To Adopt or Not Adopt

[Colliemom]

Any of you remember Maize, the collie I was doggy sitting all last summer? I posted some pictures of her on the forum and also she was in a number of my camping trip pictures.

Well, she went back home just before Labor Day last year, was in season and unfortunately missed on the breeding though. So no pups. since then she's been living in her kennel and frolicking around the yard with her kennel mates just enjoying life for the most part.

Got an email from the lady who owns her today, telling me that she thinks it's time for Maize to go to a permanent home. She never cottoned to the dog show stuff and has had a couple litters of pups over her 5 years. So her owner feels it's time for her to go someplace where she can romp and roam and enjoy the companionship of a human being 24/7. Part of the "doggie sitting" deal was that I could have a pup from a litter or take Maize back. So before she offers her to the "public", would I be interested in taking her?

Well, I need to think about it. My income is taking a pretty big cut starting next month and I don't really know if i can afford 3 dogs. Food and vet bills are going up as we all know among other things. It also makes it hard to take three dogs in a pickup truck as somebody has to sit up front and that's not a great idea if the air bag on the passenger side should go off. Maize is also debarked which means she won't be a watchdog. Sassy and Tessa were too, but both of them have gotten their bark back. Sarry very strong, and Tessa somewhat. But both together make a formidable duo when they get going. Maize is a beautiful dog, full of energy, loves to walk in the woods, loves to go camping as she just loved that trailer. She is a smart dog and catches on fast. She will need some disciplinary training as she loves to chase things, but I was starting to get that under control when she went back home last summer. She also seems to have a calming effect on Tessa during storms etc. and they were starting to bond a bit before she left. They were also starting to play, something Tessa hasn't done since her brother got placed in a new home back when she was younger I guess. Sassy is going on 10 in January and I have not had a collie live past 11, although that is mostly due to health problems.

So I gotta make a decision down the line here. My heart tells me not to do it in one way, but feels sorry for Maize in another. I love her spirit. She's a younger dog and would make a great walking companion as these other two start to age etc. But I'm not sure if the timing is right.

Just thought i would throw it out there for comment etc. I know in the end it's going to be my decision, but wondered what you all feel about it. Maybe somebody might think of something i don't.

[BarbaraRose]

Sounds like the only consideration is the financial part. How much more would it cost to take her in? I would think it would be just food and occasional medical (shots, etc). You will have to decide if you can afford it. Sounds like she would fit in great tho with your family.

[Forestgal]

I would think it would be just food and occasional medical (shots, etc).

There is no such thing as the "occasional medical" anything with animals. You've got to be prepared to shell out thousands of dollars without thinking twice about it if that's what it's going to take to make your pet better. When Jed was poisoned it cost me almost $9000 for his treatment. That came out of my pocket without the guarantee that the campground's insurance company would be paying for it. Fortunately they did. But this past Spring I spent over $1500 to get Belle's hyperthyroid condition taken care of and was looking at over $5000 for neck surgery on Jed if it had become necessary. As it was I spent over $400 just getting a solid diagnosis. AND I'm looking at probably $200 just for his shots and bloodwork next month. Not to mention the $160 in flea and heart worm meds he needs every 6 months that I'll be paying out in November. There's nothing small in the "occasional medical" bills for our pets.

So Sue's smart to think about the financial implications of adding another dog to her brood. It's a hard call. I've thought about it too, and when given the opportunity to bring another Lab home before Jed hurt is neck I decided against it for that very reason. Wouldn't chance it at all now that he's made of glass -- that would be a definite trip to the neurologist for neck surgery.

It's a difficult decision, Sue. I guess what I'd think about is how careful the breeder is in placing her dogs. If she works hard to find a good fit, then I'd rest easy in turning her down. But I know how you feel ...

Laura -- and Jed

[longdog2]

I think it is very wise of you to think carefully about this. Much as I love each and every one of my three dachsunds, it is more difficult to take three when you are traveling or walking. You have two hands and 3 leashes to manage. I also have one of those things that hooks two dogs together and uses one leash which does help. How will 3 dogs fit inside your smaller trailer? Would you still be comfortable? I think you are like me and, taking the new dog would be a lifetime commitment so you will need to weigh the pluses and minuses. The fact that one of your dogs is much older is something to consider too. And you can always turn off the passenger airbag if the dog is in front. I know you will put lots of thought into it and then make the right choice for both you and the new dog.

[Colliemom]

Thanks for you input ladies. Always interesting to see other people's viewpoints, especially when you don't have anybody to talk things over with in person.

Yep, the financial part of owning a dog is not cheap by any means and those of us who have them, will go to the ends of the earth to help them, sometimes even paying out a fortune to no avail.

So my decision was to have her owner put her up to adoption to the "public" and see what happens. She's a great dog. Smart, beautiful and full of energy. Would make an excellent pet for a family with children. The one thing is, she is debarked and some peoople don't like that. They want a family pet and also a watchdog. Some people said she was too rambunctious. Well of course, she's a high energy dog.

When she was with me last summer, I kept her on leash and also in my fenced yard. She did love to chase things, like cars, which is the collie instinct. But by summer's end, she was beginning to stick by me and on our walks in the woods I was beginning to let her run free. She also was beginning to break out of the habit of chasing too. So I know with some training, she can be a great dog.

I did tell her however, that if she can't find a suitable and loving home for the above reasons or it doesn't work out with somebody who adopts her, then i will take her in and give her a forever home here. She would love it and fit right back in I know.

So I am going to watch the situation and see what happens. She plans to put her up around Halloween time along with three pups that she has at the moment. And if I change my mind, I will have time to let her knnow. But asked that she keep me informed as to how it's going.

/