I got my beloved Tweek on CL, and my awesome dog Bebe (RIP) and my wonderful GSD Kyle (RIP. You have to know what questions to ask but you can find awesome dogs on Craigslist.
I don’t believe in God but I do believe in Fate, things happening for a reason.
I can’t remember if I mentioned this here or not but I have fallen in love with a dog on a TV commercial. It pops up several times during a show I watch five times a week at 7 p.m. Looks like a small Boxer who is upset because his toy squeeky is caught in the washing machine.
Last week I was at a dressage facility watching a friend’s horse in training. There was a small female boxer belonging to the trainer who was so well behaved with the horses and people. She is 5 years old.
Once I got home I started looking on my computer and the picture of a 5 year old female popped up. There isn’t much background available but what they had on her was all positive.
She is at a reputable rescue so I filled out the questionnaire. They didn’t ask the questions like a previous rescue such as age, smoking, swimming pool, fenced yard. I don’t want to lie but I thought those were all strikes against me.
They acknowledged receipt of my application right away and are now arranging a one hour telephone interview which will be followed by a home visit. I also had to give references, vet info etc.
I received 8 pages of info regarding their expectations of adopter and what they will supply. Spoke with my trainer and she feels size and breed would be a good fit for me. I also alerted my vet that the rescue will call them and gave permission for them to provide any information about me and my dogs.
It is now out of my hands and I will wait and see. Even though I have always felt that I did well for all my dogs I have lost some confidence because of the tragic end with Colton. I still feel that somehow I failed him.
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Forgot to mention I was offered a 9 year old female Bouvier but since only one of my six Bouvs lived past the age of ten her life with me would be too short and I couldn’t bear grieving again so soon.
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Not sure if curb-chain jingling is appropriate, as that is usually for illness situations, but wishing you all the best for your possible adoption. 
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As a life long Boxer owner I can tell you that age 5 is when they start to come to their senses and be really great dogs. Oh, they are good dogs at a young age but they are ridiculously insistent on exercise and constant engagement. I am hoping this pup may be a good match and might heal your heart a bit.
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My husband was a boxer fan. After he passed away, I volunteered with the local rescue. While I tried to foster a couple - my male Aussie apparenty exuded something the ladies did not like - I got to know quite a few. Wonderful, funny, full of personality, loyal, loving…I hope this works for you!!
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Boxers are the sweetest dogs! Fingers crossed and many jingles for you! 
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I love boxers, but every single one I’ve known has been a lethal fart machine, no matter what the diet was! 
Fingers crossed that this dog works out for you!
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I have an appointment tomorrow at 2 for a one hour telephone interview. I am nervous as I will be judged. I am afraid they will hold my age against me and if they ask questions about my last dog I will have to be honest.
I have decided what will be will be. If it doesn’t work out so be it.
Chestnutmarebeware I don’t think a boxer can compete with a Bouv when it comes to farting.
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Don’t be too nervous. A friend just went through this with the adoption of an adult dog. It seems that the rescues are a lot pickier with young dogs. But everyone wants a puppy, right? So to free up space in no-kill rescues, they really need to find homes for adult dogs that otherwise might languish there. My friend is 68 years old, and had no trouble adopting.
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My brother went through this a year ? ago. For an English shepherd. He’s 73. A good dog owner is a good dog owner.
Jingling.
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The only thing I would recommend is to have a plan in place in case you have to go to the hospital for a brief stay if they bring it up. “In the case of an emergency or hospital stay, friend A and friend B will be able to look after the dog until I’m back on my feet.”
Just to show that you have a plan and only if they ask.
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Be prepared to be turned down,
Like I was- by so many rescues.
One place told me right away, over the phone, that she knew I was old by my voice, so don’t even ask about a young dog or a puppy cause they go quickly.
I gave up on rescues and have since adopted 2 - 2 yr. Old GSDs
From my county shelter.
No questions asked. One dog was $10. Other was$75.
Both spayed, all shots, chipped.
Keep looking. Your dog is out there.
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Regarding your past dog, you could mention that your vet, trainer, and breeder were all in agreement about euthanizing, and give phone numbers if asked.
Good luck with the interview.
I’m a bit long in the tooth myself and adopted a kitten from a rescue that I volunteer at. I told them that if something happened and no other home could be found, that the cat and my other cat would be returned to the rescue for rehoming.
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OP, don’t feel a need to go into the nitty gritty about the most recent dog. In your moccasins, I might write out a couple of responses beforehand for some of their likely questions. That would make me feel extra prepared. I’d stay just-the-facts-ma’am in terms of details and keep it short and to the point.
Ex:
What’s your history of dog ownership? “I’ve had labs, poodles, podengos and Bouviers over my life plus I’ve taken in strays from time to time.” (I don’t recall your actual breeds, but you get the idea)
Why do you want a dog now? (This can be real simple) “After X decades of dog ownership, I’m now without a dog and miss having one.”
What’s your most recent dog experience? “I raised a Bouvier from a pup, but by age X, my vet, my trainer and I together concluded that he was mentally unbalanced. Unfortunately we had to euthanize him for extreme behavioral problems, but it was the right thing to do.”
If they press and want more information about why: “He made several unpredictable and unprovoked attacks on me and the behavior was escalating, despite working with a behaviorist and the vet.”
That’s just my example; I’m sure you can come up with one that suits you.
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I hated the new dog search myself. I ended up posting on FB friends after trying several shelters - I wanted a herding breed - and one distant friend had a friend that was wanting to rehome their 2-year-old Aussie. Nothing wrong with him except it was a working farm and he refused to herd.
Since I didn’t want any drive, it was (and is) a perfect match. Well, he does have his independent moments but is really a good dog overall.
So if you are on FB, post to your friends, you never know.
ETA: I downsized from 90 lb malamutes (my heart dogs) to 50 lb Aussies. I may downsize again when they are gone (I have 2) to a corgi - I had one before and she was the best big dog in a little body!
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I’m sorry, Cat tap. My mom had two very good dogs in a row. The first died of cancer at 6. The second died of cancer at 5. She called me up in tears asking what she was doing wrong (nothing). Just like we did nothing wrong when our 5 year old cat had to be put down due to neurological issues. In the end, we bring these creatures into our homes and love them for as long as they’re with us. Animals make us better people.
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Thank you all for your replies. I keep telling myself if it is meant to be it will happen, if not screw it. I’ll keep my eyes open for dogs at local shelters though it will break my heart to see all those poor critters looking for a home.
I had already thought of many of your suggestions. I have arrangements in my Power of Attorney for all my animals should something happen to me. I have a farm sitter available should I have to be hospitalized again. BTW I have CT, blood work, Oncologist visit next week. It is a 6 month follow up. One more year to go on my daily Chemo, two down…
I am going to play pickle ball this morning to take my mind of the dog business.Tomorrow I have to figure out how to clean my pool filter before the closing on Thursday. I have never had to do this before. Also signing up for 6 classes at the Senior Center for the fall/winter session. Doing 3 Strength and Resistance training, 1 Cardio, 1 Core and 1 Pilates. Lost a bit of fitness after my hospital stay. Went from a 5 minute plank to 4 minute but will work towards achieving 5 minutes again.
I am bragging but proud of my achievements.
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And you should be proud!
Sending positive thoughts that your interview goes well. A work friend of mine had a boxer. He was a Very. Good. Boy!
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@Cat_Tap
Always impressed with your activities ~ Jingles for your interview ~
Canter on Cat_Tap !!!
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