Hello, and a question

[Amara]

Hello, everyone. I don't currently have a newfoundland, but my girlfriend had one before and loves the breed (I love them too, but I've never had the pleasure of owning one. I joined this group because I want to learn as much as I can about this gentle breed, and I know I can learn from your experiences. I've also done a lot of research on websites and am very excited to hopefully share our lives with another dog.

Anyway, I had a question. I've been using petfinder (for rescues and shelters) and Craigslist. A lot of times the rescues and shelters don't get back to me at all or when they do they tell me the dog has found a home. I've contacted about 3 people on Craigslist who were trying to rehome their Newfoundland (I have been looking for one for at least six months and I search daily because I'm afraid I'll miss "the one" if I don't stay focused in my search. The people rehoming the dogs themselves always reply to me asking if the dog is still available and good with cats (I have a cat who is good with dogs, but doesn't like to be a chew toy. Who would?

Anyway, they have always replied that the dog is still available and will tell me how they interact with cats. At this point I usually fire off another email usually along the lines of something like this,

"That's great he's good with cats. Is he good with dogs too? Kids? (We don't have any, but just curious) what's his temperment like? Are there any behavioral issues or health issues (not that they would nessisarily be a problem. I love doing training with dogs, and I've taken care of pets with health issues before).

A little about us: my girlfriend and I live in Hollis and own our home. We have about half an acre yard, but we like to hike, swim and take walks, and we would take him with us so he would get plenty of exercise.

My girlfriends Landseer passed away last year from a grade 6 heart murmur and we are finally ready to open our home and hearts to another.

i am a disabled vet (army), and work part time and take online courses at school. I get a stipend from disability and from the GI bill because of school. My girlfriend also works part time and takes online courses, so we have lots of time to spend with him and the resources to take care of him.

Please let me know if you have any questions about us.

Thank you,

-Amara "

So, it's after I send an email very similar to this that there is no communication from the pet owner. I never hear back from them again. After a couple of days I might send another email asking if the dog had been rehomed and if not I was still interested. I get nothing back.

One woman a while back did respond, but only to say something like "Haha. You don't sound vety disabled! I can barely walk around the mall!" I sent her an email back saying that I developed an anxiety disorder while serving and have an improperly healed ligament in my ankle. I can still hike, swim and walk as those are low impact activities. She never got back to me after that.

So, is it the disabled thing? I just bring it up because I want to let them know why I am home most of the time and that even though I don't work full time, I do have money coming in so I can take care of the dog.

Am I asking too many questions? Am I too wordy? I just want to make sure we both agree that we would be a good fit. If not, they could at least tell me that they were rehoming to someone else, or they were looking for someone with a larger yard, or something. But to not respond at all? What am I doing wrong?

 

[wrknnwf]

It's not the disabled thing. Craigslist is a poor place to look for a dog. If you are in the US, try the regional Newfoundland club rescue organizations instead. Goto http://www.ncanewfs.org/regclubs.shtml you'll find a list of regional clubs that can help you.

They may not have any dogs currently, but they will put you on their waiting list and will match you to a dog that fits your lifestyle when one becomes available. You will have to fill out an application first. Please be specific about the dog you envision. If there is anything that you don't feel you can deal with, say so. It won't put you out of the running, but they do want to make sure that you and the dog are a good fit. Unlike Craigslist, where people don't care who gets the dog (they just want to get rid of it), a rescue organization is devoted to making sure every rescue dog finds the right home. And they will tell you upfront if the dog has exhibited any problems or has any known medical issues.

If you just rely on websites to see what's available now, you may be missing out on some wonderful dogs that just haven't been posted yet. Sometimes, these dogs find a home before they ever get to the websites. If you get on their waiting list, you will be ready to go and will be ahead in line of those who inquire only when they see a dog listed.

Tell the rescue that you would like to fill out an application and meet any requirements now, even if they don't have a dog available. Do be aware that most (not all) rescues require a fenced yard, but depending on the organization, that is not necessarily written in stone. If you don't have a fence, ask if they would be willing to make an exception and invite them to come and do a home check now to see where the dog would be living, etc.

But the very best option is to join a regional Newf club and become involved in their organization or their rescue. You will generally have priority when it comes to adopting, possibly at a lower adoption fee. And if you offer to foster a Newf, and find that the dog is a good match, you will be very likely to keep it at the reduced member rate (if they offer one). If it isn't a good fit, you can always foster another. Plus you will learn a lot from other members and get to participate in a number of wonderful events. There are events to suit anyone.

Best of luck finding your perfect Newf companion.

 

[CathyC.]

I don't think it has to do with disability. It might be better to arrange a personal visit with the dog as soon as you get an initial response. You can ask your specific questions then and the owner can vet you as well. If the owner seems disinterested in what you have to offer I would suggest that that raises a red flag about the kind of care the dog might have had. Reputable breeders and rescues want only the best for the dogs in their care and are very interested in the kind of home you will provide.

I wish you the best in your quest for a newf. They really are magnificent, special dogs who will enrich your life immeasurably. For myself, often bed or housebound, my newf is my loyal companion and helper. Do not be in a hurry to find the right fit.

 

[Amara]

Thank you. It didn't even occur to me that I could fill an application at a rescue for a waiting list. That makes a lot of sense. I think there's only one rescue in New England, but I'll check the link you provided. Thank you for the awesome info.

 

[Amara]

That makes a lot of sense Cathy. Thank you.

 

[victoria1140]

Hi from the uk.it took us about two years before l found and rescued my beloved Beau.he is my avatar but sadly died at a young age from cancer.

Sometimes its worth the wait because when you finally get your new addition its worth every moment.

 

[CathyC.]

Depending on where you are, ie within a few hours, some Canadian rescues may consider you for some of their wonderful dogs.

Also, keep in mind that some Newfs are low energy dogs who can take in stride periods of less activity than other, higher energy Newfs.

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

You are best off looking into an established rescue organization. There is one upstate NY part of the Bear Mountain Regional Newfoundland Club.... rescue@bearmountainnewf.org
There is also the Newfoundland Club of New England Regional ..... http://www.newfclubne.org/NCNE/rescue.php You can also contact breeders from the NCA breeders list to see if they have any adults they are rehoming... http://www.ncanewfs.org/breeders/breederlistmap.html#.VTMAn1xN3FI Good luck with your search! Getting pet insurance is a good idea too to help with expenses.

 

[Murphy]

Please check out our Canadian Rescue. www.newf-friends.ca

 

[Amara]

Thank you, everyone for such awesome resources.

 

[R Taft]

Awesome info.......I wish you luck with your search....I am sure Rescue will help you as you have had a newfie before

 

[Muzzy1127]

hi, i am new as well. we have done tons of research as well and did the whole craigslist thing. most people on craigslist dont really care for the animals all they want is the money. we eneded up using www.puppyfind.com they have puppies (obviously) and older dogs as well. i wish you good luck in your search and hope you find the right dog for you guys!

 

[wrknnwf]

In general, we on this forum, recommend sticking with reputable Newfoundland Club of America or Canadian Kennel Club breeders and encourage visiting the breeder before purchasing a dog from them. Both clubs maintain a list of breeders that you can select from or can refer you to other breeders in the event they don't have pups available. Many will put you on their waiting lists for future litters.

There are a number of posts about questions you should ask and red flags to watch for. If interested in a pup, it's worth taking the time to use the search function above to find any pertinent posts.

 

[Puppypeoplenj]

I would not recommend using website like puppyfind.com. They are sites for puppy mills to sell directly to the public. No reputable breeder would ever sell a puppy online. And if Craigslist sellers are only looking for the money, then puppyfind sellers are much worse than that.