Well ladies, you all know that DF and I have been wanting to start a canine family of our very own. We'd been considering all sorts of breeds..and had narrowed down our choices. Well, during Christmas I had a sudden epiphany. We couldn't buy a dog from a breeder or store when there were a zillion (rough estimate) puppies/dogs sitting in pounds and shelters all over the country. We decided we'd search all of the ones in our area untill we found the PERFECT dog for us. Well, one caught our attention a couple of weeks ago. Her name is Heidi. and she's a one year old yellow lab X. Of course, as soon as we laid eyes on her, we wanted her...but there was one thing stopping us. She was pregnant. Well, she gave birth to 9 puppies on Jan 3, and she'd have to spend a good 8 weeks with them before she could be adopted. Not that that deterred us in any way...it just slowed things down a little. We continued to keep an eye on her progress...checking out the site on a daily basis.
Now...tonight I sat down at the computer to see if they'd posted any pics of her babies yet...nope. BUT, they did post a pic of a brand new dog, Sulley. A 1 year old Newf!!!! He's gorgeous!!! Beautiful!!! Spectacular!! We called about him right away. Apparently, he'd been saved from being put down today. So...as of right now, we are in love with two dogs we haven't even met in person. I think honestly I'm swaying towards the Newf, but he's spending a night in a foster home with two cats. They are going to let us know tomorrow how that goes. There are pros and cons to both doggies.
What do you ladies think?? I'm torn. And yet...so excited. Either way, looks like there might be a D-O-G in the house very soon. YAY!!!! Here's a couple of pics.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| heidi.jpg | 45.03 KB |
| sulley.jpg | 49.31 KB |
Comment Guidelines
We welcome your feedback on Houseandhome.com. H&H reserves the right to remove any unsuitable personal remarks made about the bloggers, hosts, homeowners and/or guests we feature. Please keep your comments focused on decorating, design, cooking and other lifestyle topics. Adopt a tone you would be willing to use in person and do not make slanderous remarks or use denigrating language. If you see a comment that you believe violates any of the guidelines outlined above, please click “Alert a Moderator.” Thank you.
I think you have some very good ideas about what to do. I tried a google of introducing a dog to cat and there is a lot of info. Here's one site [url]http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_Cat.html[/url]
As for the dog putting it's head down, I'm not sure but maybe shw was trying a bit of submissive play. I bought a book by Stanley Coran called 'how to speak dog" that explains a lot of their moves. It's in paperback so you might want to take a look for a book like that to help you out.
This brought tears to my eyes! I miss my labs so much. We lost them both rather prematurely to cancer. (Our boy was 10 and our girl was not quite 8 - and they died within less than a year of each other).
As far as cats go, just take it easy - let the animals take it at their own speed. As you implied, the cats will more than likely be the problem, rather than the dog. I remember when we brought home our first 8 week old lab pup our cat full out attacked him! We certainly weren't expecting that! I'd say for the first few days at least, let them meet through a glass door or a baby gate so that all parties are safe - don't let them be face-to-face until everyone has calmed down. Cats also like to be higher up, so maybe when you finally introduce them, put the cat on a chair or table (he'll feel safer) and keep the dog on a leash. I'd also suggest clipping your cat's nails before the face-to-face introduction!! lol Good luck! I hope you post pics when you bring your pup home!
Thanks Ladies. We went back on sunday morning to pay for her and have another little visit. She immediately came over and greeted us...but in a submissive way. Got down on her front paws and lay her head on the ground. Is this a good thing? LOL. I mean...she doesn't appear to be nervous or sketchy in any way. Just very submissive. And gentle and soooo wise beyond her years. She's only about 10 months old...but there's not a single bit of puppiness that comes through. Comes with having pups at such a young age...and not ever having a real home I guess. I can't wait till she comes home and gets settled and relaxes enough to act like a barely 1 year old puppy!! She has those retriever eyes...the ones that look into your soul (or so it seems) and say "you can trust me". Any of you ladies that have had retrievers know what I'm talking about...right? Things are going to be just fine....I know it.
I do have one question tho....how do I introduce her to my cats? We've got 5 weeks til she comes home with us, and I need any tips you gals have on making the introduction a little easier. I've already bought a new bed for her to use out at the rescue home...one that we can bring home with her when she comes...so at least she'll have that comfort item. The bed also smells like her new people family...so that'll help too. Anyway, feel free to throw suggestions my way. My cats have never even seen a dog before...and I'm not gonna lie...they are big cats...able to inflict some serious damage if neccessary. We keep the litter box in the basement, and just bought a tall doggie gate for the basement door that have a small cat door in it. I'm also gonna get one for the stairs leading upstairs. That way, when we aren't home, she will be confined to the main floor of the house, while the cats still have dog-free options.
Thanks,
Mel
What a happy ending!!!:confetti: Enjoy!!
to back up what Smoodgie said, I haven't actually been involved with rescues because I didn't know much about them but I've been reading a forum lately where they do a lot of rescuing and have been seeing just what a good way that is to get the perfect dog. These folks pull from kill shelters and other places where the dogs need help and place them with experienced fosters.
If there are any problems, medical or otherwise, the dogs are taken care of before going to forever homes. They also screen the potential owners to make sure the pet and people are good matches. So far, from what I've seen, it's quite amazing how well they do and how happy the new owners are because they really don't end up with any surprises (which isn't so true of people buying puppies or from ads where someone is desperate to get rid of a dog). It seems you really know what you are getting when you get a rescue. the other half is that usually if the dog isn't working out, they will take them back
What's really stunning to me is what a mess some of these dogs are when they pull them and how a bit of grooming and some good care can bring them around to being great pets again.
That's sure the way I'll go if I'm looking for another dog.
WIth older dogs, they're often trained to some degree, housebroken, and their attitudes towards cats and other dogs have been determined. So there shouldn't be any surprises when it comes to behaviour.
All our dogs (the three we have now and Carbo, who we lost in September) came from shelters or rescue groups. They're all wonderful dogs and we love them a lot :)
Well good breeders do temperament testing as well. They also have guarantees regarding health and temperament. That's something you have to gamble with when adopting a dog. I'm all for adoption, don't get me wrong, but the only dog I'd be able to rescue is one who's background is known. My dog is a herding breed - if I were to introduce an adult of her breed into my home, it would more than likely kill my cat (unless, of course, it was raised with them) but my dog has been with my cat since she was 9 weeks old, so I trust her 100%. Not that it stops her from rounding up the cat once in a while, but they've got it all worked out!
I'm hoping my next dog will be a rescue (don't have the time or energy for another pup so soon - my dog is not even 2 yet -) but I guess it will depend on my situation and what the other people in the house want!
Congrats on the new baby of the family!!!:confetti:
Actually, you're often better off adopting a dog (particularly an older dog) from a shelter or rescue group than buying a puppy from a breeder. All dogs at shelters are assessed when they arrive at the shelter -- both their health and personalities. Only the dogs that pass the assessments are put up for adoption. Foster families for rescue groups assess the dogs in their care and work on resolving any issues the dog might have.
WIth older dogs, they're often trained to some degree, housebroken, and their attitudes towards cats and other dogs have been determined. So there shouldn't be any surprises when it comes to behaviour.
All our dogs (the three we have now and Carbo, who we lost in September) came from shelters or rescue groups. They're all wonderful dogs and we love them a lot :)
Lab Rescue Ontario is in Oakville. The website is [URL=www.lab-rescue.ca]www.lab-rescue.ca[/URL]
They are wonderful to work with. We had a unique situation as our girl was not fostered. She came to us directly from her owner. It was a very sad story. However, she was well loved and cared for but the owner was in a difficult situation and could not care for her.
Good luck.
Thanks so much! I'll definitely look into it. I've always felt a bit guilty for getting my dogs from breeders, but it scares me a bit to think of the risk involved when adopting a strange animal (especially one that you can't tell what kind of dog it is!) I already have a dog who is fairly aggressive (in a dominant way - I think a lab would be ok for her) and a cat AND a bird, so I know a lot of dogs would kill the latter 2 in an instant. I try to make up for it by donating money to the Humane society, etc but I've always admired people who adopt. Maybe next time I'm dogless (sad, sad thought) I'll go into a shelter and adopt the oldest ugliest dog they have :)
Lab rescue is a definite option though! thanks again and enjoy your pretty girl!
lucyraven
Lab Rescue Ontario is in Oakville. The website is [URL=www.lab-rescue.ca]www.lab-rescue.ca[/URL]
They are wonderful to work with. We had a unique situation as our girl was not fostered. She came to us directly from her owner. It was a very sad story. However, she was well loved and cared for but the owner was in a difficult situation and could not care for her.
Good luck.
We adopted a dog through the Lab Rescue here in Ontario and she is just an absolute joy. We already had another Lab and a Shi Tzu. so what the heck - go for two. Seriously though good for you to adopt a dog from a shelter/rescue. Here is a picture of our girl just after we brought her home. She has been with us for almost three years and I don't remember never havin her in our lives,
macsmom, what was the process to adopt from lab rescue? I grew up with labs and I'd love to have another one, but there is no way I'm having a retriever puppy anytime soon! lol So I was thinking maybe a rescue lab would be a good way to go....and being labs, you know there won't be much chance of temperament problems...they're such wonderful dogs.
Mel - congrats on your decision! I bet it's going to seem like forever until March 5th!
CONGRATULATIONS!:confetti:on your new family member Mel...Heidi was meant to be yours...she is a very beautiful dog....ENJOY
oh that's fantabulous! congrats on your new baby!:clapping:
Oh how nice it's all coming together. I bet you're already thinking about the toys and things you want to get her.
Yay Mel!!!! :clapping: So happy to hear that Heidi is going to be coming home with you soon :)
Well....we went a met the rescue people. We also met a 5 year old chocolate lab. While she was a lovely dog, I just didn't feel "it". So, we went to meet Heidi this evening. OMG! First of all, her pups are GORGEOUS!!! I wanted all of them. LOL! Anyway, after a lengthy visit, we decided that there's no way we can not bring her home to live with us!!! She's a little shy...but sooo adorable and sweet and gentle. I have no doubt she'll be easy to train. She's a smartie-pants. And we tried her on the leash...no pulling at all. She's actually a golden retriever crossed with a husky (my professional opinion..lol). She's coming home to live with us on March 5th. She'll be spayed before she comes home. (shots and spaying/neutering are included) Gosh...I'm soooooo excited!!
:confetti: Mel
I can totally relate to falling in love with a foster dog :) Good for Sulley!! :clapping: And hopefully this will make your decision easier -- although if you're like me, you'll want to adopt EVERY dog that you meet today!!
Can't wait to hear how the visit went :)
Wow...she's beautiful Macsmom!!! I'm feeling pretty happy about our decision to adopt a rescued dog.
We received some interesting news last night...apparently the family that's been fostering Sulley, has fallen in love withhim and it looks like they might keep him. LOL! Booo for us...but yay for him..and the foster family! We're heading out in a few mins to meet the lady fromt eh rescue shelter, as well as a couple of the dogs from the site. I'm hoping to go meet Heidi as well. She's not gonna be ready to come home till the first week in March, but if she's as wonderful as we're hoping she's gonna be...it'll be well worth the wait. Anywhoo....figured I'd let you know the latest. I'll be in touch.....
Mel
Mel
We adopted a dog through the Lab Rescue here in Ontario and she is just an absolute joy. We already had another Lab and a Shi Tzu. so what the heck - go for two. Seriously though good for you to adopt a dog from a shelter/rescue. Here is a picture of our girl just after we brought her home. She has been with us for almost three years and I don't remember never havin her in our lives,
sounds like you have a good handle on this and here's hoping you get to find out more this weekend. You are right about obedience because as the dog whisperer says, it's the humans who need the help usually. The dog will follow when the owner knows what to do.
Just wanted to keep you all in the loop...we are still waiting to hear back from the lady with the rescue group. We've been busy the past couple of days with birthdays/scouts etc and have played a bit of phone tag with her. Really really hoping to get something figured out this weekend tho.
I'll let you know how it goes.
:) Mel
PS..in response to a lot of the comments/questions you all posted...there's NO WAY I'm gonna bring home two of them!! There's just not enough room in our house. (believe me...I've considered it ;)) Also, we don't have the time it would take to train a puppy. Not right now anyway. That's why we've been looking for a young dog...but one thats (mostly) housebroken and wouldn't require TOO much training. We have decided to register him/her in obedience classes...just cause I feel better about having a "proffesional) guide us in making the correct decisions.
I believe Labs have been voted the most popular dog for decades now.
Anxiously waiting for a news update :)
Mel, have you gone to meet them yet?? If yes, have you decided which pup will best fit in with your family?? Heidi looks so cute and sweet, but Sulley is so big and fluffy and adorable!!!
Good luck!!!!! Keep us posted!!
Good for you for wanting to rescue rather than support a store that supports puppymills. As for which one, you may want to consider what your lifestyle is and how that fits in too. You have kids and kitties so that will be one criteria as you want the dog friendly to both. I don't know how Newf's do, but some labs can get into some serious trouble if left alone if they get bored. They have a lot of energy especially when young.
Meanwhile I know people with both who love them to bits and find them easy to live with. Newfs can slobber and have longer coats, but I believe both are shedders so maybe you need to look at which one matches the furniture and your clothes. I know I wear a lot of black having a black dog and that helps a lot to not feel bothered. My first dog was black and white so that was a bit of a different story unless I had a grey blend on.
Really, going and seeing them in person and finding out more about each will help you decide as you just never really know until you are up close and personal. The real test for me would be whether I could come home without at least one of the puppies... boy they are hard to resist.
It would be nice to have both but from a practical stand point difficult in an average sized home and I don't even want to start thinking of the fur. It's great and wonderful you are adopting either one of them since you starting out wanting a pure bred. I am jealous, another reason to rush the renovations here is so I can get a doggy, the garden is fully fenced already.
You have to adopt both :D
They're both adorable!!!!
Sorry, not helping, am I?? :D ;)
Thanks for your responses Ladies. We are definitely planning to go meet them both...as well as a couple other cutie pies from the site. I have had dogs my whole life, in fact, my first dog was a Newf/Lab X. She was the best dog ever. My fiance has a lot of experience too. He's owned pitbulls, and fully understands the importance of good training. Regardless of the dog we choose, he'll be in charge of the training rules, I'll follow them. LOL! It'll be training for both the dog AND me.
I'll keep you all posted.
Mel
wow, they're both beautiful! I think it mostly depends on your experience with dogs. Labs are excellent dogs - I've never met a bad one - and maybe she already has some training. They're so smart and you can trust them with other animals, kids, etc. They do shed a lot, but their coats are very easy to care for (the odd brush and a bath when they get a bit stinky). I'm partial to labs as I grew up with them.
Newfoundlands are another breed I adore, but I could never have one because of their size. Not sure if that guy is purebred or not, but there is a purebred landseer newf (looks similar to your pic) near me and as much as he is a GORGEOUS dog, he's untrained and unmanageable on leash - plus he is 180lbs! I could not have a dog that weighed more than me! lol I'm sure with more training, he'd be a great dog though. Another downside with newfs is that their coats require LOTS of brushing. I think the biggest downside though is that they don't tend to live very long, like most giant breeds. Sad.
But really, it all comes down to preference. Like someone else said, go meet them both and try to find out which one would suit your lifestyle and needs the most. Whichever you choose, good luck and be sure to let us know!!
Get them both and have them throw in the nine puppies to boot!:biglol:
They're both adorable -- a Newfoundland and a Labrador! Perfect!
oh my gosh i could not pick one going on the pics, i would want both. They are equally adorable. I think the only way you will be able to decide is by meeting both furbabies, i believe dogs will pick us........you will know in your heart which one is meant to be with your family.
smiles
janetc