Question regarding animal shelters, should I adopt?

Question

I went to the shelter today looking to adopt another dog as a playmate for my Lab puppy. I found the perfect dog and she is on hold for me, Australian Shepherd mix. Beautiful and sweet dog and yes I know about the breed - I need a high energy dog to keep up with my high energy Lab and that I can run with along with my Lab. My question is, when I first went in there was a 10 month old puppy just laying in the cage. I thought he was sleepy until I came back to him and noticed his nose was literally covered in yellow goop that was dripping from him and his eyes were open but he didn't respond well. I called it to the attention of the worker and they immediately took him back to the vet room. So, should I wait awhile to adopt from there to ensure that the dog on hold is not sick as well or go through with it? They will only hold her for 24 hours until they put her back out for open adoption and she is great dog. But I don't know what to think. Serious answers only please!!

Just to add, I have adopted from this shelter before - 2 other cats and a dog and none were sick. Still have the 2 cats, the dog ran away when I was on vacation and the dog sitter left the gate open. So it's not like this is a common occurance there that I have seen. Kennels all very clean, though small, and animals all looked healthy other than the one.

Little more info - the dogs are all kept in separate kennels and the sick dog was dog number one and Lilly, the dog I want to adopt is dog number fifteen so she is on the opposite side of the kennel. But I don't know how they walk them and socialize them and such. Also, Lilly is just over a year old and has all vaccines, looks to be in great health other than some scabs and a surgical healing scar from a broken leg. (abused) I'll definately have to ask about a health check for her, she's so wonderful I hate to pass her up!

The dog I want to adopt is not the sick dog. She seemed perfectly fine, it was the first dog when you entered the kennel whereas the dog I have on hold was in the back of the kennel.

Answer 1

So glad to hear you are thinking of adopting. I would definitely go through with it...it sounds like the shelter is being responsible and took him to get checked out right away. And since you've adopted there before and had no probs it seems like a very well run place. You seem to really love the dog you found and I'm sure she's dying for a loving home.

It sounds like the little sick one just has kennel cough, which is a type of doggie flu. Nothing too serious, even in the very small chance the dog you are looking at has it, it's easily treatable and not anything too much to worry about. I'd double check with the shelter when you go back what exactly the dog had and if there is any chance yours might have it. Ask them that if your dog does come down with it in the next few days, will the shelter provide care for her.

Answer 2

My local shelter offers a seven-day health guarantee.

If you take the animal to the vet and he or she provides a written confirmation that it is indeed sick, the shelter will take the animal back and return your deposit. You might check with your shelter to see if it has a similar policy.

You could also ask the shelter what became of the sick puppy if you go back to adopt. They should be open and honest with you if you ask if there was any chance the puppy was contagious and could have passed something on to your potential new dog.

If they're animal lovers, they should understand and appreciate your concern.

If you don't get an acceptable answer from the shelter, but decide to adopt the dog anyway, it would be a good idea to completely quarrantine him from your Lab until his health clears... if at all possible, have a vet appointment already scheduled and swing by on your way home from the shelter.

It's always a good idea to quarrantine ANY new animals until their health is cleared, regardless of where they come from.

I worked at a pet store for years... unfortunately, it was one who bought from backyard breeders. (I was a teenager and completely oblivious to the concept of backyard breeders at the time.) They always quarrantined the new puppies from the ones they already had in stock until a vet cleared their health. It might surprise you to know how often people brought in sick puppies.

At any rate, best of luck with whatever you decide.

EDIT: If your potential puppy has had all of its vaccinations, it's likely to be safe from kennel cough and Parvo, which are two of the biggest contagious diseases for dogs in close quarters. That's a good sign. My advice still stands, but that should at least help to clear your mind.

Answer 3

I'm not sure about the shelter you are going to, but most shelters have a policy so that if the dog is pronounced to sick to cure or if it will cost mad money to cure the dog and this is diagnosed within 2 weeks, you can return it for refund or exchange. HOWEVER you will get attached to the Aussie, so make sure that you are willing to pay for the vet bills ahead of time. It could be that she has something easily curable, or something extremely difficult to deal with like diabetes.

In all honestly, I can understand how great it feels to find a dog like that and how you want to make her better, but unless you have the time and money to invest, I would wait either until she is better and make it an "if she is still there it is meant to be" thing, or wait for another dog to come along (which there will be).

Answer 4

If your other experiences with this shelter have been good ones, I would assume that the sick dog was not the norm. I would take the chance if the Australian Shepherd mix is a good fit for your home.
I have had two "pound puppies" - one that graced our home for almost 15 years and the current one for over 3 years.
Giving a stray animal a home is something I have done and would suggest to anyone.
Good luck

Answer 5

You might be able to have it examined by the shelter's vet before going through with it.
I'm glad that you're getting a shelter dog. Rescuedogs are so good, I think that they bond with you a little more than dogs from breeders just because they are thankful and they know that you saved them.
And Aussies are just great. We adopted an Aussie/greyhound mix for my grandma. He's high energy, all right, but he's a sweet and cute as can be.
In other words, good luck and best wishes for you and your dog!

Answer 6

Shelters are difficult places to control disease because there so many animals of undetermined medical histories, a great turnover of animals (many of whom foster diseases), and so little money to keep them happy and healthy. You were right to bring that puppy's condition to their attention - it sounds like he was miserable. There are never enough eyes and ears at an animal shelter!

Adopt the dog you like - you're going to regret it if she slips away! I'd suggest you bring the dog to your veterinarian right after adoption. Have her checked for signs of sickness, and get her the full spectrum of vaccinations. It may be best for you to keep her away from your other pets for a week or so. It's hard to do, but quarantining is best for safely (health-wise) introducing animals to your house. Most shelters do a good job caring for their animals, and it sounds as if you have a good history with your shelter. Don't let this scare you - your new dog is waiting for you!

Answer 7

if you know and trust the shelter thats a wonderful idea chances are the puppy was just gettig sick have a vet chek the dog first and with some shelters you can always bring it back if something is wrong i bet your lab will be happy at the new addition for the family go ahead and adopt him if you can get him microchiped just incase he happend to run away best wishes

Answer 8

It sounds like this is a responsible shelter. I'd adopt the dog, but let the shelter know if you have health problems with her afterwards. The dog sounds wonderful and if you've fallen in love already she's worth taking a chance for.

Answer 9

Go ahead and adopt the dog from the shelter. Perhaps you could ask if you could bring the dog back for a check-up should it seem a little ill.

Answer 10

wow that is pretty tough call for you, I think I would be a little Leary, but if they can vet check her before you even step foot out of the shelter then yea give the dog a chance and a new home, anyone who adopts from a shelter is a hero in my eyes......but i would hate for you to get the dog home and it be sick and get your beautiful lab pup sick, see what the shelter can do for you and tell them your concerns, if it is a reputable shelter they will comply and be up front with you.