timing of adoption question

skyeport · 04-28-2010, 07:32 AM

Hello, I've been planning to adopt a dog for months now and had picked a great day to bring the new dog home. However, I dropped off my application at the shelter and met a 4 year old dog I think would be a great fit for me. The dog appears to be housetrained and is a schnauzer/chihuahua mix reasonably well-adjusted. The shelter said they could hold him for two weeks but not past then. I want to make sure I have time to dogproof the house and buy everything needed. Plus, the date I had originally planned to bring the dog home--May 21--I could take 4-5 days off work to help the dog adjust. Here is the real question: if I brought the dog home May 12, I could take two days off work, but I have to go to a wedding where I have no choice but to stay over on Saturday night. Finding a dogsitter for that night is not a problem, but how will that affect bonding with the dog or training or anything else? I want to get off to the best start possible. I'm sure other dogs will be available and wonderful. Any advice?

FluffyPanda · 04-28-2010, 08:43 AM

Well,If You Really Love That Dog,And You Think It'll Work Out...I'd Go For It...
I Mean,What If You Don't Get Him,Will You End Up Regretting It? (Ya Know)...
If Your Just Going To Be Gone That ONE Night (For The Wedding),Then I Don't See How That Will Mess Up Any Bonding Between you & the Doggie What So Ever...You Could Always Take Off 2 Days (After May 12,When You Get Him) And Then A Couple More Days Around (May 21,The Origional Date)...Of Course If Your Job Will Allow It & All That!!! (Haha). I Don't See It Being A Big Problem At All!!
I'm Sure He's Still Going To Be Adjusting For A Few Weeks...So,It Shouldn't Make A Difference At All (In My Opinion..) So It's Totally Up To You! Hope I Helped Some! (Haha)

GreatPyr · 04-28-2010, 09:09 AM

I agree. If this is "the dog" for you and you're going to give it a good home, I say go for it too. One night won't hurt a thing. I agree that you need a little time to get supplies, but there shouldn't be too much dog proofing needed for a 4 year old dog. Just constantly supervise him until you think he can be trusted to stay out of trouble. I would also check into crate training if i were you, at least at first. It's a good way to help housebreak a dog and keep them safe and keep them from learning bad habits when you're not there or at night.

Good luck, and post some pictures when you get a chance.

**Criosphynx** · 04-28-2010, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreatPyr

I agree. If this is "the dog" for you and you're going to give it a good home, I say go for it too. One night won't hurt a thing. I agree that you need a little time to get supplies, but there shouldn't be too much dog proofing needed for a 4 year old dog. Just constantly supervise him until you think he can be trusted to stay out of trouble. I would also check into crate training if i were you, at least at first. It's a good way to help housebreak a dog and keep them safe and keep them from learning bad habits when you're not there or at night.

Good luck, and post some pictures when you get a chance.

Ditto the above and welcome!

I work full time and am on my 6th rescue, I've never taken time off when they come home, even for our very young puppy, and they bond just fine.

skyeport · 04-28-2010, 11:23 AM

Thanks for all the advice! I think I am possibly over planning for the arrival of my new family member. I have been waiting until I was out of school and settled to find myself a dog and I'm so excited about it!

FluffyPanda · 04-29-2010, 09:55 AM

<:} Awww Yeah,Yes,It Is Really Exciting! I Hope Everything Works Out!!! Keep Us Updated!

**fawkese1** · 04-29-2010, 08:37 PM

welcome! and i know this is early, but congrats on your eventual new addition

ditto everyone else... i'd say go for it

Radar · 04-30-2010, 12:58 AM

Sky,

I wrangled with the same question with my Radar. I debated getting a dog now, or waiting till June, as I have a 10 day trip coming up at the end of May and the dog will have to be boarded.

But if I had waiting, I'd have lost Radar, and he's a dog of my heart already. I can't image being without him. I still worry about leaving him to go on that trip, but I have to go, and I just pray he'll not forget me while I'm gone.

And you're worried about being gone one night? No sweat, you're dog will still love you for rescuing him from the shelter, believe me and will be very glad when you get home! Go for it!

In fact, if your waiting two weeks to pick him up just so you'll have two full days with him, I wouldn't. Hes in a cage all day and all night now, with no one but the shelter personel who have multiple dogs to care for. You should pick him up as soon as you can ... then he'll at least have you in the evenings and all night and will only be in a crate during the day. It's noisy and stressful at the shelter, while it won't be at your house and he can catch up on sleep. Being at your house will be much better then the conditions he's in now I think.

GreatPyr · 04-30-2010, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radar

...In fact, if your waiting two weeks to pick him up just so you'll have two full days with him, I wouldn't. Hes in a cage all day and all night now, with no one but the shelter personel who have multiple dogs to care for. You should pick him up as soon as you can ... then he'll at least have you in the evenings and all night and will only be in a crate during the day. It's noisy and stressful at the shelter, while it won't be at your house and he can catch up on sleep. Being at your house will be much better then the conditions he's in now I think.

That's a very good point. When I get busy and feel like I'm not spending enough time with my fosters, I remember that they are still better off in a home than at the noisy, stressful shelter, and they still get more attention here.