Rescue Help
Also... I love reading all of the threads on this forum. It seems like a true community! |
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| not all of the rescues use Petfinder. So you may want to contact your nearest OES rescue directly about any dogs they may have available for adoption. |
In our area, the number of dogs taken in usually starts just before Christmas and peaks around April and May. We had three dogs surrendered between Christmas and New Years after having only two since September!  We do list our dogs on Petfinder and strive to place the dogs with families they are most compatible with. A big rambunctious dog is not a good fit in a home with small children or frail people, a dog known to run off would not be placed in a home with an unfenced yard in an area with heavy traffic, etc. Adopting the right dog really does require patience. There are less OES needing homes than many other breeds so most rescues do have a waiting list. Many times we receive applications and when a dog becomes available we call and find the family has gone elsewhere to adopt or buy a dog. If you're still looking, keep reminding the rescue so they don't write you off as no longer interested. The squeaky wheel often does get the grease, provided you are a good fit for the dog in question. Are you willing to be a volunteer foster home? Volunteers generally have the inside track on available dogs. If a dog is doing well in your care as a foster, chances are the rescue would be willing to adopt to you. Volunteering doesn't pay well so it's the only benefit we generally have to offer.  Keep studying up about the breed and try to meet people in your area who have Old English Sheepdogs. Area events like Rescue Picnics, St. Louis Sheepiepalooza or Chicago SheepieFest are great ways to meet people and their OES. If there are local dog shows in your area, go and watch the OES compete. After showing, most OES exhibitors enjoy talking about their dogs while they brush them out or wait until the next event. Lots of good info to be had there, including who may have an available litter. If you still decide to go the rescue route, the Placement Director will be impressed by your knowledge of OES and you'll be much wiser about the breed you're about to get into.  Good luck in your search, please be patient and wait for the right dog to come along. You'll be glad you did!  Nita Midwest OES Rescue, Inc. http://www.midwestoesrescue.com/ |
| Thanks for the replies and info! I did already sign up for fostering, mostly to highlight the "reality" of dog ownership to the rest of the family, but it's good to know that these contacts may come in handy. Thanks again! |
| What area are you located, Mary Jane? |
| I am in Ontario. |
| I have OESs that had different journeys in their lives and each is wonderful in their own way. I don't know that one option is really better than the other if you bring in the right dog. Whether you chose a puppy from a breeder or dog from a rescue or shelter, that puppy/dog has to be a match for your level of experience but also your lifestyle and what you hope to do with the dog. One thing with an adult dog is that you may have a better idea what you'll be getting as far temperament... you may also be able to rule out hip dysplasia. With puppies, you can kind get an idea on basic temperament but health will be solely based on the parents. Life experiences also make both categories of dogs who they are or who they will become. This can be a wonderful thing or a tragic thing in both categories of dogs. Either way, go with an experienced breeder that has all dogs with great temperaments (and pre-tests to lessen the chance of health problems) or go with a good OES rescue. And be sure that both will provide the after sale/adoption support you may need with your first OES. Ask good questions of both and review the contract before buying/adopting. One of mine that I purchased from a breeder specifically excluded genetic defects so don't assume anything. Just my opinion. I hope you find the greatest OES for you and your family. |
| Thanks for some more information to think on. I am still researching so I can be as informed as possible when we get our dog. |
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