Did you ever adopt a dog from the humane society?

Question

They told you she/he was a combo of 2 diff breads and so you adopt she/he take them home and wait to see how big/small she/he will be?

I adopted a Coonhound / German Sheperd...I had never had a big sized dog but felt I was ready.

Sadie is 3 1/2 years old now and is still the size of a 13" Beagle. She does have the tan/brown Coonhound colorings but I don't see one bit of G>Sheperd in her. Do I care? NOOOO! She is my gift from God and I love her full out. I am hearing impaired and she hears for me, entertains me and is the best companion I have ever had. Size means nothing! All you need is love.

Please, tell me your tales :)

You all have written tales of extreme love and caring...sorry, I have tears running down my face. I love every every tale...I'm not ready to choose cause I can't figure a way to choose every single answer. Great job to everyone.

Here is another detail from Sadie's tales:
Three days after I brought her home she came down sick...lifeless...short story of it was it was caused by a bad batch of innoculations...not the societies fault. They told me to bring her back and they would refund my money because this batch of bad meds made her go blind in one...we tried through extensive meds and care...but to no avail. You must know what I told the H.S. about bring her back....NOT AN OPTION! Want to hear the miracle...no she is still blind. I had looked for a sensitive dog since my last one died. I needed one that would bond with me and that I could teach to hear the alarm and then wake me up. THIS IS NO LIE>>> When we went to bed the first night...in the morn when the alarm rang...Sadie pawed at me until I woke up and shut it off...no training necessary. She still wakes me up now that I am retired...at exactly 5AM for me to go to work....I get up...she won't let me push the snooze....lol My gift from God.

P.S. Sadie was only 12 wks old when I brought her home.

Answer 1

We saw Helen at a pet fair. she was so thin and adorable and very excited and eager to meet us. Her foster family came over and informed us that she was deaf and partially blind. She is an australian shepher/terrier mix. we weren't sure what to think and took her out to play. she got along great with everyone, and we felt a special connection to her. She had been found with a broken pelvis on the side of the road so we knew that in addition to her being deaf, we would need to watch for arthritis. Each day is a new journey with her, but she has taught me lots about being patient and waiting. she has gained so much weight and filled out. we don't regret adopting her, and love her with all our hearts! She enjoys people and other dogs, and I can't wait until she is finally a year old!

Answer 2

In 2004 my ex-husband was determined to get a dog for our then eight year old daughter. I was not keen on the idea since I would be the one to take care of the animal. We already had a German bred Rottwieler. While a wonderful dog he was not the breed for 'on the fly' vacations and since hubby was expecting to go to Iraq in a few months I just saw another responsiblity.
Since he was so determined I felt the only way I would not get saddled with something horrible, or equally large was to be present during the selection.
We visited the Humane Society and the kill shelter across the street nearly every day for two weeks. He looked at German Shepards, Basset Hounds, Labs, Wolf Hounds.
At the kill shelter they had received two puppies, even too young to adopt. One was a German Shepard, the other a Pit Bull. He was hooked on them. I realized by then I was losing, we were going to have another dog. I really didn't like the thought of either breeds. We already had a Rotti I didn't want to be the neighbor with two 'dangerous' dogs.
Hubby wanted the pit bull, and she was adorable. She looked just like the RCA puppy. We ended up taking her home.
Right from the start she was the best behaved little girl. She is a cuddler. As I was then a stay-at-home I had all day with her. She would stay close to me where ever I went.
I got lucky on her size, for a pit she is small and is still a lap dog at twenty-five pounds of pure muscle. I made sure I got her in the divorce, as she is my daughters' dog and hubby gives away animals he is tired of. (Since our divorce a year ago he has adopted and given away four dogs.)
We were lucky to get her. This was one thing I am glad hubby got his way on. To find a beautiful six week old puppy in a kill shelter with smarts and great temperment, fate couldn't have been better.

Answer 3

We've had many shelter dogs over the years, starting with a gorgeous purebred yellow Lab who had been badly abused. He was the devoted companion to my 9 year old son. When I met my husband-to-be, I made it clear that he was getting a package deal that included my son and Gunner too.

Since then we've had many dogs, I started rescuing dogs privately for a long time, then branched out into Great Dane rescue. I have 4 of them here at the moment - my two boys, and two rescue girls.

I am also a member of the board of directors of the local SPCA, and we will be breaking ground for a new shelter this spring. There is no shelter for this entire county, but we have taken in over 1200 animals in the last 4 years - had them vetted, neutered and adopted.

I sometimes get discouraged, but then I recall all the happy faces that have gone to their new families.

Answer 4

I have a Humane Society dog, too. She is a 13" Beagle. She was an abused dog. She was abused and finally given up because she had accidents in the house and she would run away. Cleopatra was a year old when I got her and she will be 11 in June. I taught her commands in English, Spanish and some in American Sign Language. I wouldn't trade her for anybody else's purebred. I love her. She is not only smart, but she is sweet, beautiful, and my "baby." I'm with you -- all you need is love (and lots of treats, food, toys, and some visits to the vet!)

Answer 5

The best pet I ever own was adopted from the humane society. He was a combo of German Shepard and Lab. This may sound a little crazy, but he could communicate his wants and needs very well. He became my best friend. He could sense when things were not right with me and was always there to lend his ear. He was extremely smart, and excellent with kids and I loved him with all of my heart. Unfortunately I had to put him down almost 2 years ago, and still sometimes grieve the loss. He was 11. I had him cremated so that he will always be with me. Thanks for inquiring.

Answer 6

We adopted a chihuahua/terrier *all it said* in Hawaii 5-6years ago when he was 1yr old. He had a problem with running off when given the chance, but now that we're in Florida out in the country and not on Hickam AFB anymore it's not a problem. He dissapears for a little while, but he allways comes back, and he's made local "friends" where he was once dog-aggressive. He's a good dog, and already knew a couple tricks when we brought him home. Said tricks amounted to sit and "dance" *the tako dance, on his hind legs waving his front paws*

Answer 7

When I got divorced my husband would not let metake the dog, an Irish Wolfhound. So I went to the local no kill shleter looking for a big dog. I had called and they had a great pyrenese and they wanted me to see her.
I looked at her but to much hair for me and I ended up adoping my first Doberman. A red male. I have had dobes ever since and that was 18 years ago.

Answer 8

I adopted a 1 year old pit bull (mix?) from the Humane Society, so I already new how big she would be. She is 47 pounds, which is perfect for me. That is one reason I decided to adopt and adult dog, so I knew how big it would grow to be, and also so I didn't have to go through all the young puppy stages. When we adopted her she was already spayed, potty trained, and up to date on all of her shots. I love my dog SOO much! She is perfect for me, rescuing a dog from an animal shelter is definitely the way to go.

Answer 9

we got our guy meiko from the shelter. we actually went to look at a smaller dog cause my youngest kids were around 3 and 4 yrs. the smaller dogs shyed away from my kids which i didnt want. she said she had a big guy(gloden ret/bordie collie) who would be good with kids. he too was abused and they found him running with other dogs.. he went straight for the kids with all kinds of kisses(he new how to play us) and weve had him for about 6 years. the only sad part is i just found out hes very diabetic, and im torn what to do for him. but hes been my best friend, and i belive if you rescue a dog they will pay you back 10x more.

Answer 10

I got Rocky from the animal shelter 9 years ago, he's a Lab/Chow mix. Despite the "mean" rep the Chow part has, he's one big baby! When he's outside on his chain, he dances and jumps waist-high when he sees us coming, he's an excellent watchdog, nothing gets by "Mr. Radar Ears." It sounds as if he barks "my mama, my daddy, and I love you." (He can say a four-letter-word with you if he's mad too, it sounds like!). I have seizures, and after my last 2 big ones, guess who laid beside me and wouldn't let anyone touch me? The best thing Rocky, (and the other 5 my husband-to-be & I have) give us is what we give them-unconditional LOVE!