A forever home for Duk

Indy's mom · #1 08-29-2009, 01:32 PM

So, if you've read any of my threads in the other forums you probably have some idea of what life has been like for Duke.

This loving dog needs a forever home. I knew when he came to stay with me that it was only temporary, however he cannot go to the home he was slated for. They simply have schedules that are too erratic, not enough predictable routine and very long work hours.

Though I would dearly love to keep him, it's absolutely out of the question. My husband is adamantly opposed to having a second dog. For me that's a deal breaker. If a dog is not wanted tremendously by everyone in the home, then I think it's not the home for them.

Duke has separation issues. I'm working with him and would be happy to share all the details of what seems to work and what does not. I feel very strongly that he would be happiest in a home with either a retired person or a stay at mom, something of that sort. Another dog in the home would be fine if it is a very stable personality. Duke needs routine and structure. He is happy and calm when provided with both.

He's a big, good looking boy. Neutered, up to date on vaccinations and very good natured. Fawn with lots of white, he truly is beautiful. He walks nicely on the leash most of the time, I'm continuing to work on that. His recall is terrific. He does not like to be outside, much prefers to be in the house. Friendly with the kids that he's been exposed to while I've had him, calm and gentle with them.

If you know of anyone who might be able to provide a good home, please post here and we can work out arrangements to meet or contact one another to discuss further.

Thanks so much,
Sandy

LILYLARUE · #2 08-31-2009, 10:30 AM

I was searching for the same type of home environment for my pitgirl Bella before I had to send her to the bridge. It is so hard when you know what type of home they need and to know that the chances are very few when there are factors that eliminate so many homes.

Are you able to keep him until that perfect home is found? That would be ideal, but understand it puts a bit of tension in your family. I know with the love and understanding you have for him, you WILL find that perfect home where he will grow and thrive without worries.

I give you many, many kudos! I have followed his story and am warm hearted by your devotion. Bless you and the family you find for him.

Indy's mom · #3 08-31-2009, 02:05 PM

Thanks for your kind words and good wishes LilyLarue. Duke will most definitely stay here until the appropriate home is found. Hubby is completely open to that, in fact he himself mentioned last night how important it is that Duke stay here until just the right home is found. I hate to make him sound like an ogre, he truly is a great guy. Simply not a dog person. So, while he loves Indy and has grown very fond of Duke, when he says only one dog for life, I've got to go along with it.

Holden's Mom · #4 08-31-2009, 02:28 PM

You have done so much for Duke, and I know you will find that perfect home for him. Did you think of contacting a rescue and offer to be Duke's foster? Perhaps a rescue would have many more contacts. Just a thought.

Duke doesn't know how truly lucky he is.

Pam and Autry

Indy's mom · #5 09-01-2009, 06:45 AM

Good morning Pam and Autry,

I have in fact looked into the rescue in Green Bay, WI. All of my research shows that they do an awesome job. Truly an incredible group, I've been an avid fan since I was searching for a dog before Indy came into my life.

Here's the plain facts. The rescue where Duke originally came from in LA believes that if we cannot re-home him easily that he should be surrendered to them. While I appreciate their efforts, I cannot in good conscience send him back to that rescue in LA. They adopted him out after only 3 hours with Jeff, he was given no information regarding any of Dukes issues at all. I'm not blaming them, they had over 100 boxers and I suspect that they simply were overwhelmed by animals, too short staff, etc. But I'm worried if I send him back there he would again be adopted to someone without any supporting info and it could easily lead to Duke being euthanized by frustrated owners.

I've thought about contacting the amazing rescue in Green Bay and would in fact insist on being Duke's foster home until the right home is found. They have the very sensible and firm rule that if you surrender a dog, you are never eligible to adopt. I completely understand and support their rule. However, I don't know that I want to make myself ineligible to adopt in the future, after Indy has gone. I've always had an incredible soft spot for seniors and hope to go that route in the future.

That's the long and short of it. I'm contacting anyone reputable that I know in the Milwaukee or surrounding area. If they know of a home I'm going to be very, very picky. All the while keeping Duke with me. If this doesn't work out, I will of course contact Green Acres in Green Bay, again with the proviso that we are Duke's foster home until that perfect home is found for him.

thanks so much for your good thoughts and support, I truly appreciate it.
Sandy

LILYLARUE · #6 09-01-2009, 07:00 AM

Duke certainly is blessed to have such an advocate on his side. He will no doubt find the perfect home with your help.

I would find it hard to use the rescue now and not be able to adopt later. Was a roadblock for me as well.

I did ask everyone I knew if their parent or parents needed a buddy. Also asked stay-at-home-moms and work from home people. It did pay off in about 4 months but then that's when Bella had issues and had to go across the bridge.

Keep up the search. Ask everyone you know to spread the word. Harder to expect people to do that if they aren't dog people. How about putting up a sign at the local dog park? Or asking the vet to post a sign or if they know of a suitor that may have just lost their own dog recently? How about a horse farmer who would have the time to spend and give Duke the range to roam? These are all places I started.

I wish you luck in the search, but am sure it will be successful with your dedication. Lots of hugs and wiggles to Duke for being such a good little man.

sargboxerluv · #7 09-01-2009, 07:04 AM

I hope you find the perfect place for Duke.

I was just thinking that maybe if you talk to Green Acres and explain the situation, how he was your sons but the behaviorist said the city is not good for him. Then after fostering him until the other family could take him in after the house work, that you discovered it would not be a good fit for Duke there either, that they might forgive you for suurendering him. After they ask your relatives about the situation, you can always bring them to boxerworld and show them all of your posts about him.

They are dated, and I find it hard to believe that they would think you just did all the posting in an attempt to fool them so you can get a dog later. Because that would be insane! I doubt after hearing the story that they would label you a bad dog owner for turning him in. If it was me and I saw all you did for him, I would try to suck you into the the rescue's fostering program! As it should be obvious you want a permanent forever home for him, and that's what rescue is about.

But I've been wrong before.

Indy's mom · #8 09-01-2009, 07:31 AM

I have to tell all of you,, my boxer friends, that reading your posts actually makes me cry. You are so incredibly supportive and it's clear that you want the very best for the boxers in our lives. Thank you so much.

I hadn't thought about approaching my vet or local farmers, thank you for those suggestions, I will in fact do just that.

All suggestions are welcome, you are all amazing friends, I simply wish we were all in the same neighborhood so that I could offer you all a hug and a cookie. As we' re not, I'll give your hug and cookie to one of my actual neighbors with you in mind.

Sandy

cantfindlog · #9 09-01-2009, 07:47 AM

Hi Sandy, everything will work out with Duke the way it is meant to be. I adopted Leah from Green Acres and had a wonderful experience. I worked with Kim and Kathy. They are both listed on the website. Claudia is also a member on BW and I am sure she will see this. If you contact them you can also give them the links to read about everything you posted here so they know all you are trying to do for Duke. Let us know how it turns out if you talk to GABR.

LILYLARUE · #10 09-01-2009, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sargboxerluv

I hope you find the perfect place for Duke.

I was just thinking that maybe if you talk to Green Acres and explain the situation, how he was your sons but the behaviorist said the city is not good for him. Then after fostering him until the other family could take him in after the house work, that you discovered it would not be a good fit for Duke there either, that they might forgive you for suurendering him. After they ask your relatives about the situation, you can always bring them to boxerworld and show them all of your posts about him.

They are dated, and I find it hard to believe that they would think you just did all the posting in an attempt to fool them so you can get a dog later. Because that would be insane! I doubt after hearing the story that they would label you a bad dog owner for turning him in. If it was me and I saw all you did for him, I would try to suck you into the the rescue's fostering program! As it should be obvious you want a permanent forever home for him, and that's what rescue is about.

But I've been wrong before.

I think in your situation, it's not a surrender perse. You are a "pre-foster". LOL

I think a talk with them, especially those that cantfindlog knows would be helpful. There is no better recommendation than all your postings have included! I think it is definitely worth the call to the rescue. This is one of those special circumstances! Atleast in my book it sure is. I think they need to look into Duke's whole story in order to make a determination and if they are as wonderful as other's have said, it could be a great ending! I wouldn't hurt to try.......it would be more advocates on Duke's side.