I read a lot about fostering rescue's but I have to wonder whether or not it's not a greater risk than if you know the history of the dog and are able to monitor its youth and question the breeder? (That's a rhetorical question)

A friend of mine took in a rescue last month, and within a week the dog had two seizures. He had to be referred and has had loads of x-rays and an mri done.  This rescue has not cost him over 1500 pounds, and the insurance company won't cover any of it (since he only recently adopted the dog).  I respect anyone that takes in a rescue, but can it not be compared to purchasing a dog from a puppy farm?  Meaning you never know what you get?  I know this forum promotes heavily knowing hip scores, get eye testing done, meeting the parents of pup and countless other measures to ensure that you get the best pup.  I guess I feel so bad for Paul (the fosterer) as he did not have this money to spare and its taking a toll on him.  He chose to rescue because he did not have the money to purchase from a breeder i recommended.  His first words to me was, "i know you're going to say I told you so...."

Sigh.

If he was only fostering then i would have thought legally as the dog would have been signed over to the rescue then the dog was still owned by them?

I am sorry i used incorrect verbage.  It was an adoption.

A very long time ago (over 20yrs) I went to the RSPCA in Cardiff and adopted an abused @ 8 month old GSD.
This was my first ever dog.
She had burns all over her body .Scars from been hit with a chain .The list of abuse was unbelievable.
Yes it cost me almost £1000 (no ins) to get her right but ........ what a dog.
All dogs are different we know but if you can offer the time and money (vet bills etc) you might find your perfect partner
We were together for 14yrs and YES it was worth every penny.
This was my experience and no doubt there will be posts of others.
Regards
H.B.

Ahh...

he did not have this money to spare and its taking a toll on him.  He chose to rescue because he did not have the money to purchase from a breeder

In all honesty, if he did not have the money to have a rescue dog treated, he would not haev had the money to have a pedigree treated. Yes, breeders can test for certain conditions, but others can develop, cannot be tested for, accidents can happen etc etc.

Having a rescue dog is not the same as buying from a breeder, no. But its definately NOT comparable to encouraging the continuation of puppy farming!!!

If you choose the right rescue, same as if you choose the right breeder, you can have access to endless help and back up from them, just as a reputable breeder would support you.
A great many rescues have dogs in foster homes rather than in kennels, where they can be assessed before going to their new homes. These are usually the smaller rescues, without the big names and big advertising campaigns though so they are a little harder to find.

Go to a 'bad' rescue for a cheap dog, and you will have as many problems as if you went to a bad breeder for a cheap dog.

Em (owner of four rescue dogs!)

I don't feel that you can compare buying from a puppyfarm to adopting a rescued dog.

When people promote health testing and the other things you've listed it is in part to ensure a good pup, yes, but it is also because the purpose of breeding is to better the breed...not produce puppies as a source of income. 

Just as you research a breeder, you should also research a rescue.  What type of assessments do they perform?  What information do they have available on the dog you're interested in?  You cannot walk blindly into a rescue and choose a dog because you like the breed or the look.  It is up to the individual adopter to inquire about the animal.

As a proper breeder should ask questions of a purchaser, a proper rescue asks questions of a potential adopter.  Applications are filled out, home visits are done...all to ensure the dog is being matched to the correct home.  The goal is to make sure the dog will have found the place where it will live out it's life, not be returned or let loose.

Did your friend ask if the dog had known health problems?  Did he ask whether the dog had been properly vetted, etc.?  If he did and the rescue centre lied to him or misled him in any way, there may be legal ramifications if he wants to go that route.  I understand that some people do choose rescue because it's a cheaper route however, whether a dog is from a breeder or a rescue, a dog will always need food, vet care, etc.  Some, unfortunately, more than others.

(Proud owner of 4 rescues and director of Boxer rescue)  ;)

Hi,

I recently adopted a dog and was given 6 weeks free insurance, was this not offered to your friend?

John

I 'adopted' Missie from the rspca about 10 years ago, she has only been to the vets to be spayed. Never had a problem with her at all. :)

The majority of my dogs have been rescues from B'ham Dog's Home.  If memory serves, you get a month when you can return the dog and receive a 'credit note' (for another dog) if the original dog develops medical or behavioural problems.  I would have thought something similar was standard for most rescue centres.

I'm sorry if your friend was landed with unexpected expenses but of our lot (7 over the years) none have developed any serious health problems until extreme old age so I think he (and the dog) was just unlucky. 

But to be frank, no matter what the breed or circumstances of the purchase, there are no guarantees in life and financially, you always have to prepare for the worst not just hope for the best.