Here is a topic for discussion that was inspired by real-life events.
Two couples are both interested in a big, active dog at the shelter.
One couple is older. They own their home. Property is at least several acres, but unfenced. Husband is retired and home most days, puttering in garden and with hobbies. Wife works 30 or so hours a week. They formerly owned another big, active dog, who recently died of old age. They have a 2-year-old small dog who misses having canine company. They have a trainer who they have worked with previously and plan to do so again.
Second candidate couple is young, early 20s. They are renters. They also live on several acres, but their home property is fenced. They have another big, young, active dog, a female. They both work.
My bias in placing the dog was toward the older couple. While it’s true that they lacked a fenced yard for the dog, the fact that they own their home reassures me that they won’t be at the mercy of future landlords if they have to move for whatever reason. They also have the financial wherewithal to provide the dog with whatever medical or behavioral interventions he is likely to need. A week in training? Knee or hip surgery? Wouldn’t be a problem for these people.
Staff at the shelter was biased in favor of the young couple. The fact that their property was fenced, their youth, and that they were already dealing with a big, active dog made them seem more equipped to deal with the dog’s perceived need for activity.
I’m just curious: Where would most people, or most shelter staffers, end up placing a dog like this?
I would leave the dog with the older couple. From what I read they have everything that this big dog will need now and in the future.
What about the dogs already in those current homes? I think it is very important for the dog needing a home to meet each of those dogs as well as the humans. What if the dogs don’t mesh well? Yes, some of that can change for the good over time, but why not see how they do meeting in a neutral area. The rescue I work with requires it. What if it turns out that the dog needing a home isn’t good with small dogs?
In my more than 20 years of running a rescue organization I have found that it is important to listen to prospective adopters. I encourage them to talk and I will hear the clues to their suitability for a particular dog. From the description I’d be inclined to favor the older couple because of owning their home and apparent stability, but I would listen carefully to both parties, looking for those little details that will give me the insight needed to make the call. A home visit is essential.
Good advice. A home visit is absolutely essential, people can say anything. Even if they send photos, it may not show everything. They could have a fence, but gaps in it or under it. Another factor for me would be the dog’s behavior – is he a runner? The kind of dog who just disappears over the horizon if he gets loose? Or does he tend to hang on his property? I’ve had both extremes. My most recent rescue wouldn’t even leave the yard when he first got here. He’d be a type I would trust on an unfenced property.
like your comment home visit . you can even put a 30 foot leash on you and the dog to play ball if the older couple are in good shape. I use long leads out in front with my dogs because lawn is flatter to jump for frisbee
Completely agree with Joyce Fay. In my experience fostering dogs, I’d ask a lot of questions, then Listen to the answers. People can really give themselves away when you get them talking. But on the face of it, I’d pick the older couple too.
Older couple also, same reasons!
Older couple, definitely. Experienced, someone home most of the time, financially secure, no chance of new little human distraction. See it all time. New Baby, beloved Canine sidelined. Not beloved anymore.
Older couple for sure!
Older couple without a doubt.
For sure the older couple. The all day factor, and garden. If they are eating fresh food from their own garden, the dog will defiantly be getting something other than kibble.
Definitely the older couple but I am biased because I am in EXACTLY the same position.
Older, home all the time, big un-fenced property with acres and acres of woods for our long walk everyday and the financial stability and medical know-how to look after issues that arise.
We’ve had fifteen dogs over the years, many, many unadoptable for one reason or another and they all loved us and happily called this place HOME.
Older couple all day.
I favor the older couple. They are more stable.
I see too many young people dumping their furbabies when no longer convenient.
My vote is for the older couple for the reasons you stated. Also, I am older so I am probably biased!
Who got the dog?