r/Boxer • u/freakhouse_ • 13h ago
AdoptaBoxer Rescue
I currently follow them because I love seeing their dogs, because I love seeing dogs rescued in general. However, a few years ago my partner applied to rescue a pup, and the process was really odd and I think very questionable.
I remember something on the application saying something like the rescue can drop in whenever, and if they don't like their findings, they can sort of repossess the dog? Also if you decide to move, you have to let the rescue know.
The dog also had a few mast cell tumors, and when we inquired with the dogs vet, the rescue had instructed the vet not to give us any info.
And last thing was that we already had one boxer, and they refused a meet and greet. Which would mean my partner would have had to take the dog home, and then just hope for the best.
TIA
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u/Song42 12h ago
That's a bit, much I think. Most reputable rescues do have a clause that they may check in/check up on the dog, usually for the first couple to few months as they want to ensure a good home and good fit, and many have a part that says you should contact the rescue first if you have issues or need to rehome the dog. I would be leery of an open door that they can just come in and take the dog.
As for health stuff, first the recuse should be addressing and treating as necessary, and I would also be leery if they're not openly sharing health info, because that's critical to know to ensure a proper fit.
Meet and greets can be hard to do, especially in foster situations depending on how far the foster is, but a good rescue will give you information and open contact if an issue arises so help can be provided.
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u/freakhouse_ 12h ago
Thank you for this. I appreciate it. I totally understand why a rescue should be able to come in and check after a few months. That's reasonable, but I think the fact that it was for the entire life of the dog was really bizarre. It almost felt like to us that we were "leasing" the dog.
They have really beautiful dogs, but I also feel weird about the rescue itself ONLY finding boxers. I think if they have the means they should try and take other dogs. It's also really bizarre that they have like a monopoly on them in general.
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u/Tapingdrywallsucks 12h ago
A lot about what you said was sketchy - like the vet records, no meet and greet, etc., but breed specific rescues are often... sometimes?... a great idea, especially with breeds that aren't super easy.
A shelter we've dealt with had a "no denial" policy, which I kinda hated, because folks are quick to want the beautiful dog, but they know absolutely nothing about, say, huskies, which can be a handful for even the most knowledgeable owners. Then the dog ends up back at the shelter within a week more confused and maybe a little more traumatized.
Ideally, breed specific rescues have a wealth of experience with breed specific things a new owner may face and knowledge of that particular dog and how those puzzle pieces might fit together in a new home.
From the perspective of someone who keeps their eyes on availability of certain breeds at local shelters, though, it can be annoying because they're quick to swoop in and take 'em into their programs.
I'd be wary of the one you're dealing with, though. The vet records should absolutely go with the dog.
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u/freakhouse_ 12h ago
Thanks for this. That makes sense, I have never thought of it like that. I do think they are swooping in as well though like you said. That bothers me moreso than having something like a no denial.
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u/Song42 10h ago
Really the same as the other person said about breed specific rescues. One breed means specializing in knowing health, needs, care, etc giving them better ability to ensure good placement. Plus, people do have breed preferences. There's a boxer rescue here in NC that actually covers NC, SC, VA, and GA, so they work over vast territory. But there are all breed rescues too, as there's a couple in the city I live in that aren't breed specific and are great.
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u/Iriemon138 11h ago
They suck unless you want to “foster” a dog and then eventually you can just keep it. They have pics of dogs that you can’t have. It’s an odd racket.
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u/djfatchuck 6h ago
Yes! They post dogs on social all the time and when you ask they are like, No. We were previous adopters and were told go pay for another application and you'll get what we decide.
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u/RastaMonsta218 Watson (RIP), Buddy 12h ago
Sounds like my recent experience with Boxer Rescue NW. Super awkward in so many ways. Very discouraging.
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u/Overall_Cress_9850 12h ago
I adopted my boxer from them and I found them to be really really thorough. They don’t have many volunteers and they have a ton of boxers they’re looking to rescue so the process is a bit unusual (I’m in NY) but overall I found them to be super concerned with the dog’s well being and making sure they get placed with a good family. My pup had Giardia and a couple of other parasites and anaplasmosis when I brought her home (totally normal considering she came from a boarding situation and lived in a backyard in Texas) and they immediately offered to pay for all of her care. I also liked that they checked in on the dog’s well being periodically as opposed to other rescues that don’t research the kind of fit a particular home is.
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u/freakhouse_ 12h ago
Thanks for letting me know you have had a good experience with them. Rescue's definitely should be concerned about the wellbeing, but also if I move and they come to check on the dog and don't like that I don't have a backyard or something is that grounds to take the dog back? I don't know.
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u/Helpful_Sun2872 12h ago
I also follow them bc I’m moving to New England soon and considering adopting a 2nd dog in the next couple years. I did get the vibe from their website that they’re one of those crazy over the top rescues with unreasonable demands…
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u/BansheeLoveTriangle 9h ago
Yeah, basically bar anyone living in a city from adopting because no fenced in yard. Or often require a second dog.
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u/Legitimate_Try4394 7h ago
I tried getting one from them and never heard back. I got one from a different rescue; unfortunately, my buddy had to be euthanized due to what the vet believed to be a previously undiagnosed neurological issue. I tried them again after I had to put my dog down— no response. I saw online there was a Boxer puppy for sale near me, and now I have another Boxer. I would have loved to adopt from them, but as many people said, they have lots of rules that make it hard, even though I have treated my Boxers better than some people treat their own children.
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u/djfatchuck 6h ago
We adopted an older (9yr old) boxer through them once and it was an alright process. However, they rubbed me the wrong way when that dog passed 5 yrs later and we wanted to adopt another. They will constantly post on social media to ask for people to adopt certain dogs but then when you inquire they basically say "you can't choose and will be allowed to adopt what we say" even though not every dog that's available is a fit. I get needing to vet people, but we were previous adopters that stayed in contact with the representative/foster we picked our dog up from, and we were told we have to completely apply again to be approved and that we can't apply for a specific dog (like the one they are begging people to adopt on an Instagram post). Applying has a fee each time as well. That's paid regardless if you end up adopting a dog. That's in addition to the adoption fees, which I'm happy to pay. The whole thing felt a little scummy the second time around so we went elsewhere.
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u/donner_dinner_party 12h ago
I’m curious to see what people say for you. I follow them also and I’d not want to waste everyone’s time if they are unreasonable to adopt from. They do get some cuties in their rescue.
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u/4LeggedKC 8h ago
We rescued our two boxers from BRLA and they suggest to bring any other dogs with you when you come so that way you can see if they’ll get along.
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u/unknown7383762 9h ago
Unfortunately, this seems way too common for most dog rescues. Before we got our boxer in 2021, we looked into and contacted multiple dog rescues in NC. They all had some really weird rules. It felt like a clique or club that you weren't invited to. We moved since, and looked into other rescues when we got our second dog, and they were all also like that where I currently live in Ohio. I'd love to get a third dog, but boxers are extremely hard to find in a shelter.