SMALL dog play groups? (Cary, Apex: daycares, homes, food)

[greywolf0616]

My dog weighed 3.5lbs 6 months ago and thanks to my mom feeding her people food snacks behind my back (no, I'm not a child - mom was visiting for awhile) and no friends here to exercise with she is gaining weight. We're about to get shots updated so I'll find out for sure her new weight then but I'm guessing she's up to 5lbs now. Still small I know, but at 2 years of age she was 3.5lbs and hadn't gained weight in a long time so I'm worried about this much weight gain in such a short time.

Her snacks have been cut off (bad mom!) and I've been trying to meet neighbors, particularly ones with small dogs, but no one seems to A) be interested in making friends, or B) have a dog that's small enough.

I've been looking at some local doggy daycares but I think she is too small to play safely in any of them since most of the dogs there are large, or at least medium.

Does anyone know of any SMALL dog playgroups in this area? We're in Morrisville right now, so here, Cary, or Apex would work. I'm open to a play group or finding a buddy(s) nearby to start our own playgroup. I work from home and can host. My complex has a nice dog run too.

Additionally, I've decided to get a 2nd dog. In our previous home, she had 6-7 dogs her size to play with regularly and I can tell she misses it and really needs a companion. So I'm on the hunt for a SMALL dog if anyone knows of any litters or rescues in need. I have combed the local shelter sites - no small dogs, and Petfinder. I'd prefer to rescue someone in need but I'm pretty sure dogs this size get snatched up quick.

I have seen a few possibilities on Petfinder but I'm not fond of dealing with rescue groups. E.g. I responded to one ad with a reasonable adoption fee. They wrote back and informed me the adoption fee was $600 dollars HIGHER than stated in the ad AND that AFTER being approved and adopting the dog they could "drop in" on me anytime they wanted and take the dog back, without refunding the adoption fee, if they felt there was reason. Quite frankly, those people are nuts!

Alright, that's it. Thanks in advance for any assistance in helping Monkey Bear not turn into Hefty Bear!

[didee]

There are some very reputable rescues in this area. Best Friends, C.A.R.E, I have a link to a list somwhere I can send you when I find it. They mean their stated adoption charge. And there's the SPCA, but those won't have been fostered so you will have less information about behavior traits (they do behavior testing but a dog in a foster home has a 'parent' who really knows the dog).

Anyway, regarding play groups, I wil DM you since I'm not sure I can post it here.

[mishellina]

I work with the BTRNC and I'm sorry you had a bad experience with rescues. The best bet is to look for breed specific rescues... like I am with Boston Terriers. There are many dogs with foster homes and as didee said the foster parents really get to know the dog and will see if your dog is a good match based on home visits, and a conversation with the foster mom/dad. Our fees are about $325 for a younger dog but with that the dog is microchiped, spay/neuter and all up to date on shots when they come home to you. Plus most if not all rescues are non profit. That money helps out with so many new dogs that come in.

[jgb]

HEART is a group that had almost all small dogs.

Welcome to HEART!

They are a great group to deal with.

I have little ones, too, and it is hard to find playmates for them. My tiny one is not fond of other dogs and my big girl (10 lbs) may be too big/rough for your little one!

[greywolf0616]

Ok, thanks everyone. I will check all these out.

[Picaflora]

HEART is a fantastic organization. Also check with BBRCA (www.bbcra.org). When we got our jrt/doxie mix 2.5 years ago, they had 2 yorkies and 3 chihuahuas.

Hmm... looks like they don't have too many right now - and some of those dogs have been there since I got mine. At this point they may be too bonded to their fosters. This happened for one that we were interested in.

I would offer a play-date with my dude, but he weights 22ish lbs, but plays like he's 40lbs.

[raleighkc]

Look on meetup.com for small dog play groups. There is one on there.

[beckycat]

Originally Posted by raleighkc

Look on meetup.com for small dog play groups. There is one on there.

That's what I was going to mention.