looking to adopt a dog

Hi!

I am usually on the cat side of things. I am currently owned by 7 cats, ages 1 to 15 years. they are all indoor cats. Here in the house, it is just 2 adults: me, and my Dad, who will turn 80 later this month. Four of the cats come out in the bakc yard with us as we garden. And as Dad putters around he will take one out with him.

We had 3 different dogs when I was growing up. Lassie, a purebred collie, rough coat, looked just like "you know who!." We had her 8 years, until she died. Princess, a mix we got at a farm. She looked and acted like she had some Australian dingo in her! She was 16 when she died. She had several strokes at about age 13. Dad slept on the couch to be close to her for the first month of his retirement!!! Sammie (Samantha) was my grandfather's dog, we took her when he died. She was some sort of collie shepherd mix, grandpa got her from the rescue in town. We had both Sammie and Princess for 4 years. Then it was just Sammie for another 4 years, and she too was 16 when she died.

So we have had dogs, seen what vet bills can be, taken care of them in sickness and in health, and in old age. We have not had a dog in about 20 years.

We have been thinking of getting a dog. Small in size, adult or senior, female preferred. I have been looking on PetFinder for a few weeks, mulling things over, getting ideas. Thinking of a chihuahua (long haired would be interesting!), papillon, mix. Not a terrier or a breed that is always active even in older age. Just not for us at this time. And obviously, the particular dog needs to get along with cats!

I found this listing on PetFinder this evening.
http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/...?petid=7120588

The listing does not say if they would adopt a dog so far away. And in a way, I think reading this girl's story, she needs to have other dogs around her. But the listing got me thinking that, even if not this dog, a mill rescue might be the thing for us.

My cats are either foundlings or from the city shelter except one who came to me at age 12 when her owner moved into senior housing. One of the shelter cats had been badly abused and although she has lived here 14 months she is still skittish. She is only 3 years old now, and it is so sad to think what she must have experienced.

Small dogs are not as common on Pet Finder in my area as in other parts of the country. Papillon rescues are all in the south, it seems. Does anyone have any thoughts as to how I may find a dog for us? (This being a part of Pet Talk, and if the dog side is ANYTHING like the cat side, you have LOTS of thoughts!!) Maybe someone on here is involved in rescue and has a dog available.

Meantime, I will keep looking and pondering. Thanks for your input!

first of all the first question that you NEED to ask if the dog(s) you are interested in if they are good with cats. I am sure you have your hands full with 7 cats and some small dogs have a high prey drive, some don't. it just depends on the dog. where are you located? I can look for small dogs for you if you want on petfinder. :)

edit : I found some small dogs in RI and I am not sure how far away they are from you..

I don't have time to post their pics but their pages I do. :)

one second..

http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/...?petid=6930927

http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/...?petid=7217923

http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/...?petid=6227332

http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/...?petid=6693770

http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/...?petid=6698201

http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/...?petid=7065398

http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/...?petid=7135958

http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/...?petid=7224938

what state are you in freedom???

It's wonderful of you to look into adopting a dog from a shelter and that you are going about it the right way. Papillons are generally good with cats if raised with them from puppyhood. You'll have to call about the dogs you are looking at to see if they get along with cats, as that is one of your number one concerns. I really don't have much advice. Good Luck with your search to find the perfect dog!

Freedom, I want to first thank-you for ADOPTING a dog, and an adult/senior, which are not adopted out very often because of their age.

It seems to me that you are ready to adopt a dog. You know your limits and everything. What exactly are you looking for in a dog? Potty-trained? Breed? Playfulness or a lap companion? One that doesn't need as much walks as puppy?

Have you looked into just going to your local shelter first? You can actually meet the dog in person and screen its tempermant.

I wish you much luck, Freedom! Keep us updated! :D

Gee, that was quick! to answer a few questions:
- I am in Rhode Island
- I have been checking at the city shelter for the 5 weeks we have been looking. No small dogs! Either that or I miss them. There was an older min pin, never even got to see before it got adopted.
- rechecked some of those petfinder links you posted, luvsallhorses. One is in Maryland, one wants another dog to play with (not sure I want 2 at once UNLESS they are already buddies and want to be adopted together), a few were looking for active families (not us), several were terriers. My understanding is that most terriers, even the smaller ones, tend to be active.
There are 3 I will follow up on.


Female
Potty trained would be nice, potty trainable a must.
Lap dog preferable
Nothing so active as a puppy!
Thinking small, like chihuahua, papillon, maltese, shih tzu, mixes of these naturally. Not limited to these. Not more than 25 pounds, preferably smaller.

Thanks, everyone!
Sandra

gotcha.. hold on.. brb..

here ya go.. http://www.smallpawsrescue.org/pup3/States/RI.html

Hi Sandra, welcome to the dog side. :) I was also looking at the links that Krista posted and I noticed that the two chihuahua mixes were both listed with Mutts4all (I think that is what it was). They also had on the main page of their website an application to be filled out by all applicants. It listed a lot of questions as to what type of dog you were looking for and why. Just a thought, but maybe you could fill out an application with that (or another) rescue organization indicating basically what you told us, and they may contact you when they find a dog that will fit with your lifestyle. That way you can also request that the dog be cat friendly. I am sure they keep some sort of database with that information. I love that you are willing to take in a senior dog. I hope you find the perfect little companion.

My Pekingese senses are flaring up! :D

Have you looked into Pekingeses? These dogs are extremely loyal (but not to the point of jealousy). They do not require much exercise, make wonderful elderly companions, and usually do not have a very high prey drive. Besides, what damage can a tiny brachycephalic dog do? If you like these dogs, you're in so much luck!! I wish I lived where you live because you happen to be in the same state as a VERY well reknowned pekingese kennel. They have BEAUTIFUL dogs and connections everywhere. I'm sure they can match you up with a Peke in need or an older, retired Pekingese.

PM me if you want more info :)

Chis are WONDERFUL. They are very playful and active dogs. However, they are much like a terrier in temperament.

I have one Chi girl and she is sweet. She's six months old and loves to play with our three cats.

How about a Yorkie or Poodle mix?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Wenisrubber

Poodle mix?

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Poodles are wonderful dogs, and if you find the right one for you, that's great. Although, my poodle mix is a very hyper and playful little girl... they are known to be like that through old age. So if you don't want an active dog, poodles might not be the right match. But that definatly does not mean all poodles are like that! I've met a standered who was the biggest couch potatoe. So, sometimes it depends on the dog.