Why is it so hard to get a dog?
I want a little fluffy dog that doesn't bark. But when I look around, the shelters are full of pit bull mixes and mean-looking german shepherds. And if I do find a little fluffy dog, it's in a shelter that charges several hundred dollars for the adoption AND requires references and all sorts of bullshit.
What do I do?
by Anonymous | reply 188 | May 25, 2020 11:27 PM
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You want a dog but you don't want to pay a couple hundreds dollar to get one?
by Anonymous | reply 1 | May 13, 2020 10:14 PM
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It's not that hard to get one from a shelter. Pay the fee, they spay/neuter the dog, you wait until recovery and then pick up the dog and take it home. spca has good shelters here in LA.
by Anonymous | reply 2 | May 13, 2020 10:16 PM
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I want to pay $200. I do not want to pay $375 or $600. That is the range for little dogs in my area. I have looked at dozens of rescue groups and shelters today in a 125 mile radius on my city.
by Anonymous | reply 3 | May 13, 2020 10:16 PM
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You might want to try a rescue organization for specific breeds, ie Maltese Rescue or Bichon Frise rescue. But you're not really going to find the little fluffy ones at a shelter anymore unfortunately.
by Anonymous | reply 4 | May 13, 2020 10:17 PM
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You might want to try a rescue organization for specific breeds, ie Maltese Rescue or Bichon Frise rescue. But you're not really going to find the little fluffy ones at a shelter anymore unfortunately.
by Anonymous | reply 5 | May 13, 2020 10:17 PM
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Esp during this crisis the demand on pets is higher. People are home and need some love and pet family to take care of. Same goes for cats. Be patient. You’ll find one.
by Anonymous | reply 6 | May 13, 2020 10:17 PM
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Most purebreds or clearly identifiable mixed breeds are scooped up by rescue societies, and of course the people who run those are all nuts. All that's left over usually are pitbulls and pitbull mixes--by far the most common kinds of dogs in the US.
My sister (who is hairstylist and this has never had much money) has tried to adopt purebreds at a bargain by going through rescue societies or through puppy mills, and, just as you might expect, EVERY dog she's adopted that way over the last 30 years has had significant behavioral and/or health problems. My brother (who makes more money) lives in Montana, and since his primary means of relaxation is hunting, every dog he's had has been a purebred hunting dog he's obtained though expensive breeders, and they've all been great--his latest one is a gryphon, and he had to drive all the way up to Alberta to get her.
If you want a good purebred or a good clearly identifiable mixed breed dog (like a Labradoodle or a Goldendoodle), you really need to do it through a professional breeder, which is unfortunately both expensive and inconvenient. But as my brother says, a dog is a real investment of ten years or more. It's one of those things you should be prepared to shell out a lot money than $200 if you really want a good one that's not part pitbull.
by Anonymous | reply 7 | May 13, 2020 10:18 PM
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It's odd the fees are so high in your area, OP. There are still dogs in LA and the fee is $155.
Rescues often ask for much more than SPCA or other city animal shelters.
Offsite Linkby Anonymous | reply 8 | May 13, 2020 10:19 PM
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Sorry, I meant a griffon, not a "gryphon."
Offsite Linkby Anonymous | reply 9 | May 13, 2020 10:20 PM
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Shelters have taken to pit bull makeovers to make them more attractive to people like op.
Offsite Linkby Anonymous | reply 10 | May 13, 2020 10:23 PM
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People used to give puppies away for free when their dog had pups, happy to have a home for them. Not anymore.
by Anonymous | reply 11 | May 13, 2020 10:24 PM
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[quote] Most purebreds or clearly identifiable mixed breeds are scooped up by rescue societies, and of course the people who run those are all nuts.
That is the impression I'm getting. I know that I need a little dog since I live in an apartment. My friends and family all have rescue dogs it's worked out fine for them. I am happy to spend money but this is a lot more complicated than I thought it would be. I have identified some good shelters nearby, as well as the SPCA, so I guess I will just be patient.
The fees are high for the breed-specific rescue groups. The general shelters are in the $100-$200 range.
by Anonymous | reply 12 | May 13, 2020 10:24 PM
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If the money bothers you, don't get a dog. They are an ongoing expense with vet bills, food, and whatever medications they may need. Ours needed leg surgery. Very expensive. I, of course, think they are worth the expense, but there is a cost involved.
by Anonymous | reply 13 | May 13, 2020 10:25 PM
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It's the same thing in the Bay Area. Ten years ago I went to Monterey county to find my dogs and one of them turned out to be part pit bull. We love her to bits but we can't have anyone new over to the house, she only accepts those she has decided are family. If you can, it might be worthwhile to check out shelters away from large population centers. Most of them have photos of their available dogs.
by Anonymous | reply 14 | May 13, 2020 10:30 PM
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Why are there so many pit bulls? Are they THAT popular?
by Anonymous | reply 15 | May 13, 2020 10:31 PM
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OP, if you want something little and fluffy that doesn't bark, and money is a concern, why not get a cat instead? They're much easier to care for and are usually less expensive than dogs; best of all, you can get a beautiful one at the Humane Society for under $100.
by Anonymous | reply 16 | May 13, 2020 10:32 PM
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I don't like cats and I like taking dogs for walks and playing with them outside. I don't mind spending money but I thought it would be less complicated to adopt a small adult dog.
by Anonymous | reply 17 | May 13, 2020 10:35 PM
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Pit bull people are the only ones who haven't gotten the message that spaying and neutering are GOOD things. I guess the good news is that everyone else has, so you don't see people giving away litters of puppies anymore. Except for the pit bull morons.
by Anonymous | reply 18 | May 13, 2020 10:36 PM
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[quote] I don't mind spending money
Clearly you actually do, since you thought you could do it for under $200.
by Anonymous | reply 19 | May 13, 2020 10:36 PM
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Whatever you do, don’t get a French bulldog. Yeeeeesh!!!
Seriously, never thought I would see that headline.
Offsite Linkby Anonymous | reply 20 | May 13, 2020 10:42 PM
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No turtles, OP. No turtles!
Like a fool, I said yes to two red eared sliders that needed a new home. They are not without their bit of turtley charm.
But turtles stink. They shit up a storm. Changing the water, cleaning the filter... It all stinks and is all horrible.
by Anonymous | reply 21 | May 13, 2020 10:47 PM
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Want a dog? Just go to McDonalds, get a hamburger, find a cute dog and say "Here boy."
Boom, you have a dog. Take home.
by Anonymous | reply 22 | May 13, 2020 10:48 PM
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R10, And calling them "Pitties."
by Anonymous | reply 24 | May 13, 2020 10:52 PM
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Do not get a German Shepherd. So many of them are assholes and not friendly. There’s a reason so many are available and people are trying to get rid of them.
by Anonymous | reply 25 | May 13, 2020 10:55 PM
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[quote] Clearly you actually do, since you thought you could do it for under $200.
Yes. I admit it. There is a price I am not willing to pay for a dog. That price is $201. That does not make me a bad person. That does not make me unsuited to getting a dog. I have thought about the expenses, time and labor that go into a dog and I have a clear idea of what I can do and am willing to do for a dog.
Even YOU have a price over which you would not pay.
by Anonymous | reply 26 | May 13, 2020 11:04 PM
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Don't get one, r26. What are you going to do about vet bills? Think this through.
by Anonymous | reply 27 | May 13, 2020 11:12 PM
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We've had multiple threads on this over the years.
In summary, many rescues are run by animal hoarders.
A large number of shelters operate using the guidelines that state it's better to kill an animal than allow it to be adopted by someone who might mistreat it. While true, they take it to an extreme and have no actual data to support their contention that their screening policies are effective. However, their belief that alpha error is better than beta error (it's better to exclude someone who should be included than include someone who should be excluded) is based on fear, not actual data that they are effective at preventing either error. If you make lending standards so high that no one borrows money, you can eliminate defaults, as well. Logical, but neither practical nor worthwhile.
by Anonymous | reply 28 | May 13, 2020 11:17 PM
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If you do get a turtle, whatever you do don't adopt from a shelter. Many of them were confiscated from turtle fighting rings. A friend of mine lost a hand to one that he had adopted. He had been completely unaware of its history. Go to a legit reptile breeder.
by Anonymous | reply 29 | May 13, 2020 11:49 PM
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R28 Sadly, decades of rescue and shelter volunteering leads me to agree with the mentality you describe. And for data, we have the horror stories.
by Anonymous | reply 30 | May 14, 2020 12:14 AM
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[quote] In summary, many rescues are run by animal hoarders.
r28, could you link to some stories or tell us more? I would like to read more about this world. As I've been looking at rescues today, I've become fascinated with the subculture.
by Anonymous | reply 31 | May 14, 2020 12:30 AM
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[quote]That price is $201. That does not make me a bad person.
No, it doesn't make you a bad person... it makes you a beggar/chooser!
What are you do you live in?
by Anonymous | reply 32 | May 14, 2020 12:33 AM
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Go to a breeder. Why wasn't that listed as one of your options?
by Anonymous | reply 33 | May 14, 2020 12:35 AM
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[quote]And for data, we have the horror stories.
Well, you have anecdotes at any rate. But, more importantly, these anecdotes actually prove the opposite point: that the rectal exam scrutiny of potential adopters does NOT filter out potential abusers. At the same time, there is no information on how many loving homes these animals missed out on because people didn't feel it necessary to provide 2 years tax returns to adopt a pet (a disturbingly common requirement with absolutely NO data security or way to ensure that personal information is kept confidential).
As for other stories, you really only need to google it. It's disturbingly common.
In addition to the ridiculous hoops, another common story is that the staff at shelters and rescues blatantly lie about the animal on issues that make it harder to find adoptions. So, they make someone jump through ridiculous hoops, then the new owner finds out that the dog was surrendered because it was aggressive or had other issues about which the staff were aware.
by Anonymous | reply 34 | May 14, 2020 12:37 AM
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That’s right R29. Once a snappin’ turtle has gone down that criminal road, there’s no changing ‘em. What the hell was your friend thinking??
by Anonymous | reply 35 | May 14, 2020 12:39 AM
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What's the big fucking deal about paying a rescue organization anything more that $200? There are expenses that have to be paid. They have to transport the dogs, almost always up from the kill shelters in the South. The dogs have to eat twice a day. They need to be cleaned up after. A veterinarian has to provide rabies shots and spay/neuter services, at a minimum. At any moment, there could be additional medical expense. An animal rescue organization runs up bills and they have to be paid.
Additionally, they must have a substantive adoption fee to deter unsavory types from adopting FiFi and then feeding her to their pet python or boa constrictor. Worse, if it was free or very low cost, people would be "adopting" these dogs to use to train fighting dogs.
That's why you have to be interviewed carefully and pay a fee. Because it's necessary.
by Anonymous | reply 36 | May 14, 2020 12:42 AM
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[quote] No, it doesn't make you a bad person... it makes you a beggar/chooser!
[quote] What are you do you live in?
Yes it is true. I am both a beggar and a chooser. But it's better to be a chooser when you're getting a dog. You have to know yourself and what you realistically can handle. I'm in Houston.
I haven't gone to a breeder because I don't really care about the breed of the dog. I am open to suggestions and advice about breeds and whatnot. I grew up with terriers and little poodle-like mutts.
by Anonymous | reply 37 | May 14, 2020 12:42 AM
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R21 - Use the dirty turtle water to water your plants. Full of nutrients.
by Anonymous | reply 38 | May 14, 2020 12:47 AM
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Look for someone re-homing their pet.
Offsite Linkby Anonymous | reply 39 | May 14, 2020 1:04 AM
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I volunteer for a large nonprofit shelter for cats/dogs and a small dog rescue. The latter takes donations but basically is funded by one wealthy volunteer. Do you think rescue groups are profiting off of adoption fees? $200 doesn't come close to covering vet care, food, shelter, etc. Sure some dogs need very little care but we have had dogs that needed heartworm treatment, major surgery, etc.
No, not wanting to pay more than $200 doesn't make you a bad person, but it may mean you're the type of person who is unwilling to pay for vet care. I have dealt with adopters who moan about the $150 adoption fee for cats. Where I live, it's $75-95 just to walk through the vet office door. If you're fretting about the adoption fee, how am I supposed to take your word you'll take on vet bills?
Yes, I know there's a number that almost all of us have in mind as we do not have unlimited funds. But read the room, if you live in an area with adoption fees above $200, then the cost of pet care in the area is going to mirror that level of financial commitment. I know I won't go into bankruptcy for my cats, but I have paid a lot more than $200 over the years. So yeah, if you're that bothered by the adoption fee, then pet ownership may not be for you.
Try fostering--you get the dog but the rescues/shelters keep the financial commitment.
by Anonymous | reply 40 | May 14, 2020 1:04 AM
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I know it costs a lot to care for a dog. The shelters that have small dogs have really high fees and don't have much of a footprint. They look like they are run by crazy people. I am not going to fork over $600 or even $400 to some random group just because I want a dog. I can wait until a suitable pet comes into the SPCA or one of the general shelters in my area.
by Anonymous | reply 41 | May 14, 2020 1:13 AM
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OP, I picked up a stray and it cost me almost $1000 bucks right out of the gate. Young, generally healthy animal. She had parasites, had to be spayed, shots, beds, toys, etc, and the bills just kept coming. I was trying to find her a home, and a girl wanted her, but said she couldn’t afford her if the fee was more than $50. I was spending $50 on this cat every two weeks. Food, sand, collar, license, harness, it never ended. And I thought I was getting rid of her so I didn’t buy expensive toys and things.
Ask yourself, how much can you pay per week? What if the dog needs special food or meds in his old age? My last cat needed $300 a month prescription food and meds for a few years before she died. And the cat fought the meds every single day, twice a day. And if you cheap out on food they all get kidney failure.
If money’s an issue, save the money and go on vacation instead.
by Anonymous | reply 42 | May 14, 2020 1:54 AM
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OP has already stated his boundaries so stop trying to convince him otherwise. He is obviously not going to spend $201 or more for his perfect pup.
by Anonymous | reply 43 | May 14, 2020 1:55 AM
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ALL little fluffy dogs bark.
by Anonymous | reply 44 | May 14, 2020 2:12 AM
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Agree. Entitled, cheapo OP should NOT adopt a dog. He won't be able take care of its needs which will run into the thousands over its lifetime.
OP, get a goldfish.
by Anonymous | reply 45 | May 14, 2020 2:12 AM
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If I were OP and really wanted a dog, I’d foster a dog. If you’re known by the shelter it might help you get a dog easier or cheaper. And once you get a load of the cost of daily maintenance, you might say forget it.
by Anonymous | reply 46 | May 14, 2020 2:20 AM
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I bought my little fluffy mixed breed dog from a home breeder for $50. Besides the routine vet care I’ve spent lots of money on allergy treatments and emergency intestinal problem. So again, it’s not the initial cost it’s the cost of proper ongoing care. Love this dog!
by Anonymous | reply 47 | May 14, 2020 3:33 AM
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A breeder sold you a dog for $50?
Is that why your dog has those medical issues?
by Anonymous | reply 48 | May 14, 2020 4:05 AM
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Purebreds are inbred a lot of the time and have horrible health and temperament problems. I had a poorly bred purebred cat, and she had lifelong intermittent pain and discomfort. In her old age she became very irritable and bit very hard and often. When I got her, she had already bit the previous people and they gave her to the shelter. I still have scars all over my hands years later.
Don’t get a rare breed, whatever you do. Breeders aren’t conscientious about rare breeds. Mutts are much healthier.
by Anonymous | reply 49 | May 14, 2020 4:05 AM
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I bought my dog from an out of state breeder. I looked around the rescues and shelters, and basically all pit bulls and chihuahuas in LA County, no thanks! Very happy with this dog, she’s the best!
by Anonymous | reply 50 | May 14, 2020 4:33 AM
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I recommend adopt-a-pet.com and petfinder.com. They’re great sites that show you all the adoptable dogs in your region. I’ve also noticed that different cities / states have different types of dogs. There were a lot of small, fluffy dogs at the Nyc Aspca. In Chicago, 90% of adoptable dogs are pit bull mixes. Best of luck on your search! It will be worth it.
by Anonymous | reply 51 | May 14, 2020 6:57 AM
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I’m not an American but from my point of view OP’s price isn’t crazy or too little. It would cost around 150 here at a shelter. He didn’t say he can’t afford to keep a dog after adopting it. There are plenty dogs and other pets who need a loving owner.
by Anonymous | reply 52 | May 14, 2020 8:45 AM
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OP has the $201. He's just a self-absorbed narcissist who is having a fine time here showing his ass to everyone. Ignore him.
by Anonymous | reply 53 | May 14, 2020 11:45 AM
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I didn’t volunteer at the shelter, I did my community service there (DUI). The reason there are so many pits is because they tend to be acquired by people without the means to raise them safely.
They’re a dangerous breed. Not evil. Yes, I know YOUR pit is a sweetheart. But that is not the norm.
And some people own pits the way trumpies deny the virus - in your face. Then the original owner goes to jail or to live with their ahnt.
It isn’t that more people adopt them. It is just more likely that it will fail.
by Anonymous | reply 54 | May 14, 2020 12:09 PM
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Pit bulls tend to have large litters. 10 puppies are not uncommon.
by Anonymous | reply 55 | May 14, 2020 12:11 PM
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[quote] Look for someone re-homing their pet
JFC. If you're "giving your pet away" own up to it.
by Anonymous | reply 56 | May 14, 2020 12:19 PM
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You need to find a reputable breeder and that takes time. Even if you got the breed you wanted from a shelter, it is highly likely that the dog was badly bred and will have genetic health and behavioral issues. This will cause you a lot of heartache and expense. The way you find a good breeder is by contacting them, visiting their kennels, and asking them about their breeding programme. You can begin by going to dog shows and talking to the exhibitors and judges. Do research on the breed and find out what the vulnerabilities are.
There is absolutely no other way, and even this way isn't guaranteed.
by Anonymous | reply 57 | May 14, 2020 12:35 PM
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The kind of dog I want goes for $2k at least. It’s crazy how much it costs to buy a dog.
by Anonymous | reply 58 | May 14, 2020 12:36 PM
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If it is $2k for a dog, imagine what Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen had to pay to buy a human.
by Anonymous | reply 59 | May 14, 2020 12:48 PM
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Skip it. Would wants to be caught dead picking up poop? That’s for commoners.
by Anonymous | reply 60 | May 14, 2020 12:49 PM
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My brother lives in Houston and their first dog was a stray who always visited them at their yacht club and asked for food. Eventually they took her home and she was an incredibly friendly dog. Although the dog was "free", they spent thousands on hip surgery and almost $5k to save her life after she was diagnosed with a tumor near her heart. The dog died anyway so be prepared to pay lots of money for the vet or get proper insurance immediately.
Their next puppy cost $5 at a Houston shelter that already had too many puppies and needed to get rid of them so I understand why OP doesn't want to spend a lot of money. Most shelters are overcrowded and can't feed them or take care of all of them. The $5 puppy of course needed an immediate vet visit for all his shots and treatments so he wasn't really free either.
by Anonymous | reply 61 | May 14, 2020 12:52 PM
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R57 makes a good point.
I acquired a stray cat, and after my last cat was the ill tempered purebred I described at R49, everything this one does is a revelation. No hard biting. Affectionate. I took her to the vet and the vet had to examine her mouth. She sat there quiet and relaxed while the vet examined her mouth. Even the vet was shocked.
The last one could not be brushed due to a back problem and got hard knots all over. She had to be anesthetized to get a lion cut every year to get the knots off, because handling her was so painful, she would lash out and attack everyone at the vet. Forget having her mouth handled when she was conscious. It was impossible. I had to have her file and carrier marked “she bites” after she bit a vet assistant and they reported it to animal control, and there was still a potential liability issue because these were very deep bites. She bit me very deeply numerous times and the bites got infected several times and required antibiotics.
Once a year I would have to take her in and they would anesthetize her to clean her teeth, give her a lion cut and do her vaccinations. That added up to hundreds extra every year, plus it’s not good for the animal, but there was absolutely no other way to handle her.
I now have a cat without the temperament issues and I enjoy her so much more. This is really a case of choosing right at the beginning. This cat was a stray and obviously a mixed breed, several colors come through when the sun shines on her. She has perfect teeth, which can be an issue for some breeds. Read up on breeds you might be interested in. They all tend to certain physical problems.
by Anonymous | reply 62 | May 14, 2020 12:55 PM
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I fell in love with a cute little dachshund mix nine years ago at a shelter where my friend was getting a dog. I love her but am scared to add up what she has cost me in vet bills. She developed distemper right after I got her and was on IV’s for over a week, then had to treat heart worms once she got over that. Since then she has had four back surgeries for slipped discs. She’s doing great at the moment though.
by Anonymous | reply 63 | May 14, 2020 1:38 PM
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No, re-homing is certainly better than the people who get rid of their pets by putting them.iut on the streets or worse, dumping them in a trash can.
by Anonymous | reply 64 | May 14, 2020 1:44 PM
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I'm also in Houston and I live in the East End. There are a shit ton of strays here, many are friendly. I've fostered a couple while seeking their owners on NextDoor, with flyers and having their chips read. They were obviously well-trained, friendly dogs since they followed me home. With no luck on contacting owners (they were probably dumped) I found friends who could adopt them. So just walk around here, you may be in luck.
Though I am suspicious of people who seek cute and fluffy dogs exclusively.
by Anonymous | reply 65 | May 14, 2020 1:46 PM
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I dearly love my shih tzu and miniature poodle mix, even if she has proven to be a luxury item.
by Anonymous | reply 66 | May 14, 2020 1:47 PM
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My mother was a dog whisperer. And she loved cats. We didn't hold onto animals once they got sick, though. Her philosophy, rather unsentimental, was that we needed to make room for our next pet. Mother would have found the "lion cut" cat r62 mentions quite sick, because of which lion cut would have gone to "live in the country on a nice farm" after the first infected bite.
I have a lot of my mother in me this way. I don't know why people can't let sick animals go. There were no $5000 operations for dogs in our house.
by Anonymous | reply 67 | May 14, 2020 1:48 PM
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Maybe OP could get a dog from Greece, Mexico or India. Seems like even with the airfare it is still cheaper to get a dog from one of these places and he could save a dog from horrible circumstances.
by Anonymous | reply 68 | May 14, 2020 1:49 PM
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r59
Nothing, millions of delusional females thought they could "change him"
by Anonymous | reply 69 | May 14, 2020 1:50 PM
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Just go to the city pound and get one. There are like a million extra dogs, you are overthinking this.
by Anonymous | reply 70 | May 14, 2020 1:51 PM
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I get it. It's expensive. Here's an idea: let your friends on social media know. Are you on a neighborhood listserv? Post your interest. We got our first dog from a friend who was unable to take care of it. Plus on our neighborhood listserv, there are tons of posts by people who have found lost or stray dogs but can't hold onto them for whatever reason. Offer to take care of the dog while finding its owner. Odds are the owner won't be claim the dog.
by Anonymous | reply 71 | May 14, 2020 1:51 PM
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[quote]Then the original owner goes to jail or to live with their ahnt.
Offsite Linkby Anonymous | reply 72 | May 14, 2020 1:56 PM
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OP has no intention of actually getting a dog, just excuses.
by Anonymous | reply 73 | May 14, 2020 1:58 PM
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R71 is right. Also, there are always dogs and cats whose owners have died or gone into rest homes and who need a home. Put an ad up saying what you are looking for.
by Anonymous | reply 74 | May 14, 2020 1:58 PM
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"Though I am suspicious of people who seek cute and fluffy dogs exclusively."
OP said he lives in an apartment and doesn't seem to have space for a bigger dog.
Many here already said there're many strays in Houston. Shouldn't be too hard too find abandoned puppies there.
by Anonymous | reply 75 | May 14, 2020 2:00 PM
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It’s probably best for you to wait and see what happens with this epidemic. It will give you time to save up for a non-ghetto dog as well. Right now my purebred dog is cuddling up next to me...it’s worth it!
Say no to: chihuahuas, pit bulls, huskies and pugs.
by Anonymous | reply 76 | May 14, 2020 2:01 PM
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Just remember... The bigger the dog, the bigger the turd.
by Anonymous | reply 77 | May 14, 2020 2:02 PM
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Oh, and don’t get a Pom...yuck!
Offsite Linkby Anonymous | reply 78 | May 14, 2020 2:03 PM
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Very true, with toy sized dogs, you can do the straight girl thing and not pick it up.
by Anonymous | reply 79 | May 14, 2020 2:27 PM
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Hey, R76, what's wrong with pugs? Other than the shedding. I had two, both now gone. But they were the sweetest, cutest most entertaining dogs ever. Vet bills were pretty normal.
by Anonymous | reply 80 | May 14, 2020 2:35 PM
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[quote]you can do the straight girl thing and not pick it up
Uh, what? No. I think you mean the GUY thing.
by Anonymous | reply 81 | May 14, 2020 2:37 PM
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Apparently people are buying up pets more than ever now. These same people are going broke and cannot pay the vet bills. Good times.
by Anonymous | reply 82 | May 14, 2020 2:42 PM
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R82 noticed that too. There’s a run on cats as well, people are bored in isolation. In six months the shelters will be overcrowded
by Anonymous | reply 83 | May 14, 2020 2:44 PM
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My colleague has a pug who always hangs out at the office. That dog has the strongest body odor and your hands will stink for hours after petting him. I also hate the cloud breathing.
by Anonymous | reply 84 | May 14, 2020 2:48 PM
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Pugs stink, and guys pick up their dog’s poop. Straight girls don’t because they’re sooooo dainty and their dog is sooooo small with small, dainty poop.
by Anonymous | reply 85 | May 14, 2020 2:49 PM
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R84. Pugs don't stink any more than other dogs. Your co-worker is a lazy slob who never baths her dog. Their snoring is adorable.
by Anonymous | reply 86 | May 14, 2020 2:56 PM
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They’re truly the stinkiest, he’s right.
by Anonymous | reply 87 | May 14, 2020 2:59 PM
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Dogs vary. Many people complain that basset hounds stink. Mine didn't. And, yes, of course, I was accustomed to the dog and not the best judge. But I inquired with my other dog-owning friends. The reply was always that some do, but that one did not.
Short haired dogs can have oily coats. Some more than others. It's an individual dog thing.
by Anonymous | reply 88 | May 14, 2020 3:02 PM
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That is one reason I'd never get a big dog, having to pick up piles of shit in public. At least with a little one, you can get those puppy pads. I love poms and King Charleses.
by Anonymous | reply 89 | May 14, 2020 3:03 PM
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Pugs are snorty, stinky and adorable! Have one and he has the most engaging personality of any dog I’ve been around.
by Anonymous | reply 90 | May 14, 2020 3:08 PM
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The pug's snort is not a feature, it's a bug. They have been bred into respiratory distress by unethical breeders responding to demand from dog owners who think the dog's squashed face and resulting limited ability to breathe are cute and adorable.
by Anonymous | reply 91 | May 14, 2020 3:11 PM
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[quote] In six months the shelters will be overcrowded
I think you're right. I don't think it's usually this difficult to get a dog. My mother got a little dog from a shelter a few years ago-- she just went in one day and came home with it. He's got the sweetest disposition. I think if I wait a bit there will be more available. There are for sure a lot of strays in Houston but they tend to be bigger breeds, and the small ones look like they might by part pit bull. If a friendly little dog showed up on my doorstep I would of course take him in.
by Anonymous | reply 92 | May 14, 2020 3:26 PM
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In six months, we’ll have another big batch from Mexico, that’s where a lot of the dogs come from in L.A. The rescues always have a sob story about dogs on streets, blah, blah, blah.
by Anonymous | reply 94 | May 14, 2020 3:48 PM
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Great story, R62, I'm happy that you found the right pet.
Of the 10 or so cats my family owned, only one was chosen from a litter. The others were strays, all mixed breeds. Although they had different personalities and preferences, all of them were friendly, free of health and behavior problems, mostly maintenance free. My grandmother's neurotic Siamese was a stark contrast. My last cat was just the sweetest guy I could ask for, well behaved, good eater, a very beautiful grey with a white stripe down his nose. He belonged to a neighbor who moved out of my building and couldn't keep him. I would never ever look for a pure breed if I were to get another, and I'd gladly pay the $100-600 to get a nice one at a shelter.
by Anonymous | reply 95 | May 14, 2020 5:55 PM
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You can always get a human dog. That’s pretty much all I see on some hookup sites. Grown ass men with dog masks and puppy gear.
by Anonymous | reply 96 | May 14, 2020 8:20 PM
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R67, when Lion Cut bit the vet’s assistant, they sent an Animal Control Officer out to the house to inspect the house and make sure we weren’t running some kind of animal torturing farm out here.
The lady was very nice and said, first bite, they have to be quarantined in the house and cannot go outside, I don’t remember how many weeks, maybe a month or more, second bite, quarantined at Animal Control, third bite, probably put down. This was for a cat, not a pit bull. She said, don’t let her bite anybody for at least a year, or she’ll end up being held at the pound. She did not go back to the vet or leave the house for a year. I changed vets and warned the next one in great detail. I think the clock was running for about two years for the second bite.
We got lucky because she had had her rabies shot somewhere else and I had her immunization records right at hand. They said if she was not up to date, it would have been much more serious. They would have assumed she had rabies and the bite victim would have had to take rabies shots.
When the Animal Control lady came in, the unrepentant criminal was lying on the sofa by the door. She glared at the Animal Control Officer with a “you’ll never take me alive, copper!” attitude. No remorse or fear. Just, “Fuck you!” It was right on her face. Luckily, the Animal Control Officer thought it was amusing.
This is why you really have to be careful about selecting a pet. These days they assume you’re fighting pit bills at your house if a pet bites. They might overkill and decide to search your house looking for them, so don’t get yourself in that type of situation. I’ve been warned many times they use stray cats and other small animals as pitbull bait now. So any biting is looked at suspiciously now.
by Anonymous | reply 97 | May 14, 2020 9:19 PM
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What’s the problem with chihuahuas, R76?
by Anonymous | reply 98 | May 14, 2020 9:23 PM
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I'm kinda shocked r97 that your vet called animal control although they did not know how to handle your cat. Our cat was the friendliest cat, but was not amused when the vet tried to clean her teeth. They have gloves, pouches and hopefully lots of experience to make sure they don't get bitten. Hope you sent them a lovely email and that you won't bring your animal there in the future.
by Anonymous | reply 99 | May 14, 2020 9:38 PM
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I don't understand this. Vets give animals a light anesthetic and scale their teeth with an ultrasonic scaler, much like a human dentist, minus the anesthetic. It has been like this since the 90s.
by Anonymous | reply 100 | May 14, 2020 9:49 PM
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R99, I was shocked too. Never went there again.
The reason Lion Cut bit is because the moronic assistant decided to take her out of her carrier in the waiting room, which was filled with extremely large dogs at the time. A Rottweiler, some other really big dogs. The cat didn’t want to leave the safety of the box around those big dogs, so she bit her in self defense. That’s why she wasn’t sorry, I’m guessing.
I didn’t want to risk her doing something else stupid with her and getting bit again.
by Anonymous | reply 101 | May 14, 2020 9:50 PM
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I found a little dog at a shelter out towards Galveston. We'll see if I get approved.
by Anonymous | reply 102 | May 14, 2020 11:39 PM
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Chihuahuas, what’s the point?
Addressing earlier comments, there are pit bulls that propagate here, but rescues are constantly bringing them up from Mexico.
by Anonymous | reply 103 | May 15, 2020 12:38 AM
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Where the fuck is Rescue Chick? This thread was made for her.
My brother just spent the last three months trying to adopt a dog. The whole family is home all day, so housetraining would never be easier, and the kids are bored with no one to play with. But competition was fierce. They just got one and are very happy.
Regarding the OP’s $200 limit: fuck right off and get a lizard, though that setup will put you back over the $200 limit.
I adopted a dog from the Humane Society last year for about $500. . I didn’t pay a cent for the spay or any vaccinations. She’s come from the south with worms and kennel cough that turned into pneumonia. I made multiple trips to the vet for x-rays, meds, stool samples, and exams. Again, every bit was covered under the adoption agreement. $500 was a steal.
Also, it’s a fucking charity that’s saving animals. Cut them a break and offer a donation above the adoption fees rather than moan about a couple hundred bucks that will seem like a drop in the bucket after one medical issue.
Also, maybe don’t get the lizard.
by Anonymous | reply 104 | May 15, 2020 12:53 AM
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I hope you get every penny's worth of your $199.99.
by Anonymous | reply 105 | May 15, 2020 1:03 AM
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I spent $2400 on a Wire Fox Terrier girl (which wrecked my budget) and have not regretted a single cent of it!
by Anonymous | reply 106 | May 15, 2020 1:15 AM
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We want pictures of your new dog, OP.
I don't get the bitching about OP's budget limit. $500 for a rescue dog is insane in my opinion and the shelters should be glad someone is giving an older dog a new home and they don't have to feed or eventually kill them. Most people prefer puppies so giving an older dog a nice home shouldn't be too expensive. I paid $80 for my kitten a couple of years ago and thought that was a reasonable price. They get dozens of kittens each spring and were happy people were getting one from the shelter and not free from craigslist. Spray and neuter is always included since they hope to reduce the cat population in my area. I would also not pay $200 for a cat from a shelter.
by Anonymous | reply 107 | May 15, 2020 8:23 AM
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I guess that's one of the advantages of living in the third world. There's no shortage of cats and dogs at the shelters here, and the adoption costs under $50 including sterilization and vaccinations.
by Anonymous | reply 108 | May 15, 2020 10:47 AM
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R77, Not OP here, but I have said to friends with dogs (Golden Retrievers, Chocolate Lab) that I would never own a dog whose poop is bigger than mine!
I've come to realize that I am not about to go outside in all weather, on more days than a mailman, and pick up dog feces. Ain't gonna happen.
I understand that the trade-off is that I am probably missing out on a lot of joy, especially as I live alone.
by Anonymous | reply 109 | May 15, 2020 1:04 PM
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I called the shelter first thing this morning. They said there is already a list of people who want to adopt him! The listing went up at the end of the day yesterday! I think I am going to just have to wait a while.
by Anonymous | reply 110 | May 15, 2020 1:20 PM
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Here in FL, elderly folks die and if they have a dog, it's generally a small dog. There are often ads on Craigslist put in by family members of the deceased who want to rehome these older, small dogs whose owners have died. I'd check into that.
by Anonymous | reply 111 | May 15, 2020 1:24 PM
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r111, that's exactly what I have in mind. I'll look on Craigslist for that specifically.
by Anonymous | reply 112 | May 15, 2020 1:25 PM
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Plus, OP, you might want to look into adopting a racing greyhound. I've read that even though they can be large, they are well-suited to apartment life.
Offsite Linkby Anonymous | reply 114 | May 15, 2020 1:48 PM
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BTW, that link above is for Houston. Here's a link to their available dogs.
Offsite Linkby Anonymous | reply 115 | May 15, 2020 1:51 PM
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All I know is that rescue people are batshit insane.
by Anonymous | reply 116 | May 15, 2020 1:53 PM
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R109 why not consider a cat? they can go on the box and go outside by themselves and they will give you cat hugs when you sleep.
by Anonymous | reply 117 | May 15, 2020 2:20 PM
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Don't let your fucking cat outside. If you want the cat, keep it indoors. Don't send it out to shit in other people's lawns and gardens. Don't send it out to shit in children's play spaces. Don't send it out to kill small wildlife.
And now there is the problem that cats cross-infect one another with Coronavirus. And then bring it home. If you keep it indoors, it's your problem. If you let it out, it's a public health nuisance and must be treated as such.
by Anonymous | reply 118 | May 15, 2020 2:27 PM
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R109 I have a neighbour with two Basset Hounds and a Bulldog and see him outside several times a day picking up huge 💩. Thank God my cat hides her stinky shit in her box.
by Anonymous | reply 119 | May 15, 2020 2:28 PM
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Turdulently speaking, a medium-sized dog is my preference. Big dogs have BIG TURDS. Little dogs have such tiny turds, they can be hard to see, and therefore pick up, at night. A 45-pounder is just right.
by Anonymous | reply 120 | May 15, 2020 2:31 PM
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R118 calm down. My cats always go on the box but you have to have one inside in your home. They will return home when they need food or the box(at least my cats do). Indeed if you don't have a box they don't have a choice. Cats have a chance of catching corona, this has been known for years, it's a different type than our current pandemic.
by Anonymous | reply 121 | May 15, 2020 2:34 PM
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If you would be interested in a cat R109, ask the vet about Corona and cats.
by Anonymous | reply 122 | May 15, 2020 2:35 PM
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I see now how this works. The breed-specific shelters scope out the general shelters so that when a dog is brought in they can scoop it up and then charge ridiculously high adoption fees. The general shelters are ok with this because it then makes room for the less desirable breeds. I strongly prefer dealing with a general shelter than a small group run by crazy dog people. I don't like the feeling that I'm competing to get a fucking dog.
by Anonymous | reply 123 | May 15, 2020 2:45 PM
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Okay, R121. How many times have you seen a cat owner out picking up after his cat? Probably never. Cat owners who let their cats out are the most selfish people in the world.
by Anonymous | reply 124 | May 15, 2020 2:49 PM
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[Quote]I want a little fluffy dog that doesn't bark
They don't exist. All small dogs bark.
by Anonymous | reply 125 | May 15, 2020 3:21 PM
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I saw a cat making a HUUUUUGE doodie on someone’s lawn the other day. My dog really wanted to attack him, but that wouldn’t end well.
by Anonymous | reply 126 | May 15, 2020 3:29 PM
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Bigger dogs need forever homes too. Even if it's not your first choice, consider one for adoption.
by Anonymous | reply 127 | May 15, 2020 3:31 PM
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R124 cats have to be raised just like dogs, if an owner doesn't put any effort into it when they are young and doesn't own a box yes they will shite all over the neighbours gardens(and your own too)
by Anonymous | reply 128 | May 15, 2020 3:32 PM
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I can understand a fee roughly in line with the costs associated per animal plus some extra toward the shelter's other expenses (and pets), but it shouldn't be a case where each adoption funds enough salary and overhead and other expenses that people begin to question whether the adoptions drive the operations.
by Anonymous | reply 129 | May 15, 2020 3:52 PM
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LOL at Goldilocks at R120.
This whole thread is hugely entertaining for a non-pet owner like me.
by Anonymous | reply 131 | May 15, 2020 4:13 PM
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[quote] I can understand a fee roughly in line with the costs associated per animal plus some extra toward the shelter's other expenses (and pets), but it shouldn't be a case where each adoption funds enough salary and overhead and other expenses that people begin to question whether the adoptions drive the operations.
And it's not, R129. No one is reasonably asking that question. These shelter and rescue organizations are able to exist because of volunteers. When I adopted my miniature poodle five years ago, I paid the rescue organization $250.00. She came with a rabies shot, was dewormed, and was spayed before she was released to me. A local veterinarian charges a reduced fee all the spaying and neutering for this organization. The entire organization is volunteer. There is no kennel. They foster the dogs in their homes until they are placed. The dogs need food and the occasional bit of chauffeuring. Even without a kennel to support, there are many expenses that have to be covered. I think the $250.00 I paid was probably too low.
In any event, yesterday I took this marvelous dog to her own vet for her spring check up, heart worm exam, heart worm meds, annual blood work, and everything else that goes with. $471.00. Dogs suck money almost as expertly as a car does. I'm approaching retirement age. This will be my last dog. It costs too much. So, if you're balking at the upfront fee and it's under $500, you're really not in a good place to be adding a dog to your household.
by Anonymous | reply 132 | May 15, 2020 4:13 PM
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OP, greyhounds are quiet and have the softest coats, so nice to pet.
by Anonymous | reply 133 | May 15, 2020 4:14 PM
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I concur, R120 - a 45-pound turd is easy to see!
by Anonymous | reply 134 | May 15, 2020 4:16 PM
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Check vets' offices. Many have a bulletin board of pets available for adoption and staff may have suggestions. Usually they are pets who were attended at that office and for whatever reason their owners have to give them up; many prefer that route to avoid leaving the with a shelter for adoption.
by Anonymous | reply 135 | May 15, 2020 5:47 PM
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R128, I once trained a three week old kitten to use the box. I showed it to her, let her kick around in the litter, then said, YOU GO IN HERE. Fed her dinner and left. Came back an hour later and she had done some little kitten shits in the litter. Never made a mistake after that.
by Anonymous | reply 136 | May 15, 2020 6:48 PM
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I can inform to you r136 method works with kids to.
by Anonymous | reply 137 | May 15, 2020 6:55 PM
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Gay men with cats are usually kind of weird, in my experience. Same goes for ones with small dogs, especially when they let them go in the room where you’re having sex: “it’s ok she won’t bother us” Later, the dog jumps on the bed licking everything in sight.
by Anonymous | reply 139 | May 15, 2020 7:44 PM
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ewwwww R139 never had any dogs but none of my cats ever did this, again eeewwwwww disgusting. I think I'd have a trauma for life if something like that happened. no, kids and cats out of the bedroom when the magic happens.
by Anonymous | reply 140 | May 15, 2020 7:52 PM
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R199 here. I like cats, but I'm just a self-centered git. I've never had a pet (well, a hamster for about a month, until my mother told me that Pookie was "in the backyard"), and I'm really too old now.
I appreciate your and others' replies
by Anonymous | reply 141 | May 15, 2020 8:50 PM
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I get a sense from your post that you are being somewhat impulsive about wanting a dog. THAT is one of the reasons breed specific rescue orgs are so picky. Youve got to have a good track record with a vet and references and often times a fence etc etc. Dogs are a major commitment. Usually rescue dogs have already been thru a lot in their lives and they need stable homes with stable people. If $200 or so dollars is offputting to you at the outset.............. please please dont get a dog. Just taking a dog to get shots once a year and to have teeth cleaned annually, plus grooming once a month for nails and ears is going to cost you at least a $1000 bucks a year plus food, flea and tick meds and heartguard. And THAT is if they dont get sick or have any accidents etc etc. It gets much more costly as they get older. I am all for putting people thru the meat grinder in order to adopt a dog.
by Anonymous | reply 142 | May 15, 2020 9:32 PM
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[quote] I get a sense from your post that you are being somewhat impulsive about wanting a dog. THAT is one of the reasons breed specific rescue orgs are so picky. Youve got to have a good track record with a vet and references and often times a fence etc etc.
This is the problem with the racket as it's set up. I am a responsible adult who has considered getting a dog for years. Now that I live in a decent apartment near my place of work and have time and money to spend on caring for a dog, I am ready to get one. But because I have no track record with a vet I cannot prove to the rescue nuts that I am a good owner. I have obtained top secret security clearance in my time and while that was a considerable ordeal, this is proving to be one as well. Millions of people own dogs. It's a dog. Clearly the rescue organizations scan petfinder and the other aggregator sites and as soon as an adoptable small dog comes into the shelters, they move in and take it. I am not dealing with a group like that. I can't get a larger dog and I am allergic to cats. So I will not get a dog for the time being.
by Anonymous | reply 143 | May 15, 2020 9:48 PM
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Just like with adopting a child, you shouldn’t settle for something you’re not happy with. Spend the money and find the right place that will provide you what will make you happy.
by Anonymous | reply 144 | May 15, 2020 9:53 PM
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R139, my "he thinks I'm his mama" cat used to jump on the bed and lie on his back between both pillows and purr like a maniac. I presume he thought we were going to play with him, not that he was going to join in. Cats feel people's moods almost like mind readers, so he at least knew that something good was going to happened that might include him. Btw, this cat was eight years old, not a rambunctious youngster. I put him in the other room.
by Anonymous | reply 145 | May 15, 2020 10:12 PM
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[quote] I've never had a pet (well, a hamster for about a month, until my mother told me that Pookie was "in the backyard"), and I'm really too old now.
He named his hamster after Liza Minnelli's character in "The Sterile Cuckoo." So gay. So adorable.
by Anonymous | reply 146 | May 16, 2020 12:57 PM
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R67 It sounds like she never experienced a deep bond with any of your animals. The kind of bond that would leave you devastated when your beloved cat or dog dies. I have and it’s excruciating but also makes life worth living.
by Anonymous | reply 147 | May 17, 2020 5:46 AM
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R147, for any of us, including our most loved animals, death is not an "if," it is a "when."
Your dog will never know it has cancer or any other illness. It will know if it is in pain. If the animal is reaching the end of its natural life, don't make it suffer in service to your unrealistic expectations about death. We all get to die and if we are not healthy, and if we are in pain, then the good times are over. Getting on with it is not a poor choice. Make them suffer is unconscionable.
by Anonymous | reply 148 | May 17, 2020 1:12 PM
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True as that might be in general, Lion Cut from this thread wasn't an example of that imo(as someone mentioned before). She bit because she was pulled out of her cage by an assistant in a room full of big dogs. If anything the assistant should get a warning from the vet.
by Anonymous | reply 149 | May 17, 2020 2:39 PM
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The vet didn’t do anything to defend Lion Cut’s honor, so that was the end of that vet. I was really surprised by that.
When I interviewed a new vet, I told them what happened and they were shocked too. They said they get bit all the time and don’t report it unless it’s an aggressive dog and a serious bite.
The chances that a rampaging cat would go around biting random strangers on the streets and seriously injure them are fairly slim, especially since this was a defensive bite.
by Anonymous | reply 150 | May 18, 2020 3:05 AM
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All of the people in this thread defending the INSANE vetting processes of adopting a pet are actually CONTRIBUTING to the overcrowding, stressful conditions of cats and dogs in shelters. It has to be crazy lesbians, only they would be this illogical and irrational over animals
by Anonymous | reply 151 | May 18, 2020 3:40 AM
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R151, the insane vetting process now is the result of pit bill owners “training” their dogs to fight by giving them a cat or small dog to rip limb from limb. This is now extremely common and all those nosy questions are to try and stop it. They didn’t have to do this years ago. One lady that ran a refuge says now they have to visit the home in person. They’re looking for signs of pit bull fighting.
Pit bulls need to be destroyed as a species, they and their psychotic owners are ruining the animal refuge business. It’s so hard to keep animals away from them as bait now, people are afraid to release animals to anyone. I ended up keeping a stray, even though I enjoyed being pet free, because after I heard all the horror stories from various pet refuges and shelters, I was afraid to let her go. They all said the same thing. Have a cute kitten? Prepare for her to be eaten by a pit bull. I kept her.
It seems the only way to really protect animals from these psychotic nut jobs and their pit bulls is get a crystal ball and hope for the best, because God knows what they are going to do the moment they’re out of sight.
I’m sorry, I know it’s not the dogs’ fault that the vast majority of people that want them are insane sadists, but it’s like putting Bonnie and Clyde in the same room. The kind of people that want pit bulls are the exact kind that should never have them.
The reason shelters only have pit bulls is partly nobody wants them, and partly that every other breed of dog has responsible owners that aren’t breeding horribly tempered dogs as fast as they can. The other dogs are spayed. Not pit bulls. They’re moneymakers, so who cares what they do after they’re sold.
by Anonymous | reply 152 | May 18, 2020 5:20 AM
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R10 That wig reminds me of this.
Offsite Linkby Anonymous | reply 153 | May 18, 2020 5:53 AM
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A guy adopted kittens from us and tortured/killed them in kinky games with his girlfriend. He was caught and prosecuted in another state. Our shelter HQ confirmed he was on record as one of our adopters. He was adopting across multiple states.
by Anonymous | reply 154 | May 18, 2020 7:20 PM
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I've put in a couple of more applications, but I've heard nothing. I will try making an appointment with the county shelter tomorrow.
by Anonymous | reply 155 | May 19, 2020 1:15 AM
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R154 stuff like that breaks my heart
by Anonymous | reply 156 | May 19, 2020 3:49 AM
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[quote]Why is it so hard to get a dog?
It isn't. What you meant to say is, "Why is it so hard to get a dog that I want that meets all of my wants."
by Anonymous | reply 158 | May 20, 2020 2:57 AM
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Do you guys think twelve years old is too old to adopt?
[quote] "Why is it so hard to get a dog that I want that meets all of my wants."
Yes that's true. If I said, "I want to adopt a dog-- any dog! I just love animals so much! I can train the dog to adapt to my lifestyle, no matter how big or how abused! It's just a matter of setting my mind to it!," I would be ridiculed for my naivite. You can't win when it comes to dog nuts.
by Anonymous | reply 159 | May 20, 2020 12:06 PM
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Yeah but what we're really talking about is more like:
Why is it hard to find a cute dog I want for the price I want? At least your honest though!
by Anonymous | reply 160 | May 20, 2020 12:23 PM
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Too bad people are judging. $200 is not an unfair amount plus we don’t know the financial status of anyone else. If OP has a lot of love to give than that counts for something too. It doesn’t come across as lockdown boredom to me.
12 years is old imo OP but then if you feel a connection go for it and trust your intuition. My cat died within two years but I have no regrets and followed my intuition when we picked him. He was a great buddy. Quality over quantity I suppose.
by Anonymous | reply 161 | May 20, 2020 1:49 PM
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If pit bulls are so popular, why are shelters full of them?
by Anonymous | reply 162 | May 20, 2020 2:22 PM
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Thirty years ago, many middle-class people wouldn’t spay or neuter their pets for a whole variety of dumb reasons that ranged from financial (“in this house we don’t spend hundreds of dollars on surgeries for dogs!”) to weird gender hang-ups (“I don’t want to cut his balls off!” “It’ll be good for her to be a mother!”) which resulted in lots of oops litters and intentional but amateurish breeding of family dogs - and those puppies and dogs would often end up in shelters or “free to good home” situations. Nowadays, thanks in large part to the humane movement, the vast majority of the western world has accepted the idea that owning a dog is a serious emotional and financial commitment and that you must have that dog spayed or neutered - the result is that there aren’t very many unwanted litters and people will pay lots of money for purebreds and desirable mixes (a mixed breed puppy from a couple of the small and fluffy companion dog breeds wouldn’t cost much less than many purebreds). Breed-specific rescues usually scoop up the few purebreds or desirable mixes that end up being surrendered to shelters - and as they are usually run by hardcore dog Karens, they will usually place labyrinthine requirements on potential adopters (and mostly prefer to just rotate the dogs among each other in a series of fosters). That leaves Pitbulls and Pit-mixes, because of the reckless breeding practices that go along with dog fighting and because of their popularity with the lower classes, as the vast majority of dogs that end up in shelters in most parts of the country - and whatever “adopt don’t shop” advocates say, pitbulls are not well-suited to non-expert dog owners.
by Anonymous | reply 164 | May 21, 2020 12:58 PM
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R174, thank you for that explanation. So the days of getting a mutt are over, then? That’s kind of sad.
by Anonymous | reply 165 | May 21, 2020 1:09 PM
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R165, all the doodles and teddy bear dogs that are hugely popular nowadays are mutts - but I’ve never seen one at a shelter.
by Anonymous | reply 166 | May 21, 2020 1:24 PM
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[quote] Breed-specific rescues usually scoop up the few purebreds or desirable mixes that end up being surrendered to shelters - and as they are usually run by hardcore dog Karens, they will usually place labyrinthine requirements on potential adopters (and mostly prefer to just rotate the dogs among each other in a series of fosters).
This is exactly what I see. I am starting to accept that I will have to deal with one of those rescue groups if I'm going to get the kind of dog I want.
by Anonymous | reply 167 | May 21, 2020 4:33 PM
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Just when I lost hope, things happened yesterday! Two dogs I had applied for last week at separate rescues became available. Apparently the people who were going to take them didn't work out. One of the dogs is coming today for a trial. It's a two year old cairn terrier-- the kind of dog I grew up with! I'm thinking about taking the second dog if the two would get along and if the shelter is ok with it. The second shelter also offers a trial period. The second dog is a white fluffy mutt.
The dogs come from reputable general rescue groups. Each one costs $150.
Hopefully it will work out!
by Anonymous | reply 168 | May 22, 2020 2:05 PM
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Pictures please OP. Hope it works out and they get a great new forever home. I'm sad though you didn't take the 12 yo dog. He surely also deserved to spend his remaining years in a loving home and not an overcrowded stinky shelter. Hope they don't kill him if no one wants him.
by Anonymous | reply 169 | May 22, 2020 2:12 PM
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I got a dog! The dog they brought me on Friday worked out. They say he's a cairn terrier mix but he doesn't look like one to me. Also he's one, not two years old. He is very sweet and loving-- so much so I'm worried he'll have separation anxiety when I stop working from home. I put a camera on him when I left yesterday and he cried the whole time I was gone. I started crate training him using the advice on the Humane Society website. He is shy around other people and dogs, but I might get him a friend if it goes well.
Offsite Linkby Anonymous | reply 171 | May 24, 2020 4:58 PM
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R171 Very nice. It will take a little time for him to get acclimated. Try spending some time away from him during lock-down when you can so he won't go through withdrawal when you return to work.
by Anonymous | reply 172 | May 24, 2020 5:01 PM
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That's sweet and funny, OP. You have found someone who thinks you're the love of his life.
by Anonymous | reply 173 | May 24, 2020 5:05 PM
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He looks adorable, r171. Just adorable. Many happy years!
by Anonymous | reply 174 | May 24, 2020 5:06 PM
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Thanks for the picture OP. He is very cute. So happy for you.
by Anonymous | reply 175 | May 24, 2020 5:16 PM
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He was named Toto by the rescue group but I changed it to Tiger.
by Anonymous | reply 178 | May 24, 2020 6:13 PM
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"Also he's one, not two years old."
Then he's still a baby. Do you know his background, where he came from?
by Anonymous | reply 179 | May 24, 2020 11:34 PM
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Maybe he’d be less lonely with a companion, OP.
by Anonymous | reply 180 | May 24, 2020 11:48 PM
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Rescue guy here. Our adoption fee is $300 for all dogs, and we've adopted out shih tzus as well as Danes.
The fee covers vetting (exam, rabies, parvo/distemper, heartworm test) as well as spay/neuter. We have to pay a vet for these procedures, and even with a rescue discount, our cost is around $210 per dog for this initial vetting/treatment. If a dog needs more specialized care (pregnancy, worms, heartworm treatment, ear infection, UTI, etc), we pay for that too and still charge the basic $300 fee for adoption. The only 'break' we give is for senior dogs (age 8 and up); the adoption fee for these guys is $125 since most senior dogs have already been spayed/neutered.
The fees at SPCAs are less because many have vets on staff and they do not have to 'outsource' their animal healthcare needs.
by Anonymous | reply 181 | May 24, 2020 11:51 PM
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R180, the dog is "lonely" because he's a baby. Babies of all kinds want and need attention.
As far as dog #2 or a companion dog, my sister tried that and then she had two "lonely" dogs crying all day. #2 was also more aggressive and made #1's life miserable.
by Anonymous | reply 182 | May 25, 2020 12:07 AM
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On day 2 I left him alone in the crate for 30 minutes and he didn't cry. He's going into the crate easily for meals so I tried putting him in overnight last night and he didn't cry at all. He is mad at me now because I took him to get a bath. I am putting him in the crate for short periods while I'm at home so that it won't be a shock when I go back to work. Fortunately right now I can take him on walks several times a day and I got him some toys. I am supposed to take him back to the vet later this week for a booster shot.
I don't really know his back story. Apparently he was a stray but he's house trained and in great health. He's very nervous around other dogs and terrified of big dogs. I want to teach him basic commands and tricks. I looked at the dog training Reddit but it'd probably be easier to take him to a class. Any advice is appreciated!
by Anonymous | reply 183 | May 25, 2020 10:02 PM
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He genuinely seems like his feelings are hurt because I took him for a bath. Is this a thing?
by Anonymous | reply 184 | May 25, 2020 10:03 PM
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Animals live in the moment, they don't get "mad" at someone because they were taken to get bathed. Jesus.
by Anonymous | reply 185 | May 25, 2020 10:43 PM
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I just found this thread and haven't gone through it yet, but in addition to rescues snapping up the purebreds or identifiable mixes, there are people in groups or families, who dedicate themselves to scouring shelters for the smaller, more adoptable dogs and turn around and sell them on Craigslist. They're there early and often beating people who seriously want a dog but can't be there on a daily lookout. The dogs are adopted within hours of info the their information being uploaded to their sites.
My city chages $85 adoption fee. SPCA charges $175 so there's room for profit.
by Anonymous | reply 186 | May 25, 2020 11:15 PM
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[quote] The dogs are adopted within hours of info the their information being uploaded to their sites.
That makes perfect sense. I have the time right now so I' was scoping out Petfinder all day long. Within an hour or two, animals would be gone. The dog I got was one I applied for as soon as he went up. Even so, I wasn't the first who applied for him-- who knows why the other person didn't take him.
by Anonymous | reply 187 | May 25, 2020 11:27 PM
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OP - Try Nextdoor. People in my city are constantly finding really cute dogs, trying to find the owners or homes for them if they can't find the owner. It's a very good time now since many shelters aren't accepting animals due to Corona. People are also doing this on my local Reddit. You may not need to pay at all.
by Anonymous | reply 188 | May 25, 2020 11:27 PM
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