wow, that is a lot of GREAT info morf!!!  thanks for putting that together, i'm sure it will be a real help to anyone looking into adoption/rescue.

I skimmed through your post, and I like what I've read so far, good job morf! I will actually read it tomorrow when I get home from work.

Thanks for sharing!

Oh good point Cairnsmom!  I will add that point to the list.

In looking for a rescue dog I would ask if I can introduce Cain to the dog I am looking at. After buying Cain I found out he and my Tubby were not very good personality matches, it was a difficult time for a while (she is getting to her end and spends 95% of her time sleeping now).  And I would also ask if I could take the dog for a walk to maybe get a better feel of it's personality.

Congrats to you if you are going to rescue a dog!
Every rescue organization, from a breed foster program, to a rehome, to your local municipal animal shelter, is different in what they will tell you about the dog you are looking at.
In order to make sure that you are ready for what you are getting into, I have made this short list of questions and warnings.  If anyone has more info to add, please chime in!

Notes to take about a prospective rescue:

I.  Info about the dog
1.  Understand that most shelters are very overworked.  So they might not give you much info until you fill out an adoption form.  That does not necessarily mean they are uninterested in adopting to you.  They might just get so many requests from people wasting their time, that they only deal with serious adopters.  Fill out a form and see if their attitude changes.

2.  Find the person who knows the most about the Corso you are interested in.  The first person you talk to might just be whoever is on duty that day.  It's worth asking if there is anyone at the shelter who has bonded with the dog particularly.  One shelter worker might be that dog's special friend and will be your source of info and adoption champion.

3.  Get as much of a history on the Corso as possible.  Who turned her into the shelter?  Was she a stray?  Do we know where she came from?  An "guesses" ie they might know of a backyard breeder in the area, but don't name any names.  If you can be discreet, you will find out a lot more info.

4.  Questions to ask about:  Has the Corso been tested with:  Other dogs (small, big, M/F, unneutered, etc), cats, other pets, leash walking, potty training, small children, big children, loud noises, small spaces.  Any particular triggers for aggression or fear that the foster family or shelter notices.  If they try to say that their dogs would never bite, don't believe that.  You might take the dog anyway, but it gives you some idea of the rescue's credibility.

5.  If you are serious about a dog who may have behavioral problems or aggression, it's worth taking an animal trainer that you trust to the shelter with you.  Even some money paid for their time could save you a costly bite later.

6.  Ask how best to introduce the rescue to your current pets.  Some will let you walk the dog off-premises, some only in their own designated meeting area.  Some rescues will give you a 1-week trial period for the dog before an adoption is finalized. 

7.  Rescues cannot guarantee any info about their dogs.  They also may be totally honest about the dog's personality, but that personality can change drastically once they are in a safe forever home.  The submissive scared dog can turn into the dominant brave one, the loving snuggler could just be a sociopathic dog faking liking kids to get out of a kill shelter (ask me about that one sometime LOL), the one labelled "dangerous biter" might have been a nice dog reacting to abusive shelter staff (it does happen.)  It's all a guess, use your instincts and be prepared for an adventure.

II.  Things not to believe without proof

A.  A lot of shelters and rescues make the mistake of believing that every jumpy dog has been abused.  Most have not, they are just jumpy because they are locked up in a scary, loud place with a bunch of strangers.  If the shelter says the dog has been abused based on their behavior, rather than on personal knowledge or physical evidence, then make your own decision about that.

B.  Age estimates and even breed estimates are notoriously difficult to make.  One friend of mine rescued a dog.  The VET told her she has a year-old Jack Russell.  It turned out to be a very sickly, malnourished, 4-month old pit bull mix.  Her "Jack Russell" now weighs 80lbs!

C.  Trying to hard to get you to take the dog.  Some people who get into rescue are burnt out on how many dogs they get, and they "sell" too hard to get someone to adopt.  Guilt and pressure should never be part of an adoption - after all, you are going to have this dog for the rest of its life, so you need to make the right decision the first time.

III.  Evaluate the Rescue

It's sad that we have to be suspicious of "rescues" too, but these days there are plenty of people who are exploiting the
good vibes of rescue and just re-selling dogs.  The rescue should let you visit the location the dog lives, should let you meet with staff, and should be open about answering questions about their training methods, how they choose dogs to rescue, and their funding.

Any good rescue should let/encourage/or insist that you return the dog to them if anything goes wrong, WITHOUT CHARGE.

Read the adoption info and the contract CAREFULLY.  Take every word seriously.  If you have a talk with the rescue, and they say "disregard that part of the contract", the bottom line is if there is ever a dispute, all that the court or police officer will see is the words on paper with your signature on it.  If you are unsure about any part of a contract, review it with the rescue and ask if you can modify it or add notes that you both sign.  Don't sign anything you don't agree with.  

Even with all of these requirements, there are still way more dogs than there are homes.  So please, look for your perfect companion in a rescue.  A dog is waiting for you!