Labradoodle Rescue?

[Stacia Dale]

Where can I find a true labradoodle rescue? I want one so bad. I want a nice looking one to love! I cannot pay 2500! I do have a great home for the raising and lots of love. What can I do? We are hunting a male cream or apricot cream or black? I am so sad!

[Stacia Dale]

Well, I posted on my FB what characteristics I was looking for in a dog (Loyal, smart, easy to train, family dog, lovable, teddybearish and great with kids) there may have been more. And ppl said Labradoodle. When I searched it, it must have brought me to an australian labradoodle breeder so when I read about the dog, it must have been angled that way so all I know about is the ALD and figured it was just an australian breed. We visited a fantastic breeder and agreed to guardian. But she never has availble one for us =(. We have been in this process for 4.5 months now. I also rather the hair v. fur,

[Jacquie Yorke (DRC)]

With two small children in your home, something as trivial as color should not be a stipulation.....Your biggest concern should be temperement ONLY... Unfortunately having small children in your home makes it difficult for you to rescue. Many if not most reputable rescues will not adopt to families with small children for numerous valid reasons.

I agree with Karen and Adina....You really do need to educate yourself further.......

[Adina P]

There are many breeds that could fit that description.  Labs, golden retrievers, and poodles are one of the smartest dogs.  Have you considered the standard poodle?  No shedding ever and are super dogs.  Nobody ever thinks to recommend them (we do here...but in general few think of them) yet they are half of what makes doodles GREAT!  And yes DO look into goldendoodles too.  But a rescue may or may not be good with kids. It is a lot more difficult to find that 'perfect' rescue if you have a lot of specifics you seek.  For one thing, near me, there are hardly ANY poodle mixes in rescue ever.  I'd have to get super lucky to find a specific kind.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I agree with everyone that you need to do lots more research before you make a decision regarding rescue. I also think you really need to search your heart about why you think rescuing a Doodle is the right thing for you and your family. I worry a little about your comment that you're looking for a "nice looking one to love". In many cases, rescue Doodles have been through a very tough time. At the very least, they've often been taken from their homes and moved to shelters or foster homes. This can certainly be very traumatic. When they go to their "forever" homes they will need owners who are totally committed to loving them unconditionally and doing ANYTHING it takes to make them healthy and well loved. This often means creating a "stress free" environment for them...they've had enough stress in their lives. Often this would mean, committing to not leaving them alone until they are totally settled and comfortable. It may mean that they can't be around young children. They may need specialized training or medical support. This is often expensive, and you need to be willing and able to provide whatever is needed, even though it could be a financial burden. There are no guarantees, and you must love them enough to be willing to do whatever it takes. It really shouldn't matter (in my opinion) what they look like or what color they are. Would you only want a "pretty" rescue? If that's the case, then I don't think rescue is for you. I really hope you end up getting the dog you want, but please if you pursue the rescue path be sure that it's because you want to make a real difference in a dog's life...not because you want a dog to make a difference in your life. A dog can't keep YOU from being sad, but with the right motivation you can certainly keep HIM from being sad. Good luck!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Oh so true Jane :)
All dogs are beautiful--if you are looking you find the beauty. Sadly, with doodle breeding at an all time high, combined with the intelligence of the breed, the rescues are extremely traumatized, taxed and exhausted. It is like getting a prisoner of war who returns home and even though they are heros, it takes months, if ever to find a peaceful life and adjust to normal living. Yes, it can be done with love and patience. Ask yourself why you would like to rescue. Is it because it is the right thing to do? For many of us it is the right thing to do but we still make lots of phone calls, emails, research reading, training, food changes..................... I am sure I am leaving out a 100 things.
Bless you if you would like to take on this challenge. If you do, please feel free to write me and ask questions. If I do not know the answer, I will direct you to links that are helpful. We are out here for you if this is what you would like to do.

[Dan, Judi, & Timbow]

Looks like everyone has already given you a lot of very good advice! I think the most important thing that you could do is research. Learn what to look for in a good breeder, learn more about labradoodles and what it will take from your time and wallet to own one. I would also recommend looking at goldendoodles. They are very similar to labradoodles and are also great family pets. (Goldendoodles are normally around $1000-$2000 depending on if you get a standard/mini or a f1/f1b/f2.) I will also say that I don't think rescuing is the right decision for you right now. As Jacquie said, most rescues aren't going to put a dog in a home with small children. I don't have children yet, but I can't imagine that you would have the time, effort, and emotions to put into a rescue along with raising your small children. If you really have a heart for rescue then I would wait another 3-4 years. :-)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Stacia, I'm curious also about those two puggles you mentioned. Do they not provide you with lots of opportunites to "raise and give lots of love" to a dog? Or do you no longer have them? They certainly are very different from doodles, and don't really fit with your requirements of being "teddy bearish, smart, easy to train, great with kids" etc. I'm wondering why you wanted them.

[Stacia Dale]

OK forget the Puggles.... Those were dogs we had a long time ago. I used those for reference.

We looked at rescue because we know others who have rescued and had it work out. We cannot afford to shell out 2500. initial down for a dog. We thought perhaps a rescue would be cheaper and the dog would already be potty trained and social but the family maybe cannot afford to keep in these hard times. Maybe a rescue would not be good. We know about raising animals because we always have had them. I joined this site for insite and advice and help in locating my furry family member. I almost feel judged here. Maybe some of these comments are not MEANT to be but they feel it on my end. Like I said, rescue not for me then. I do not just think of rescue as abused but just the ones who suffer most from the economy. I am going to guardian one for a breeder but there is no dog yet and I hve been waiting for 4 months. Guess I wait.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I still encourage you to look at all the types of doodles not just the ALDs. Check out our Owner Recommended Breeders Group:http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/ownerrecommendedbreeders
Also our Goldendoodles for Sale (breeders must meet testing requirements):http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/goldendoodlepuppiesforsale
Also our Labradoodles for Sale (same requirements):http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/labradoodlepuppiesforsale
They are not all $2500...just do some more research.
And a lot of the responses you received are from our members that are HEAVILY involved in doodle rescue, so they really do have the best insight into rescuing or adopting a homeless doodle because they are the ones fostering them, they are the ones placing them with families. They are just trying to be helpful and steer you in the right direction.
Again, good luck in your search =)

[Stacia Dale]

TY Allison

[Dan, Judi, & Timbow]

I agree with Allyson! Look into goldendoodles too. We love ours!! I have twin neices that are 2 years old and they sit on him, roll on the floor with him, grab his hair, ect. He has never even looked at them the wrong way. I know it seems like a lot, but $1000-$1500 isn't bad at all for a well health tested doodle. I agree with Lynda too about rehomes. Reputable breeders would NEVER let one of their doodles go into rescue and will rehome them themselves. You should keep an eye on their websites to see if they ever have a rehome. :) Just make sure that you know how much the cost will be after you bring your new dog home.
Timbow with one of my nieces.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I think you should rehome Timbow to me! This is the most adorable picture! It makes me laugh because my little niece and her best friend are always asking me if they can ride Lucy! And I hear comments all the time when I'm walking down the street, someone will say "Wow, you could ride that one".