[QUOTE=S1969;8760692]
People looking to title their dogs do not want them to be “rare” – but they certainly don’t want population explosions due to things like the 1001 Dalmations movie, etc. [/QUOTE]
That’s a good point and maybe that is just it. Thanks for the explanation.
I inquired about Chinooks many years ago. Like the OP I only wanted a pet and a male, but was interested in becoming active in the club. This was back when “inquiries” were by snail mail. I did receive a letter and packet of info from the club contact and they seemed very welcoming to my inquiry.
Similar experience with Carolina Dogs waaaaay back in the day. Total small world incident years later I met the gentleman I had corresponded with, sat next to him on a plane. He remembered my name and letter and strongly encouraged me to become involved with the breed.
However since then, and during the Internet age, I have inquired about another rare breed and had the same experience as the OP.
On one hand I understand in the internet age the number of inquiries is likely way up and difficult to sort through. On the other hand I think potential good owners and good ambassadors of the breed are discouraged. If using the Internet to advertise and educate, I think there is an obligation to respond to inquiries, even with automatic replies explaining the process.
Maybe go back to old school and write a handwritten note? May get attention an email inquiry does not.
Selling puppies is prohibited by CL so I assume the pups are being given away at a nominal cost?! If not, I think it’s fair to assume this was not an oops breeding but a profit making venture. I, for one, could not support that under the circumstances
If you get a puppy with an elderly dog nearing death still around you will have to be willing to put them on a rotating schedule of crating or keeping the puppy tethered to you.
I have a 4 month old puppy and am currently looking after my mom’s 16.5 yr old dog and it’s a struggle ensuring that the puppy is not pestering the old dog. And he is still doing very well body and mind wise. If he was in worse shape I can’t even imagine trying to have the 2 together. I would definitely have to keep them separated, and if that meant less quality time with the old dog I would feel very bad for him.
Personally, as hard as it may be to resist, I would wait on the puppy. It is going to add stress to your older dog, as well as yourself, at a time when you might be best enjoying each other. My advice would be that after your dog passes, to look for rescue pups that look similar perhaps. That way you are getting a similar dog, if that’s what you want, and helping pet overpopulation. 
But that’s just my opinion. Ultimately, it is up to you, and what you feel is right for your situation.
[QUOTE=vxf111;8761278]
Selling puppies is prohibited by CL so I assume the pups are being given away at a nominal cost?! If not, I think it’s fair to assume this was not an oops breeding but a profit making venture. I, for one, could not support that under the circumstances[/QUOTE]
That’s a good point. The ad talks about “adoption”…I’d be asking about that. E.g. is there an adoption fee?
The fact that the mom & dad are in a picture together led me to believe that this was a “breeder” or someone that didn’t actually mind if they had puppies. But I suppose, maybe that’s not the case.
Well, it’s a moot point now, I assume since the ad is down, that the person adopted out all of his or her puppies. There was a $500 rehoming fee, which is crazy, but not as crazy as some.
About shelters: I know that this is not true for people in the South East, some parts of the South West, and some parts of the East. But in my little corner of the world, there is a pretty high demand for shelter dogs, and a fairly low supply. If you cruise through PetFinder for ‘Seattle’ and start clicking on the non-bully breed, non-tiny dogs - you’ll see a crazy number that are actually located in Texas? Or, some rescues will be importing their dogs from Asia? There are also some from S. California, which is a little less crazy.
If you are looking for a puppy from a shelter, the selection is even slimmer. We have some very, very good rescue organizations in the area. And I have perused those listings. What I find when I do, is that a dog that looks like the right ‘type’ (large, fuzzy, natural non-pendulous ears and a tail), often comes with: No Cats, No other Dogs, No Kids as either one or a combination. I have another dog, I have a cat, and I prefer not to deal with one that was not well socialized to kids, just because it’s a liability.
The above is not a new observation on this forum. In some ways, this situation is GREAT! It means that the neuter campaigns and the information about keeping a pet long term, and other programs have really, dramatically, reduced the issue of overpopulation in some areas of the country.
On the other hand, it makes: Adopt, don’t shop, a wee bit harder to pull off. And when rescue organizations are now having to transport from more than a 1000 miles away, then neuter, vaccinate, deworm and treat existing disease (like heartworm, rare in my corner of the country, but common elsewhere) - then the rescue adoption fees are unsurprisingly often north of $400, and still not covering costs.
$500=that’s no oops litter and people are nuts
$500? Hot dang. I get that vet bills and vax will be more expensive than what I’m used to, but $500 for one set of shots, a little dewormer? (to me, that is what a Craigslist “adoption fee” should cover, the vet bills incurred.)
Because your dog is on multiple pain medications, I’d wait and not introduce a crazy puppy into his environment. There’s something to be said about a puppy giving more pep to an older dog, but an older dog already dealing with body pain is a bit different to me. I think a puppy could cause a dog w/ pain issues to hurt more, to brace themselves against the onslaught of a wild puppy bumping into them, clamoring all over them, etc… And even a sweet older dog could lash out if he’s hurting.
I’d wait, and continue to reach out to the Chinook breeders. Are there any Facebook groups for them? You can break the ice a little more casually through there, by posting that you’re hoping to join the community as an owner, and asking for advice. People (like me and everyone here hahaha) love to give advice.
And just as an aside, you said you’re not “good at turning acquaintances into friends. It’s a personality flaw.” No, not a flaw. Just your personality TYPE. Don’t worry if it isn’t immediately natural to you, just keep bringing it back to the dogs and the reason you’re reaching out- you admire the breed, are a fan and would love to learn more about owning one. Being shy or socially awkward isn’t a flaw, it’s just a tendency. So it may be harder to reach out, but not impossible, especially if you’re kind to yourself through it.
All the best with your older dog. My old man is on heart meds and it’s so hard to know if things are getting worse (I second guess every time he’s not thrilled about his meal, or each singular cough), or how to predict how the rest of his days will go. But we help them through their geriatric stages as best as we can with comfort and consideration, it’s what we owe to them.
[QUOTE=vxf111;8761582]
$500=that’s no oops litter and people are nuts[/QUOTE]
Agreed. They are pretending they were “adopting out” these puppies, but really they are “breeders” and selling them. And scamming people. :no:
An adoption fee to a legitimate rescue is a very different thing - it usually includes a variety of other costs like vet care for dogs that are surrendered/found in bad condition, normal vet costs, spay/neuter, transportation, home visits, overhead/website/advertising, applying for/maintaining non-profit status, paying an accountant, etc.
I have no problem paying $500 for a puppy from a breeder, or even $1500…but don’t be fooled into thinking it’s a “rehoming fee” from someone who just happens to own the sire and the dam. That’s ridiculous.
$500 for a mutt puppy whose parent’s best attributes are being “smart” and “goofy” is LUNACY. You can pretty much assume neither parent has any health testing, performance titles, or does much else other than pump out blue eyed fluffies so that person can make some side cash. I have no problem with mixed breed dogs. I have a BIG problem with people producing them as a cash cow. And asking $500/puppy (when they’ve had maybe $50 worth of vet care and little else) is nothing but a small scale business venture.
If you want a chinook puppy, go to where you can meet some breeders and network. It will be worth the wait for a dog you really want. If it’s the look you like, maybe research some other breeds (Icelandic shepherds, curs, farm collie etc.) and see if you can expand your list a bit. If it’s the personality, research some other breeds that are similar. Or just be patient. It’s worth the wait for a quality dog if that’s what you truly want.
If you’d be happy with a mixed breed puppy, I think that’s awesome. You might try with some breed-specific groups (husky and/or aussie) because sometimes they get mixed. Look on petfinder too, that’s a good resource.
[QUOTE=vxf111;8761582]
$500=that’s no oops litter and people are nuts[/QUOTE]
How can a oops happen if they had their dogs fixed. Like you said no oops, just degenerate breeders
[QUOTE=LauraO;8761580]
On the other hand, it makes: Adopt, don’t shop, a wee bit harder to pull off. And when rescue organizations are now having to transport from more than a 1000 miles away, then neuter, vaccinate, deworm and treat existing disease (like heartworm, rare in my corner of the country, but common elsewhere) - then the rescue adoption fees are unsurprisingly often north of $400, and still not covering costs.[/QUOTE]
You’ll get flack for it everywhere but I agree with you. I bought my mixed breed puppy for $350, which included vaccinations and deworming, documentation of both, and a vet exam if I wanted to redeem it. The dog was exactly what I wanted; age, breed mix, gender, body type, and personality (and no neuter contract). I had to drive a little bit to get him, it wasn’t right around the corner, but 3 hours is not unreasonable. So far a year into it, he’s perfect for my needs and I couldn’t be more pleased. This type of dog is clearly not coming out of anyone’s ears. There just is no pet overpopulation for my kind of dog.
Get exactly what you want. If you have a choice between purchase and adoption, go adoption, but my advice is not to settle on your needs in a dog just to adopt something. Dogs are too big a life commitment for that.
Best of luck OP.
Since those dogs you were interested in seem to have been sold, why not wait until your old dog is gone, let him have a peaceful old age, and then go to the herding dog rescue site and adopt an aussie or part aussie? I’ll have to look up the site, but it’s in Montana or Wyoming and always has some good dogs.
A Florida CoTHer friend of mine found the site and wanted to adopt a dog from there but they wanted to meet up with the adopter so instead she got one from an closer site in Florida
If I lived in the PNW I’d go look at some of the dogs listed on the herding dog website. Also, Colorado pounds have some aussies. My breeders also found one of their Las Rocosa aussies at the Boulder pound many years ago. (They were told the dog was there.)
I think you’re talking about HeRD of WY…a friend of mine fosters a lot of their dogs. Good organization.
[QUOTE=LauraO;8761580]
Well, it’s a moot point now, I assume since the ad is down, that the person adopted out all of his or her puppies. [/QUOTE]
Actually, in thinking about this more, someone may have flagged the post as a sale ad, not adoption. If you really like the puppies, you might find them on Kiiji…I think they allow puppies for sale.
It occurred to me that I would have flagged them if I knew where they were, so the puppies might not actually be sold…just the ad taken down.
[QUOTE=S1969;8762456]
Actually, in thinking about this more, someone may have flagged the post as a sale ad, not adoption. If you really like the puppies, you might find them on Kiiji…I think they allow puppies for sale.
It occurred to me that I would have flagged them if I knew where they were, so the puppies might not actually be sold…just the ad taken down.[/QUOTE]
Or just wait 6 months when they’re not cute puppies and the not-well-vetted homes start giving them away on the same CL because (OMG WHO KNEW) puppies are actually work?!
[QUOTE=vxf111;8762619]
Or just wait 6 months when they’re not cute puppies and the not-well-vetted homes start giving them away on the same CL because (OMG WHO KNEW) puppies are actually work?![/QUOTE]
Not many people want someone else’s poorly raised, half-grown puppy. Anyone would be better off buying the puppy outright, right away if the breed mix was something they were looking for.
Not to mention, better for the puppy too.
[QUOTE=Sswor;8762806]
Not many people want someone else’s poorly raised, half-grown puppy. Anyone would be better off buying the puppy outright, right away if the breed mix was something they were looking for.
Not to mention, better for the puppy too.[/QUOTE]
Reason #5001 why people who cross two dogs “because they’re cute” and then sell them to any Tom, Dick, or Harry on CL are bad news.
Do you think someone who can’t be bothered to health check their own breeding stock and who thinks the most important attribute of a puppy is “blue eyes” is actually screening prospective homes carefully?
Many puppies like that will end up given away for no reason you couldn’t fix. If the OP really likes that mix, she should be able to find it without rewarding idiots who think breeding cute to cute is a good way to make money without really trying. I find a lot of aussie mixes and husky mixes on petfinder in my area. I don’t know what the OP’s area is, but if she likes that kind of cross she should be able to find one.
She even said she’d be interested in that.
[QUOTE=vxf111;8762823]
Reason #5001 why people who cross two dogs “because they’re cute” and then sell them to any Tom, Dick, or Harry on CL are bad news.
Do you think someone who can’t be bothered to health check their own breeding stock and who thinks the most important attribute of a puppy is “blue eyes” is actually screening prospective homes carefully?
Many puppies like that will end up given away for no reason you couldn’t fix. If the OP really likes that mix, she should be able to find it without rewarding idiots who think breeding cute to cute is a good way to make money without really trying. I find a lot of aussie mixes and husky mixes on petfinder in my area. I don’t know what the OP’s area is, but if she likes that kind of cross she should be able to find one.[/QUOTE]
She said she couldn’t. Not all aussie mixes are created equal. These puppies looked like they would fit her bill, and she couldn’t find any puppies like this at rescue. I’m sure you will now post a billion aussie cross petfinder ads proving otherwise but really, the craigslist puppy is better off with the OP buying it then it ending up on Petfinder itself in 6 months.
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