Adopting a Dog

No specific one. They place the dogs based on the family's needs and the dog's needs.

We had a boxer for 11 years that we put down last year, and he was easy to train on the underground fence. It never gave him problems, except when I forgot to change the batteries and he got out a couple of times. The yard is pretty big so he/she would have a large area to roam, plus access to the insulated garage through a doggy door.

That's what I figured, along with the conditions the dog would be living under. I've owned around 10 dogs and never had the adoption agency nor breeder visit my home before I took ownership.

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In the past I've just gone to the humane society and picked one out, but I want a specific breed(boxer) this time, so I applied with a local rescue organization. Part of the process is they come for a home visit and family interview. I figure this is just to check the living conditions for the dog and make sure the family is all on board with the adoption, but has anyone been through this? Are there any surprises? I don't really have anything to hide in my house(except my Karl Marx poster over the mantle) but was just curious. My yard isn't fenced, but I do have an underground electric fence, so I'm concerned they'll reject my application over that. But I did tell them that in the application so maybe they won't.

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Do it.

We do Husky rescue, although we've cut-back over the years and once we even rescued a wolf hybrid ... and several members of my family are involved with Animal Rescue Transport. My wife will drive to Georgia, pick up a rescue animal that has a new home, and then leapfrog to NC with the animal where it might be picked up and the journey continued. You'd be amazed at the network of people out there trying to help animals.

She's picked up dogs that have come from as far away as Texas, on their way to Virginia.

It's a noble effort.

We do check-out homes and owners these days, much more than we used to. There are good reasons for that, too many to get-into here, but it reads as if you'll pass no problems.

You'll need to have red flags up with your invisible fence and be willing to explain to them how you intend to train the animal for the fence. It doesn't take long, we use invisible fences here. You can take the flags down once you train the animal.

They want to see that you have a clean home, a decent yard (for a dog like a boxer), and that you have the means to care for the animal and make a nice home for him/her.

Good luck with your new dog. We've rescued old and young dogs ... they are all grateful.

I am also about to try and adopt from a rescue and they have the same application/vetting process it seems, except they have an anti electric fence stance.

I've been interested in how the whole process works as it seems intimidating. Any updates would be appreciated.

Boxers are great dogs. Very loyal, very friendly with people, and human-like personalities. They do like to roam a bit, but they're so easy to train. I don't an electric fence being a problem.

Keep us updated

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Although we had a fenced in yard and she just went around checking the fence to make sure it was secure. She asked us to reinforce one area that was under the house as the dog could have probably figured out a way to get through the lattice there

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Oh, that reminds me that we had a water main leak last year and they had to cut the underground wire for the electric fence to get to the leak. Probably should get that repaired before I schedule the visit.

That's mighty gracious of you. I'm going to try my luck locally first, but if that doesn't work out I'll get back with you. Some good looking dogs on those links you provided. We're not in a huge rush to get one just yet, but hopefully in the next month or two.