Wisdom of getting a new Dog for Mom...

[rtimgray]

I'm a big fan of replacing a passed dog with another. It always seems difficult at first, because I think that we (humans) think that we might be somehow disrespecting the memory of a deceased pet by "replacing" it (at least that's the way I feel for a while).

However, when we have gotten a new dog, it ends up being a joy unto itself, building their own place in our hearts and lives and we don't have to forget how much our previous pet meant to us. Oftentimes, we find ourselves comparing our current pet's actions to similar ones that our previous pets had.

Having said all that, I agree with previous posters that perhaps an older shelter dog might be a good fit. An advantage of this is that a lot of the time, older dogs have been at a shelter for a while (they don't seem to move as fast) and the shelter staff can often give a pretty good description of the dog's disposition (calm, energetic, etc.)

Whatever you choose, I wish you good luck with it. Take care.

 

[Sigarms]

It's a roll of the dice.

You aren't certain your mother wants one, and although rescue dogs make great pets (all of ours have been "found" and we've worked as foster parents for the local humane society), you still need to be around the dog to get a feel for it's past history so to speak.

Although your is great, unless you or someone you trust can be with your mother and dog for a good couple of weeks to see how things go, I'm not certain I would do it if I were in your shoes.

That said, if you can find a dog that's been in a foster home and the caretakers are honest and upfront about the dogs habits, and you think it could be a good fit, that will definitely decrease the odds of a bad fit.

 

[ultrarunner]

We have taken in strays and they were good dogs just looking for someone to love them... one actually had an owner that was actively looking... just not in our neighborhood... a friend told me the dog looked like the one on posters about 20 miles from here and it was... never seen a guy so elated to get his dog back and the dog could not contain itself... the owner wanted to write me a check and I said no... he gave me his card... owns a lumber mill and said to call him if I ever needed any kind of hardwood...

 

[bigtiller]

I think gifting a pet to someone else is a lousy idea. When they are ready for a pet, they will get one.

 

[ultrarunner]

She is ready... just can't do it by herself... she can do a lot at 82 but driving all around isn't one of them.

It is a topic she brings up everyday...

We did check with local shelters and foundations and the fees did set her back a little.

Maybe it is typical because it has been awhile since we adopted a rescue.

Adopt a dog or cat or pet from The Milo Foundation animal rescue - About Adopting

 

[dmccarty]

I really wonder if her issue is outliving the dog. Frankly, given the crime in the area, it sounds like she NEEDS the dog just to keep off the thugs.

My grandmother lived alone for decades in a neighbor hood that was getting worse and worse. The area is now known as Crime Hills. Thankfully, the new neighbors that replaced the neighbors the died off, kept and eye out on granny and she never had a problem but it was a big worry. We did have family living near by that would visit daily and that might have helped her security a bit.

Ironically, my other grand parents went into homes and the staff was stealing their clothes and jewelry.

Maybe she would be ok in having a dog if she knew the dog would be taken care of if she passed first. Though it sounds like even at 82 she still has many years left.

Later,
Dan

 

[newbury]

<snip>
We did check with local shelters and foundations and the fees did set her back a little.

Maybe it is typical because it has been awhile since we adopted a rescue.

Adopt a dog or cat or pet from The Milo Foundation animal rescue - About Adopting

Prices have tripled in the last 5 years.

I was looking to replace the loving Corgi we just lost (to encephalitis). Adoption fees, like yours, are what we paid for the purebred beauty. A similar "quality" Corgi pup now goes for $1,000 minimum.

The "rescue" shelters have become a new form of "puppy mill".

Have you contacted any breeders of the breed you are interested in? Sometimes they get "returns" of pups that the families realize they made a mistake but the dog is excellent.

Good luck.

 

[Streetcar]

What is the rescue fee?
In Ohio most rescues are close to $100.
The dogs are neutered and up to date on shots

 

[newbury]

What is the rescue fee?
In Ohio most rescues are close to $100.
The dogs are neutered and up to date on shots

Did you READ the link???

Dogs and Puppies

DOGS: All dogs at The Milo Foundation receive necessary veterinary care, are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, micro-chipped, and treated for parasites. Dogs over six months of age are Heartworm tested.

The adoption fee for ADULT DOGS is $300 for a male and $350-400 for females.

 

[ultrarunner]

I did reach out to several of the breeders that are known to my brother... of the 4 with litters, all are are spoken for... who knew?

Her dog was the runt of the litter when he was born here 15 years back... turned out to be a marvelous dog and part of it could be the special extra care he needed the first couple of months... he had the best disposition and the perfect energy level... some dogs/breeds can be very hyper.

So a puppy will not be a walking companion for a long time... plus it is a puppy with all the good and bad that entails.

I keep thinking something will turn up and it probably will given time.

Appreciate the ideas...