Travelling 500 miles to get a new dog
#22
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>"OK - First of all, I put that "Travelling" up there mainly to keep this oriented in the right direction."
Now I understand. You put Travel in the title to misrepresent the topic, right? Geez! We ALL travel somewhere everyday, so does that open these forums up to any question about our day???
"I TRAVELED to the hardware store and was wondering if latex paint would be best to ..."
Where does it end?
Now I understand. You put Travel in the title to misrepresent the topic, right? Geez! We ALL travel somewhere everyday, so does that open these forums up to any question about our day???
"I TRAVELED to the hardware store and was wondering if latex paint would be best to ..."
Where does it end?
#25
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I don't have anything to add really; I just wanted to say how wonderful I think it is that you are adopting a shelter dog! I have 3 adopted cats and 1 adopted mutt and I love them all so much. I think its fantastic that you are willing to make the journey to give this dog (who is adorable, by the way) a good home. How lucky this dog is....enjoy your new friend!
Tracy
Tracy
#26
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Just echoing how great it is that you are getting a shelter dog! Good luck with him -- it will work out perfectly, I bet. We adopted from a local shelter in August; I'd not had a dog for many years. The dog that we adopted is a lab/pit bull mix, which sounds quite horrifying probably. He is the most wonderful, most gentle, smartest dog (well, okay, I sound a bit over the top here). Anyway, the point is that it has worked out very well, and I hope yours does too!
#27
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I sold a puppy once via an ad in the newspaper. The buyer asked me to deliver it, 250 miles away! I said that I couldn't and she said she'd pay me $200. Then she upped it to $400. I told her I just didn't have the time that weekend for an 8 hour round trip. We decided that she'd meet my halfway.
2 hours later I handed over the dog, she handed over the cash, and the SHE was Kirstie Alley!
2 hours later I handed over the dog, she handed over the cash, and the SHE was Kirstie Alley!
#28
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Really can't help you with the forum, but I'm so happy for you and your new doggie friend! Congrats! I've have two Rotts, and one English Mastifff, I've also had lots of rescue dogs too (actually I've got two now). As long as most dogs are trained and loved they are ususally wonderful companions. I'm so happy for you both!
#30
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TuckerDC - I forgot one thing - the travelling part. We have found that a "doggy seat belt" is very helpful. It keeps our beloved dog from joining us in the front seat of the car. It also makes her feel safer and more secure (and less likely to get carsick). You should be able to find them at PetCo. Have a safe trip.
#31
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bgans: I have seen those restraomt items and I know you are right that it would be a wise purchase for us. Our last pooch was SUCH a good traveler and - just recently - had adopted the habit of scooching his nose onto the console between the front seats. Like: How ya doin' up there? Want me to take over for a while? Know the way ok??
We're just hoping that this new guy will have a similarly good attitude towards travel...time will tell.
Thanks so very much to all of you for the interest/support and sharing of stories.
cmcfong: your chow experiences were especially helpful and encouraging.
Since my original post, I contacted someone at our state's Chow organization and her thought, looking at the pic, was that he might not have much, if any, chow in him at all. I did not know about the dark tongue of the breed, starting out. And apparently, mixes may have dark spots on their tongues...so that will be something to look at.
byrd: I'm with you. After looking at scads of shelter/rescue sites on line and visiting two these past two days, I'm ready to become one of those dotty old broads who gets a big house and takes in allllll the doggies she can! Not feasible, of course; all we can do is give out as much love and help as works for any one of us.
We have had two other dogs - the first was adopted from Chicago's Anti-Cruelty Society and within days of going home with us nearly died of distemper (he'd never been innoculated). His was a rare, miracle survival and he was with us for about 14 years. (And what a wonderful traveler he was, rb!)
Our second dog had lived on a stake in a yard for about six months before we adopted him. He was a Lab/Sheltie(?) mix (tho I never ever figured out the Sheltie part!) who became a wonderful part of the family - and -- rb -- he LOVED his entire trip to Colorado Springs, via Mt. Rushmore and the Green River in Wyoming! And every other car journey before and after that.
Anyway, just another thanks for all the encouragement and the suggested websites and forums that I know will prove helpful.
We're just hoping that this new guy will have a similarly good attitude towards travel...time will tell.
Thanks so very much to all of you for the interest/support and sharing of stories.
cmcfong: your chow experiences were especially helpful and encouraging.
Since my original post, I contacted someone at our state's Chow organization and her thought, looking at the pic, was that he might not have much, if any, chow in him at all. I did not know about the dark tongue of the breed, starting out. And apparently, mixes may have dark spots on their tongues...so that will be something to look at.
byrd: I'm with you. After looking at scads of shelter/rescue sites on line and visiting two these past two days, I'm ready to become one of those dotty old broads who gets a big house and takes in allllll the doggies she can! Not feasible, of course; all we can do is give out as much love and help as works for any one of us.
We have had two other dogs - the first was adopted from Chicago's Anti-Cruelty Society and within days of going home with us nearly died of distemper (he'd never been innoculated). His was a rare, miracle survival and he was with us for about 14 years. (And what a wonderful traveler he was, rb!)
Our second dog had lived on a stake in a yard for about six months before we adopted him. He was a Lab/Sheltie(?) mix (tho I never ever figured out the Sheltie part!) who became a wonderful part of the family - and -- rb -- he LOVED his entire trip to Colorado Springs, via Mt. Rushmore and the Green River in Wyoming! And every other car journey before and after that.
Anyway, just another thanks for all the encouragement and the suggested websites and forums that I know will prove helpful.
#32
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Haven't read all the responses yet, but check with your homeowners insurance company. There may be a higher premium for a chow mix. There is for German shephards now (which I think is a shame) and the "fighting" breeds. Higher incidences of biting w/in a breed = higher premiums. Worth a check NOW rather than later.
#33
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pet forum = forum on www.petfinders.com
#34
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Tuckerdc, I am so glad you were encouraged by my posts. We love our guys and they are so great. Even though we have a German Shepard and three Chow mixes among our five dogs, we do not have a higher insurance premium on our homeowners policy. Thank heavens! Apparently that is not always the case as Starrsville pointed out.
#35
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What a great looking dog. He is a love you can see it in his face. I think he looks more like a Shepard/Setter mix than Chow. He actually looks alot like my inlaws dog Shroeder (spelling?) of the Peanuts gang and He was one of the most amazing dogs I have ever known.
Have a wonderful time on your trip and enjoy the new family addition.
Have a wonderful time on your trip and enjoy the new family addition.
#36
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LOVE that little doggie and he will love you right back no matter what his "mix" is...sit in the back with him on the return so you can fool with him while someone else does the driving..wish I could do it for you!
#37
Congrats to your new family addition! I am sure with your dog experience and interest everything will go well.
Behavior does have a very strong genetic basis and, yes, Chows do bite. They are in the top 5 for biters if not in the number 1 position. I would rather work with a pit bull than a chow any day. I would assume that your dog has some chow and watch out for certain traits. Chows are ususally very good to their family members but they are very protective and can be aggressive to visitors and anyone not in the family. Good socialization is very important. Invite dog lovers to the house and give lots of positive reinforcement for good behavior. Go where there are lots of people and other dogs and do the same. A "fun" visit to the vets' where there is only petting and treats from the staff can soften future visits. Don't let your dog train you. Don't start behaviors you don't want to do for the remainder of your dog's life such as sitting in the back seat with him while TRAVELING. And always make him sit or lie down when giving food or treats.
Behavior does have a very strong genetic basis and, yes, Chows do bite. They are in the top 5 for biters if not in the number 1 position. I would rather work with a pit bull than a chow any day. I would assume that your dog has some chow and watch out for certain traits. Chows are ususally very good to their family members but they are very protective and can be aggressive to visitors and anyone not in the family. Good socialization is very important. Invite dog lovers to the house and give lots of positive reinforcement for good behavior. Go where there are lots of people and other dogs and do the same. A "fun" visit to the vets' where there is only petting and treats from the staff can soften future visits. Don't let your dog train you. Don't start behaviors you don't want to do for the remainder of your dog's life such as sitting in the back seat with him while TRAVELING. And always make him sit or lie down when giving food or treats.