[Lunareclipse]

Some people from rescues act like thay are God's gift to dogs. Some adopt to people just because they have a nice backyard with a fence, etc and the dogs end up going on Craig's list anout 3 months after adoption. And then the people that will be great dog owners get turned down on a technicality because their child is 1 year too young or some dumb crap like that. I hate rescues too. The rescues are getting full and a lot of people don't want to go through rescues because the people who run them have to act all high and mighty about who can adopt a dog. From what I have seen recently, the people who run the rescues aren't doing a very good job, because I have been seeing a lot of dogs on Craig's list that have come from rescues.

[lange]

I'm sorry to hear that C/M! I agree with much of what Luna wrote. I think rescues are great but ultimately they are flawed because of their rigidity. I know they do it for what is in the best interest of all parties but it's definitely flawed.

Originally I was contemplating adopting an Akita. I decided against it because I wouldn't have been approved for a few reasons. I understand why. They have their well intentioned requirements & it does make perfect sense but ultimately some good people still slip through because of them.

In time you will have the perfect companion that was meant to be.

[CorkyMax]

Thanks for all the support 'guys.' I did so want that little girl but just wasn't going to be. I am in the process of getting an older needy dog BUT not from a Rescue. I am not going to say much about her yet until I have her in my home and she is mine. I will say that I did find what appears to be a cocker/golden retiever mix--which is the mix I was wanting--like Corky was---Of course she is not identical but 'that look' is there!
Will update you all when I have her.

[Deafdogsrule]

I'm so sorry! You got a raw deal there :sad:

I dont agree with what is being said about rescues tho. We do have certain criteria, yes. That is a must, if dogs are not to be returned. We try to find the most stable home we can, and yes, that is tough to do, and people can fool you. We have to try to get the best possible home... tho for them to turn you down because of you worrying about her immune system being stressed due to all vaccines at once, and planning to Titre test instead of automatically vaccinating (which I whole heartedly agree with you there) is plain bull. You obviously have the dogs health as a top priority, and I would jump to accept someone like you for one of our dogs. Tho several others of our rescue dont agree with low vaccination, they would love to see someone who has the dogs health as a top priority. I am constantly arguing with others of our rescue about vaccinations... like when, how often and such... but some people dont like new ideas and will stick with old methods... :sad: The new dog I'm adopting comes with a vaccination clause, but I will sign it, and not say anything about me not vaccinating yearly, and Titre testing instead... which my vet is in aggreement with me on that issue.

I hope this new dog works out for you! you will give a perfect home!

[CorkyMax]

Thank you for your kind words. Hopefully not all Rescues are so rigid---and maybe Canada is different than here---I know this state-Wisconsin is pretty rigid on a lot of things.

Since you kind of think along the same lines as I do about too many vaccinations given--maybe you would find this link interesting and maybe use it to try to convince the other members of your rescue (and others) about vaccinations and there is other good information there too on other things---It is titled Responsible Health Care for Your Dog. K9joy Education - providing optimal health care for your dog They may not change their minds altogether but at least it is food for thought and hopefully would be the start of OPENING UP THEIR MINDS a little!

[Lara's mom]

I'm really sorry Barb. I can't believe they would pass you over.

[CorkyMax]

Thank you for the comments, Lara's Mom.

I am headed to pick up my new girl this coming Monday--About 250 miles round trip. Never even seen her yet---a lot of work needs to be done---vaccinations, worming probably, heartworm test, wellness exam, blood panel, etc. This is an older dog (hoping she is not too old!--I'd hate to only have her a couple years). I don't even think she has been seen by a vet since they got her as a stray very recently. I only hope she has no diseases or is contagious for my Max---Have to keep her separated from Max until the Parvo, etc. shots are good--Prob be at least 2 weeks or more I have to keep them separate. (Lol, hope I don't have a heart attack before I get everything set up and settled). Have appointment for Tues with my vet. Not even sure how big she is---May have to put in a bigger doggie door---I already have a bigger one (had it for a few years--still in box unopened) but have to get my son-in-law to put it in!

I hope I am not jinxing this---Wasn't going to go into details till I had her home ---Who knows I might not end up with her if I see things are not as they seem but I just can't keep my mouth shut! She looks a lot like Corky. Am going to send a link to her pic-- Petfinder Adoptable Dog | Golden Retriever | Decorah, IA | Greta Be sure to note that there are 3 little pics below the big pic to click on and enlarge---I like the middle one the best! Hey guys I am not going to call her Greta (She has only been called that a week or so). Still thinking Willow as a possibility but have any other suggestions? How much do you think she might weigh and how tall (Shoulder down)? I know it is hard to guess but wondering how many of you might guess about the same. The person I called about her (It says large in the info given but I asked her how big and she didn't think she was that/too big) I am hoping closer to med. than large.

[Lara's mom]

The dog that gets you for a mom will be one VERY lucky dog!!!

[Deafdogsrule]

Originally Posted by Corky/Max

Thank you for the comments, Lara's Mom.

I am headed to pick up my new girl this coming Monday--About 250 miles round trip. Never even seen her yet---a lot of work needs to be done---vaccinations, worming probably, heartworm test, wellness exam, blood panel, etc. This is an older dog (hoping she is not too old!--I'd hate to only have her a couple years). I don't even think she has been seen by a vet since they got her as a stray very recently. I only hope she has no diseases or is contagious for my Max---Have to keep her separated from Max until the Parvo, etc. shots are good--Prob be at least 2 weeks or more I have to keep them separate. (Lol, hope I don't have a heart attack before I get everything set up and settled). Have appointment for Tues with my vet. Not even sure how big she is---May have to put in a bigger doggie door---I already have a bigger one (had it for a few years--still in box unopened) but have to get my son-in-law to put it in!

I hope I am not jinxing this---Wasn't going to go into details till I had her home ---Who knows I might not end up with her if I see things are not as they seem but I just can't keep my mouth shut! She looks a lot like Corky. Am going to send a link to her pic-- Be sure to note that there are 3 little pics below the big pic to click on and enlarge---I like the middle one the best! Hey guys I am not going to call her Greta (She has only been called that a week or so). Still thinking Willow as a possibility but have any other suggestions? How much do you think she might weigh and how tall (Shoulder down)? I know it is hard to guess but wondering how many of you might guess about the same. The person I called about her (It says large in the info given but I asked her how big and she didn't think she was that/too big) I am hoping closer to med. than large.

OH GOODNESS!!! she looks like she's exactly inbetween a Cocker and a golden!!! what a gorgeous girl! if she's older, it would prob. be best just to titre test her, instead of doing any vaccinations. I will not vaccinate my dogs after the age of 7 years, and Parvo is not common in adult dogs. I would just get her blood panel done (which will tell you if she's got any diseases) and the titre test, and be done with it. Vaccinating older dogs is asking for trouble (diabetes is one very real danger in vaccinating an older dog)

As to your post to me earlier, sorry for not responding... I've been a bit pre-occupied .... I've sent links for tons of stuff, hasn't changed any minds, but I continue to try.

She also looks to me like she's about the size of a Springer, from the pic with the person. Knee height, def. not as big as a golden, but bigger than a cocker

[CorkyMax]

Gosh! Where to begin! Went to New Hampton, IA a week ago yesterday (Dec.6) to get Sami. Was a good easy trip--about 250 mile round trip. Got home about 3pm. Max, my 11 yr. old cocker wasn't 'thrilled' at first meeting--bark, bark, bark. He actually has accepted her over this past week and likes her but she is so rambunctious at times that she gets on his nerves at these times.

I had an appointment with the vet for the following day. Had a wellness exam---anal glands expressed--heartworm check-(was negative but only counts up to June or so as it takes 6 months after the last mosquito bite to possibly show heartworm infection)--so all last summer from June on to be tested for again in late spring. She is now on Interceptor for heartworm and (DARN) whipworm--Which she had! Gave 3 doses of worm medicine for that but have to keep her on Interceptor prob. for life to stop her from getting them again as the whipworm eggs stay in the soil for at least 5 yrs. Max will have to be tested now too and will have to put him on Interceptor instead of Heartgard which does not stop whipworm. HAS ANYBODY HAD ANY EXPERIENCE WITH INTERCEPTOR!? No fleas. Her heart sounds very good! Vet says she is prob 10 yrs. old---I was hoping for 8! She acts like a 2 yr. old! Although teeth were not an easy way to tell as she is a big ball carrier!--which can wear her teeth down too. But had to make an appointment to have 2 top front teeth removed and a dental cleaning. The worst news was that she had multiple small swellings in caudal mammary region and vet suspected mammary cancer. So scheduled surgery for 2 days later (Waited to do bloodwork on that day as cheaper as has to be done before any surgery--pkg. deal.)

THursday: Bloodwork (chem panel, cbc blood work and I wanted an electrolyte check too) Could not believe how great all the bloodwork was--everything in the normal range! Was afraid of the kidney readings as she drinks a lot of water--but no indication of anything from the bloodwork.
So while she was under for the 2 teeth to be removed (and dental cleaning) and the lump removal--took out the mammary gland too.---toenail trim and ears cleaned and 1 ear was medicated. Checked her heart again and checked to see better if she had been spayed. It looks like it but prob. done too late. (after age 2--does not change the percetages for getting this kind of cancer!) I will not get the good or bad news about the mammary mass removal until earliest-this Thur-Fri to possibly another week added to that.

She is wearing one of those elizabethian bonnets/collars which I think she is hating because she can't get at the stitches which I think are beginning to itch quite a bit! But she 'plows' through everything with it--so much energy and playfulness. I go back a week from today (Dec. 21st) to get the stitches removed and her dental work checked for healing. At this time I have to get a rabies shot--required before I can get a dog license. She prob. doesn't need it but a titer would not stop the law here from making me get the shot. The vet could write out a statement saying it was okay to not get the shot if the titer proved she didn't need it but even though the state of WI would go along with it--THE DA*N VILLAGE I live in would not----afraid of law suits if the dog would bite anyone. The state leaves the final decision up to the place you live in/city/town/etc. I tried to get Corky's last rabies shot halted --that is how I know how this law works--I say the state is passing the buck and making themselves look good by allowing the city to make the decision!!--I wonder if there is any city going to say okay!!

Well, I am praying for the best news on whether cancer or not but I am still glad I rescued her no matter what. If it is the worst news I will just love and take the best care of her I can while she is here. She is a great dog and must have a very good constitution ---You would never know anything was going to get her down. Lol, I really do think I wouldn't be able to handle her at 2 yrs. of age but she is gentle, very happy, loving and she does look like she is smiling all the time. She has not peed or pooped in the house even through that worming medicine she had to take for 3 days. And has not acted stressed or sick even through the operation(s). Can't keep her down!

So far it has cost me $618.99 for vet bills.--BUT it is worth it if it gets her what all she needs to be healthy. I love her already--She is very sweet and wants to kiss and press up against me all the time (Not excessive though!).
Lol, the excess is the ball playing---She is wearing me out with it. She seemed to know what the doggie door was for and used it right off. Minds pretty well.

I am taking pictures but will be slow getting on forum as I am doing it the 'old fashioned way'---Have to get them developed at Walmart and not taking them too fast as only so many good pics in the house and too da*m cold and too much snow to do much outside at this time--You don't mess around wearing no gloves to take pics. when it is below zero and windy. I got up to 12 below zero this morning. I did take 15 pics in the house right away but the last 12 will be much slower.
She weighs 36.50 lbs and about 20-21 inches tall (shoulder down). I believe her to be cocker/golden retriever although I have thought about some possible Brittany there. You can all give your opinion when I finally get some pics. posted.

Enough for now. Will update when I get the tumor results.

About getting any other vaccinations. I am not getting any. I feel she prob doesn't need them. She surely has been vaccinated before at her age. She was not always a stray--housebroken, well behaved, knows a doggie door. I can not afford all those titers--I checked into the prices and very expensive and you need a titer for each shot you are checking on. At her age and the cancer possibility and the operation---too much on the immune system. I don't like even giving the Interceptor the rest of her life. She is also not going to be exposed to that many dogs. She prob. has a good immunity to things at her age also. Keeping her immune system in good condition is my main priority esp. with this cancer threat on her. It worries me very much about getting this da#n Rabies shot---worst of all vacs. And I believe the Rabies shot which would be about the 5th one at age 10--Going to prob. be her 6th one now!! (I believe 'final straw' at age 10 is the opening up to dogs getting cancer--immune system is weaked. Have you noticed that age 10 is the age that cancer really steps in!! Dogs should live to be nearly twice the age they do. Wonder why!! Too much stress on the immune system---too many vacs--too much non-nutritious (dog) food---too many dangerous drugs---It all adds up to a compromised immune system!!

Sorry--I really get worked up on these issues. But I love dogs and wish they were treated the way they should be to be healthy and happy. They are innocent (and too many of us are not) and depend on us to do the best for them. All they do is love us unconditionally---It is so sad that so many of them are not treated well.

[CorkyMax]

Unexpectedly just got the news from the vet whether cancer or not. It is cancer but the report stated that the vet got all of the cancer surrounding the mass. Bad news is --Has it spread to the lungs or blood? That can not be determined at this time so will have to keep an eye out for other symptoms as time goes on. This is not the best of news but so far could of been worse. Will keep hoping for the best and enjoy her while I have her. All I can do at this point.

It just hit me ----She should not be getting this da*n rabies shot at all with having cancer---And there is nothing I can do about it!!! If the cancer has spread to her blood or lungs, etc---I am so afraid this is going to do her in!

[lange]

Oh I'm so sorry to hear that. It's definitely a mixed blessing. I hope she is in the clear & no more such news happens. She sounds like such a wonderful girl with a happy personality.

That really sucks about the rabies shot. Immunizations are such a gray area already, and for you now with your new baby being sick...it really sucks. I wish something could be done about this.