adopting out 1st dog.. help!

starstuck

Ok, I thought I would be so excited for this day to come (I am) but I'm so torn on which dog to get. I'm torn between two and I don't know how I'm ever going to make a decision. How on earth do you decide when all these dogs need homes? Here's the two I'm torn between:

 http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/22059959

 http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/22585111

any tips on choosing the one???? Thanks for letting me vent~!

 

Caz1221

Are you able to meet both dogs before deciding?  When we were adopting our second dog, it was really tough to tell whether a dog was "right" from the picture and description alone, but when we met S, it was clear.  If you can't meet them, can you speak to their foster parents or a shelter worker who is very familiar with them?  Just based on the descriptions, it sounds like Merle might have a lower energy level than Terra, which is an important consideration.  Again, I would want to meet them or ask their foster parents about that rather than just going off the description.

Also, I assume you have been approved to adopt through both rescues/shelters?

starstuck

Yes, I've emailed both rescues to see if I can talk to their foster parents to get more info. I guess that's the hard part, going by the picture and bio. I'm just afraid I'm going to love them both and not be able to make a decision, then feel guilty for choosing one over the other...

Caz1221

starstuck:

Yes, I've emailed both rescues to see if I can talk to their foster parents to get more info. I guess that's the hard part, going by the picture and bio. I'm just afraid I'm going to love them both and not be able to make a decision, then feel guilty for choosing one over the other...

Don't feel guilty - you are doing a wonderful thing by giving a homeless dog a forever home!  We met a little female pug who was in the same rescue before we met S, and she just wasn't the right match for us (or our resident dog, T).  I couldn't totally put my finger on it, but I knew she would be a better match for someone else and that there was a better match for us.  I started bawling on the way home because I felt so bad about not adopting her.  A week later (before we adopted S), I was walking T around the city, and I bumped into that very same little female pug who was out with her new owner!  You could tell it was the perfect match.  I really think these things happen for a reason.  Go with your gut and whichever dog feels right to you!

Mryan209

Do you rent or own?  What activities are you looking for the dog to do with you?  Does shedding bother you?  Those are just a couple of questions I'd ask when looking at these two dogs.  If you rent, it can be hard(er) to find housing that accepts pit bull type dogs.  Even if your current landlord says it's okay, what happens if you move?  Do you want a dog that will go hiking and run around a lot?  The lab sounds like a couch potato so make sure that fits in with your lifestyle.  As for shedding, the two labs I've fostered were big, big, big shedders.  I had to vacuum every single day.  This guy may not be the same way, but it's something to consider.  All the pits I've fostered haven't shed near as badly and I hate dog hair, so that's a biggie for me. Good luck with the adoption and I hope one of them works out for you!

MarSamWhitney

I agree w/ PP, you will be able to decide better once you meet them in person.  I know though, I would feel guilty too, picking one over the other.  But, you are doing a wonderful thing..keep that in mind.

VABeach08

I consider lifestyle/activity level/time for training.  From the limited write-ups, it sounds like Terra is younger and still in need of basic training (housebreaking, etc).  Not a bad thing, just a time and patience thing.  At 5yrs and in foster care, it seems like Merle is a lower activity level and already has basic training.

Good luck with your decision-- I'm sure both dogs are great; it's just a question of who is the better fit ! 

bruins8624

Merle looks playful

kellbell1919

I agree it's a lot easier when you meet them.  When we adopted our second the options were overwhelming especially because we're active in rescue and get all the euthanasia emails.  We only considered dogs that met our limited requirements (good with other animals, adult) and after driving to three shelters and meeting at least 30 dogs when we met our girl we knew, no question.  It's fun to look at petfinder but don't let it stress you out!

jen812

Will you be a first time dog owner? If so, based purely on the descriptions, I'd go with Merle. It seems like he would be great for a new dog owner. I agree that the other dog seems like she may need more training (hard to say with the short description), but if that's what you're looking forward to, then she might be for you. 

Good luck. Let us know how it goes. 

kellbell1919

So I just got to a computer to click the links and it looks like you live pretty close to me.  If you want help finding dogs or rescues please feel free to PM me, I'm over the mountain the opposite direction of Richmond but lived in C'ville for years and am familiar with a lot of Richmond Rescues.  If you're interested in pits, Ring Dog Rescue in Richmond is amazing.  I'd also strongly suggest the Fluvanna SPCA, Charlottesville SPCA, and Augusta Dog Adoptions (this is who I work with currently)

starstuck

Thanks! Yeah Ring Dog is one of the rescues I've been keeping up with. They have some cuties It's just overwhelming since not only do I have to find the right one, there are 4 other people in my family that has to agree it's the right one as well. There's a Furry Friends Jubilee on Sunday and I think we're going to check them out since they will have many adoptable dogs we can all visit with. Ring Dog will be there as well! Terra's rescue hasn't gotten back to me yet   I guess this is going to be a much longer process than I thought.

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