Quote:
Originally Posted by HobokenGuy
I was at the Liberty Humane Society in Jersey City yesterday dropping off dog treats, toys, and paper towels when I fell in love with this chocolate lab. Such a sweet dog that looks like he had a rough start in life. Seems that all he wants is to be loved.
Now, I have never owned a dog on my own, so should I go for it? How long does it take to housebreak a dog? Anyone here ever rescue a dog from a shelter?
I went to Shake-a-Paw in Union on Saturday night with the GF and she was telling me that those dogs come from puppy mills, so that's out of the question.
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I "rescued" my dog last May from the Camden County Animal Shelter. Since you use the term "dog" and not "puppy" I'll assume its a adult dog. The dog I rescued is half black lab and what the vet thinks is probably half some type of "pointer" breed. She was about a year old then and had been "surrendered" from a home in Camden......she was sick and severly underweight...so much so her ribs and backbone were prominantely visible. She had a really hard time keeping any food down when I got her home bringing up just about everything I tried to feed her. Further (expensive) evaluations and tests showed her entire disgestive track to be inflammed and even partially eroded in her throat........ so I've had her on medication, a special diet for sensitive systems mixed with yogurt and a Pepcid to keep her stomach "calm" and its done wonders. In 6 months I've managed to put 7 lbs on her going from 43 to 50 lbs. I had no trouble with housebreaking with only one or two "liquid" accidents in the beginning but to start I "crated" her overnight in my room so I think that helped the process. The only major problems I came across was inaccurate paperwork and less than adequate medical care while at the shelter......I was told she had her rabies shots and was spayed.....guess what.....they were wrong.....no rabies shots and needless to say I was a little surprised when she went into "heat" in November. I just had her spayed last week. So I would tell you despite what the shelter paperwork says take your newly adopted pet to a private vet (get references from friends with pets) and checked out as soon as possible. Shelter life isn't the best, not to mention where they lived before that, so don't expect a pet in perfect physical condition........plan on some health issues to be dealt with. Mine was probably a more difficult process but the journey is worth the effort...... my "Abby" is a constant companion who truly enjoys being with me.......whether it be riding in the front car seat or just laying on the couch at night with me......not to mention the feeling of satisfaction you have from knowing that you've made this animals life better. Unconditional love is hard to find these days ......go for it !!!
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