A little advice helps young mum, Sally, and poundie Jess

A little advice helps young mum, Sally, and poundie Jess

We are SO happy for Sally and her adopted poundie, Jess. We totally understand that when you have a young family and you’re keen to adopt a pet, like Sally, finding the right match can be really hard. So when Sally met Jess at her local pound, she reached out to PetRescue for help. “Am I crazy adopting from the pound? My gut tells me she will be a good fit for our home, but my head isn't so sure,” said Sally. Our help-desker, Susan, offered some words of advice and reassurance, and we’re all stoked with the outcome. Check out the full email convo and those happy faces!

May 15 2018
Hi PetRescue,
I'm hoping I can get some advice. I found a bewtiful pawbaby at our local pound, and today we had a meet and greet. She is just bewtiful, and seems to have a great temperament. She wasn't interested in the cats or other dogs at the kennels, even though they all barked and jumped as we walked passed with her on the leash. 

Once outside she was excited as, doing loops and coming in for pats and licks. My gut tells me she will be a good fit for our home, but my head isn't so sure. See, I have a toddler and a cat. Am I crazy adopting from the pound? I could really do with some advice. Are there any options for getting someone to foster her if I pay the release fees for a rescue group and get her cat and kid tested? 
Thanks in advance, 
Sally

May 16 2018
Hi Sally,
Thanks for your email and your interest in adopting a wonderful rescue pet.

I understand that you feel a little anxious about adding a new dog to your family, there is always a little uncertainty about whether you have made the right decision. But your gut feeling is often the one you should go with, and it sounds like it is telling you to give this girl a chance.

Rescue groups and foster homes are generally full with animals they are trying to find homes for, so it's not really an option to have her fostered and tested. The pound might be prepared to let you have a trainer go and assess her if that is something you're prepared to do and you think might be necessary, for peace of mind.

A dog's behaviour can change when they leave a kennel environment - often in a pound they are overwhelmed by the sounds and smells, and they do pick up on the anxiety felt by the other dogs. The excitement she showed when she was brought out for her meet and greet should not always be at that level, but it is something you can only assess properly when you get her home.

The pound staff should be happy to talk to you about her, at this stage they are the ones that know her best. A lot of pounds also have a trial period when you take a dog home. 

Good luck, and I'm sure the decision you make will be the best one for you! 
All the best,
Susan

May 17 2018
Hi Susan, 
Thank you so much for the advice. We took the plunge, and went back and visited her last night. The choice was clear - Jess is coming home with us. We spent ages in her pen playing and patting and getting licked. We took her for a little walk and left a cozy bed and blankets for her to sleep on. The bewtiful staff at the pound have told us we are more than welcome to come and see her everyday, which we will do. I visited her this morning and she recognised me! She started doing loops, and we snuck some treats in our pockets which she loved finding! Jess, myself and my son Blake can't thank you enough for your optimistic words. So many people are quick to assume there is something wrong with pound dogs. Your words put me at ease and reiterated to me that I need to follow my instincts. 
So, thank you!
Love Sal, Blake and Jess (who would not stay still for a photo!) xxx

May 17 2018
Hi Sally,
I am so glad you have decided to give Jess a chance. She sounds like such a little sweetie! I hope you have lots of happy years together, and please send us updates at any time :)

Out of interest, which pound is Jess at? It sounds like they are being very helpful, letting you spend time in the pen with Jess.
Kind regards,
Susan

May 18 2018
Hi Susan, 
Morwell Pound (Latrobe Valley) in Gippsland. I can't commend them enough. They let us take her for walks, give her treats, sit around and cuddle her. They have been amazing! 
Cheers, 
Sally

May 26 2018
Hi Susan, 
Here’s an update on our new furbaby, Jess. She's perfect, and totally happy to be in a house where the couch is her bed. Rescuing has once again given us purpose and feels amazing. She is great with my toddler, ignores the cat, and walks bewtiful on a lead. I truly wish more people could see how amazing these dogs are! 
Lots of furry love, 
Sal & Jess xx

If you’re looking for your new family member, there are thousands of pets available for adoption right now - from pounds, shelters and rescue groups all over Australia. Start your search online today at petrescue.com.au, and contact info@petrescue.org.au if you need help finding the right match. Our website and help desk service is free!