I've been looking for a dog over the last few weeks, specifically a golden retriever or lab and it doesn't need to be a pure breed. I'd prefer a dog 1-5 years old, not a new born pup. I've researched many dog rescues and shelters within a 100 miles with little luck.
There are plenty of dogs available but the requirements make it impossible. 3 acre mowed yard with a 100ft dog lead isn't good enough. They question age of your kids, other pets, the yard fenced in, the hours you work and so much more. They have to come see your home in advance of seeing any animals and can return at anytime unannounced. If you move and they don't approve of the new living conditions, guess what - they take the dog away. You are required to notify them in writing if anyone move out or into your home, your employment changes, you get other pets, move and everything else. They even make you sign a contract that says they have the right to take the dog from you for any reason without explanation.
Do you want to know what I'm having for dinner?
I know they they are looking out for the dogs best interest but make it difficult to work with them and they aren't any cheaper then buying from a breeder.
There are plenty of dogs available but the requirements make it impossible. 3 acre mowed yard with a 100ft dog lead isn't good enough. They question age of your kids, other pets, the yard fenced in, the hours you work and so much more. They have to come see your home in advance of seeing any animals and can return at anytime unannounced. If you move and they don't approve of the new living conditions, guess what - they take the dog away. You are required to notify them in writing if anyone move out or into your home, your employment changes, you get other pets, move and everything else. They even make you sign a contract that says they have the right to take the dog from you for any reason without explanation.
ARE YOU SERIOUS!! That is incredible! I would look in your local paper under pets/dogs. We got Harley (our Choco Lab) from our local paper. Gave 100 bucks for him with AKC papers and the whole nine yards and would not give him up for the world!!!
[IMG]http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w223/beerlifter/OkemahAug4-62006004.jpg[/img]
As you can tell from the picture he is pretty smart for a dog! Stupid fan hog!!!
We has the same thing years ago when trying to get Shelter Cats. Then 4 years ago we discovered AWA - Animal Welfare Associates in Voorhees NJ.
Great group of people. They being a "bus" full of dogs and cats to all the outdoor festivals in Philadelphia. Simple application, fee to cover the spay and neutering and the micro-ID chip. 3 of our 4 come from this place. Neat place to walk through and they freely let you hold and test the nature of any animal there. I think the fees were something like $90 for cats and $105 for Dogs. My son adopted a Husky from them a few years ago.
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The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything that they have! |
Here's the link from the SPCA. You can put your location in and search. http://www.petfinder.com/pet-s.....distance=0
I thought I saw a local ad at one of the grocery stores. I will keep my eyes peeled and email you if I see it again.
York SPCA has 3 labs listed. Didn't see any goldens.
I got my dog from the Main Line Animal Shelter. However I do know they require a fenced in yard. Yes, I agree, that is absurd that they demand a fenced in yard. There are plenty of people who have and love dogs and do not have a fenced in yard. You walk them before work and after work. I can see the home inspection....once, to make sure you aren't an animal hoarder and will not keep the dog in crappy conditions. I think they asked some basic questions to make sure we could afford a dog and children's ages to make sure we got a good breed that tolerates children.
I think we got one phone call shortly after we got our dog Basil to just check and see how things were going. Other than the annual fund raising mailings we have not heard from them.
I liked my experience at MLAR and would get another pet from there. They also do not demand a fee. It is a free adoption place. Many other pet rescues demand a fee which I do not agree with. Do they want to keep the dog, care and feed them? or find them a good home? We did give a $100 donation, knowing they paid for shots and other medical care when the first got Basil.
I have a cousin in North NJ who volunteers at a shelter. I will send her an email and see what she has to say.
Matt O 2006 Skyline Nomad 27' travel trailer. Previously owned 1986 Coleman Columbia / 1992 Coleman Senecca / 1989 Born Free Class C RV.
Hey Joe - Im Matt's (LoneLock's) cousin 🙂
I have been involved / volunteered in animal rescue for years. best resources for adoption are http://www.petfinder.com and through Breed Rescues (they sometimes are not all pure breeds).
also - like a resume - there are certain things that you can put on your application that may make you stand out in a good or bad way.
the dog lead - may actually be a BAD thing. there are a lot of issues with "chained dogs" lately. they may be taking it the wrong way.
please feel free to email me and we can talk. Not sure where you are in PA. I am in No. NJ. most of the rescues i work with are in NJ and NY - but email me.
look forward to hearing from you ~ Cath
Thanks for jumping in Cathy. She volunteers with pets/adoptions/etc AND she has camping roots. Her Dad's popup camper was the first one I ever saw/remember. Joe, the shelters she deals with are probably 2 1/2 hours from where I live.
I can't believe the :dog: icon has not yet appeared in this thread.
Matt O 2006 Skyline Nomad 27' travel trailer. Previously owned 1986 Coleman Columbia / 1992 Coleman Senecca / 1989 Born Free Class C RV.
CATfish and others:
Thanks for your experience. Petfinder.com is probably the best resource on the web for finding a pet. I'm not looking for a pure breed, just a friend to hang out and camp. I like the temperament and personality of a golden retriever so thats why I'm starting there.
I can understand some people's perspective with a 'chained dog'. A 6ft chain in the back corner of your property 24 hrs a day... sure but I personally don't feel that a 100ft guide line with 25ft lead is harming the dog. I'd love to fence in the yard and would like a new camper and can't afford either. ;D I've grown up with dogs my whole life and this part is all new to me. Not that I agree or not but find it interesting that it's acceptable to have an invisible fence and electrocute a pet but no leash and lead.
I agree that petfinder.com is the best way to findout what types of dogs are out on the market for adoption .. When we were looking for our pup, we would have loved to have gotten a Lab, but due to the size of our yard (30x30) we knew that would be way too small for a large breed... The kids wanted those small rat dogs like pomeranian's and that such.. I told the wife the smallest I'd go was a spaniel, beagle etc ... wanted something something small but also large enough you can wrestle on the floor .. lol Anyways after a couple months of searching and contacting rescue places (some asked for everything Joe posted, plus wanted to know what was for dinner), we lucked out.. found our (then 10 month old) beagle at the local pound .. previous owners "dumped" him there one night, in a crate with a note attached, saying "despite their best effort he insist on barking and howling all the time" .. Well we love his howl .. and encourage him to "sing" ... had him just shy of 5 years now ..
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