DH and I are stopping by North Shore Animal League next week to adopt a puppy. I'm just curious if anyone has done this before with NSAL and what the process is like?
tdebe
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Re: NWR: Has anyone adopted a dog from NSAL?
Well, they let you pick out your dog first and fall in love, and then they make you fill out paperwork, call up your references and if everything doesn't match up perfectly, they tell you no. It was very heartbreaking when I was a kid, because I found my puppy but then they didn't think that my parents were home enough so they took it back.
bigrd37
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Re: NWR: Has anyone adopted a dog from NSAL?
I was away at school when my parents went through the process of adopting my dog. I don't remember them saying anything about calling references, but they could have.
I think my parents had a nice experience there. You are able to take out whichever puppy you want and play with them for a bit to see how they react towards you. They give all the shots for free (I'm pretty sure) before you get the dog and maybe the next set also. I know they ask for a donation instead of making you pay. I think my dad gave like $40 or $50. Overall, we didn't have any problems getting the dog through them. HTH!
Can't wait to see pictures!
bella1028
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Re: NWR: Has anyone adopted a dog from NSAL?
i know several people who have and they ask for several references and when they contact them they ask 1 or 2 questions about you...EX: Are these people financially able to take care of a dog and pay for traetment, surgery if necessary...etc...then they ask you for a small donation...that is pretty much it....best of luck to you...what a wonderful thing you are doing
SB7308
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Re: NWR: Has anyone adopted a dog from NSAL?
We've adopted two dogs from there. No bad experiences at all. The only thing is you can't be on your cell phone in the waiting room b/c they are calling your references. Good luck!
AeroJenn
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Re: NWR: Has anyone adopted a dog from NSAL?
Posted by nyyanks1523
We've adopted two dogs from there. No bad experiences at all. The only thing is you can't be on your cell phone in the waiting room b/c they are calling your references. Good luck!
Thanks for the heads up on that...I wouldnt have ever thought about that.
What questions do they ask your references??
nlghttrain
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Re: NWR: Has anyone adopted a dog from NSAL?
My uncle got his dog there, but unfortunatly the little guy had a condition that cost him his life after only 2 years. So after that I am a bit leary of NSAL.
Personlly i got my pup at the pound in Wantaug. Made me feel good that I saved my dog from a grim fate.
SB7308
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Re: NWR: Has anyone adopted a dog from NSAL?
I'm sorry I dont even remember it was a long time ago. I'm sure its about your home life, kids, jobs, etc.
I know they called my great aunt (who's hard of hearing) and she said she didnt know us! I just think she couldnt hear them on the phone and had no idea who was calling her. We had to give them another reference.
AeroJenn
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Re: NWR: Has anyone adopted a dog from NSAL?
Posted by nyyanks1523
I'm sorry I dont even remember it was a long time ago. I'm sure its about your home life, kids, jobs, etc.
I know they called my great aunt (who's hard of hearing) and she said she didnt know us! I just think she couldnt hear them on the phone and had no idea who was calling her. We had to give them another reference.
TJ22908
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Re: NWR: Has anyone adopted a dog from NSAL?
They do call at least 1 reference, they also ask for a 'donation' but actually they have a set fee..I think for puppies its around $100. Also I would recommend going during the week cause on the weekend you could be there for 3 hours waiting for them to check your references. Also I would recommend bringing a leash and collar with you. I think they give you a leash but they don't give you a collar. Just make sure you plan on being there for awhile!!!
little34
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Re: NWR: Has anyone adopted a dog from NSAL?
We got our cat there... they are very thorough....you need 2 non-family references to make sure you and your Fh are good pet parents...so make sure you set that up before you go. They give you plenty of time to bond and sit with your potential cat/dog and they give it a full vet check before they send you home. If the puppy is not fixed yet, they will give you an appointment for when the pup is old enough to go back and get it done for free.
Congrats!! I think it is awesome that you want to rescue a little guy instead of buying one....the rescued animals make the best pets.
AeroJenn
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Re: NWR: Has anyone adopted a dog from NSAL?
Posted by TJ22908
They do call at least 1 reference, they also ask for a 'donation' but actually they have a set fee..I think for puppies its around $100. Also I would recommend going during the week cause on the weekend you could be there for 3 hours waiting for them to check your references. Also I would recommend bringing a leash and collar with you. I think they give you a leash but they don't give you a collar. Just make sure you plan on being there for awhile!!!
Oh wow...thats a long time. Okay then maybe we'll try for a Friday after work....
MsPotterhead
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Re: NWR: Has anyone adopted a dog from NSAL?
All 3 dogs I've had in my life have come from NSAL. Its a wonderful place, and I actually think its a great idea that they check references. I love that they are looking out for the dogs! When I was 5, my first dog died, and my mom didn't want us to have another dog. So my dad took me and my sister, told my mom we were going to the movies, and we went and picked out a dog. Then they called my my mom ---- wasn't pretty!
A couple of weeks later my mom was ready, and they did not hold it against us, and we got Buffy, the dog I had from when I was 5- 24. Amazing dog.
One thing I would do is just let your references know to expect the call. They probably ask how you are with animals, are you home enough, do you have a backyard(say yes!!!), etc.
Good luck!
dajc23
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Re: NWR: Has anyone adopted a dog from NSAL?
My dog MIssy is from NSAL. I don't remember them calling up references, but I could def. be wrong. I do remember waiting foreverrrrr for them to get the paperwork done and I believe it was around a $100 'donation'. That was almost 7 years ago, not sure what it's like now. Oh and you have to be careful b/c alot of times they dont know much about the dogs they have b/c we were told our dog would be no more then 25lbs (kind of on the side of a bigger lap dog they said) and my dog is 75lbs and is about waist height lolol
AeroJenn
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Re: NWR: Has anyone adopted a dog from NSAL?
Anyone know if in general they have younger dogs who are already house broken? Like around 8 or 9 months old? We want something under 1 year but it has to already be house broken -- I have a feeling its going to be hard to find
Trishthedish
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Re: NWR: Has anyone adopted a dog from NSAL?
I've adopted a few kittens from there in the past and the only thing I really recall is they call references to see if you are responsible enough to handle an animal. I actually think this is a good thing.
If you get a little poochie, make sure you post pics b/c I'd love to see him/her.
HTH...
LoveRocks
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Re: NWR: Has anyone adopted a dog from NSAL?
When I was there last year they had ALOT of dogs that were under 1 year and alot of them were already housebroken. Good luck!
Trishthedish
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Re: NWR: Has anyone adopted a dog from NSAL?
Posted by AeroJenn
Anyone know if in general they have younger dogs who are already house broken? Like around 8 or 9 months old? We want something under 1 year but it has to already be house broken -- I have a feeling its going to be hard to find
I am not really sure about this one but I know I've gone to kill shelters to adopt animals too. I have a feeling they too would have what you are looking for since they were probably owned at one time and either they were dropped off by their owner or either ran away and their owner hasn't found them.
There is also Bide A Wee in Wantagh.
HTH...
luna bride x
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Re: NWR: Has anyone adopted a dog from NSAL?
i adopted my rotti/shepard mix from there.
it was originally a surprise for my fiance.. but apparently they don't let you do surprises lol.. they called and ruined the whole thing. (they call every adult that lives in the house or something)
they also called two other people and asked them questions about finances and the size of my yard.
it was a pain in the asss but i guess it's worth it to ensure the animals are safe.
they also make you agree to them randomly stopping by the house to make sure the dogs not locked outside or something.
AeroJenn
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Re: NWR: Has anyone adopted a dog from NSAL?
Posted by mlny83
i adopted my rotti/shepard mix from there.
it was originally a surprise for my fiance.. but apparently they don't let you do surprises lol.. they called and ruined the whole thing. (they call every adult that lives in the house or something)
they also called two other people and asked them questions about finances and the size of my yard.
it was a pain in the asss but i guess it's worth it to ensure the animals are safe.
they also make you agree to them randomly stopping by the house to make sure the dogs not locked outside or something.
Yea, Im not gonna lie, i dont understand why they ask OTHER people about YOUR finances. I have no problem giving them references, but DH and I dont talk to our friends and family about money. We believe thats a private matter. So my references arent going to be able to give them any info on our financial situation because they truely dont know anything about it.
The yard is a different story.....my friends are in it every weekend, so they pretty much know it like the back of their hand
