Before we adopted Hannah, we had to fill out a questionnaire with the rescue agency and email it to their offices. Here's how we answered the questions.
1. What age range would you consider? (youngest to oldest): remember, puppies require an obedience class and a spay/neuter: We're undecided, but anywhere from a puppy to a middle-aged dog who needs love.
2. What breeds are your favorite? We like medium- to large-sized dogs.
3. What breeds would you not consider? Any dogs with high prey instincts because we have a cat. Terriers, some scenthounds, some hounds would probably be off the list because we need to protect our kitty, too.
4. What activity level would best suit your family? Moderate. We want to be able to go on walks with the dog (maybe even runs). We are reasonably fit and active and would love it if our dog could hang with us while we do outdoor activities.
5. What weight range would be ideal? 40 and up.
6. Do you have a preference in male or female? Probably female, but we definitely wouldn't rule out a male who is a great fit.
7. Are there any personality traits you are sure you don't want? High vocalization, high prey instincts (we have a cat an occasional children visiting), food aggression
8. On an average day, how many consecutive hours will a dog or puppy need to be in a crate? 4 to 6, but we are on summer break for the next couple of months, so if we get a dog relatively soon, it won't have to be that long.
9. On an average day, how many consecutive hours will a dog or puppy go without a potty break? Same as above.
10. What age group will your new family member be regularly exposed to? (example: adults only, very small children, older children, seniors, etc): Adults on a daily basis, but we have visitors who are small- to medium-sized children several times a year.
11. Are there any special considerations for your family members (i.e a child who would prefer a quieter dog or an adult seeking a running partner)? A dog that will keep up with our moderate activity level without being a dog who requires daily marathons to control anxiety and/or mischief making.
12. If you have a dog or dogs, or a cat or cats, what personality traits would they choose in a furry sibling? We have an 8-year old cat who has never met a dog. She's friendly with people, both the big and small kind, and we think she would like a friend to play with. However, she is older and a bit set in her ways. She'll need a friend who will accept that she is in charge.
13. Can you, in good faith, commit to a rescue dog for the next 15-17 years? If not, why? Yes.
14. Who will take care of your dog in the event you have health issues, need temporary housing, or face another life change? We have friends who would take the dog, either on a temporary or permanent basis.
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