Quote:
Originally Posted by spike021
Considering once I've settled into my new apartment that I may try adopting a sheltered dog.
Anybody ever adopt rather than just buying from a breeder? I know to look out for the right temperament and personality, etc. But just curious to hear about experiences with this.
I'd say I'll probably check rescues specifically first, like maybe for a Golden Retriever or similar.
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Adopting an adult rescue dog is a crap shoot. You may get one that is fine or you can end up with one that is so psychologically damaged that there is little to no hope of turning it around. They can usually recover from any physical abuse but some just can not be saved from the mental trauma.
We had a couple over the years.
One was a year old beagle that could NOT be left alone for more than a few minutes. Once he realized there was nobody near bye he would start to scream and would not stop until somebody showed up. If you have ever heard a beagle scream you would understand how bad that was. There was nothing we could do to correct this and after a month of neighbours pounding on the door we ended up giving him to a retired woman that never left her home. He was fine there but could never have gone to a "normal" family.
The other was a badly abused 6 year old poodle cross. She was great with women and children but was pathologically terrified of men. We had her for about 5 years and she still cowered and pissed herself anytime any man, including me, came near her. She was so stressed by any change that she would lick her back until the flesh was raw.
Not trying to discourage you but I always see these before and after rescue stories that are all rainbows and butterflies and I know that they are probably not telling everything or are the exceptions and not the rule. Be very sure you know what you are getting into!