Photo: gorefiendus/Flickr
My fiancée Anna and I are looking to adopt a dog. We currently share a postage stamp-sized one-bedroom walk-up in the NYC border town of Hoboken, New Jersey with Nora, a cuddly, who-you-callin'-obese, 10-year-old tuxedo cat. (She and I have the same birthday, May 29.)
Over the next few months, we will navigate some serious life changes and first time experiences, starting with our wedding. Then we plan to add to the drama by expanding our little family to include a dog or a puppy, which may well necessitate expanding our domicile.
From a canine perspective, we come from opposite backgrounds. Anna always had dogs growing up -- a Springer Spaniel, a Westie, a mutt and an English Bulldog -- while I never had house pets (my mom said she was allergic). Both of us feel ready and capable of caring for a dog, but what will be the best breed for us, and how will we find him or her?
By visiting shelters and breeders and speaking with friends and experts, we offer ourselves up as guinea pigs in this process, deconstructing and reporting the ups and downs of our quest for man's best friend. Every week I'll report back with stories about our search.
This week, the basics: Anna wants a smart, well-behaved pup who's good around kids, while I'm hoping for a friendly, small bugger who is not hyperactive or prone to barking.
Then again, who knows? We may just meet a puppy personality that's extraordinary enough to make us toss our preconceived ideas into the trash.
In any case, we'd love your input. How did you go about finding your dog, and was it a successful match?
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I would suggest getting a Havanese. They will adapt to any environment, are very smart and are great with small kids and other animals. Also they average about 10 pounds so they are small but very sturdy. My husband and I also had similar animal history to you and your wife, and we couldn't have asked for a better dog than our Havanese! Good luck!
Please try and find your special dog at an animal shelter or Humane society. There are so many that need homes. Mutts are the best!
I agree that the Humane Society or equivalent is a great place to find your dog. Both of mine are rescue dogs who needed a loving home; however, if you can find a rescue dog that has been fostered in a family with kids that would be great. Then you will know more information on how that dog behaves with kids and possibly other dogs. There are so many dogs out there of various breeds (or mixed breeds) that need a great home like yours. You are smart to do your research first. Best of luck and keep us posted on who you choose as your DOG!!!
Ben and Anna,
I adopted a puppy three weeks ago, so it's timely that you're asking. I had a dilemma as well, since I've always wanted a big, excitable, and intelligent dog, but I live in Manhattan. And my roommate wanted a small, cute-looking thing, but I refused the pocketbook pups.
So we searched through Petfinder and ended up finding a foster home in New Jersey with a litter of cockerspanie/poodle mixes (often termed cockapoos, but saying that gives me shivers). And we picked one up. He's pretty clever and fun, and he's hypo-allergenic so your mom can come visit. Here's what he looks like: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpSb0xjDTEE.
Good luck with making a decision, and with the big nupts later this month as well!
You should visit all the shelters and Humane Societies in your area. You are bound to find a wonderful pet there, they have so many great pets just waiting for loving homes. PLEASE DO NOT go to a pet store as the animals usually come from puppy mills and you would just be supporting this cruelty. As for going to a breeder I don't have a problem with them I just prefer to help a homelss pet instead of a pet that cost money just because it is a pure breed.
SAVE A LIFE ADOPT A HOMELESS PET!!!
We had all sorts of ideas about what we wanted, but when we went to the shelter, all of that went out the window. I am so excited for you guys!
Hi Ben and Anna, just seen the video of your cutie, he or she is so cute. I have 2 poodles a boy Charlie now 12 yrs. he is a silver and I have a sweet black girl now 14 yrs. Emma is her name. They are the sweetest and most lovable kids but also good watch dogs too. I am sure you will love your kids too.
Petfinder is a great way to find a wonderful pet, as well as checking with your local humane societies/shelters. Most of the humane societies I have been affiliated with are very familiar with the personalities of the animals. In the case of a kitten/puppy, they can offer a multitude of information on training and caring for your new pet. Should the adoption not work out (heaven forbid!) most organizations INSIST that the animal be returned to them. Another plus of adopting from a humane organization, is the animal has already been spayed/neutered, wormed, examined by a vet and current on all shots. Most adoption fees are much less than what all of this would cost through a regular vet. However, I STRONGLY recommend establishing a relationship with a local vet for future yearly exams. After all, you want to keep your new baby healthy and preventative care is the best care!
I strongly recommend going through the humane society or another rescue organization. I got my dog Gizmo, a lab/boxer mix from a place called "Susan's Angels" in White Plains, NY. He has been an absolute joy the past two years and my husband and I love him so much! We look forward to many more years with our boy Gizmo. He's short haired, no grooming necessary, playful, smart, loving and a mixed breed which tend to have fewer health problems than pure bred dogs. Anyway, if you contact one of these rescue organizations like we did they will touch base with you on a lot of things like whether you plan to have kids in the future, if you are an active couple etc and find the perfect dog for you. Congratulations and good luck!
I found a schnazuer---maybe a mixed breed but no one is sure----at the SPCA. I was not looking for a little dog---my old dog was a huge lab----but it was truly "love at first sight". After I got him cleaned and groomed ,he is adorable, He does not bark much but schnauzers are KNOWN to be Barkers. He is very loving and enjoys playing-----a small dog like him would be a good apartment dog as long as he got at least 2 long walks a day.