Looking at getting another GSD

Miikkas mom · 08-20-2011, 03:22 PM

Miikka will be 2-years-old in October. I am seriously considering getting a second GSD (I’ve always wanted 2 GSD – my own little pack

). I’d like to purchase the new pup from a good, reputable breeder but I am also VERY open to getting a rescue GSD.

I browse the Rescue forum often but all of the dogs are so far away. If I should run across a rescue that sounds like he/she would be a good fit for us, how do I get the dog to New Mexico? Other than putting the dog in a crate on an airplane is there any way to get it here? I could certainly drive some distance (300 to 400 miles) but a lot of the dogs in the forum are on the east coast or New England area. Any ideas?

BowWowMeow · 08-20-2011, 03:29 PM

I thought NM had a gsd rescue? Or did they used to have one? What about Texas? There's a good one in Austin and that's a nice place to visit. Or Colorado? I always loved visiting there.

Seriously though, I wouldn't adopt without doing a meet and greet with Miikka and without meeting the dog. That's just me but it is based on some years of fostering/adopting experience.

What I did when I was looking to adopt (this last time) was to search petfinder within an 8 hour driving radius. I then sent out inquiries and apps on a number of different dogs. Rafi really, really caught my eye and he was near Cincinnati (where my mom lives) so I set things up to meet him. He was a courtesy post through a Cinci gsd rescue. I also applied to (and was approved by) several other rescues in the area and tentatively set up some meetings with their dogs too. However, once I met Rafi I knew he was the one. He did fine with Chama and I observed him in his foster home where he was fine with the cats. I then got together with him every day for a week and after a week drove him home with us.

That process was certainly MUCH more thorough than anything I had done before but I do think meeting the dog and also having the two dogs meet is very, very important when adopting.

Miikkas mom · 08-21-2011, 12:16 PM

Yes, there are 2 GSD rescues in NM (that I know of). One is in Albuquerque but they are hard to get a hold of. I've left one email but so far no reply. The other is in Alamogordo. I've talked to them a few times now. They do have one male but he likes to be "in charge"...so does Miikka....I don’t think it would work. It's too bad because he is a beautiful dog.

I found one rescue in Arizona. There was one young male I was very interested in...then I found out they DO NOT adopt out of state.

I think at this point, I'm really leaning toward getting a puppy, primarily because of our cat. I’ve noticed a lot of rescues say “no cats” or “does not do well with cats”. We do have a cat and I think bringing in a puppy in lieu of a big dog might work better for her.

idahospud49 · 08-21-2011, 12:22 PM

Yeah the rescue here in Arizona seems to be a bit more difficult to work with than I would like. If you do decide to go with a breeder, I totally recommend mine.

BowWowMeow · 08-21-2011, 12:31 PM

I actually found a lot of dogs in rescue who were good with cats. I was super picky this last time since Cleo was already quite old. I've always found that puppies and cats are much harder to handle than adult dogs who already do well with cats. However, when Cleo was younger I fostered quite a few puppies and she did teach them the ropes...which meant to defer to her under all circumstances or risk being swatted. ;-)

idahospud49 · 08-21-2011, 01:03 PM

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Centr...e/148349676368

This is a group here in Arizona, they tend to have a lot of GSD's, from what I have seen anyways.

Runswithdogs · 08-24-2011, 01:55 PM

The Central NM GSD (that is run by Kathy Gonsey) is smaller than the Southern NM one, but that is where we got Regen.
I would see how Miikka does with other mellow, balanced, confident adult male dogs to see if she might be fine with an older male who is "bossy"...I think rescues are really special even though they can be crazy-- hearing about GSD puppies make me think that even the craziness of a rescue is on par with a smart puppy though!

Miikka will be so excited to have a playmate!
The other thing to think about doing is have her do a half day at Bow Wow and see how she does with the dogs there. They introduce gradually and the first day is free. Both Regen and Osa do great there and it's helped them with meeting new dogs.

dawnandjr · 08-24-2011, 02:00 PM

Just a suggestion, but if you could get a hold of one of the rescues in NM maybe they can get the pup for you. There are SEVERAL in California, one was just posted today by a friend on FB that is a pup.

**JeanKBBMMMAAN** · 08-24-2011, 02:15 PM

Great idea, Dawn, worth a try!

They will say no cats on dogs that should not live with cats. Advantage you (or your cat, really) knowing in advance that it won't work, instead of getting a puppy, then getting it home and finding that it is always going to be fixated on your cat.

Miikkas mom · 08-24-2011, 02:29 PM

Thanks everyone! I appreciate your input.

I am getting a puppy from the same breeder that Miikka came from. I think a puppy would be best for all animals involved (Miikka and the cat and me too). I’m very excited!

Below is a link to the sire/dame pedigrees for the litter the new pup is coming from. Pups will be born in early September.

I can hardly wait!

http://www.germanshepherds.com/forum...ire-equal.html

08-20-2011, 03:22 PM	#1 (permalink)
Miikkas mom Master Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 827	Looking at getting another GSD Miikka will be 2-years-old in October. I am seriously considering getting a second GSD (I’ve always wanted 2 GSD – my own little pack ). I’d like to purchase the new pup from a good, reputable breeder but I am also VERY open to getting a rescue GSD. I browse the Rescue forum often but all of the dogs are so far away. If I should run across a rescue that sounds like he/she would be a good fit for us, how do I get the dog to New Mexico? Other than putting the dog in a crate on an airplane is there any way to get it here? I could certainly drive some distance (300 to 400 miles) but a lot of the dogs in the forum are on the east coast or New England area. Any ideas? __________________ Momma to: Miikka, 2-year old F Black & Red WGSL Scout, 5 year F calico cat Waiting at the Rainbow Bridge: Bella, 15 yr old GSD/Chow chow mix Annie, 16 yr old Black Cocker Spaniel Socks, 15 yr old Tuxedo cat

08-20-2011, 03:29 PM	#2 (permalink)
BowWowMeow Crowned Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 14,798	I thought NM had a gsd rescue? Or did they used to have one? What about Texas? There's a good one in Austin and that's a nice place to visit. Or Colorado? I always loved visiting there. Seriously though, I wouldn't adopt without doing a meet and greet with Miikka and without meeting the dog. That's just me but it is based on some years of fostering/adopting experience. What I did when I was looking to adopt (this last time) was to search petfinder within an 8 hour driving radius. I then sent out inquiries and apps on a number of different dogs. Rafi really, really caught my eye and he was near Cincinnati (where my mom lives) so I set things up to meet him. He was a courtesy post through a Cinci gsd rescue. I also applied to (and was approved by) several other rescues in the area and tentatively set up some meetings with their dogs too. However, once I met Rafi I knew he was the one. He did fine with Chama and I observed him in his foster home where he was fine with the cats. I then got together with him every day for a week and after a week drove him home with us. That process was certainly MUCH more thorough than anything I had done before but I do think meeting the dog and also having the two dogs meet is very, very important when adopting. __________________ Ruth & the 4 Legged Rescue Gang Rafi the malaroo http://www.dogster.com/dogs/693238 Gio & Varda, the krazy kittens ....In my heart: Cleo Kitty Chama Kai Basu Massie

08-21-2011, 12:16 PM	#3 (permalink)
Miikkas mom Master Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 827	Yes, there are 2 GSD rescues in NM (that I know of). One is in Albuquerque but they are hard to get a hold of. I've left one email but so far no reply. The other is in Alamogordo. I've talked to them a few times now. They do have one male but he likes to be "in charge"...so does Miikka....I don’t think it would work. It's too bad because he is a beautiful dog. I found one rescue in Arizona. There was one young male I was very interested in...then I found out they DO NOT adopt out of state. I think at this point, I'm really leaning toward getting a puppy, primarily because of our cat. I’ve noticed a lot of rescues say “no cats” or “does not do well with cats”. We do have a cat and I think bringing in a puppy in lieu of a big dog might work better for her. __________________ Momma to: Miikka, 2-year old F Black & Red WGSL Scout, 5 year F calico cat Waiting at the Rainbow Bridge: Bella, 15 yr old GSD/Chow chow mix Annie, 16 yr old Black Cocker Spaniel Socks, 15 yr old Tuxedo cat

08-21-2011, 12:22 PM	#4 (permalink)
idahospud49 Elite Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Linden, Arizona Posts: 1,690	Yeah the rescue here in Arizona seems to be a bit more difficult to work with than I would like. If you do decide to go with a breeder, I totally recommend mine. __________________ Megan Amadeus 1/13/2003-10/20/2010 RIP Glock 1/25/2011

08-21-2011, 12:31 PM	#5 (permalink)
BowWowMeow Crowned Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 14,798	I actually found a lot of dogs in rescue who were good with cats. I was super picky this last time since Cleo was already quite old. I've always found that puppies and cats are much harder to handle than adult dogs who already do well with cats. However, when Cleo was younger I fostered quite a few puppies and she did teach them the ropes...which meant to defer to her under all circumstances or risk being swatted. ;-) __________________ Ruth & the 4 Legged Rescue Gang Rafi the malaroo http://www.dogster.com/dogs/693238 Gio & Varda, the krazy kittens ....In my heart: Cleo Kitty Chama Kai Basu Massie

08-21-2011, 01:03 PM	#6 (permalink)
idahospud49 Elite Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Linden, Arizona Posts: 1,690	https://www.facebook.com/pages/Centr...e/148349676368 This is a group here in Arizona, they tend to have a lot of GSD's, from what I have seen anyways. __________________ Megan Amadeus 1/13/2003-10/20/2010 RIP Glock 1/25/2011

08-24-2011, 01:55 PM	#7 (permalink)
Runswithdogs Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: New Mexico Posts: 383	The Central NM GSD (that is run by Kathy Gonsey) is smaller than the Southern NM one, but that is where we got Regen. I would see how Miikka does with other mellow, balanced, confident adult male dogs to see if she might be fine with an older male who is "bossy"...I think rescues are really special even though they can be crazy-- hearing about GSD puppies make me think that even the craziness of a rescue is on par with a smart puppy though! Miikka will be so excited to have a playmate! The other thing to think about doing is have her do a half day at Bow Wow and see how she does with the dogs there. They introduce gradually and the first day is free. Both Regen and Osa do great there and it's helped them with meeting new dogs. __________________ Regen, rescue female GSD born 4/09, adopted 4/30/2010. Wendi vom Melanchthon aka "Osa," WGSL GSD female born 7/08, brought home 12/24/10.

08-24-2011, 02:00 PM	#8 (permalink)
dawnandjr Elite Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Macedon, NY Posts: 1,054	Just a suggestion, but if you could get a hold of one of the rescues in NM maybe they can get the pup for you. There are SEVERAL in California, one was just posted today by a friend on FB that is a pup. __________________ Dawn Brogan German Shepherd Yoko von der Burg Austerlitz pedigree information http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/germ...html?id=713938

08-24-2011, 02:15 PM	#9 (permalink)
JeanKBBMMMAAN The Rescues Rule Administrator Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 20,697	Great idea, Dawn, worth a try! They will say no cats on dogs that should not live with cats. Advantage you (or your cat, really) knowing in advance that it won't work, instead of getting a puppy, then getting it home and finding that it is always going to be fixated on your cat. __________________ Help IMOM help Pets www.imom.org You can help Anna help IMOM help people help pets help people win...

08-24-2011, 02:29 PM	#10 (permalink)
Miikkas mom Master Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 827	Thanks everyone! I appreciate your input. I am getting a puppy from the same breeder that Miikka came from. I think a puppy would be best for all animals involved (Miikka and the cat and me too). I’m very excited! Below is a link to the sire/dame pedigrees for the litter the new pup is coming from. Pups will be born in early September. I can hardly wait! http://www.germanshepherds.com/forum...ire-equal.html __________________ Momma to: Miikka, 2-year old F Black & Red WGSL Scout, 5 year F calico cat Waiting at the Rainbow Bridge: Bella, 15 yr old GSD/Chow chow mix Annie, 16 yr old Black Cocker Spaniel Socks, 15 yr old Tuxedo cat

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