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OT. Looking for a name for my new pet

queensway's picture

I don't come on here very much. But that doesn't mean I can't relate to living or having a step child. If that is you, you have my full support. Wow, step children are a different kind of child. Let's face it they didn't come from us. So I have decided to have a new child of my own. A DOG. Although she didn't come from me just my heart. If you know what I mean. I just need a loyal friend. LOL So not sure of a name.But it will be a female. Getting close to picking her up. Not sure if she will be a golden lab or retriever, Although I might pick a different breed. Please give me some idea's on a name or breed's.

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tog redux's picture

The shelters are full of loving dogs who need homes - even puppies if you want one. 

ESMOD's picture

In our neck of the woods.. you get one of two options almost exclusively at the animal shelters.... hunting dogs/hounds and pit bulls (or pitt mixes).

Unfortunately, both of these can be problematic for a lot of adopters.. especially with young kids.

Hunting dogs are often exclusively raised with their pack in kennels.. not much manners or housebreaking and many are older by the time they get to a pound.. and they like to roam.. they are tough to keep home because they have literally spent their lives running.

Pitties can have their own issues... and while many can make good pets, there are some behavioral tendencies in that breeding that can't be ignored.  Also, the breed is not welcome in some rentals..and even if you own a home.. insurance can be more difficult or expensive.

I know these animals need homes too.. but they are on the "less desirable" spectrum for a lot of potential adopters.  We also see many of the "breed rescues" will go to shelters and rescue their particular breed..and they do often have higher adoption fees.  

But... Petfinder is a good source to see what dogs are in your general area and you can search by breeds... so you do have the chance to rescue an animal that needs a home.

tog redux's picture

Yes, I was going to say - Petfinder shows you the ones in foster homes.

Not sure where you are, but my last dog came from a high-kill shelter up to us in the Northeast, since our area adopts a lot of dogs apparently. There are lots of good dogs in shelters, of all breeds.

Puppies aren't a guaranteed good pet, and purebred dogs have a lot of health issues that mutts don't have.

ETA: our current dog also came from the shelter, a total mutt.  He's an awesome dog.

MissK03's picture

We applied for two pit bull puppies in shelters. Got denied both. Probably because we had a dog already and skids in the house. My father has had pits. His one now is getting old (she's 11) and she wouldn't hurt a fly.

 

Since we were getting denied we bought a lab. We had to get a puppy because we weren't sure how our other dog would react to a dog that potential might have issues. 
 

So, we bought our lab. He is my baby. Happiest dog on the planet and our female (boxer/American bull dog)  tolerates him lol. 
 

edit: I had labs growing up and SO boxers and he always got boxers.  So we got a lab, I think I switched his breed.

ESMOD's picture

The ones that always tug at my heartstrings are the ones where the elderly owner has died.. or gone in a home and there is no family or friend willing or able to take on the pet... obviously older animals in most cases.

Some of your decisions might be dependent on how much time/space you have to devote.. Larger breeds can be good.. but when they get older.. think about hoisting a 100 pound lab in the back of your car when they can no longer "jump in".  

I would recommend doing puppy classes or some group acclimation if it's an older dog.  you definitely want to socialize your new friend so they don't become fearful of new friends of the 2 or 4 legged variety.

My dad has had two border collies and he loves them.. they are more medium sized.. very friendly.. very trainable.. but they are also very "busy".. one left to it's own could get into mischief.

A lab was probably the "best" tempered of all our dogs.. but he was big.. and shed.. a LOT.... 

I have also had two jack russels.. they are high energy and can be aggressive towards other animals.. like ahem chickens.. lost a few of ours that way.

The first dog I got was a dalmatian.  He was a super nice boy.. but they have been overbred to an extent and some can be nippy and have other health issues... mine required some surgery to reroute his urethra due to stones in his urine which is a genetic trait of some.. deafness can be too.  and when he got older.. I did have a couple of semi-aggression incidents with him.. out of character.. so not sure if it was like a doggie dementia... or whether those were bad people..haha

 

StepUltimate's picture

I got an AWESOME dog on PetFinder.com that I had 13 years before having to say goodbye. I happily endorse rescue pups from PetFinder! One of the best things I ever did. 

I just kept her name, since she knew it and I liked it.

queensway's picture

I know I will check that out.. Would love that if I could find a dog that I would love. Thanks for your help.

Dovina's picture

I hope you find the perfect pup for you to enjoy.  

queensway's picture

I am hoping in 6 weeks or so. I would love a dog that I can walk with everyday. A dog baby shower on ST would be fun. LOL Not sure how that would work though.

thinkthrice's picture

is great!  I found my latest rescues there.

ntm's picture

Nora, Maggie, Molly, Jennie, Sally, Jessie, Ella, Sadie 

justmakingthebest's picture

I have a Chihuahua and a Dutch Shepherd (rescue)- Love both the breeds. I grew up with Dobermans and then a Pekinese. At 18 when I moved out a I rescued a Lab/Chow mix- He was the greatest and made it to 15 yrs but he was a stubborn ass too LOL. 

Just know your breed and take them for training. If you want a snuggle dog though Chi's are the way to go. She LOVES me. I mean an intense love. She lays in my lap just staring at me adoringly- I always tell DH that I wish he loved me as much as our dog does! LMAO

Dog names that I adore: Luna, Rio, Stella, Harley