Pollux needs a new home (Florida - USA)

[Gypsy Wolf]

I didn't say an active pet home was a lesser placement. I just said I am more than happy with Pollux going to this placement.
Again, his owner is the one whose business it is to neuter him or not. Personally I prefer intact animals, too, as I like to show. Doesn't mean I breed willy-nilly, or intend to. Never even had an "oops" breeding.
I think the man is responsible enough to be able to handle managing an intact adult.
While Pollux is gorgeous, I do not know how much of his behavior is genetic, so I would not want to breed to him necessarily or take a pup. I am more than happy with ONE vlcak, thank you very much!
Again, we are placing Pollux to please him, not you.
You all are being absolutely ridiculous, getting all up in arms and judgmental over something that has absolutely nothing to do with you, nor have you sacrificed your time and effort to raising this dog. We have. It's our call. If you don't like it, too bad. There are more important things in life for me to dedicate my time to. Obviously explaining our reasoning is useless since you have made up your mind that we are horrible for making the decision and I am no longer going to waste my time on this topic.
Enjoy your glass houses.

[Tazer]

Earlier it was stated that it was Pollux's true owners decision where he was rehomed to, not yours...now you're stating its your choice and its tough if people don't like it.

What is the truth here?

Also, you're not the only people on the Earth to have taken on a dog, someone else didn't want and then had to put time and effort into said dog.

It doesn't make you a Saint, you are not above the rest of us and you can sure as hell still do wrong.

Taz

[Tazer]

I never said you said you are a Saint...just your posts in reference to taking Pollux on, read like you expect us to view you as such.

Also, I wasn't angry, more like incredulous.

Now, I just really can't be bothered to continue to waste my time.

Hopefully Pollux will get a home with understanding owners, who are able to love him for the dog he is, not the dog they want him to be, or for the money he could provide.

Taz

[Gypsy Wolf]

You can view me however you like - we took Pollux on to foster and place as we feel a commitment to the breed as well as really liking the dog himself. Despite skittishness, he really has a very unique, funny and sweet personality. As I mentioned before, we have been involved in fostering and placing rescue dogs of other breeds and have homed upwards of 16 dogs. I personally have always felt not only as a breeder, but as a steward of a breed, you owe it to asist in rescue efforts. For those who are so critical - do you rescue or just criticize those who do?
I am happy to report that Pollux has found his forever home, and that he (and we) met some interesting people who also generously gave of themselves for his sake.
A firefighter was the first to want to adopt him - a local home and a perfect owner for Pollux... however, the firefighter's girlfriend was not such a fan, so Pollux was returned. The firefighter was so committed to Pollux, however, that until Pollux was adopted, the firefighter would come over on his days off and take Pollux out - to Starbuck's, to run around at the park, to visit people - great for Pollux to get out and socialize.
His forever home found him just recently - a police officer and his wife - both of whom were totally committed to Pollux. The police officer grew up with a 3/4 Timber Wolf/GSD mix so Pollux's wolfy shyness didn't bother him at all. The wife was also not at all worried about any of the skittishness - and I made sure they both knew all of Pollux's "strange" habits/behaviors before they took him home for a "trial period"... The home is local - which is great as I was not only able to personally verify the home, but also return to give lessons to help him settle in.
I am happy to say that Pollux fell in love with his new people and is VERY happy being an "only dog." He bonded with them very quickly - and they love him completely - quirky behaviors and all. He will be neutered and is a very-much-loved pet - climbing into their laps and kissing and just so happy to be somewhere where he is not expected to be anything other than the goofy sweet puppy he really is.

[Vaiva]

Well, we all can just keep our fingers crossed and hope that Pollux will not need to change his home again.

Maybe his new owner would like to join the forum? Guess we all became a little attached to Pollux through all his "adventures", starting with his flight from Europe...

[Tassle]

For the record....Yes - I rescue (two of my current dogs are) and I do a lot of home checking, I deal with behaviour calls for a local rescue centre and Will do private rehomes as we are seen as the local 'dog' people!
I am sure many others on here do similar if not more, possibly it might be worth checking before suggesting that people are just in it to 'criticise'.

I am very glad Pollux has found his forever home and wish him all the luck with it.

It would be nice for the owners to join and share how they are doing with him. It would be lovely to see him in his forever home with people who want him for him

[Mikael]

Originally Posted by Lunas Mom

I am happy to report that Pollux has found his forever home, and that he (and we) met some interesting people who also generously gave of themselves for his sake.
A firefighter was the first to want to adopt him - a local home and a perfect owner for Pollux... however, the firefighter's girlfriend was not such a fan, so Pollux was returned. The firefighter was so committed to Pollux, however, that until Pollux was adopted, the firefighter would come over on his days off and take Pollux out - to Starbuck's, to run around at the park, to visit people - great for Pollux to get out and socialize.
His forever home found him just recently - a police officer and his wife - both of whom were totally committed to Pollux. The police officer grew up with a 3/4 Timber Wolf/GSD mix so Pollux's wolfy shyness didn't bother him at all. The wife was also not at all worried about any of the skittishness - and I made sure they both knew all of Pollux's "strange" habits/behaviors before they took him home for a "trial period"... The home is local - which is great as I was not only able to personally verify the home, but also return to give lessons to help him settle in.
I am happy to say that Pollux fell in love with his new people and is VERY happy being an "only dog." He bonded with them very quickly - and they love him completely - quirky behaviors and all. He will be neutered and is a very-much-loved pet - climbing into their laps and kissing and just so happy to be somewhere where he is not expected to be anything other than the goofy sweet puppy he really is.

Oooooo... Congratulations to you, Ed and especially Pollux

So happy to hear this

[Gypsy Wolf]

So, unfortunately, home number 2 didn't work out. The wife was concerned about her ability to control him (he is a BIG boy and she is petite) - they were heartbroken, but I can understand. Pollux is sweet and well-behaved, but when he does the darty, wolf-like running away, it can be tough to deal with that all the time.
So he is back being fostered part-time between us and the firefighter who wanted him.
I have a couple interested in him, so maybe the third times a charm? In the meantime, he is either here being spoiled or at the firefighter's house being REALLY spoiled.

[Vaiva]

Originally Posted by Lunas Mom

So, unfortunately, home number 2 didn't work out. The wife was concerned about her ability to control him (he is a BIG boy and she is petite) - they were heartbroken, but I can understand. Pollux is sweet and well-behaved, but when he does the darty, wolf-like running away, it can be tough to deal with that all the time.
So he is back being fostered part-time between us and the firefighter who wanted him.
I have a couple interested in him, so maybe the third times a charm? In the meantime, he is either here being spoiled or at the firefighter's house being REALLY spoiled.

Ok, so you give him for people to TRY??? A dog keeps changing homes and people, rules and surroundings, having no real "pack leader". At the young age he is know - do you really think it is not making him any more harm?

[Tazer]

its great that it sounds like Pollux has found his forever home, where he's wanted for who he is. Would be nice if the new owners would join and post updates on his progress.

Taz

[Priska182]

Hi Sara,
I'm really glad for Pollux that he finally find HIS home I wish him and his new familly all the best
Best regards,

[Tazer]

And she/they didn't think about this before they took him on. *Sighs*

Bloody hell, some people give up far to easy. Perhaps walking him using a head collar would have made it easier/possible for her to handle him, when he has one of those moments.

Sorry to here it didn't work out...again. Poor Pollux all this going back and forth between people can't be helping him settle down.

Taz

[tupacs2legs]

Did they think he was going to shrink and age ten years?? Poor boy

[BigBill]

I so wish we had a place with room, he would get along well with our pair I'm sure.

We are still looking for a house in Louisiana or Mississippi.

[Gypsy Wolf]

I do not put him in a home thinking it is just temporary, but I DO require that if there is a problem that they don't think they can work out, I want him back. So, in these instances, there was a "trial period" unfortunately. Honestly, though, I would MUCH rather insist that the adoptors return him to me if there is a problem rather than dump him in a shelter because they are too embarassed to let me know it didn't work out.
Having done rescue with other dogs, I have seen that happen before - the family takes the dog, a month later they realize their Malinois puppy is just "too much" for them and rather than contacting Rescue, they just dump the puppy off at Animal Control.
That is the major reason I prefer to adopt him locally - I can take him back or pull him from a shelter if he ends up there.
I know there are special needs that vlcaks have, so I know he is not the easiest dog to re-home. I am very frustrated, but how can I blame people for not being able to deal with him? It isn't their fault - they tried, I think. They certainly did not go into the relationship thinking it would be temporary, either. His recent home was over two weeks, and when I see them crying as they hand me the dog... and see how much Pollux loved them, too...
I am not a fan of his bouncing around homes, either, although I WILL say the extra socialization and exposure to different situations IS healthy for Pollux. The adoptors were not particularly strict with their rules and Pollux does not seem any different or damaged in any way from his experiences. I could see that he had bonded with his recent adoptors and clearly loved them. He was just as happy to see Ed and I, too, but clearly enjoyed his "trial periods"... in fact, I have seen that he seems to adapt very quickly and easily to the people he is with. That is a GOOD thing in my book - healthy to see him be confident and open with them.
So there are broken hearts all around. Even this evening when the foster firefighter dropped Pollux off to us, he was seriously bummed. He was hoping, during his fostering, that his girlfriend would accept Pollux... it seemed to be working, except that it sort of worked too well - Pollux got all happy and excited when she came home and he jumped on her accidentally scratching her face with a claw... It threw her back into her fear of him. <sigh> And with that instinctive distrust, it doesn't matter what I say - she just doesn't want him in her house.
So we are back to square one. I am upset and frustrated and worried that we will never find the right person/people for him... of course he will stay here until we do, but I feel badly that I can't give him more than I do. He is an amazing boy - he so deserves to be someone's only boy (or maybe one of two dogs) someone who won't mind his wolfy quirks and not be afraid of his more obnoxious behaviors (like his play nipping and boxing). For crying out loud, he is even good with cats! What a special boy!
So here's hoping we can find him a good placement... this is, by far, the toughest dog I've ever had to place...

[Tazer]

It is so very sad.

I feel sorry for the fireman, he clearly loves Pollux and is prepared to take him qwerks and all. What a fool the girlfriend sounds, giving up on what seems to be a wonderful dog, simply because he got a bit over enthusiastic with his greeting. *Shakes head* some people.

I really do wish I lived closer, he'd fit in well here.

Hope some day soon he will find someone who is willing and able to give him the home he deserves.

Taz

[Tassle]

I am surprised she was happy to have him there in the first place from what has been said.

I guess its 4th (or 5th?) time lucky for Pollux

Originally Posted by Tazer

It is so very sad.

I feel sorry for the fireman, he clearly loves Pollux and is prepared to take him qwerks and all. What a fool the girlfriend sounds, giving up on what seems to be a wonderful dog, simply because he got a bit over enthusiastic with his greeting. *Shakes head* some people.

I really do wish I lived closer, he'd fit in well here.

Hope some day soon he will find someone who is willing and able to give him the home he deserves.

Taz

Methinks he was booting the wrong one out

[Vaiva]

Originally Posted by Tassle

Methinks he was booting the wrong one out

Totally
Strange thing people do not really think before they take a dog to their home...

[Gypsy Wolf]

I agree, Taz - the firefighter is DEFINITELY booting the wrong one out! That opinion is unanimous - of course most of my friends are animal lovers, but the bottom line is, the loyalty of another human is questionable whereas the loyalty of a dog? ALWAYS.
Took him to meet the couple who will be fostering him when I go out of town to officiate my baby sister's wedding. He is such an amazing boy - just fit right in like he was meant to be there.
I also got a report from the firefighter - apparently the last time he was fostered there they let him sleep in their bedroom out of the crate and also left him loose in their home when they went out to dinner. Since I have not allowed him to be loose with no supervision I wanted to know how he did. Anything destroyed? Nope. Although he DID learn how to open the door from their house to the garage and left a whole loft of incriminating nose prints on the jeep parked there!
He also was more than happy to snooze the day away with the firefighter and befriended all the dogs in the neighborhood.
So we have some people interested in him who I am planning to interview and make SURE they know, up front, the good, the bad and the ugly so that they will know exactly what they are getting into. Because I see his quirky behaviors as easy to modify I don't necessarily think of them as something that would inspire someone to give him back. Yes, he is big. Yes, he will jump on people he loves in greeting. Yes, he will nip in play. All those things can be fixed, though. I wonder why the previous homes thought it was something to get rid of him over?

[Tazer]

Lol, indeed.

Taz