Starting the Adoption Process

[MaggiesMom]

After a lot of consideration and discussion, my husband and I have decided to adopt a male boxer. We are currently in the process of working with a rescue in the northeast. They are very thorough - we had a phone interview, they are checking references (including vet) and doing a home visit. I love how thorough they are..makes me feel confident that they will really try to find a good match for our family.

They are doing the home visit this coming Sunday and im a bit nervous about it. What are they looking for exactly? I figure they want to make sure we are not a BYB and that we could provide a suitable home for another dog, but any tips/suggestions??

We like to think of ourselves as great "parents" to our 1.5 yo Maggie but I guess Im biased :)

Any feedback is appreciated....

[cami]

They will want to make sure that what you said in your app was true! If they require a fence and you told them you had a fence they will want to see it with their own eyes. They will want to make sure that it is a secure fence too!
They will confirm that ALL members in the house are really up for the challenge (and not just the person submitting the app).
They will talk to you about what your routine will be like (schedule-wise), if you will be using a crate, where the dog will sleep, eat, etc....
Just get a general feel for your abilities to not only be a dog owner but a Boxer owner (as the breed is not for everyone).
A good home interviewer will be able to answer any questions you may have about the breed. Their medical issues that might come into play in the future OR even current Boxers that are already in foster care that might be a good fit for you with health issues.
I can honestly say that it will be easier than you are thinking it will be. A lot less nerve racking too!
They might inquire if you plan on taking him to obedience classes or what your thoughts are on them. What type of experience you have with dogs and or Boxers in general.
Just be honest with what you are prepared to offer your new addition. Ask any questions that you want to know the answers to.
I am sure it will go great!

[pupeluv]

Both our Boxers were adopted and the organization we went through was very thorough. They came and checked our backyard, it had to be at least 6 ft. high. They check with our Vet. Met with the family and at the time we had a little dog and they met with her. We were asked general questions of what a dog in our life means to us. What if we were to have to move, what would happen if we fell on financial hard times, if there was a primary person in the family that would care for the dog or if it was a group effort as a family. What was our theory on training, etc.
It was very informal but yet they did their job. We ended up getting Daphne and then a year later we adopted Zeus from the same rescue group.
We are very happy with how well they matched our dogs to our family.
These people are volunteers and they sure do put a lot of hard work and their heart into what they do.
I would always consider adopting again if I ever have to. Sure it is fun to have a puppy & watch it growup and I have always wondered what my two were like as puppies but there are so many wonderful dogs out there that need a home and I know for a fact I wouldn't trade my two for the world

[Nicole]

Don't be nervous. The person coming to your house is a volunteer and a pet owner just like you. :)

Ditto what Susi and Oleta have said. All they want to do is make sure your application was truthful and you aren't serial killers. ;) When I did home visits I was more comfortable giving a dog to a family with a lived in home. If that makes sense. I looked for evidence of dog toys (if they had a pet)...beds, knick knacks, etc. None of those was a 'no' if they weren't around but I always felt better seeing junk like that. People always try to clean for company but for me, it would have been like walking into a house where toddlers live and seeing it absolutely spotless...that's just creepy. lol

You'll do fine. Relax, have a good time with it. If you have any questions, jot them down. Now is going to be the perfect time to ask! And don't worry if they make notes while they're there. A lot of rescues require a report or form to be filled out for your packet.

[MaggiesMom]

thank you everyone for the advice :) I know that it will go OK..I just hate being "evaluated" in any way!! Im glad they are thorough though.

I didn't lie on the application at all and our fence is 6 ft stockade, so I think that part will be OK.

Nicole, you make me feel better about the fact that our house is in a state of disarray...we are ripping down wallpaper and re-painting and moving stuff around in general. So it definately will look "lived in". We aren't slobs by any means but we aren't neat fanatics either.......

and Maggies toys are usually all over the house, so I wont bother to tidy them up :)

[Nicole]

See? You're going to be fine :) I'd not leave tools lying about if you're renovating/decorating. At least let them see that you pick up after yourself and don't leave dangerous things around...or shut that room off somehow ;) They may also want to know when you're going to be done or not place a dog with you until it IS done...that'll just be up to them.

Nope, don't pick up the toys. The house should be how it's going to be...know what I mean?

Being evaluated is always scary but try to relax about it. It's not like the Queen is coming for a visit ;) Try to get into company mode. Buy some refreshments, make some cookies, whatever. Think of it as just having someone over to visit.

[MaggiesMom]

Well the home visit went wonderfully...she said its always easier to do for a house that already has a boxer.

So now they will work on placing us with a good match.

Thank you everyone for your help ;) you were right in that I had nothing to worry about ...

[Nicole]

Great news!!! Congrats!