Considering adoption- need advice!

[eduncan]

Hi Everyone-
I'm seeking advice from anyone who has adopted before, or anyone who has an opinion about it! I recently lost my 10 year old boxer to cancer and I'm looking for a new dog. I have been considering a puppy while also looking at shelter websites... I found an adorable dark brindle male in a shelter the other day, and i'm going to look at him tonight! I've already filled out the adoption app, and talked with the shelter director. She says there are a few people interested, but she likes us b/c we have boxer experience- I was SO excited when she told me this!!

Now that the prospect of being able to have him is so real, I am getting nervous! He is approximately a year old and was found as a stray almost a month ago- when nobody claimed him, he was put up for adoption.
With no knowlege of his history, I worry about bonding with him! I trusted my Mahlon in every situation b/c I'd had him since he was 8 weeks old, and I handled all of his training from the time he was a baby. We got so much great bonding time in during those puppy months... I'm hoping that when I meet this new guy tonight, my worries will be washed away!
Having never adopted a dog before, I just don't know what to expect!
Thanks in advance for any insight!

 

[eduncan]

Ok- I was right, I met the dog tonight and fell completely in love with him! He'll be coming home tomorrow, and I can't wait!! He is absolutely gorgeous, although underweight... We are so looking forward to getting him healthy and providing a forever home for such a wonderful dog

I will post pics when he comes home <3

 

[darwinsmom]

First, my condolences on the loss of your senior boxer.

I think adopting is a wonderful option. I really don't think bonding with an adoptee, esp. an adolescent one, will present any problems. As much as our dogs are loyal companions, dogs are also extremely adaptable creatures. If you love your new boxer, keep it fed, stimulated, etc...it will love you back.

I suppose with a dog of unknown origin, you might be concerned with behavioral issues, but at his young age he will probably just need some attention and manners training. Presumably the shelter has already evaluated him to some extent.

We adopted a 14 month old girl almost 2 years ago from a young family whose life was being disrupted by divorce. The transition was very smooth, and she has bonded with both of us. Much like our other dog, I am the mom/caregiver and my husband is the playmate.

Good luck!
-Karlyn

ETA: just noticed in your signature that you adopted Kobe today. Congratulations!

 

[eduncan]

Karlyn-
Thanks so much for your thoughts, and condolences. Mahlon was such a sweet and loving boy, I miss him so much and I'm grateful for all of the love we shared with him.

Its definitely reassuring to hear adoption success stories like yours. Kobe is such a love and has stolen the hearts of the shelter staff... they said that they aren't ready to let him go! It was easy to recognize that he's already bonded with them, so I'm sure we'll get along just fine

 

[Claudia807]

Congratulations! Sounds like you made the right call.

Sometimes people pass rescue by because they think, "I want a puppy so I can raise him/her my way." We had a dog returned to rescue last week who was adopted from us as a puppy. Now she's got some issues that weren't addressed.

What I always tell people (tongue-in-cheek, of course), is that you can adopt an adult dog who may have an issue or two, or you can buy a puppy and mess him up on your own.

 

[chrystel]

appicon YAY!!!! Fantastic!!!! appicon

Congratulations on adopting your new baby!!! lovicon

 

[eduncan]

What I always tell people (tongue-in-cheek, of course), is that you can adopt an adult dog who may have an issue or two, or you can buy a puppy and mess him up on your own.

- I totally agree! it takes work wether we get them as a puppy or and adult, and the work never stops! Everyone was always so impressed with how "well behaved" Mahlon was- I constantly heard our other friends with dogs say say, "don't worry, when our dog is 9, he'll act like that!"- SO not true!

Mahlon and I constantly worked together all the time - he loved doing his tricks for everyone! I think its strange that some view training as mean when it creates such a wonderful bond between dog and person!

We picked up our new guy from the shelter last night. He slept all night and only barked when the neighbors got up and made some noise next door. We are getting to know each other today and he is so great! I'm taking some time to observe him and his habits before jumping into training, but he's already sitting and waiting for food and also sitting when I get the leash out- not bad for a stray dog- he's so smart! Loving him so much already

Thanks everyone for the congrats!