Decision on a rescue doodle

[Amy and Annabelle]

We have been looking to add a rescue or rehomed dog to our family. I came across a mini doodle boy that looks like Annabelle only about 10lbs bigger. Reading between the lines from the rescue site, I am guessing he was born in a puppy mill and then used for breeding. Basically his whole life has been from the inside of a kennel. He is 4 years old and not trained in anything, not even house trained. I am willing to train him and put forth the effort, just not sure if he will ever get there. Sounds like he is good with kids and other dogs, so that's a plus I guess. He is just now learning how to play with toys.  Thoughts

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Amy, I'm going to send you a PM. If this is the rescue I think it is, there are some issues you need to know about. 

[Amy and Annabelle]

Ok thanks, I will be looking for it.

[Amy and Annabelle]

Besides your local city/county shelters, is there a list of recommended rescue organizations?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Petfinder has lists of rescues and shelters arranged geographically. That doesn't mean they are all legitimate, but it gives you a place to start. After that, there are things you can look for to check on the rescue's legitimacy. 

[Amy and Annabelle]

Yeah, I found this guy on Petfinder. I even tried to google reviews of the place and nothing really came up.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

There's a separate section for searching rescues and shelters near you: https://www.petfinder.com/animal-shelters-and-rescues/

[Amy and Annabelle]

Thanks, I will go look.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

You'll have to accept my friend request first. 

[Amy and Annabelle]

I got it and yes it is the place you were thinking.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

This is part of DRC's volunteer information for fosters who are going to be taking in a puppy mill dog. It's good info for anyone considering adopting one, too. Sorry for the big font, lol. 

 http://doodlerescue.org/group/fosterfamilies/forum/topics/things-to...

Mill dogs are unfamiliar with human interaction, love, kindness, play, house manners etc. Many of these dogs were starved, physically abused, neglected and have had little or no veterinary care. They tend to be frightened, unsocialized, easily stressed and have difficulties with the concept of house training. Because of the lack of food available to them, many mill dogs have grown accustomed to eating their own feces and other non-edible substances just to fill their bellies.

Many puppy mill survivors are so completely terrified of humans and anything and everything in the outside world they are what we call "flight risks." This means they have a strong instinct to flee and hide from any unfamiliar and scary situation. There are precautionary measures that must be taken with puppy mill survivors to ensure their safety.

In most cases as a foster you will be providing these dogs with their very first experiences of life as a normal dog.

[Amy and Annabelle]

So sad. Maybe if I was single and had no family or other pet to think about I would think about it. But since I do, it doesn't sound like the responsible thing for me to do. The "flight risks" made me think of the doodle that escaped the groomers a few weeks ago.

[Debbie & Gibbs]

I would certainly entertain a rescue dog for sure. I have two Westie's that were puppy mill doggies, there moms were dumped in rescue and they were only 7 and 8 weeks old when we rescued them. I've also done fostering of rescue doggies for the last 11 years and have seen wonderful transformations with all of the doggies that we have had. There is nothing more gratifying that teaching a dog that people can love them, play with them and that they can trust. It's the best job ever!!

My suggestion is to take your doggie to meet this new doggie and see if they like each other. Your doggie will play a huge role in helping rehabilitate this other doggie, doggie see doggie do. Good luck, and bless those that rescue!!