adopting a dog is exhausting-2nd UPDATE in last post

Since we can't afford to go thru a breeder and spend thousands for a dog, and refuse to utilize a petstore... we are going the Petfinder route. Complicating matters is the fact that we need a hypoallergenic dog. ugh. It is very frustrating. I have been stalking petfinder daily... half the time dogs I see, then apply for are gone or with waiting lists in minutes/hours!

I just wanted to vent.

Update: We are hopefully meeting and adopting a mini-schnauzer on Saturday. I have to come back to LI from NJ to do it, but hoping it is the right fit! I keep saying now I won't be the only one from LI in my house! LOL. Keep your fingers crossed for us!

Message edited 8/6/2011 8:19:43 PM.

Re: adopting a dog is exhausting

I had the same problem with petfinder. I had signed up with them also looking for a hypoallergenic dog. I got e-mails for almost 2 years and theywere always taken by the time I called/applied. Thats why we ended up by going the breeder route. It was expensive but so worth it in the end.

Good luck- I hope you find your new baby soon

Message edited 8/3/2011 8:34:55 AM.

Re: adopting a dog is exhausting

When I was looking for our 2nd dog, I established relationships with multiple adoption coordinators at the rescue and they would tell me first if a new dog was going to go up on Petfinder. They knew our needs, and would only contact us about dogs that would fit those.

If you know of a specific breed, you should start the process with a breed rescue, go through the approval process, and then you would probably have better chances.

I know it's frustrating and time consuming, but keep it up. They are really worth it, and it's a testament to your diligence as a dog owner, the work you're putting in!

Re: adopting a dog is exhausting- UPDATE

bumping for update

Re: adopting a dog is exhausting- UPDATE

Congrats and good luck!!

Re: adopting a dog is exhausting- UPDATE

Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: adopting a dog is exhausting- UPDATE

Yay!! and good luck!!

Re: adopting a dog is exhausting- UPDATE

and the waiting continues. left 2 messages for the Foster mom to meet up on Saturday and still no return call. ARGH!!!!! Why can't I just deal with one person? The woman at the shelter is saying- great Saturday is fine.. now I have to deal with this other person. It isn't like I live 10 min away, it is at least an hour drive without traffic! I know it is worth it to wait, but it is KILLING ME!

Re: adopting a dog is exhausting- UPDATE

Keeping my fingers crossed for you that it works out!

Re: adopting a dog is exhausting- UPDATE

so now I am dealing with a 3rd person, who is the director of the rescue. She told me everything the 1st person from the agency told me was not the case. That I would need a home visit, and the fact that I don't have any vet references makes me not a perfect candidate. ***? Because I have not owned a dog as an adult now I can't adopt one??? I am so beside myself I can scream. I left off with her that I would photograph my home and email the photos to her, and we could go meet the dogs in a different location tomorrow.

I want to throw up.

Re: adopting a dog is exhausting- UPDATE

I'm not saying the first person was right to mislead you but I do know that rescues are very careful about adopters. Because they get so many people who are not prepared and wind up giving the dog back or it (God forbid) goes to a shelter. They're going to be extra careful about a first-time dog owner (as an adult). They don't have your best interests in mind, only the dog's, so that makes it a bit more frustrating.

When I said in my previous post that I went through the approval process first, we had to do the same thing. Fill out the questionnaire/application, have a home visit, pay the adoption fee, and only then did we meet dogs.

I kept in mind that most of these people are volunteers, working a regular job and doing this in their personal time, trying to find homes for a lot of dogs at once, so the 'service' won't always be great. I dealt with some flaky people too. But the end result was so great, we'll do it again and again.

I hope you stick it out or if this rescue doesn't work out, you find another that will.

Re: adopting a dog is exhausting- UPDATE

FM me if you are interested in adopting a Shih Tzu (sp?) I personally know a rescue organization that deals mainly with that breed.

Re: adopting a dog is exhausting-2nd UPDATE in last post

Well, the jumping through hoops was worth it! Today we drove all the way to Huntington PetSmart and adopted our beloved Marty the Mini Schnauzer!

He is such a sweetie... 12 weeks old.

Re: adopting a dog is exhausting-2nd UPDATE in last post

That's WONDERFUL!!! I got chills reading your message because I was really hoping your hard work was going to pay off!

Can't wait to see pics and hear more about him.

Re: adopting a dog is exhausting-2nd UPDATE in last post

Can't wait to see pics of the little one!!!

Re: adopting a dog is exhausting-2nd UPDATE in last post

Re: adopting a dog is exhausting-2nd UPDATE in last post

congrats!