Newbie would like assistance, advice re: Craigslist

[woofwoofrufus]

We recently lost our American Eskimo, and started looking around online, and came across this ad on Craigslist:

http://duluth.craigslist.org/pet/1865636835.html

What a darling eskie!

Does anyone here happen to know if this is a STANDARD sized Eskie, doesn't he look very small, at age 5 to be a standard American Eskimo dog?

We wrote the person who placed the ad, but that person did it as a favor to the family who owns the dog, which kind of surprised me, as you'd imagine a family with children who showed this dog in 4-H would have a computer and place the ad themselves.

So when we inquired about the dog, first we got an email reply that the dog was already re-homed, then a few days later we got an email that they'd been mistaken, that the dog was still available, and they provided a phone number, and I guess in reply to how much this male eskie would cost were told that the family would take "the best offer."

What think you?

I can't imagine why they want to re-home a five year old dog who presumably was close to four children, at least one of whom exhibited him in 4-H dog shows.

We hate to call them long distance, have no idea if this dog is (very) small standand, or large miniature, and have NO idea what to offer, moneywise for a RE-homing adoption.

Any comments you'd care to share will be appreciated.


TIA

[BanaerEskies]

my guess would be a mini, but it is hard to tell in pictures.  If they have no "asking" price just offer a small amount like $50 or $100.  I have not done much on Craigslist because I worry that I will alway be the one that picks a scam ad...so be careful they are not pulling a fast one!  (I did get my horse on Craigslist and she is wonderful, but has a few "issues")

Be sure to ask if he has ever shown any aggression toward the children or not.  Talk to the owners, not the "neighbors".  If the owners are hiding behind someone, I would not get involved...they may have something to hide - ie illness, aggression, escape artist, separation anxiety, barking, destroyer, something. 

[woofwoofrufus]

my guess would be a mini, but it is hard to tell in pictures.  If they have no "asking" price just offer a small amount like $50 or $100.  I have not done much on Craigslist because I worry that I will alway be the one that picks a scam ad...so be careful they are not pulling a fast one!  (I did get my horse on Craigslist and she is wonderful, but has a few "issues")

Be sure to ask if he has ever shown any aggression toward the children or not.  Talk to the owners, not the "neighbors".  If the owners are hiding behind someone, I would not get involved...they may have something to hide - ie illness, aggression, escape artist, separation anxiety, barking, destroyer, something. 

Hi there, BanaerEskies!

I just love that puppy pic in your sig, 'Nancy' is just super adorable...

Thanks much for your reply. I first came across this eskimo at a free want-ad site:


http://www.easypetadoption.com/pets.php?city=duluth&q=eskimo

I was very surprised, when clicking through all sorts of cities in various states how many American Eskimos were out there, needing homes.  I'm aware of the rescue organizations, too, of course, but I would never have imagined that so many "Need to RE-home" eskies are available.

Thanks for the suggestions what to ask the owners IF we decide to call.  He looks like a "mini" to me, too, he's not all that much bigger than the water bowl, but is said to weigh 25 lbs., and from the pics, obviously isn't FAT, not at all.

Thank you very much for sharing many more possible reasons why they want to re-home this beautiful dog.

Frankly, he is simply SO gorgeous. so very pretty, that that in itself raised my suspicions, LOL

[Geno]

I would call the owners and ask about health or aggression issues. Make an offer. If you like what you hear, go see him and pay in person if you take him. Also ask if they have his papers and shot record.

Chester is a craigslist rescue. Met the owners at an Eatin Park, gave them the rehoming fee and brought him home. Have never regreted it.

He looks like a mini to me also, and doesn't look like he's 25lbs. But pictures are hard to figure out. They may be guessing at his weight. I thought Chester was around 25lbs and the Vet weighted him in at 17.

Go get the little guy... 

Geno

[Steve]

I don't remember hearing where you're located?  I really don't think you should let calling long distance get in your way - got a cell phone?  It's probably got free long distance included.  This is an important, long term, life changing decision - make the phone call.

I think you heard from WhytePine in another post - we just spent a weekend at her place and she's got several available eskies that are very sociable.

[Whytepine]

I don't remember hearing where you're located?  I really don't think you should let calling long distance get in your way - got a cell phone?  It's probably got free long distance included.  This is an important, long term, life changing decision - make the phone call.

I think you heard from WhytePine in another post - we just spent a weekend at her place and she's got several available eskies that are very sociable.

I don't remember responding, but I have seen this dog on Craig's List but I'm just too filled up right now to take in another Eskie.  I do have at least 2 up for adoption, but I need to get one of them spayed before she can go.  Woofwoofrufus, let me know if you are close to MN because I have been known to drive and deliver a dog. 

[Steve]

I don't remember responding, but.....

In this thread: Sweet 3 year old Female needs rescued.  I see upon deeper reading that the two of you didn't directly chat

Here it is:

Good idea!  Been there, done that, and still doing it with 3 reskies here that need to be re-homed.  It's a great feeling when you can find the perfect home where you know they will be loved furever! 

Hello, Whytepine.

I thought you were 'only' a breeder. What are the ages/sexes of your three reskies? Do you have photos of them available anywhere online?

Thank you.

[Whytepine]

Ooops!  Looks like I haven't been keeping up with the board!

I don't have any pics online by if you, Woofwoofrufus, would like to email me directly, I can send you some pics of the girls.