Chapter 3, Dogless

The rescue is Niagara Dog Rescue located in St. Catharines,Ontario and I assumed that is where the dog was located.

Sounds like they have a protocol for adoptions that works for them, not a fly-by-night group, that is good.

On the other hand, as someone already mentioned, why spend all that money moving dogs around, when it could help local dogs?

I hope all resolves and that is the best dog for you, right now.
You never know if you don’t try, right?

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This is, sadly, where I would have to bow out.

I know there are a LOT of costs involved in international rescue, but I personally would not be able to afford that, especially knowing there are surely equally good dogs much closer to home, that would cost less to adopt.

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I think, for you, adopting a dog sight unseen is a bad idea. In order to give it the best chance for success you need to meet the dog and the foster person first. A good foster (or breeder) should able to determine if you and the dog are a good fit.

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Perhaps you could state that you needed to meet and spend time with the dog in person before committing to the adoption. I gather that the rescue is fairly close to you and if they had the dog there, either at the rescue building itself or with a local foster, several visits could be made. Also, if it was not the right dog for you, it would be in an easier place, rather than Mexico, where other prospective adopters could visit. See if the rescue people will do a lot of the work for you before you commit. Given prior experience, I think seeing and working with the dog in person would be the logical way to go.

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I personally could never adopt or even foster a dog without meeting the dog in person first. The steep fee for an international dog adoption isn’t unusual, but you aren’t getting a dog from a local foster situation where you can sit with the dog, get to know the dog, or get a full history of its temperament from the foster in-person, versus a secondhand report.

ETA: There is a reddit thread on the rescue (both positive and negative experiences):

https://www.reddit.com/r/rescuedogs/comments/ji3ce3/anyone_adopted_with_niagara_dog_rescue/

Also check out the Google reviews (most positive but some negative) of the rescue.

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I have family that adopted from TX to MN like that. Picked out a dog online, spoke with the rescue and met the transport truck to get their dog. It worked out wonderfully for them twice. I wouldn’t rule it out.

There are some nice ones closer to you, though.

The above links are for two different dogs, Waldo and Molly.

I am overwhelmed and ready to throw in the towel. I do have a phone number of one of the volunteers who is actually calling my contacts for references and explain to her that this has become too complex and I want to withdraw my application.

To top it off I have had so many computer problems today that I was about to throw the computer out the window.

This rescue does not have brick and mortar facilities, just run by volunteers. I had assumed I would meet a dog first not one I would have to adopt sight unseen.

I am tired.

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This will be an unpopular opinion, but based on the bad luck the OP had with her previous dog, I’d recommend buying a puppy from a reputable breeder and lessen the risk of the dog coming with a bunch of baggage. I’d also recommend looking at less protective breeds like a golden or Brittney. I certainly wouldn’t accept a sight unseen rescue.

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Everyone, friends, trainer and vet feel I am getting too old for a puppy nor shouldn’t I have another Bouv as they usually weigh around 100 lbs.

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Those people know you the best and I bet they find something for you that will be perfect. I know it’s hard having an empty house. Hugs

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Under those circumstances, is ok to tell them you are not interested any more.
Don’t let anyone make you feel guilty.
That was a real shot in the dark, about as apt to not work and complicate your life even more.

Take a deep breath, let your emotions settle and wait a bit for now, something will come up worth trying, you can go kissing frogs again later, when you feel stronger and not so tired. :hugs:

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I just formally withdrew my application. Initially according to the ad it sounded like the dog was local and I would have a chance to meet it first.

After reading some of the above posts I began to think that the description of the dog was just too perfect. I left a phone message but also sent a formal email explaining why I am withdrawing.

Perhaps I should start Chapter Four, search for a dog.

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On boxers, each one may be a bit different from the next one, but in general, they are not true working dogs, serious and working with you and then chilling, like a bouvier or dobie.
Boxers can be a silly happy clown, full of energy, great for a family with kids and someone or another soul to entertain the high energy dog most of the day.
A working type dog is more apt to have lots of energy to do tasks, then chills when not working, are not bound to be the life of the party all day long.
A friend couple had a boxer they absolutely loved, took thru puppy classes and beginner ones for two years, then as they said, lived to entertain the wonderful but eventually tiresome dog, that at I think 8 years had a health crisis.
After their extremely loved and well cared for dog, they said they could not believe how tired they were, to care for and keep their dog happy was a whole job.
A couple years later they got a … cocker spaniel, that fit their lives way better.

Just more for you to think what you really would like to have, if you get a choice, although we don’t always have one when a dog finds us, we do the best we can do, as my friends did.

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I thought it would all be so simple. There have always been dogs popping up on my Facebook page looking for a home, now I would be in the position to adopt one.

Well it is not working out that way. A few weeks ago I responded to a rescue about a dog they were posting. After lengthy questionnaire I was told the dog was no longer available. Today the same dog popped up again this time with a different rescue. She would be 3 hours away from here. 3 year old female Bouvier Cross. Now she is listed as Poodle and ??? cross. I had never heard of the breed nor do I remember how to spell it but she is big and fluffy like my Bouv but not quite as large.

I think I will decompress for a while before any further search.

I was so elated after my interview yesterday but maybe that should have been a red flag as they askedad very few questions about me.

Thank you Coth crew, I don’t really have anyone to unload all this on.

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I think you made the right move here. Universe is telling you to regroup.

Keep looking, you never know what dog is sitting in or heading to a rescue that just doesn’t have its picture up yet. When I was finally looking again I just kept sweeping all the shelter pages, petfinder and rescues, over and over and over…

You’re a great dog home; don’t get discouraged or kick yourself around.

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The breed of another dog I was interested in is a Sarplaninac/Poodle cross.

Sarplaninacs are herd/guardian dogs I think from Serbia. In temperament and size they are similar to Bouviers. States they are calm and loyal but may become aggressive when irritated.

Guess I better stay away from that dog though she looks so cute in her picture.

Sarplaninacs are livestock guardian dogs. Generally very independent, but loyal. My daughter ventured into this world when she had chickens. Can be very vocal, with a deep bark (that can be very annoying if you have close neighbors). Sweet dogs, but can also be deadly to perceived threats to their “flock”. I have no idea what crossing with a poodle might create.

I guess I wouldn’t recommend going the LGD route for a pet.

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I’d be skeptical of someone breeding a rare dog with a poodle to make a doodle and then the dog ending up in a rescue. You probably have a combo of lackluster genetics and then poor early socializing.

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I would absolutely never recommend a Sar/Poodle cross for you, or anyone really. That cross says to me that the “breeder” had nothing but money in mind, and if you’re going to have an LGD breed you really want to get one from someone that knows what they’re doing. Speaking as someone who has a millstone of a mix around my neck for the next ~12 years.

LGD Doodles really are going too far, I’m so sick of it.

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