How about posting an area for dogs that are available for adoption that includes photos of the dogs as well as background information and updates? I'm new to this forum so am not sure if this has been covered in the past or not. I'm interested in adopting a particular Dobe from 2nd Chance Dobermans and would like as much information on him as possible and an update on how he's doing and how he's getting along in his foster home. By lisiting the dogs available here (I realize, too, that they're listed on PetFinder), foster "moms" and "dads" would be able to leave notes periodically on how each adoptee is doing. Links could be added to adoption applications for potential adopters and such. I know that this forum software will allow you to designate who can post in which topic and who can't (I use the same software for a horse-related forum I run) so it wouldn't be hard to make the topic a view-only topic for informational purposes, ie. so that people can't flood the forum with questions without filling out an adoption application.

If you think this is a good idea and you need help setting up such a section, feel free to let me know and I'll lend a hand.

Great forum, BTW, and I'm sincerely looking forward to meeting my potential Dobe family member this coming weekend!!

First Welcome to the forum, and this would be a great idea except that Second Chance Dobes does not use foster homes it is a kennel and the main person is Arda and she has limited time to post information. When Dobes come in, they come in with limited information from Animal Controls and their stay is usually short until vet care and adopters can be found. But Susanne one of our volunteers is out every Saturday taking pictures and helping with adoption weekend.

And Katy Bishop's Animal Friends have used this but many of our foster homes are not computer friendly or do not have access. So that limits us.

When you go to an adoption day the files of all the information on each animal is availlable and you can take time meeting each personality. All of our animals are wonderful and you only need to look at the happy ending stories and hear from our adopters to see this.

We sure could use any help for the board or suggestions that might make it more wonderful for our adopters.. And We cant wait to see you Saturday...

Sherri

Hi Sherri...

Thanks for your response and I totally see your point. If there's anything I can do to help out with the forum, feel free to contact me!

Looking forward to meeting Arda, the volunteers at 2nd Chance Dobes and of course, all of the dogs looking for homes!

Mandy

Well, kind of sad news, but good news in a way....doesn't look like we'll be able to adopt a Dobe at the moment as my husband's grandfather, quite unexpectedly, had a quadruple bypass this past week, so we're taking care of their 7 month old Lab puppy for a while (which is the good news as she would have gone back to the rescue or the pound had we not volunteered to take her). We're not quite sure what's going to happen with her, whether or not hubby's grandparents will be able to take her back or if she'll remain with us, so in the meantime, we're putting off adding another dog to the household (right now we've got two of our own plus the puppy) until we figure out what's going on. No sense in causing undue stress to the dogs and us by throwing another canine in the mix, not to mention all of our pups are quite active (especially with the new pupperoo in the house!) and I wouldn't want to stress out a new Dobe with all the commotion. I would, however, love to still come down this Saturday and volunteer for the day at 2nd Chance Dobes to see what the rescue is all about and to meet all of the dogs looking for homes. Would it be possible for me to bring my Weimaraner with me to meet the dogs to see how she'll get on with a future Dobe brother or sister? She's kind of an in-your-face type of dog and that's my biggest concern with bringing a new Dobe home with her. We won't be able to bring a Dobe home this Saturday, but there's a very good chance we'll be able to bring one home in the near future, hence my wanting to get to know more about the rescue and the animals it cares for.

If you'd rather I not come until we're ready to adopt, I completely understand.

Thanks a ton!

Mandy

Hi Mandy

My name is Kelly Bookman. I found my rescued Dobie on Second Chance Dobies (Petfinder). I live at Ellsworth AFB SD so you can imagine my excitement on being chosen to get one of Arda's precious Dobies. I have family that live in Mt. Clemens Michigan. We went for a vacation June 03 to Michigan and that is why I contacted Second Chance. The closeset rescue to me is in Nebraska however they would't adopt out because we live in a different state. I had filled out the application a month before we were to be there. Sherri and I did some emailing and phone calls. I checked the site every weekend and Monday to see if the Dobie I wanted was still there. Well we got to Michigan on Friday and went Saturday to get her. Arda was pretty busy as one dog was being surrendered to her, she had one couple ahead of use. She told us she would be right with us, we took that time to look at all the dogs. I didn't see then named Girl at the time (now Dakota). I was kind of heart broken. I didn't know there were kennels on the other side of the building. When Arda was finished she asked if she could help us. I immediately asked if Girl was still there. She took us through the building to other side to meet her. She told us all the info she had on her. Arda was truthful on Girl being positive for Heartworm, said she was a head strong dobie. Told us of the only dog she had a problem with. All that didn't matter it was very helpful but we wanted her no matter what. She's been with us 9 months now and if we could have three dogs in military housing we would be going back this August to get another one. As it is we can only take Dakota back for a Visit. I can tell you this Arda, Sherri and Susanne put thier hear and soles into these dogs.

All of Second Chance Dobes volunteers would like to thank Mandy for coming out and pitching in this Saturday. I am sure you have no doubt that even though rescue is very hard work our guys are sooooooo worth the effort.. I really hope that you continue to join us on the board We would love to see pictures of the pup you rescued we welcome any rescued dog be it ours or any other rescue or situation such as yours..

Thank you again for coming out Every one was so happy to have the extra help and Suzanne was able to get some great pictures..

thank you again.

Spending the day with Arda, the volunteers and all of the dogs at 2nd Chance was a wonderful experience, but a saddening one knowing that every dog there was discarded by someone for one reason or another. You could read the need for love in each dogs eyes as they pleaded for someone to take them home. It was heartbreaking for me to have to leave without taking one with me. It was very evident that Arda and her volunteers love every animal at the rescue...and I don't know how they do what they do day in and day out, dealing with owners who surrender their pets for one excuse or another, seeing the sadness in an unwanted dogs eyes and caring for the sick and injured animals. It certainly takes nerves of steel and a heart as big as the universe, for sure.

Unfortuantely my cell phone died during my trip to 2nd Chance, and had it not, I would have been able to bring one of those darling Dobes home with me. My husband had found a home for his grandparent's Lab puppy (Ebony) where she would give challenge to three active young boys who had recently lost their Lab. It was the kind of home she needed–we were thrilled when they welcomed her into their family with loving hugs, kisses and laughter. My husband, Brandon, had been trying to call me all day with the hopes of catching me before I left the rescue to tell me the news and to say that if I found a Dobe at 2nd Chance that I felt would fit perfectly into our home, I could bring him home with me. When I returned home he truly half expected me to walk in with a dog, but out of respect for his wishes to not adopt until we had placed Ebony, I sadly held back my desire to bring EVERY dog home with me.

Well, Arda, I thank you for the opportunity to spend the day with you, the dogs, Suzanne and the other volunteers.....and we'll be back again with a new collar and leash in hand as an offering for a second chance at life for one of your beautiful Dobes. Until then, give everyone kisses on the nose for us!!

We have a saying here those that help scoop the poop get the first choice of dogs.
When ever your ready.. your welcome to any of our wonderful guys

Sherri

My husband and I are heading down to 2nd Chance Dobes tomorrow morning (Saturday)....we'll let you all know how many Dobes can fit in the back of a Jeep Cherokee, in case you ever wondered....