Looking to adopt a doodle in the PA. area

[Elyse Dolfman]

I have searched up to 100 miles away for a Labradoodle. I was looking into shelters and SPCA in the area counties to find not many doodles for adoption. The major issue if many of them are not available to adopt if you have children. My family really wants to save the life of a shelter dog. Although we have been looking for so long I am starting to look into breeders which I would rather not do. I would like to adopt an adult, which seemed easier to find, but not really. I would also like one with a lower shedding coat, so wiry coat or fleecy would be my first choice. I am seeing more doodles in shelters with Lab coats. Do you have any ideas or know anyone looking for a good home for their/someone elses Doodle.

[Adina P]

Place an application with IDOG and with Doodle Rescue Collective

They are the only all doodle rescue folks in the USA and will be a great resource for you!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Adina steered you in the correct direction. I would like to add that you should also look into standard poodle breeds as those are also non-shedding ( which you mentioned you desire ) also. Lately there are many in shelters. Check with poodle rescues also.

Good Luck in your search. Bless you for trying to rescue.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

As Joanne said already, you should also look into standard poodles. We have had this discussion on here before...sometimes it is very hard to tell the difference between a doodle and a standard poodle. It is all about the haircut. The standard poodle is definitely a low to non-shedder, where as doodles always have the possibility of shedding. I am going to try to find that discussion and post it in this (look at top photos). Here it is: http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/think-poodles-are-too?id=2...

You can also check with breeders - sometimes they have "rehomes" available. For example, I signed a contract with my breeder promising to give Peri back to her if I could ever not take care of her. The breeder would then find a new home for an older dog. Sometimes they are 9 months, sometimes older. This is one of the ways responsible breeders attempt to keep their puppies out of shelters.

Best, best wishes to you.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Thank you Allyson for stating what I had forgot to state, ( I rushed back in here after I gave this some thought and you were already here), Doodles are LOW SHED. You mentioned a wiry coat as low shed. This is not true. I have an F1b 75% poodle / 25% Golden Retriever--the lowest probability of shed, and he sheds when I least expect him to shed.
There are also doodles with lab coats who do not shed. THERE IS NO GUARANTEE!

Stay on DK and do some more reading. There is plenty to read on this site that will clear up a lot of misconceptions about the doodle breed and help you make an informed decision. Hope this helps.

[Frannie & Callie]

I also recommend looking at at standard poodles. Shelters don't always know! Callie was listed as a standard poodle and she's pretty darn doodley :)

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Have you joined the DRC? I search PetFinder and cross post doodles all over the country to the DRC site.
doodlerescuecollective.com
If I may ask, how old are your children? Do you work outside the house? Do you have a fenced in yard?
Why don't you email me and maybe I can figure out why you aren't having luck.
Adrianne
[e-mail]

[Elyse Dolfman]

Hello,

I have two children a 9 year old and a 4 1/2 year old. My husband had two dogs growing up. I have been wanting a dog since I was 33 years. We don't have a fenced in yard but we do plan on getting an invisible fence. We live on a half acre of land. There is plenty of room for any size dog to roam inside and outside. I stay home full-time to care for my children. I haven't looked extensively throughout the country for a labradoodle. I felt there must be dogs in our area needing a home. I didn't feel it was necessary to travel 3,000 miles to get one. Although if they would be willing to travel here that would be fine. I am willing to go to the surrounding states NJ, DE, MD.. Any help you could provide me would be fabulous.

Elyse

[Elyse Dolfman]

Hi,

Wow thank you so much everyone for your responses. I will take them all into consideration and delve further. About the shedding. I know there is no guarantee. I am not one of the people that would be spreading the non-shed rumor. Just as I wouldn't say all Golden Retrievers act this way or all Pitbulls at that way. I like the personalities and am attracted to several types of dogs. I just want to find a match that will fit well with me and my family. I would like to explore the idea of a labradoodle further.

Thanks again, you have already helped so much. I am sure I will enjoy looking into your comments.
Elyse

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Most rescues strongly prefer a physical fence, especially if there are young children in the family. Certain rescue dogs might be okay with an invisible fence, it has to be taken on a case-by-case basis, but even then, it has to be installed prior to adopting, not after. It's not a question of having enough room, it's a question of that space being secured so that "roaming" is not possible. Previous experience with your own dog is often preferred as well. Rescue doodles often have already lost one home, so rescue groups are usually very picky about choosing a home in order to minimize more trauma for the dog.
Most rescues and many private shelters have a file of approved applications for the more adoptable or desirable breeds before they even come in, and often dogs are adopted without ever being listed on petfinder or any website. That's how I got Jack. If you have your heart set on a particular kind of dog with a particular kind of coat, I'd get all my ducks in a row now, and fill out applications with your local shelters & rescues before you find a a dog you want. The competition can be fairly stiff.
I also agree with trying to learn as much as you can about these dogs prior to adopting, especially if you've never had a dog before. Doodles are often high maintenance in their grooming and exercise requirements, and a rescue can have additional issues.

[Elyse Dolfman]

Thanks Karen,

I didn't realize there were lists. Unfortunately, I was thinking we were the ideal family to adopt. We all really want a dog, We have plenty of room. I have very active children who love to play outside. We have several nature trails that run through out community. I was getting ahead of myself I guess. Here I was thinking any sheltered dog or otherwise would think they were in heaven here. As far as a physical fence, I have to check with my association. We live in a development which was built a few years ago. All of my neighbors that have dogs have invisible fences. Although I do understand how the situation of not having a physical barrier could be a problem. In addition, I want to be especially careful in bringing a dog in that has an abusive history, with children in the house. Wow I feel more confused about the possibilities than when I thought about having my two children. Thanks for the input.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It is a huge decision, and it can be one of the most rewarding ones you'll ever make. But it requires a lot of thought and a lot of planning. Getting any dog, even a well-bred puppy, is a huge decision, and a 12-15 year commitment. When your younger child gets a driver's license, or your older child graduates college, the dog will still be with you. The difference is, a puppy from a reputable breeder comes with a few known quantities, a few guarantees, and a return option. Rescues don't. In a perfect world, there wouldn't be any dogs in shelters. It has to be right for the dog and for you. I'm sure your family would offer a wonderful home to a dog, and I'm not trying to discourage you. Just take your time, research, and above all, keep yourself open to all possibilities.

[Annie Starlight Dancer Hovis]

Here is one doodle in PA. http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/15441198. Here is a little bit of a description. Jake is a Black Lab/Poodle mix (Labradoodle) puppy around 9-10 months old. Jake's owners lost their home and moved in with relatives and sadly could not bring him with them. Jake is a wonderful puppy, very sweet and polite. NOTE: JAKE DOES SHED SO IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A NON-SHEDDING DOG, HE IS NOT YOUR GUY.