Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community - View Single Post - Update:NO MORE! Group Wants to Stop the Sale of Dogs and Cats in Petland

BigBrodieFan · 03-22-2011, 12:10 PM

I have something to say on this subject, speaking from experience.

We bought Hannah at a pet store, a very reputable place. She is a Wheaton Terrier, here is a pic:

Then we bought Hank, a German Wire Haired Pointer, from a rescue place about 3 1/2 years ago, and he's now around 8 or 9 years old, we're not really sure.

Hannah is about the sweetest, most loving, well behaved dog in the world. She is truly the best pet. We raised her since she was just a tiny puppy and she's never been 'punished' physically. We don't believe in hitting any animal, period, for any reason.

Well let me tell ya, Hank has been a nightmare. The first week we had him he gave me a warning shot/nipped at me, and I was really worried he'd do the same to the kids so it was touch and go for awhile. He was scared to death of being in a new place with new people. He was obviously extremely abused before he got to us. He has ripped up my house on more than one occasion and eaten things that no animal should be alive after eating, including glass, at least 10 leashes, plastic, shoes, coats, clothing and just yesterday he got into my pantry downstairs and ate about $200 worth of groceries and he has a terrible belly ache today! We have to lock every door in our home whenever we leave him. He cannot be kenneled. We bought a shoreline kennel which is as big as a refrigerator and he broke out of the steel welding in about 2 hours, had 157 stitches and my house looked as if someone were murdered. Now, we are not giving up on Hank. (Boy I could have a couple of times though) He's on vet prescribed anti-depressants (I am not kidding), and we're told he's so well adjusted compared to what he used to be. He has extreme separation anxiety, but as you can see in the picture, he is very loving and extremely sweet (as long as he isn't alone).

I would NEVER get a 'rescue' animal again, especially one with so many issues. It's been very stressful, and unless you have a LOT of patience, I would go with a puppy. True, not all 'stores' are the greatest, but you can find really good breeders that have great reputations. Never ever go to a pound/rescue place and fall in love with a dog and take it home the first day. It's not fair on you, or the dog, if you don't know it's history. If you raise the dog as a puppy, there really shouldn't be any surprises.

I am sure there are thousands of stories of rescue animals being the greatest things ever. I am just saying, mine turned out okay, but it's been really hard and you have to know what you're getting into.

I love both my dogs, but I really didn't know what I was getting into with Hank. It's taken a lot of hard work from my whole family to get him to where he is today. (In a Flames sweater!)

03-22-2011, 12:10 PM	#15
BigBrodieFan Franchise Player Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: H-Town, Texas Exp:	I have something to say on this subject, speaking from experience. We bought Hannah at a pet store, a very reputable place. She is a Wheaton Terrier, here is a pic: Then we bought Hank, a German Wire Haired Pointer, from a rescue place about 3 1/2 years ago, and he's now around 8 or 9 years old, we're not really sure. Hannah is about the sweetest, most loving, well behaved dog in the world. She is truly the best pet. We raised her since she was just a tiny puppy and she's never been 'punished' physically. We don't believe in hitting any animal, period, for any reason. Well let me tell ya, Hank has been a nightmare. The first week we had him he gave me a warning shot/nipped at me, and I was really worried he'd do the same to the kids so it was touch and go for awhile. He was scared to death of being in a new place with new people. He was obviously extremely abused before he got to us. He has ripped up my house on more than one occasion and eaten things that no animal should be alive after eating, including glass, at least 10 leashes, plastic, shoes, coats, clothing and just yesterday he got into my pantry downstairs and ate about $200 worth of groceries and he has a terrible belly ache today! We have to lock every door in our home whenever we leave him. He cannot be kenneled. We bought a shoreline kennel which is as big as a refrigerator and he broke out of the steel welding in about 2 hours, had 157 stitches and my house looked as if someone were murdered. Now, we are not giving up on Hank. (Boy I could have a couple of times though) He's on vet prescribed anti-depressants (I am not kidding), and we're told he's so well adjusted compared to what he used to be. He has extreme separation anxiety, but as you can see in the picture, he is very loving and extremely sweet (as long as he isn't alone). I would NEVER get a 'rescue' animal again, especially one with so many issues. It's been very stressful, and unless you have a LOT of patience, I would go with a puppy. True, not all 'stores' are the greatest, but you can find really good breeders that have great reputations. Never ever go to a pound/rescue place and fall in love with a dog and take it home the first day. It's not fair on you, or the dog, if you don't know it's history. If you raise the dog as a puppy, there really shouldn't be any surprises. I am sure there are thousands of stories of rescue animals being the greatest things ever. I am just saying, mine turned out okay, but it's been really hard and you have to know what you're getting into. I love both my dogs, but I really didn't know what I was getting into with Hank. It's taken a lot of hard work from my whole family to get him to where he is today. (In a Flames sweater!)