard back from the organization today. I was told when the foster family found out someone was interested in adopting him, they decided they wanted to keep him. Which wonderful for them, but sad for us . I know it was the right decision. He's been through a lot and is very comfortable where he is. We can find another dog to adopt, I'm just happy he finally found a home.




9/7 UPDATE...SO WE DID IT. We found a little terrier/schnauzer mix at Brookhaven Animal Shelter yesterday
They think he's about 2 yrs old. He was picked up as a stray about 2 weeks ago. He didn't have a name, so DH named him ACE (after his favorite past time...POKER)
We put down a deposit and pick him up on Tuesday night. They are doing the heartworm test, stool test and having him neutered.
I didn't have a camera so I couldn't take his picture. When he comes home I will update the post with a picture.

9/10---We picked "pepperjack" up last night and he's doing wonderful! He's such a sweet dog and very playful.

We wanted to name him JACK, but since he looked like our old dog pepper. I decided to call him that to see if he answered. And his ears perked up and he would turn his heard towards me. When I called him Jack I didn't get any response. So we "think" his name may have been pepper. BUT since we already had a pepper in our lives(although he was put to sleep 3 yrs ago) we didn't feel right giving him the same name. So we combined it to PEPPER-JACK silly but we love it and HIM!.

Here he is:

Message edited 9/10/2008 9:18:56 AM.

Re: So we're bouncing around the idea

Some good questions to ask (from a website)

Have you seen the dog interact with other dogs?
Have you seen the dog interact with or be around young kids?
What is the breed and age of the dog?
Is the dog neutered (male) or spayed (female)? Will he/she be?
How did the dog come to the shelter?
Has the dog ever bitten a person?
Does the dog seem to know any commands or seem to be house trained?
May I walk the dog?
Does the dog seem possessive of toys or food or does he mind being touched?
Can I arrange a second meeting? Can I foster before adoption?

Re: So we're bouncing around the idea

those are really good questions. I can't think of any more right now.

another website to check is 1800saveapet.com

Re: So we're bouncing around the idea

I dont know anything about the process, but I keep looking at this dog (Trekker) at Little Shelter. I wish we had a house so that we could adopt (we cant have pets in our apartment)

I just feel so sad for older dogs. So many people (my DH included, and understandably so) are really just looking for puppies. He's so cute though- and seems like he really fits your description...


Here's the description from the site:
A true southern gentleman – that’s our Trekker. Up until now, Trekker’s life has been anything but easy. Rescued from a kill shelter in Virginia, Trekker probably spent his days as a hunting dog. As with many dogs that get old and are no longer on their ‘game’, Trekker was tossed aside. He was no longer any use to the person he so faithfully served, and was given up for adoption. Now, Trekker is ready to live life in the slow-lane as he stops to smell the roses and munch on a cookie or two. Fast movement and hussle and bussle is not his thing. He prefers the subtle approach and will sneak up quietly for a cuddle and place his chin in your lap. Trekker is often overlooked by adopters, simply because he is no longer a young pup. If someone could only look past his age, they would see what a true gem he is. If you are looking for a southern gentleman who likes fine dining and romantic nights snuggled by the fire, then Trekker is the dog for you. Please stop by and meet him! We know you’ll find yourself falling in love!

Re: So we're bouncing around the idea

Posted by neenie
IMAGE

Re: So we're bouncing around the idea

Posted by Mssissy
I just checked the website and it said he's been ADOPTED

Thanks everyone for your input. Those are a great list of questions to ask and I will keep them handy.

We definitely don't want a puppy. We want one that is older,calme and housebroken.

Re: So we're bouncing around the idea

Posted by neenie
Wow. Im completely UNobservant

So happy he's adopted though!!!

Labs are awesome! And, usually great with other dogs. We got our lab at North shore in '01 (i rescued her, but she lives with my mom). She is seriously the best dog ever. It was kind of a pain in the butt process (we left with her the same day, but it felt like we were ther foreverrrrrr). but, it was so worth it.

Re: So we're bouncing around the idea

Posted by Mssissy
I keep going back to this guy .

Re: So we're bouncing around the idea

Check out the Little Shelter. They have many older dogs that are trained.

Re: So we're bouncing around the idea

The fact that you keep going back to Richmond is a sign....I think when you see "your" pet they melt your heart a little

Re: 8/20 UPDATE---So we're bouncing around the idea

bump for update

Re: 8/20 UPDATE---So we're bouncing around the idea

Best of luck

Re: 9/7 UPDATE---So we're bouncing around the idea

bump for update in origianl post

Re: 9/7 UPDATE---So we're bouncing around the idea

Posted by Mssissy
9/7 UPDATE...SO WE DID IT. We found a little terrier/schnauzer mix at Brookhaven Animal Shelter yesterday
They think he's about 2 yrs old. He was picked up as a stray about 2 weeks ago. He didn't have a name, so DH named him ACE (after his favorite past time...POKER)
We put down a deposit and pick him up on Tuesday night. They are doing the heartworm test, stool test and having him neutered.
I didn't have a camera so I couldn't take his picture. When he comes home I will update the post with a picture.

Re: 9/7 UPDATE---So we're bouncing around the idea

pics as soon as you get him!!!!!!

Re: 9/7 UPDATE---So we're bouncing around the idea

Many years of happiness to you and your family.. I am so happy for you!

Re: 9/7 UPDATE---So we're bouncing around the idea

yay, congrats!!!

i have two schnauzer mixes (one with terrier, the other with poodle) and they are awesome! i'm sure you will love him.

post pics!

Re: 9/7 UPDATE---So we're bouncing around the idea

Message edited 9/8/2008 7:33:54 AM.

Re: 9/7 UPDATE---So we're bouncing around the idea

awww congratulations!! Dogs are so wonderful!

Re: 9/7 UPDATE---So we're bouncing around the idea

yay!! cant wait to see pics!!
congrats and good luck!!

Re: 9/10 UPDATE w/Picture---He's home

BUMP FOR UPDATE AND PICTURES

Re: 9/10 UPDATE w/Picture---He's home

oh wow! congrats! pepper jack is adorable!!!!!

Re: 9/10 UPDATE w/Picture---He's home

What a cutie!

Re: 9/10 UPDATE w/Picture---He's home

Congrats! What a cutie!

Re: 9/10 UPDATE w/Picture---He's home

aww congrats! he is so cute!!