Only Unemployed Dog Lovers Need Apply...
- Thread starter johnson99
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YourFriendDeb
Completely Boxer Crazy
This has been a very interesting thread to read.
My husband and I both work full time, yet we have managed to not only house and crate train our puppy (well, he was a puppy when we got him!) but he also rings a bell to go outside.
I was concerned about leaving the dogs alone 8 hours a day while we were at work, and I couldn't imagine them confined to crates that entire time. We both work WAY too far from home to be able to come home for lunch and I wouldn't trust my neighbors to wash my car, much less tend my dogs.....so we came up with a wonderful alternative.
We have two exercise pens that we link together, then link those to the dogs two huge crates that are side by side. They then have a confined indoor space to play in while we're gone, plus they can go in and out of their crates as they please. Its sort of like an indoor yard for them. We leave lots of toys for them to play with and since they're both housebroken, they have NEVER gone inside the house/pen. When we get home, the pens fold down flat and take up practially no space. I also leave the radio on all day while we're gone. It works out wonderfully and I don't have to worry about them being crated all day with no way to stretch their legs.
Just a thought...it works out perfect for us.
My husband and I both work full time, yet we have managed to not only house and crate train our puppy (well, he was a puppy when we got him!) but he also rings a bell to go outside.
I was concerned about leaving the dogs alone 8 hours a day while we were at work, and I couldn't imagine them confined to crates that entire time. We both work WAY too far from home to be able to come home for lunch and I wouldn't trust my neighbors to wash my car, much less tend my dogs.....so we came up with a wonderful alternative.
We have two exercise pens that we link together, then link those to the dogs two huge crates that are side by side. They then have a confined indoor space to play in while we're gone, plus they can go in and out of their crates as they please. Its sort of like an indoor yard for them. We leave lots of toys for them to play with and since they're both housebroken, they have NEVER gone inside the house/pen. When we get home, the pens fold down flat and take up practially no space. I also leave the radio on all day while we're gone. It works out wonderfully and I don't have to worry about them being crated all day with no way to stretch their legs.
Just a thought...it works out perfect for us.
Sube Ru's mom
Guest
My Two Cents
I have not responded to this post for several reasons. One of the reasons was because I was totally disgusted with a few comments made on this issue.
I have 2 RESCUED boxers, Subi was adopted by me at 5 months (found on the side of the road at 4 weeks) Bailey was adopted when she was 6 months.
Do you want to know the reason Bailey was given up? the people were in the MILITARY and didnt want to take her with them, they gave her to a friend who lived in an apartment AND WAS NOT ALLOWED TO HAVE A DOG, then she went to the rescue for about 3 weeks and then finally she came to us. THAT IS 4 HOMES!!!! including mine that she has been in!!! FOUR in 6 months!!! Pat and I now have to deal with her issues- she is head shy, she gets scared when you take her somewhere thinking that you are going to leave her, and she is scared of people approaching her!!! WE have to deal with these issues!!! and you know why? Because people didnt think about the time that would be involved with owning a dog or they thought the companion that they were bringing into their home was "A DOG"
WRONG, when you agree to bring a animal (dog, cat, horse, brid WHATEVER) they become a part of the family and FEEL they are a part of the family- THEY DO NOT KNOW THE DIFFERENCE.
quote:
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Originally posted by johnson99
Sometimes I think people would rather see dogs in shelters than see them go to a good home where, while the dog would be alone during the day would be given tons of attention and exercise in the morning, at night, and on the weekend. Its very frustrating!
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Working in a rescue I know this is NOT true, Rescues are trying to find the best homes possible for the dog, most of the dogs that come into rescue have already been in 2 or more homes and every time the dog goes to a new home it is additional stress on that dog along with more emotional issues. They want to find the right person for the rescued dog. Also sometimes when a dog is in rescue and after going through 2 or more homes they suffer from seperation anxiety, thus they need a home where someone is home most of the day. Rescuers AND BREEDERS are more concerned with the dog then the potential OWNER. It is VERY FUSTRATING that someone can not RESECT that Breeders and Rescuers CARE ABOUT THEIR DOG.
This also PISSES me off, People that would EVEN think of going through a BACK YARD BREEDER dont deserve a dog!!!! Subi, I THINK, is from a back yard breeder because of how she was found and her medical issues and you know what WE are having to suffer because PEOPLE ARE KEEPING BYB in BUSINESS. Subi was just diagnosed with HD, along with EVERYTHING else this poor dog has gone through.
Rescues and Breeder both feel like these dogs ARE THE CHILDREN AND A PART of the family. Breeders and Rescuers are trying to cut down the amount of UNWANTED dogs because "People do not have the time for a dog" " or the dog does not fit into my lifestyle".
Before ANYONE tries to knock a BREEDER OR RESCUER for doing their job and trying to find the best home for these dogs, maybe they should try doing THEIR job!!!!
Sorry if I pissed anyone off, But I work with the rescue, I see the dogs that come in, I hear their stories and I see the sadness in their eyes BECAUSE THE OWNERS DIDNT HAVE TIME FOR THEM OR WANT THEM.
I have not responded to this post for several reasons. One of the reasons was because I was totally disgusted with a few comments made on this issue.
I have 2 RESCUED boxers, Subi was adopted by me at 5 months (found on the side of the road at 4 weeks) Bailey was adopted when she was 6 months.
Do you want to know the reason Bailey was given up? the people were in the MILITARY and didnt want to take her with them, they gave her to a friend who lived in an apartment AND WAS NOT ALLOWED TO HAVE A DOG, then she went to the rescue for about 3 weeks and then finally she came to us. THAT IS 4 HOMES!!!! including mine that she has been in!!! FOUR in 6 months!!! Pat and I now have to deal with her issues- she is head shy, she gets scared when you take her somewhere thinking that you are going to leave her, and she is scared of people approaching her!!! WE have to deal with these issues!!! and you know why? Because people didnt think about the time that would be involved with owning a dog or they thought the companion that they were bringing into their home was "A DOG"
WRONG, when you agree to bring a animal (dog, cat, horse, brid WHATEVER) they become a part of the family and FEEL they are a part of the family- THEY DO NOT KNOW THE DIFFERENCE.
quote:
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Originally posted by johnson99
Sometimes I think people would rather see dogs in shelters than see them go to a good home where, while the dog would be alone during the day would be given tons of attention and exercise in the morning, at night, and on the weekend. Its very frustrating!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Working in a rescue I know this is NOT true, Rescues are trying to find the best homes possible for the dog, most of the dogs that come into rescue have already been in 2 or more homes and every time the dog goes to a new home it is additional stress on that dog along with more emotional issues. They want to find the right person for the rescued dog. Also sometimes when a dog is in rescue and after going through 2 or more homes they suffer from seperation anxiety, thus they need a home where someone is home most of the day. Rescuers AND BREEDERS are more concerned with the dog then the potential OWNER. It is VERY FUSTRATING that someone can not RESECT that Breeders and Rescuers CARE ABOUT THEIR DOG.
This also PISSES me off, People that would EVEN think of going through a BACK YARD BREEDER dont deserve a dog!!!! Subi, I THINK, is from a back yard breeder because of how she was found and her medical issues and you know what WE are having to suffer because PEOPLE ARE KEEPING BYB in BUSINESS. Subi was just diagnosed with HD, along with EVERYTHING else this poor dog has gone through.
Originally posted by Justin Linard
I would like to respond to Debbie the breeder. I think that it is understandable to want the best for your puppies, and to have all the best intentions. Even more so to do the most you can to place them in a home which you think is in the best interest of the puppy, but is is just that, it is YOUR opinion if it is in the best interest of the puppy.
Who are strangers to say if someone is suited to have a puppy? Are breeders even talking about puppies? It sounds to me more like the guidlines of adopting a baby
Rescues and Breeder both feel like these dogs ARE THE CHILDREN AND A PART of the family. Breeders and Rescuers are trying to cut down the amount of UNWANTED dogs because "People do not have the time for a dog" " or the dog does not fit into my lifestyle".
Before ANYONE tries to knock a BREEDER OR RESCUER for doing their job and trying to find the best home for these dogs, maybe they should try doing THEIR job!!!!
Sorry if I pissed anyone off, But I work with the rescue, I see the dogs that come in, I hear their stories and I see the sadness in their eyes BECAUSE THE OWNERS DIDNT HAVE TIME FOR THEM OR WANT THEM.
YourFriendDeb
Completely Boxer Crazy
Re: My Two Cents
I applaud you Subi Ru's Mom for that....I couldn't agree more. When we were going through our Rescue process, and I would tell friends or co-workers that they were doing a "home visit" or "checking references" they just looked at me like I was nuts. They say "its a dog Deb." But I would always counter with, "No, its NOT just a dog to us."
Mazzy's original owner didn't want her anymore and "gave" her to a neighbor, a man who starved and neglected her, let her run the streets until the neighbors finally called the Humane Society about her. THEY came and got her, found out she was pregnant...my precious girl had to have puppies in a shelter and THEN went into foster care at the rescue. A month later she came to us. Just like Bailey, that's being uprooted FOUR times! I'm amazed that she's so loving and sweet and gentle considering all she's been through, and yes we do have issues to contend with, but she's worth it.
For ANYONE who thinks of it as "just a dog", they don't deserve to have one.
I applaud you Subi Ru's Mom for that....I couldn't agree more. When we were going through our Rescue process, and I would tell friends or co-workers that they were doing a "home visit" or "checking references" they just looked at me like I was nuts. They say "its a dog Deb." But I would always counter with, "No, its NOT just a dog to us."
Mazzy's original owner didn't want her anymore and "gave" her to a neighbor, a man who starved and neglected her, let her run the streets until the neighbors finally called the Humane Society about her. THEY came and got her, found out she was pregnant...my precious girl had to have puppies in a shelter and THEN went into foster care at the rescue. A month later she came to us. Just like Bailey, that's being uprooted FOUR times! I'm amazed that she's so loving and sweet and gentle considering all she's been through, and yes we do have issues to contend with, but she's worth it.
For ANYONE who thinks of it as "just a dog", they don't deserve to have one.
The last couple of threads have summed up my attitude so much better than I did. I guess the bottom line of my preceeding (and controversial) posts has been that I don't see my girls as "just dogs." I think that ideal forms the basis for my opinion that it is (how can I say it mildly?) maybe a bit unreasonable to expect a dog to be crated all day and/or have to wait to go potty all day (I don't mean for a few hours, I mean 8, 10, or 12 hours). I know, I know: plenty of us pull it off sucessfully, with babies who seem no worse for it. But, I guess that seems sort of like a "they are just dogs" way of dealing with them. We would never expect out kids to be alone all day, wait a long time to go, etc. I know it is often necessary for people to do these things, and I DON'T want to open that can of worms again - just wanted to say thanks for the above two posters for helping me pinpoint the basis for my puppy parenting feelings!!
Poor Johnson99 - never knew you were going to create such a stir, did ya?!?!
Poor Johnson99 - never knew you were going to create such a stir, did ya?!?!
buddy'smom
Boxer Pal
Wow!!!
I have been following this thread for days now, reading with interest, gaining a stronger respect for breeders, admiring how opinions were being expressed, some bantering back and forth etc. and in total amazement the directions it has taken!!!
I truly believe this thread has given johnson99 some excellent food for thought. I commend him actually on doing his RESEARCH first before getting his puppy, and I have seen him evolve from I can't get a puppy, to maybe a rescue but that won't work, to maybe a boxer isn't the right choice, to if a goldfish is deemed the best for my situation then goldfish it is, and now to Hey maybe there is a viable solution.
johnson99- I truly feel that you can now enter into seeking a boxer with a stronger understanding of where breeders stand on placing their pups, and the judgments rescues must make on adopting. BOTH rescue and breeders are aiming for the same ultimate goal, and that is to not set up a placement that is doomed to fail. A breeder needs to feel comfortable in knowing that the pup she is selling to you is not going to end up being on the rescue list someday because it did not work out. A rescue on the other hand aim for a FOREVER home, not placing them and receiving them back in a year because the adoptive owner could not handle them.
Rescues have to ask how long you are out of the home each day. Not to base whether you are good or bad, but a dog suffering from separation anxiety CANNOT be left for long days alone. They have to ask your plans for the dog while you work, a dog who has spent two years of its life neglected in the backyard or garage is NOT going to fair well left alone in the yard or garage. These questions are not meant to immediatly say you are not eligible, they are asked so that the BEST possible match can be made. Each dog comes into rescue with it's own issues and placement has to be made accordingly to ensure it is a FOREVER home.
Breeders are the first Human in that puppy's life, and they have to be responsible for the Welfare of that pup. I looked at my Kailee today and thought, if she were to have a litter (she is spayed don't worry, just putting on the breeder shoes) regardless of how much the litter cost prior to conception to 8 weeks of life, I would be very Particular and Specific about the homes those pups went to. I need to place them with a clear conscience and no doubts.
Stay at home vs working owners
This is an age old issue that skin parents have dealt with, and now I see it happening here. It is not the hrs per day you are in the same building with the dog, it is the Quality Time that counts, it is the arrangments you have made during your long absence that counts. Many owners work long hours, own 1 or 2 boxers, and have well socialized, well behaved and well cared for dogs than some stay at home people do. Why? because the time they are spending with their dogs is QUALITY 1 on 1 time with training, playing, socializing etc. Being at home 24/7 is not all it takes.
I truly believe johnson99 you have been given the tools and knowledge on how to make your situation work. It is up to you now to apply it. When you meet with breeders/rescues do not lie, tell them that, yes my wife and I do work fulltime, BUT this is how we are going to make it work for the puppy/rescue. I think by meeting with these people feeling defensive on the fact you work is not going to help you. If you go with a puppy/rescue care plan already in mind and relay this to them, your chances are going to be much better.
I have only owned two boxers, and each of them have been a Priviledge for me, Not my Right. By the time I purchased Buddy I felt good about myself, as even though the lady was not the best of breeders (she was a 1 time byb, never bred again) she asked tons of questions, and yes she did refuse people with cash in hand. With Kailee, she is our rescue, and after having passed their interviews, homechecks, both my husband and I felt like VERY priviledged people with a huge responsibilty. Having Kailee has never ever been seen as just our right, and we reflect that in our day to day living. Her needs are always on the forefront and it is the reason my husband and I were living in separate cities for a few months. We understood that we were responsible in finding the proper living arrangement with Kailee in mind.
I believe after reading these posts from breeders and rescue workers, Priviledge is one of the messages they are trying to convey, and I can bet you anything every person that has purchased a pup from them or adopted from their rescues has felt extremly priviledged. And that is the way it should be.
Jean
I have been following this thread for days now, reading with interest, gaining a stronger respect for breeders, admiring how opinions were being expressed, some bantering back and forth etc. and in total amazement the directions it has taken!!!
I truly believe this thread has given johnson99 some excellent food for thought. I commend him actually on doing his RESEARCH first before getting his puppy, and I have seen him evolve from I can't get a puppy, to maybe a rescue but that won't work, to maybe a boxer isn't the right choice, to if a goldfish is deemed the best for my situation then goldfish it is, and now to Hey maybe there is a viable solution.
johnson99- I truly feel that you can now enter into seeking a boxer with a stronger understanding of where breeders stand on placing their pups, and the judgments rescues must make on adopting. BOTH rescue and breeders are aiming for the same ultimate goal, and that is to not set up a placement that is doomed to fail. A breeder needs to feel comfortable in knowing that the pup she is selling to you is not going to end up being on the rescue list someday because it did not work out. A rescue on the other hand aim for a FOREVER home, not placing them and receiving them back in a year because the adoptive owner could not handle them.
Rescues have to ask how long you are out of the home each day. Not to base whether you are good or bad, but a dog suffering from separation anxiety CANNOT be left for long days alone. They have to ask your plans for the dog while you work, a dog who has spent two years of its life neglected in the backyard or garage is NOT going to fair well left alone in the yard or garage. These questions are not meant to immediatly say you are not eligible, they are asked so that the BEST possible match can be made. Each dog comes into rescue with it's own issues and placement has to be made accordingly to ensure it is a FOREVER home.
Breeders are the first Human in that puppy's life, and they have to be responsible for the Welfare of that pup. I looked at my Kailee today and thought, if she were to have a litter (she is spayed don't worry, just putting on the breeder shoes) regardless of how much the litter cost prior to conception to 8 weeks of life, I would be very Particular and Specific about the homes those pups went to. I need to place them with a clear conscience and no doubts.
Stay at home vs working owners
This is an age old issue that skin parents have dealt with, and now I see it happening here. It is not the hrs per day you are in the same building with the dog, it is the Quality Time that counts, it is the arrangments you have made during your long absence that counts. Many owners work long hours, own 1 or 2 boxers, and have well socialized, well behaved and well cared for dogs than some stay at home people do. Why? because the time they are spending with their dogs is QUALITY 1 on 1 time with training, playing, socializing etc. Being at home 24/7 is not all it takes.
I truly believe johnson99 you have been given the tools and knowledge on how to make your situation work. It is up to you now to apply it. When you meet with breeders/rescues do not lie, tell them that, yes my wife and I do work fulltime, BUT this is how we are going to make it work for the puppy/rescue. I think by meeting with these people feeling defensive on the fact you work is not going to help you. If you go with a puppy/rescue care plan already in mind and relay this to them, your chances are going to be much better.
I have only owned two boxers, and each of them have been a Priviledge for me, Not my Right. By the time I purchased Buddy I felt good about myself, as even though the lady was not the best of breeders (she was a 1 time byb, never bred again) she asked tons of questions, and yes she did refuse people with cash in hand. With Kailee, she is our rescue, and after having passed their interviews, homechecks, both my husband and I felt like VERY priviledged people with a huge responsibilty. Having Kailee has never ever been seen as just our right, and we reflect that in our day to day living. Her needs are always on the forefront and it is the reason my husband and I were living in separate cities for a few months. We understood that we were responsible in finding the proper living arrangement with Kailee in mind.
I believe after reading these posts from breeders and rescue workers, Priviledge is one of the messages they are trying to convey, and I can bet you anything every person that has purchased a pup from them or adopted from their rescues has felt extremly priviledged. And that is the way it should be.
Jean
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Buddy's mom - excellent summary! I'm going to print out all the responses and share them with my wife and try to develop some viable options for us. If none of those options are feasible then I will simply not get a dog - and instead, volunteer over at the shelter down the road a few times a month to satisfy my desire to get a dog.
In the meantime I'm going to search the web for a goldfish discussion board...: )
In the meantime I'm going to search the web for a goldfish discussion board...: )
buddy'smom
Boxer Pal
johnson99- I truly believe there is a viable option for you somewhere, but not knowing your lifestyle and situation it is hard for any of us to tell you exactly what it is. Take into consideration all that has been offered to you and see where it fits. Although this thread did tend to get somewhat heated etc. I truly believe it has served it's purpose to you, the initial poster.
In a perfect world every potential dog owner would spend as many months reading about the breed and asking questions, as you say you have done. Trust me, when and if you do finally get your dog, whether it be a boxer or another breed you too will feel extremly privileged, and that priviliged feeling makes one lucky dog a fantastic home
(or goldfish if that is what your choice ends up being )
Jean
In a perfect world every potential dog owner would spend as many months reading about the breed and asking questions, as you say you have done. Trust me, when and if you do finally get your dog, whether it be a boxer or another breed you too will feel extremly privileged, and that priviliged feeling makes one lucky dog a fantastic home
(or goldfish if that is what your choice ends up being )Jean
Sube Ru's mom
Guest
Im SORRY johnson 99
I did not mean to come across that you could not get a dog, I just wanted to point out why Rescuers and Breeders ask the questions and are so strict. My feelings and emotions got in the way, but it tears at my heart to know that these beautiful and intelligent creatures are being left without homes because people didnt do the research. And that goes for any animal I am just partial to Boxers
I commend you for doing your homework and researching. My advice to you is this, instead of working at the shelter, see if you can help the Boxer rescue. Once they get to know you and see that you have made a commitment to not only them but to the boxers you rescued they MIGHT be more willing to let you have one. TRUST ME rescues NEED HELP!!! they will not turn you away (or they shouldnt) even if it is something mundane like walking the dogs or whatever.
Keep your chin up, God hands us challenges only to make to us stronger and appreciate what you have.
If you got a boxer easily you might not appreciate the dog as much as you would if you worked a little.
GOOD LUCK!
I did not mean to come across that you could not get a dog, I just wanted to point out why Rescuers and Breeders ask the questions and are so strict. My feelings and emotions got in the way, but it tears at my heart to know that these beautiful and intelligent creatures are being left without homes because people didnt do the research. And that goes for any animal I am just partial to Boxers
I commend you for doing your homework and researching. My advice to you is this, instead of working at the shelter, see if you can help the Boxer rescue. Once they get to know you and see that you have made a commitment to not only them but to the boxers you rescued they MIGHT be more willing to let you have one. TRUST ME rescues NEED HELP!!! they will not turn you away (or they shouldnt) even if it is something mundane like walking the dogs or whatever.
Keep your chin up, God hands us challenges only to make to us stronger and appreciate what you have.
If you got a boxer easily you might not appreciate the dog as much as you would if you worked a little.
GOOD LUCK!
HERE IS ANOTHER IDEA
WHAT IF YOU CHANGED YOUR WORK SCHEDUALE FOR SAY ONE MONTH. YOU GO TO WORK HOUR AND HALF LATER YOUR SPOUSE GOES TO WORK A LITTLE EARLY SO SHE COULD GT HOME A LITTLE EARLY. CUTTING THE TIME IN HALF FOR THE DOG BEING ALONE.
YOU KNOW THOSE DOG WALKERS ARE USUALLY BONDED.
IF YOU ARE THINKING OF GETTING A GOLDFISH YOU BETTER CHECK THEIR WEBSITE I HEAR THEY ARE EVAN STRICTOR ON ADOPTING A GOLDFISH AND LEAVING IT HOME ALONE.
WHAT IF YOU CHANGED YOUR WORK SCHEDUALE FOR SAY ONE MONTH. YOU GO TO WORK HOUR AND HALF LATER YOUR SPOUSE GOES TO WORK A LITTLE EARLY SO SHE COULD GT HOME A LITTLE EARLY. CUTTING THE TIME IN HALF FOR THE DOG BEING ALONE.
YOU KNOW THOSE DOG WALKERS ARE USUALLY BONDED.
IF YOU ARE THINKING OF GETTING A GOLDFISH YOU BETTER CHECK THEIR WEBSITE I HEAR THEY ARE EVAN STRICTOR ON ADOPTING A GOLDFISH AND LEAVING IT HOME ALONE.
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