Anyone know of a good dog shop in Los Angeles?

hyelakingsfan · Post by **hyelakingsfan** » Sun Jun 25, 2006 5:24 pm

Well the thing is...my gf somehow brought up the subject that she wanted a dog. We were watching pics of little puppies at my house and all she was saying was "awww, and awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww, and more awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwws (higher pitched aw) lol. So i thought about it more and more and wanted to surprise her (maybe not soon...but you know, when i get the dollasss) So i wanted to know if anyone has had experience in buying a dog somewhere in LA. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Post by **JWR** » Sun Jun 25, 2006 8:00 pm

Most of the pet stores are way overpriced so unless you are after a specific breed or want show quality your best bet would be to check out the local animal shelters and adopt one.
You can get a great dog and give it a great home while saving it's life.

Cloud · Post by **Cloud** » Sun Jun 25, 2006 8:00 pm

That is something I haven't heard of. But not all of them?

Gonzai · Post by **Gonzai** » Sun Jun 25, 2006 8:43 pm

Most all breeds have rescue groups. I own 3 pugs,
and they are all rescues. I am sure you can go online
and find a rescue group for the breed you are looking
for.

Sugarflower · Post by **Sugarflower** » Sun Jun 25, 2006 11:48 pm

I would definately STAY AWAY from pet shops, IMO. I've very prejudice of them. The reason why? When I was a vet tech there seemed to be a problem with people purchasing sick puppies (especially around the holidays) from the local pet stores here. There was a horrible epidemic this year at one local pet shop in the mall. Numerous pups were brought to us for treatment and many died. What peeved me was the fact that this pet shop stayed open for business while they had sick and dying pups in their store and at our clinic!! Plus they were telling lies to people about some of the dogs they were selling.

We had clients bringing in their 'new family members' with snotty noses, coughing, dehydration, weight loss, vomitting, & diarrhea (oh god the diarrhea!!

). It was so heart breaking.

JWR is totally right about the pet shops being overpriced! I was shocked to see how much a rabbit goes for around NJ! The cheapest I found was around $50.00!! That wasn't even a fancy or lop variety either. Back home in WV I could buy one for $5.00 or $10.00 at pet shops and local breeders. Also with petshops you NEVER know if you will be buying a dog that originally came from a clean home or a puppy mill. To many people lie nowadays!!

So, yeah, like others have stated take some time to visit your local shelter and rescue one there. Even if you don't see a potential future family member at that time just keep going back. I'm sure SOMEONE SPECIAL will pick you guys out for their new mommy and daddy.

Gonzai also made a great point that there are rescue groups out there that specialize in rescuing specific breeds. I would check into that if you girlfriend isn't looking for a shelter dog or a mixed breed (mutt).

Well, there's my two cents.

soda · Post by **soda** » Mon Jun 26, 2006 6:43 am

I understand your desire. I've wanted a beagle for a long time but have decided that right now a dog would be too much work. A dog is more than just a present. It's like having a child and I suggest you think a bit more about how much time you're going to be able to devote to the dog before you go buy one on a whim. If after a few weeks you still want a dog and still think you can give it the attention it needs, then buy one from the humane society.

vapalla · Post by **vapalla** » Mon Jun 26, 2006 6:59 am

Make sure your girlfriend is in a position where she is going to have the time for a dog, and if one will definitely fit in her lifestyle; think of what size/type she would want. If she is oh-ing and Ah-ing over poms and chahuahuas, a lab isn't a good choice. Many purebreds can be found in shelters. Dog rescues for specific breeds are in many places. If you really want to get a pure bred puppy of a specific breed, look online and in magazines, and ask local vets for recommendations for a breeder. I have 2 breeder friends that breed AKC registered dogs and the AKC inspects their homes every year. Avoid non- AKC registered purebred puppies. Many puppies come from puppy mills and they are often very unhealthy. There are puppy mill puppies now being smuggled from Mexico showing up in American pet stores. If you find a good breeder, make sure you check out the parents of your puppy (or puppy-to-be if you are getting on a waiting list.). I bought a very sweet Pommie for my daughter and she has the same sweet disposition as her parents. She is prettier than the ones I saw in the petstores and she cost less!

hyelakingsfan · Post by **hyelakingsfan** » Mon Jun 26, 2006 10:26 am

Thanks for the info guys

. i found this site, and it has lots of options and one of them is Dog Rescue. What do you guys think...good site or not? As for my gf, she would have time for the dog....one more question...she also has another dog which is not too big (appr. 1.25 feet tall), will it be a problem if she gets another dog? tenk youw

ps...what are some types of dogs that stay small....i know stuff like yorki, chihuahua...

Drakonia · Post by **Drakonia** » Mon Jun 26, 2006 11:48 am

I have to agree with Sugarflower, Vapalla, and Soda. If you do make the decision to get a dog after much thought and consideration, the best place to find your new furry friend is either from a shelter or an animal rescue organization.

Here is a generic site for shelters that might be in your area: http://www.wonderpuppy.net/cashelters.htm

I've only had experience working with the San Bernardino area groups from that list, including this rescue organization (http://www.geocities.com/tanyas_pets/) when I lived in California, so I can't help much when it comes to groups in the Los Angeles Area.

Most of the rescue organizations in your area, not only should be able to tell you the animals that they have available for adoption, but should also be able to answer any questions you may have about a new furry family member. Give them a call as they are usually quite happy to help out potential adoptive candidates.

Just remember, to take your time, do your homework, and not be tempted to adopt the first twenty cute faces that you see.

Sugarflower · Post by **Sugarflower** » Mon Jun 26, 2006 1:35 pm

hyelakingsfan wrote:Thanks for the info guys . i found this site, and it has lots of options and one of them is Dog Rescue. What do you guys think...good site or not? As for my gf, she would have time for the dog....one more question...she also has another dog which is not too big (appr. 1.25 feet tall), will it be a problem if she gets another dog? tenk youw

If she decides to adopt an adult dog you would need to take her current pooch for a 'visit' with the potential dog in question. This way you can tell right away if they will be friends or enemies. Usually shelters will do this for you to determine if the 'new' doggie will be compatible with the current pooch.

hyelakingsfan wrote:ps...what are some types of dogs that stay small....i know stuff like yorki, chihuahua...

Let your girlfriend try out this link. It's like a survey that helps decide what dog breed best fits you and your lifestyle. I used to have another link like this that I liked much better but can't find it at the moment. If I do then I'll paste it as well.

Sugarflower · Post by **Sugarflower** » Mon Jun 26, 2006 1:47 pm

Here is the link that I like. It has pictures and info on the breeds that are selected for you based on the little questionaire you take.

I also found this site about puppies. I think it helps to find a puppy breeder for you, etc.

Gonzai · Post by **Gonzai** » Mon Jun 26, 2006 2:55 pm

www.petfinder.com

This is a nice site to go to to look for rescue dogs
and sheltered dogs in your area. Just put in what
breed you are interested in and your zipcode. It
will show you available rescue dogs in the location
that is closest to you.

blueheaven · Post by **blueheaven** » Mon Jun 26, 2006 3:04 pm

Personally, I'd also check the classifieds. It's a good way to get a preview of your dog by seeing what its parents look and act like. My only other option would be a shelter. I would never buy a dog from a pet store.