Thinking of getting a dog

[scentsgal]

I have been thinking of getting a dog and decided that August was the time. Well I got curious and checked out Craigslist. I have been wanting a yellow lab. I found a 2 year old lab/ golden retriever mix! I keep debating if I should stop with the first dog I see, when I was just looking to be curious anyway? Everything about the dog sounds great! So I am confused! Any thoughts to help me

[BarbB]

Please check your local shelters and rescues. You can even check for breed specific rescues if you want a lab. You can't trust everything on Craigslist.

Best of luck with your search. Animals are wonderful additions to any family. I have 2 dogs and 7 cats and can't live without them.

[andr117]

I suggest you not to think but get it and that's all!
All these human's problems are nothing and you will forget about it having a dog.

[LillianRose]

I have two dogs both of which are rescued Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Both of them had emotional problems stemming from abuse and neglect.

I don't know how much you know about dogs but you need to know the breed you are getting Yellow labs are wonderful but they are high energy dogs that need lots of excercise, they chew if bored.

A dog's body language around you and people in general will tell you a lot. Ask lots of questions and since craigslist is not necessarily reliable, don't necessarily believe what is said. Do you have children? Cats? Etc does the dog have any special "quirks" or fears?

Dogs are great but make sure its the right fit. Good luck

[ktjones]

There is a great show that the Animal Planet had. I think it's called dogs 101 or puppies 101. I would definitely go to their website and research!

[loremar]

Sorry, I'm a cat person. I just really love cats.
But dogs are good too. A golden retriever would be awesome by the way.

[cwoods333]

One of my best dogs came from the Shelter she was a mixed breed but she was so smart, loveable etc. I also enjoy cats which I have 2 of them now. I think everyone should have a pet (cat or a dog) you don't know how much they give back until they are gone!!!

Carlene

[udesignit]

How exciting for you! I understand your hesitation to adopt the first dog that catches your eye. I think everyone has given you sound advice. It may make sense to go to a Lab Rescue where the rescue can provide you with information about the dog. I rescued a German Shepherd from a shelter after seeing her profile listed on Pet Harbor, which is an online website that lists dogs from shelters and rescues, etc. We took a chance and have been working with her for over 1 year now. She is wonderful but needed lots of patience, training, and also hip surgery. She cost $45.00 to rescue her from the pound and over $5,000 with medical bills, private trainer, etc.

There are many rescue groups that also post on Craiglist. Ask lots of questions!

Best wishes!

[Bailey4]

I have no experience with Craigslist for adoption but I really support breed rescue groups if you have your heart set on a specific type of dog. Our Shelties came from Sheltie rescue where they were screened and housed in foster homes, many who are Sheltie breeders familiar with the breed, their challenges, and gave us great information about what to expect. Many people complain because they are strict about their rules, but we found they helped us make a great placement that stuck. We have two dogs that are right for our family.

[bloggymommy]

I would definitely rescue. We rescued our German Shepherd and couldn't have asked for a better dog. He rocks! Good luck!