Looking to adopt this Labradoodle

[Kimberly Risley]

This is the Labradoodle I'm going to see on Saturday http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/23136195. I have been looking a lot on the Petfinder and have been watching this dog. My husband has gotten to the point that he will have to get me a dog just to stop me from going on line and searching for dogs. LOL

I know this dog has had a ruff life. He has been in few homes that didn't work out. I don't know the reasons. But had a few question to ask the "care takers" which I will list but wanting to know if other people have had experience taking on a 2 year old dog.

My questions I want to ask is....

1. Why hasn't the homes work out?
2. What other health problems are there other then the skin problem?
3. How long was he in the homes?

Right now I can't think of anything else to ask. But knowing our home I think she will be a fine dog over time. We have a cat and no kids other then grandkids that come up from time to time and always are  supervised at their age anyway.  Plus they are good with animals. But most of the time we have a quite home. We are home 95% of the time, we work from home. Plus the dog will be getting exercise and play time.

Is there any other question I should be asking?

[Kimberly Risley]

P.S. this dog is suppose to be good with cats, dogs, and kids.

[Valarie]

Kim,  I know what you mean about your husband letting you get a dog so you will give up the search :-)  We were in the same situation before I finally found Sophie.  This puppy definitely needs a good home and if you are home most of the time that seems like a wonderful situation for her. Asking about the failed placements is the most important thing.  It oftentimes is the family and not the dog's fault.  Sometimes people are not prepared for what is required to integrate a pet into their homes.   I would definitely ask about other health problems.  We had Sophie at the Vet's office a half dozen times in the first few weeks for various infections and an injury she had before we got her.  I would ask about aggression/guarding issues as those are safety concerns and must be addressed quickly.  But if she is good with other animals and kids this probably isn't a problem.   Sophie was 13 months old when she came home with us and she was a dream - past all the chewing, potty, mouthy puppy stuff.  Much easier than when we brought a 6 week old puppy home 15 years earlier.

Oh, bless you.  I hope it works out.  Please keep us informed!! 

[Kimberly Risley]

Thanks for the tip. I haven't "adopted" a dog in a long time. I had cats and dogs all the time growing up until I moved out. And our animals just "showed up". Either they were strays or given to us due to "unwanted" litters. Of course I have to admit our family had a dog that was not fixed so we had are own unwanted litters. I think back 25-20 years ago they didn't have the education about fixing animals as they do today. Of course after Ginger all our cats and dogs got fixed.

Needless to say I'm looking to add to our family. Thanks for the information. I'll note what you said on Saturday. Don't know how this visit will turn out, but we will see.

[Karen and Bridget]

Will your husband go with you on Saturday?  I think it is important to see her reaction to your husband (without a hat of course) so you can judge if she is skittish. 

[Kimberly Risley]

No, not on this visit. He has to go down to Clearwater for an already schedule appointment. But will be back the following week. So If I feel this is a pup we can take on, then will come back with him to visit and see what he thinks. Yes I would say with out a hat for the first visit....

[Moe]

Wow, that is some skin condition, I think it takes a special person to see the potential in that poor little guy. I think once he is more comfortable he'll probably be happier. I love the name. I'd ask a bit more about the hat thing. How does he react, has he ever bit someone etc. I'd also find out of the skin condition will need continuing medication or if it will go away. Good luck and keep us posted.

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

the continuous medication is important, as you would not be covered by insurance for whatever it is. poor dog, he really does deserve a good home!

The way he reacts to men with hats is important to know too.

I would assume he sheds by looking at his fur type (hair) but you may wish to ask that if it could be a problem

[Kimberly Risley]

Yea I Know that does concern me, so I am going to ask about the skin problem. Plus I do plan on asking if they know anymore about the whole hat thing....

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Kimberly, I think most of the time it isn't the dog's fault he/she ends up being left at a shelter. I am so glad you can see beyond the skin condition and are willing to try to give this dog a home. How sad that animals get treated so shabbily. Good luck and I hope it works out. I also think it is really hard to see a dog's true potential while they are in a strange setting and scared, but often times they are so grateful to have a loving home that they turn out to be a dream dog.

[Kimberly Risley]

Thanks, this dog is in a foster home. But you are right its how the owner's treat the dog. 

[Elizabeth, Bailey & Bruin]

I saw this little guy on petfinder. My heart broke for him. Ease keep us updated with pictures. God bless you for wanting to save this little guy

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Kimberly, what a wonderful thing to see beyond his issues and know you can give him a happy life. I truly hope it works out. Please let us know how it goes. Too bad your hubby can't be there the first time but maybe it's a good thing, your true feelings will be open without worrying if hubby is thinking the same way. You can work it all out during the week between the first visit and the second when he goes to meet him as well.

God bless and Good Luck!