Question from my sister regarding the dogs in BC that were surrendered to a shelter

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

My sister just contacted me and asked me this question.  My BIL and her are considering taking one of the dogs from the BC shelter and this is what she wrote: 

Just spoke with the SPCA.  It was an irresponsible breeder.  Dogs came to them matted and with ear infections, very shy and nervous.  Very undersocialized.  They had not even seen a car.  We would be interested in Rikki or Cassiopia.  Is a 9 month old who is not fully house-trained a bad sign?

I am hoping that some of you who foster doodles can chime in and offer advice here.  My sister is home all the time and they have an older well behaved doodle who is used to other dogs.  She is willing to put the time and effort in but needs direction.

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

Karen, I remember you telling me this when we adopted Ollie but I never imagined how important that advice would be.  Ollie was so afraid that he wouldn't go potty for over 20 hours and would hide in our 3 season room or his crate.  While it was hard to ignore him we slowly and quietly went about our day (and i do mean slowly...I felt like we were in slow motion sometimes because any sudden movement seemed to terrify him).  But gradual as he became more familiar with us he began to interact more. 

So Nicky, if your sister has the time and patience she will be able to make a big difference in this dog's life   :)  It will probably be a bumpy road, but sooo worth it in the end. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

JD has Ollie beat...he would not eliminate at all for 36 hours after I adopted him! :)

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

This is all such great advice, I knew you would know so thank you for sharing here.  I have copied all of these replies so far and sent them on to my BIL for him to read and think about.  I will keep you updated when I know more.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I don't think Ann was an irresponsible breeder but that circumstances became such that she became overwhelmed. Just my opinion from what I've read over the years and now. So the dogs may have been neglected before they were surrendered. I do believe these dogs can be socialized more and be fully house trained but it will take time and patience. Maybe they will have some residual problems but I think they are just as likely to be good pets.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I know this isn't a debate, but a good breeder should, in my opinion, have something in place for these dogs if something should happen to him/her....a backup plan or something and not just a dump in the local shelter.   I think if you are going to make money off of these dogs, it is your responsibility to ensure that they are healthy, well cared for, and someone can take over your responsibilities or place these dogs if need be. I feel the same way about my pets. Just a thought and as always, I admire your kindness and the willingness to see both sides of the coin!

Nicky, I hope it works out for your sister. I loved both the dogs she is interested in.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

From what I understand, there were other breeders willing to help out, but she did not reach out to anyone. Maybe she was embarrassed by their condition.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I kind of have an idea she was forced to surrender the dogs, perhaps by family. But I agree of course that alternative care plans should have  been  in place. People have a hard time recognizing their own limitations sometimes or thinking about their mortality. I always worry about my dogs waiting in their crates and I don't come home. Hopefully the family, with whom I've discussed these scenarios, find out in time to rescue the dogs. That is why I think these dogs are my first and last.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

F, I don't like to think about anything happening to you or Calla and Luca waiting in their crates :( You bring up great points about limitations, mortality, etc. You ended up with great dogs for a first attempt!! I hope she regains her health.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Believe me I don't like to think about any of it either but we have to sometimes. I hope Ann recovers from whatever is going on too. My son called me yesterday to tell me he had been to a funeral for an about 32 year old friend. She was ziplining on vacation and the zipline broke. We are fragile.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Oh, how very sad!!

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

I think about this from time to time.  I don't have a plan in place and need to get one. Especially moving into the house it will be harder, as in the apartment there is a janitor and the office manager who have keys, and lots of neighbours who would step up until a friend or family member can come. But I have never made any arrangements and now that I'm moving into the house, it's going to be more complicated. I don't have anyone in my life who would take in my dogs if something dreadful were to happen to me. I need people to know what to do and who to contact, or else S&W will undoubtedly end up in a shelter. This is a great reminder to get my act together on this.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I hope you find some nice neighbors, perhaps even friends, when you move in so you could have at least temporary help. As to long term, it's hard for most folks to keep two dogs forever. I try not to worry too much about that.