way O/T...Boxer rescues

M

Michele S

Cathlete
Hi all!

My husband and I are looking to get a dog for our kids and considering the prices for purebred puppies, we decided to go the "rescue" route. We're working with two rescues, both in the Northeast, and so far haven't been able to get a dog.

Just wondering if anyone else has ever done this and if so, how long did it take? Since it's a volunteer organization, it's very difficult to get e-mails answered and I've never been told if there's a wait list involved. The application process was extremely thorough...almost like we're trying to adopt a baby, rather than a dog...and both rescues do home visits which haven't taken place yet.

I really like the idea of giving a homeless dog a second chance, but I don't want this to take forever, either!

Michele
 
Just my 2 cents

Hi. I do this sort of thing all the time and am familiar with the problems you report. I think it's unfortunate that rescues make it so slow and difficult for people to adopt from them and I know it discourages a lot of families. Rescues are often run by "little old lady" types who can be overprotective and are totally involved in rescue in a near-obsessive way. I know I'll get flamed for this, but it's my opinion nonetheless.

Part of the reason is that there are so many bad homes for animals. If cost is your reason for avoiding a breeder, are you ready for the cost of a large dog? (For example) They want to make sure you know what you're getting into and are able to do a good job. Just like when you adopt a baby. It's too easy to get, neglect and abuse an animal and the rescues know better than most of many horrible things that happen all the time. The rescues have invested time and money and love into their dogs (we hope!) and want to be sure they will be placed well. Our society views animals as disposable commodities. The rescues are likely to view them as individuals.

With the larger breeds like boxers, people often "pretend" to be families, when they just want dogs to use to train fighting dogs, or dogs to sell to research. Or they are collectors. There are plenty of bad things that happen.

Another thing to let you know is that the Northeast has been so successful in spay/neuter and placing homeless animals that homeless purebreds often have to be "imported" from parts of the country with less civilized companion animal laws and behaviors. I have often helped transport dogs to the Northeast for that very reason.

The reason to adopt from rescue is that with thousands of perfectly healthy lovable dogs being euthanized daily, many people believe it is wrong to encourage more breeding. Breeders are also often puppy mills where conditions are horrific. These two problems have led to the hundreds of purebred rescues across America.

I am in NC, but I will personally try to find you a boxer if you want me to. Please email me privately at [email protected]

I edited to add this FYI http://www.cbr.homestead.com/
 
Hi, I adopted a part maltese/shih-tsu from a humane society. She was a rescue and I got her at 4 mos. of age. I went to www.petfinder.com You just type in your zip code and what kind of dog you are interested in. It does a search of all the humane societies in your area. Sometimes they have pictures listed also. I got Chelsey in New Hampshire at a wonderful humane society. The person who was the first person to respond to you (can't remember her name), left a great post! A good rescue organization or pet owner should do a thorough screening. I didn't understand why they asked me so many questions during the adoption of Chelsey. But later, I became more informed about abused and neglected animals and puppy mills - then I understood completely. Good luck!
 
Just wanted to thank you...

...for taking the time to answer, and I agree 100% with the points you have made. Our previous dog was a Rottie, and my son was just two when we had to put her down. She was the absolute love of my life (I had her pre-marriage, pre-kids, etc.) and it broke my heart to lose her. We've been without a dog now for three years and we're ready to expand our family! So to answer your question about large breeds (and a breed with a rep like the Rottweiler), I am absolutely familiar with all the demands that a larger dog has!

I hope I didn't sound like I was "bashing" the rescue volunteers. I find the work they do very admirable and once we do (optimism here) get a dog, I wouldn't mind volunteering as well. I think because we are ready NOW for a dog, it's just hard to keep waiting! :)

I will talk to my husband about your offer. We're in South Jersey (30 minutes from Cathe "land") so I don't know how or if the distance would work. I'll let you know, but thanks again!

Michele
 
Hello Michele,

I'm a Boxer owner, but not a rescue. When we got Gunther, I got into a fabulous boxer listserv called the Boxer Mailing List (BML for short) that's run by volunteers who are Boxer enthusiasts (fanatics - once you get one, you kinda become a fanatic :D ). Quite a few folks on that list do, or are somehow involved in Boxer rescue and are very committed to it. I do know that the folks who do rescue are extremely thorough in screening homes and trying to make sure that the animals they foster actually go into the "right" homes. It can be traumatic for an animal to get passed from home to home.

A lot of folks on the list are also the owners of rescued Boxers and can give you more information about rescue organizations, special needs to consider, etc. It's really a good list. A lot of the regular posters are really into the health and welfare of the breed and the animals and would be happy to give you information.

The URL for the list is: http://iupucbio2.iupui.edu/bml/

The web site has subscription info as well as links to rescues, responsible breeding, questions to ask before getting a dog, training information, etc.

Good luck in your search for the next addition to your family. As you've had a Rottie (sorry to hear about your loss :( ), you would probably be suited to the needs of a big, bowdacious dog like a Boxer.

Hope this helps.

Gayle
Mother to Gunther, 4 yr old neutered Boxer male, natural ears, who's currently lounging in his...uh, I mean my couch.
 
Hi Hollie!

Thanks for the info! We are really excited about the propect of adopting a Boxer, but unfortunately, the Northeast rescues don't seem to work as quickly as the Midwest! :)

I keep seeing all these cute dogs come and go, and I want one!!!

Michele
 
Waiting for the right dog

Have faith that they are matching up the right dogs with the right families. That is a key aspect of rescue as well as temperament testing, interviewing prospective owners, etc. It really is like adopting a baby in their eyes. I know it seems like forever, but have patience. Sometimes it can take months for the right dog to be found. Even if you were buying a purebred, MOST respectable breeders have waiting lists for litters and it would take you a few months anyway. They don't even breed the litter until there is a waiting list. For example, we are on a waiting list for another vizsla puppy and it won't be until August or so that the pups are ready to go home. It is worth the wait for a great dog.

Have you contacted the local boxer clubs in your area? That might be another avenue for you to go. If you can't find one, go to www.akc.org and go to breed clubs. Go to the National breed club for boxers and they should be able to direct you.

Colleen
 
FINALLY!!!

Just wanted to let everyone know that we've finally gotten our Boxer, Bo-Bo, and he is so great!!! He's an 11-month old fawn male, natural ears, docked tail, housebroken, crate trained and has been absolutely wonderful. We made the trip from South Jersey to Albany, NY on Saturday to pick him up.

We wound up going through Boxer Angel Rescue and if anyone is interested in working through a rescue, they are a fantastic organization!

Michele
 
RE: FINALLY!!!

I was just thinking about you today. Congratulations to you and to Bo-bo. And thank you for sticking with the rescue option. So many purebreds are put down that need homes!

I hope to have a house full of rescued Rottweilers some day! If I ever don't live in a little condo with no yard, that is.
 
RE: FINALLY!!!

WOOHOO!! Give him a big kiss for me! I know how hard the waiting is but I'm glad you finally got him!!!

Colleen
 
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