Seems like it is almost impossible to adopt a dog!

[Sophie]

Our German Shepherd recently died and we are looking to adopt a doodle as a companion for our 2 year old Brittany spaniel. We live in a large apartment in Atlanta that is 2 blocks away from Piedmont Park (a HUGE park that also has a dog park). I have filled out countless adoption applications but I have been turned down every time because I do not have a yard. While I understand that a nice big yard is ideal, I make sure that my dogs get all the exercise that they could possibly need. In fact, I think that my dogs get more exercise than most dogs! At a minimum our dogs walk for 2 hours everyday (an hour in the morning and at night). We also go to the dog park several times a week. If I can handle a Brittany (one of the most high energy dogs out there), I feel that I can certainly provide a great and loving home for a Doodle. Does anyone know of a place that I could adopt a dog from?

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Go to Petfinder.com

• Go to find Pets to Adopt in the toolbar
• Type in Zip:30303
• Select Dog ( leave the rest blank-age, sex, size)

Here is what I got on that search. Pages and Pages of dogs

http://www.petfinder.com/pet-search?location=30303&animal_type=...

Most shelters could care less who you are or what you are going to do with the animal.  My local shelter sold dogs to laboratories for testing. No joke. Never asked or cared. 

Rescue groups are more selective and most have intensive requirements for their animals. Certainly you can find a dog with the hundreds of pages I provided in the link.

5929 dogs matched my general search!~   238 pages of dogs needed help in your area

Showing 26 - 50 of 5929 matching pets Page 2 of 238

[Kyoko]

You can ask local shelter to notify you when they encounter the type of dog you are looking for. Some Humain society type of shelter may give you a call even before the dog gets on the adoption floor.

 

[Lynda Kamrath]

They definitely are out there.  Have you checked with DRC and IDOG?  Also check at your local SPCA and other shelters.  You can definitely find the dog that is right for you, even with your city environment.  Sorry to hear about your German Shepherd and dogs that are raised with companion dogs have a hard time when they lose their companion.  Keep at it.  You will find the perfect dog for you and your Brittany.

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

I don't think DRC has a policy prohibiting people in apartments from adopting but be sure to check their Policies and Procedures to make sure (http://doodlerescue.org/notes/DRC_ADOPTION_POLICIES_AND_PROCEDURES) 

They do have a policy on urban environments so if you live in downtown Atlanta that could be an issue.

[Sophie]

I think you are so right about the individual dog AND the owner. Right now we have a 2 year old Brittany and talk about energy!! As most of you know, Brittanys are one of the highest energy breeds but he is completely comfortable here in our condo because he runs for an hour in the morning and at least an hour in the afternoon plus goes for a long walk at lunchtime. We are also getting him involved in agility which is a great way to get out excess energy. From my experience, we have actually found that the smaller dogs in our high rise cause the most trouble as they can have tons of energy and love to nip and bark at the bigger dogs.

[Sophie]

Thank you everyone for all of the information and resources! What a wonderful community DK is. Fostering seems like a very fulfilling job to take on and I would have plenty of time to devote to helping the dog since I work from home. Unfortunately after doing some investigation I learned that they will not let anyone foster dogs who live in an urban area. I guess the search will just have to continue! If anyone hears of a doodle that is in need of a forever home PLEASE let me know!

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

here is another place to look:  http://www.georgiapoodlerescue.com/?page_id=1742

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

I totally understand where you're coming from. People are too quick to judge people in apartments as not being able to provide for the dog's exercise needs. I really don't understand where that connection comes from. It's as if there's this stereotype that people who live in apartments are all lazy poor people who can't take care of an animal. I know my dogs get less exercise and are more isolated now then when we were in the apartment. We went on long walks twice a day at least, and to the park every day for at least an hour of playing fetch. Plus they were surronded all the time by other people and dogs as we came and went in teh building and walked around town and along the walking paths. Now we have a lovely forest to romp in but there's little interaction, even when walking on the neighbourhood streets. Not that I don't love my house, but it certainly wasn't this miracle that created a better living standard for my dogs. Anyway, rant over. the right dog will find you, just keep pounding the pavement.