Lab puppy has to hit the road

[Malcolm's Dad]

This story is about a Lab puppy, but I think the Cairn people here can relate. A friend's neighbor had a sweet docile collie mix. She passed away and the neighbor was just miserable. After a few months his family decided to get him a dog. They came over one day and dropped off a Chocolate Lab puppy. Cute little puppy, but hyper as can be. At first he loved the puppy, but as Lab owners know, they can be rambunctious dogs, much like a Cairn. Tonight my friends called and asked if I could take the Lab, the neighbor just can't put up with him anymore. As much as I would love to take this dog, I can't, I don't have the room. I specifically wanted to get a small dog since my yard isn't that big. It wouldn't be enough for a Lab to run around and get exercise, which wouldn't be fair or healthy for the dog.

I think his family should have checked with him first to see if he was ready for another dog, grief is different for each person. I can understand their desire to bring some happiness back into his life, but he has to make that decision, not someone else.

And most importantly, I think they should have considered what kind of dog to get. He was used to a little sweetie that liked to lay next to his foot and was no trouble at all. So they get him a dog that is nothing but trouble (Cairn owners can relate to this). Labs are very, very active puppies that do calm down after a few years. Cairns are very, very active puppies, and from what I read never do calm down.

So now there is a Lab puppy (nine months) that is looking for a new home. My friends and I are going to help rehome him if we can. And I'm not sure after this experience the neighbor will get another dog which will be a shame, the right dog would have a great home.

Oh well, I have Malcolm because someone couldn't handle him anymore and I can see why, he can be a little terror. But he is my little terror and is not going anywhere unless he chews up the house and we both don't have anywhere to live.

[bradl]

Friendly reminder to all: as always, any discussion about placement of specific dogs must take place off-line. Thanks.

[Malcolm's Dad]

I'm sorry Brad. Not trying to rehome the puppy through the forum. I wanted to relate a story about good intentions going bad, and how its important to match the dog and the person.

[josie&holly]

I think that it is very important that choice of dog should match owner's energy, home space etc. I looked around alot before I decided I wanted a small terrier and had decided a older dog would suit be better. When people pick wrong dogs whether it be for themselves or some one else they should think about all the implicatons.

Bt I am very glad I acquired Holly the Cairn! She fits my energy, house/garden size great. I have decided Cairns are good dogs for everyone!

[Nena]

I love what you said about never giving up Malcolm!!!!!!!!! I know that this dog was not selected by them and it makes no sense to get someone else a dog. But the people who get a dog and then a year later don't want it anymore I can't understand.

I also would NEVER give up mine.

[Puddlesmama]

I cant say enough to people who think gifting a dog to someone as a surprise is the right thing to do. I have seen this type of thing happen many times and it breaks my heart for the dog involved. To no fault of the dogs they are thrown out and usually end up in shelters and it really breaks my heart.

Good for you for trying to rehome him...I imagine hundreds upon hundreds of dogs out there couldnt be so lucky.

Try some lab rescues in your area and see if anyone can help. Good luck and thank you for helping the poor guy.

[bradl]

I'm sorry Brad. Not trying to rehome the puppy through the forum. I wanted to relate a story about good intentions going bad, and how its important to match the dog and the person.

Don't worry! I know that (it's why I didn't delete the post) and it's an important point to make, too. I'm speaking to potential answerers as much as anything.

It's just one of those things I have to try to be annoyingly consistent about, so I do it reflexively, hoping that even casual drive-by visitors to the forum can absorb the No Placements Ever rule. Also to head off that particular avenue of discussion.

[BetsyNoodle]

This best thing the current owner could do for this fabulous little pup is get her into his local/state Labrador rescue. The people who adopt from a breed specific rescue organization usually genuinely want a pup. And, most of the quality rescue organizations do home visits before a dog is placed. I have a black lab and she is absoutely wonderful. She adopted us when someone dumped her in our driveway. She and my Cairn, Murphy, are best friends.

Personally, I don't like the idea of friends of friends getting involved in the re-homing. I know of several cases where rehoming by individuals did not work out. This very thing happened with my little Cairn, Murphy. He was "re-homed" by people who I am sure had very good intentions. The people who took him in ended up giving him to someone else who eventually turned him into the city pound. Had someone cared enough to call Cairn Rescue he wouldn't have been shuffled around and almost euthanized by the pound (he was rescued by the Miniature Schnauzer people when they came to get a schnauzer from the pound). And by the way, Murphy has no irritating habits at all. He adores children, has never snapped at anyone since we have had him, and is a cuddler. We cannot figure out why anyone would not want him unless, of course, they couldn't afford a dog, or just didn't want to be bothered.

Again, IMO, Lab rescue would be the best. I think it is his best bet for finding a great home.