Breeder Vs Rescue???

[djheitz]

It really depends on the rescue. Generally, once you have completed the application, a volunteer will review it, probably checking references as well. If all looks OK, most rescues will contact you to schedule a home visit. After that, it's just a matter of meeting the dog you are interested in and seeing if it's the right fit.

For us, that process can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months, so be patient. All of our volunteers are exactly that - volunteers who try to fit rescue work in with the rest of our lives.

If the rescue you are working with has outreach events (maybe at Petsmart, Petco, etc), try to get out to meet some of the volunteers. Explain that you have just submitted your application. They may be able to push the application through a little more quickly if they see you're really serious about adopting.

Good luck and a big thank you for going the rescue route!

[BxrMommieNAZ]

Ditto the above. Typically you fill out the application, phone interview, they check references, home visit, and then either finding a dog that meets your family dynamics or introducing you to one you were interested in on the site. Keep in mind that these people are volunteers, they do not get paid, and most of them have full time paying jobs in addition to volunteering with the rescue so please be patient with them.

Good luck!

[Meals1007]

When we adopted Rupert the rescue checked our references (personal and vet) and once we had our girl spayed, they contacted us for a home visit which they did right away. On the home visit they just wanted to meet the family and see where the dog would be living, they also wanted to see the dog yard. They also asked about how we raised/trained our dogs, what food we used - things of that nature. Of course every rescue is different, but they all want to find a good home for each dog, with people who are committed to all the responsibilites that go a long with adopting a dog. Our family had a lot of variables, 2 other dogs, a cat, and a baby but they were able to place a dog (a puppy no less) with us right away. We got really lucky and had a great experience. I was prepared to wait as you should be because they usually want to make the best match possible.

[ZOE*BOXER]

Rescue!!!!!!! I kind of have both. Zoe is from a Boxer rescue. She is great. I literally begged a couple I know for Cat when they could not handle her. I harrassed these people until thay just gave her to me to shut me up. She is the white one. Thay paid good money for her from a "reputable" breeder. She was ridiculously ill. (Notice how skinny she was above.) She was in and out of the hospital for months. They did not even know she was ill, they just thought she was badly behaved, which she was not. She is great now. To me, she is truly a "rescue". Flash was a Katrina rescue. We had him a short 2 1/2 years before his cardiac arrest. He was the sweetest dog I had ever encountered.

[Bytor]

OK, I guess I'm convinced. Waiting for Atlanta Boxer Rescue to get back to me.
My daughters are coming unglued, "When can we get our dog??!!", "When can we get our dog??!!"