I am hearing impaired, and after this past weekend, my husband and I decided that we need to get dog. This last month, our normally peaceful neighborhood has had several break-ins and last weekend another tenant (who will be leaving) brought a gang into our area and the end result was a gun being brought out and fired at children (including mine) in the front yard. We are not looking for a guard dog, but just one that would be my "ears" and alert me to someone in the yard or at my front door. Many of our neighbors are considering moving, but unfortunately it's not an option for us. We can't afford to go and pay $100 plus for a dog right now, but would be willing to do other things to prove we would be a good forever home for a dog. We would prefer something 25 lbs or under, simply because we would take it with us in the car- to downtown Chicago and back to Iowa on occasion, and it has to be able to fit in our vehicle. If there is anyone out there that could help us out, we'd really appreciate it.
How about looking into a shelter, there are so many dogs and cats in need of a good home. Something you might want to think about.
J.
Any kind of terrier would probably work for you, we have a west highland terrier, he is a large dog in a small body, very protective of us.
We love our 2 little terriers & they are great at letting us know when someone is too close to the house during the day but at night they are pretty sound sleepers so we have an ADT security system.
We were considering moving until we got involved with our community improvement group & CAPS (community policing program). Now we have a block club that meets monthly to address community concerns & has helped us develop a positive relationship with our police commander.
The police can't be everywhere so we take on the responsibility of keeping them advised of suspicious activity & call 911 whenever we require police service.
Recently we were commended by the mayor & our commander for a decrease in crime in the neighborhood. Most importantly getting to know our neighbors has given us a real sense of a strong community defending our neighborhood safety.
Hi
I'll second the other suggestion on a shelter dog or rescue - Over the years, we've adopted from shelters or through a breed rescue, the dogs were a couple years old (no puppy nonsense and already housebroken) and it was like they somehow "knew" they were getting a 2nd chance.
Good luck!
J.
We just got a terrier form Paws. She does not miss anyone coming into the house so you will always know if anyone is coming there.
Check www.petfinder.com. There are tons of great dogs that need homes at shelters and in rescues. I'm a dog trainer, if you need any help after you find your new friend!
T.
My 18 year old son is hearing impaired and my husband is disabled. Our dog of 14+ years died about 1.5 years ago. We checked rescues, kennels, the paper, everything. About six months ago, my daughter spotted a picture at the groomer's "dog needs a home". We got a darling Yorkiepoo who will be two on Saturday. We had to do some retraining but he's part of the family now. He hears very well and barks when someone comes to the door, he is protective of us, and is great with our granddaughters. Try calling groomers and see if they have anyone who needs to find a home for their dog. I tried Angie's list and Craig's list but the dogs were always gone by the time I called. I also one that was a scam looking for money to ship the dog to me. Also, sometimes breeders have the runts of the litter that can't be sold and are happy to find a good home for them. Good luck in your search.
