Rescue vs. buying from a breeder?

[Tagg]

I just want to clarify that the rescue had no idea what Tinsel was about or his issues. I had agreed to foster him after he had been seized in a puppymill of 527 dogs. I was not in the market for another dog but when he came and we saw his condition, well let's just say that we couldn't send him away. He came to me directly from the warehouses that the humane society was housing the dogs in post seizure until the court case was decided.
Contrast him to the dog I did a home visit for. He was in foster care for a couple of weeks before his rehome. He is delightful, fit in as if he had lived there forever. His adoptive parents were told that he was a dog that would chase cars if he got loose so they are diligent in making sure this never happens and understand he may never be able to be off lead in an unsecure place.
Sometimes, however, a dog may not show it's true colours until it starts to feel comfortable as it is too frightened of the changes it is living so it makes itself unnoticeable. You have to be prepared for this to occur and have the energy and committment, like Melissa, to work through it. I know there were times she was ready to throw in the towel but fortunately for Toby, she didn't. Are you ready for this type of committment? Think about it hard before heading out for a rescue dog.

 

[celloyogi]

I just want to clarify that the rescue had no idea what Tinsel was about or his issues. I had agreed to foster him after he had been seized in a puppymill of 527 dogs.

527 dogs?! Holy moly! Even for a puppymill... The stupidity of some people never ceases to amaze me.

So glad Tinsel got out and found his way to your family.

 

[scottanddeb]

Breeders

This has been an interesting & informative thread.
I especially like the posts regarding the difference between real Kennels/Breeders & "backyard breeders".
Our backyard breeder pup, Jack (from Skuykill Haven, PA.) has been more trouble than the other three dogs combined (X 10 to the Nth degree!).
We wouldn't trade him for anything now -but, man -the last 2 years have been a real learning experience.

 

[OntarioSheltie]

I just want to clarify that the rescue had no idea what Tinsel was about or his issues. I had agreed to foster him after he had been seized in a puppymill of 527 dogs. I was not in the market for another dog but when he came and we saw his condition, well let's just say that we couldn't send him away. He came to me directly from the warehouses that the humane society was housing the dogs in post seizure until the court case was decided.
Contrast him to the dog I did a home visit for. He was in foster care for a couple of weeks before his rehome. He is delightful, fit in as if he had lived there forever. His adoptive parents were told that he was a dog that would chase cars if he got loose so they are diligent in making sure this never happens and understand he may never be able to be off lead in an unsecure place.
Sometimes, however, a dog may not show it's true colours until it starts to feel comfortable as it is too frightened of the changes it is living so it makes itself unnoticeable. You have to be prepared for this to occur and have the energy and committment, like Melissa, to work through it. I know there were times she was ready to throw in the towel but fortunately for Toby, she didn't. Are you ready for this type of committment? Think about it hard before heading out for a rescue dog.

Thanks for clarifying Tagg!

 

[Tagg]

Yes, 527 dogs and that doesn't include the 90 live born puppies that came soon after. The mastiff's slept standing up because they didn't know they could lay down!
We too are glad that Tinsel got out before the life killed him and that rescue was there to take him in - thank goodness. He isn't a dog for someone that wants to do agility or any real physical work but he shows us daily that he is happy with his new life and strives to overcome his past. What more can a mommy ask for????

 

[OntarioSheltie]

I just want to clarify that the rescue had no idea what Tinsel was about or his issues. I had agreed to foster him after he had been seized in a puppymill of 527 dogs. I was not in the market for another dog but when he came and we saw his condition, well let's just say that we couldn't send him away. He came to me directly from the warehouses that the humane society was housing the dogs in post seizure until the court case was decided.
Contrast him to the dog I did a home visit for. He was in foster care for a couple of weeks before his rehome. He is delightful, fit in as if he had lived there forever. His adoptive parents were told that he was a dog that would chase cars if he got loose so they are diligent in making sure this never happens and understand he may never be able to be off lead in an unsecure place.
Sometimes, however, a dog may not show it's true colours until it starts to feel comfortable as it is too frightened of the changes it is living so it makes itself unnoticeable. You have to be prepared for this to occur and have the energy and committment, like Melissa, to work through it. I know there were times she was ready to throw in the towel but fortunately for Toby, she didn't. Are you ready for this type of committment? Think about it hard before heading out for a rescue dog.

I don't think I was being clear (suffering through a migraine right now), thanks for clarifying the point that I was trying to bring across, with regards to the money, time and commitment that a rescue can require. Like you with Tinsel, helping Toby to live a happy, normal life has been extremely rewarding despite the extreme difficulties. But definitely MUCH harder and more expensive than rearing a puppy.

 

[peanut-butter]

Thanks so much for all the insight, everyone! Definitely a lot to think about.

 

[Jaynie]

Like you with Tinsel, helping Toby to live a happy, normal life has been extremely rewarding despite the extreme difficulties. But definitely MUCH harder and more expensive than rearing a puppy.

I can agree completely with you guys with Tinsel and Toby. Helping Bela to live an actual LIFE (instead of being shut up in a 2x3 crate all her life) has been an awesomely rewarding journey. That being said, however, I'm just not sure I'd choose to do it again. It's a lot to take on, even when you know what you're getting. But my girl has definitely been worth the effort, and every tiny little bit of progress she makes is a miracle to me.

I can't even tell you how I cried and fell to my knees in the mud of the dog park the very first time I heard her bark.

 

[roxyllsk]

I've one from each - SPCA rescue, sheltie rescue, and from a good breeder.

I was very, very lucky with my first dog. He was on his last day at the shelter before the gas chamber. He totally picked me. I wasn't looking for a longhaired dog, but I always had a soft spot for shelties and my horse's blacksmith had one. That dog was the smartest thing - Bob would tell him to get a specific tool out of his tool box, and that dog would get the correct one every time. Anyway, Murphy was a great dog and was found running loose in Camden. He was a about a year old, already housebroken (but not through the puppy chew-up-everything stage), and didn't care much for other dogs. I didn't find out that last part until he was home. He cost me $35, and qualifed for a low-cost nueter with the vet that cost $35. He was a great little guy and I lost him a year ago at 16 1/2. Pretty sure he was a puppy mill dog. I was very lucky because I had no idea what I was getting, and as my friends often said he ended up being the 'perfect' dog.

My 2nd sheltie came from rescue. He wasn't in the rescue very long. They knew he was a problem child. Someone had not been very kind to him before he came to me. He was not an easy dog at first, but with lots of patience and love he has come around. Most rescue dogs are a lot easier than he was, so do not let that scare you off. He was housebroken and nuetered, about 3 years old, and over the chewing stage. He is terrified of being restrained at the vet for anything, so that is always an ordeal. I have to be careful when strangers come to my house, as if they invade his space he will snap at them becasue he is fearful. Buddy still is not the easiest dog, but he absolutely loves me and tries so hard to please. He certainly has come a long way in the 10 years I've had him. I would def rescue again. And honestly I don't believe many rescues have as many issues as my Budman does. Buddy cost me a $200 donation to the rescue.

My 3rd sheltie came from a very good breeder. Both parents have a show resume. Many dogs of this line of breeding have gone on to do conformation, agility, and obedience. They are well know in my area for their wonderful, wonderful temperaments. I contacted my local sheltie rescue about finding a good breeder and this one was recommended. The reason I wanted a puppy with a good temperament is that my other boy Buddy is afraid of other dogs, and that comes out as being aggressive towards them. But if another dog is submissive, there is no problem. I also didn't think I could deal with 2 difficult dogs at the same time.

Romeo is everything I had hoped for. He has a great temperament. The introduction of Buddy and Romeo was completely uneventful. Buddy barked like a madman, Romeo ignored him, and they've been friends ever since.

I had puppies when I was a kid, so it had been a while. Housebreaking was a challange at times. He chewed on stuff if he wasn't crated, and I didn't keep an eye on him. (most noteably a friend's prosthetic leg!! and the carpet on my staircase) He didn't even know how to walk on a leash when I got him, which was a bit of a problem as I don't have a fenced yard. He picked it up with a pocket of treats' help in about 5 minutes. But he's been challenging in a different way than Buddy. He'll be 2 in a few months, so most of the puppy stuff is behind us now. He cost me just under $1k and then the nuetering cost me $400 on top of that. And the reason he was for sale ? Because he's a big boy at 16", too big for a conformation dog. But that doesn't matter to me.

I think it's a very personal decision and you have to weigh the pros and cons of getting an older dog vs a puppy.

Good luck to you in your search for your new best friend !

 

[Chris]

I have four Shelties. Layla, Bitsy Boodle and Beckon all come from a very highly regarded breeder. They are healthy, bright, and wonderful!

Annie Laurie is our rescue. She came from a backyard breeder (not a puppy mill) and was an owner give-up for personal reasons. She's the "brains" of the whole outfit, healthy as a horse, and an utter joy.

Like people, Shelties each have distinctive personalities. Layla is very calm and unflappable; Bits is obsessed with her ball; Beckon is highly shy with strangers and averse to other dogs; and Annie has to be watched around grabby children.

Bottom line: take your time, work with your rescue organization, and be open to the Sheltie magic!