To Buy or to Rescue that is the question?

[twaflooers]

My hubby and I have been looking to get another dog, we already have a lab (our 3rd) and would love to get him some company. Having always had puppies in the past we decided to go with our consciences and rescue a dog rather than buy a pup.

Problem is that we would love to have a large(r) dog such as a GSD or Rottie and all of the rescue centres require that prospective owners have previous experience of said breed. I kind of understand why however this stipulation makes it difficult to gain said experience without buying a puppy :-/

Surely if you prove that you are already a responsible and loving dog owner that should be enough?

We have a beautifully behaved lab, a safe, secure garden, a loving happy home and my youngest child is nearly 15. Why is it then that because we have not already 'owned' one of these breeds we are seen as unsuitable rescuers?

[kita1]

Lots of GSD's of all ages (and you don't need experience) desperate for homes here, some are about to be put to sleep:

http://s10.zetaboards.com/biggsd/index/

They are also desperate for people who can foster dogs/help transport dogs etc.

[kita1]

This is a typical example of dogs on the above site:

http://s10.zetaboards.com/biggsd/topic/7004404 /1/#new

[Illyria54]

I have kept German Shepherds for over 40 years and when a couple of years ago me and hubby decided to get another one we got in touch with Vigil GSD rescue, boy do we wish we hadn't, every single dog we were told about (because we have experience, my hubby is an ex army dog handler/trainer), every dog was either a bad fighter,aggressive with children, bad with livestock (we live on a farm!!) etc, while we could probably have handled the ones who were fighters there is no way I would take a dog that is likely to attack a child and even fighters you can never let run off lead. believe me you are better not to have so much experience, John Biggs who has the dogs that you've the links to is good though he takes Vigil dogs I believe, so if you decide to go with a GSD make absolutely certain the person you are adopting from understands fully that you must have one that is 'bomb proof', when you have a good one you won't regret it I promise.
Good Luck

[twaflooers]

Many thanks to all who replied.

kita1 thanks for the links . I had a look however we are outwith the adoption areas for them so will have to keep looking lol.

Illyria54 thank you for the 'heads up' about Vigil, I had looked at that site and it seemed ok however given your post I don't think I'll bother taking that one any further.

tammo5151 perhaps you're right, sticking to what we know is maybe the best idea. We thought we would look outside the box as it were and consider another breed but you can't go far wrong with a lab. Will possibly need that number after all lol.

Thanks again folks.

twaflooers :-)

[Illyria54]

I am not saying that Vigil is a bad rescue centre, they do very good work, however I personally believe that if a dog is very aggressive either towards people or other dogs and animals it would be kinder to put these dogs to sleep and concentrate efforts and financial resources on dogs that are even tempered and easier to place, most rescue dogs have issues of some kind or an other, I have a rescue 'Borderline' Collie (Border Collie Fox Terrier Cross) who is absolutely terrified if you suddenly grab him by the collar, he will squeal like a stuck pig and roll on his back, but issues like this are manageable, a dog or human aggressive GSD is another matter entirely.
I hope you find what you are looking for.

[lankeela]

I agree, not all dogs are suitable for rehoming and if rescue centres would only acknowledge this then there would be far less problems with rehomed dogs. There are enough nice natured dogs out there needing homes. I would rather go through a breed rescue society who are more knowedgeable about the requirements for their own breed, and want the best for their dogs.

This is also why I cringe when some people recommend first time dog owners to go to a rescue centre, as many of them are in there because they have been a problem in their previous homes. Getting a rescue dog is always a risk, although IF it does work out you have got a wonderful companion for life. If it doesn't then it can put you off dogs for life, thereby denying a nice dog the chance of a home in future.