Help: Can right rescue go to fam with young child?

[nchgsd]

Hi. Sorry, there was no intent at all to bash GSRNE in any way. I'm simply choosing a different route because I've been told by a number of people now on this site (and not just on this thread) that the policies they have are not at all flexible. That is their choice, and having worked many years with horses of all different stripes (some of them rescues), I truly do understand and sympathize that their policies and choices have come out of their experiences and knowledge in rescue. Unfortunately, that simply makes them not a fit for my situation, though I truly wish they were, since they are so nearby me and are GSD focused.

Thanks for all the other suggestions. I"m looking into everything right now - GSD rescues and all breed (especially all the ones people here have suggested), I've been reading the Urgent section pretty continually, and I'm going to start looking into breeders next week too.

And thanks for clarifying the puppy/adult thing. I'll just take it on a dog-by-dog basis and see how it goes. Maybe I'll form a clearer picture of what's for me as I go along. I'd love to skip the alligator stage but at least I've been there once before so I know about it. One of the dogs we had when I was a child was an alligator, and she chewed everything - including all my dollhouse furniture and my mom's paycheck! Didn't want a thing to do with all her nice chew toys...

I'm going off to do my homework now. Thanks again!

[Betty]

I didn't take it that you bashed GSRNE at all Catherine.

[SunCzarina]

I didn't intend to bash them either - just relate my experience having young children and trying to adopt from them. They're a wonderful organization and I do understand why the rules are what they are. I would have preferred (becuase of my children) to have gone through GSDRNE rather than adopt from a shelter becuase the dogs have been observed more carefully and have had retraining in their foster homes.

We ended up going with a puppy (who I dearly love!) becuase I did not want to deal with rescue issues again with small children in the house. Non of my rescues would have done well in my home at this point - they all needed strong adult attention without little people who also need strong adult attention!

[ninhar]

Rescues generally set rules like this in place after they have gotten burnt. While sometimes rules that rescues have seem arbitrary, there is usually a very good reason behind them. With todays litigious mindset and the reality that a large GSD could hurt a small child they have this rule in place to protect the rescue. Rescue insurance is very expensive and one claim could result in lost insurance which would shut the rescue down. GSRNE is a quality group that has done an excellent job of placing dogs for years.

To the OP, along with the suggestions that you have received, you might also want to contact some local vets. They may also know of dogs who need a home. Petfinder also has a classified section where people post their pets. Make sure you meet the pet where it lives and watch it interact with children at its house. With a small child you definatly want a dog who has been eithered fostered with or raised with small children.

Good luck in your search.

[Mandalay]

It was my experience with a rescue, too, when my ex husband and I were looking for a dog. We were denied because we did not have a fenced in yard. I was heartbroken cuz I had already fallen in love with a dog they had and it was just my husband and I at the time - no kids yet - and I did not see how they could deny us based solely on not having a fenced in yard since I would take the dog out on a lead anyway.

In any case, I ended up getting a puppy from a breeder and raised her myself and 18 months later when I did have my older daughter had a dog that I had raised to be baby friendly.

I understand why the rescue would not want their dogs to go to certain homes (i.e. no fence, no kids, etc etc) as there are a lot of crazy people out there that would carelessly let the dog run into the street or do no training and end up with a dog that hurt the kids accidentally or any number of other foolish things. I understand both sides of the coin. It sucks, but we have to look at it from their side, too. The rescues dont know you from Mr Irresponsible down the street and they dont want the dog coming back and being bounced around just to "be fair" to everyone.

I would try breeders that maybe have an older dog that they are done breeding and want to place in a home, or a different shelter or go through word of mouth. You could also try doing some volunteer work with this particular rescue so that they get to know you and know that you are going to take care of the dog and your daughter wont be an issue...maybe they would be more apt to budge on their restrictions for you then since they would see that you have time to put into something other than your child.

[daniella5574]

Catherine good luck in your search! If I can be of any help, please dont hesitate to ask. I personally dont believe in the young children rule, if the particular dog has proven to be good with children, and the home wanting the dog would be a wonderful, experienced family. I have 4 of my own Gsd's, one GSD/Husky. I couldnt imagine a better dog for my daughter to grow up with. They are also around my daycare kids and just love them.