Getting a new dog...slightly effing frustrating

[bexVN]

I look to rescue from greyhound rescue (they take lurchers and whippets) I knew what I wanted, had to be cat friendly and young child/ baby friendly and social with other dogs and whippet/whippet x.

This obviously narrowed the field, there were a couple but they were 200 miles +away and they were a bit funny about wanting quick decisions etc. They then tried to convince me to take on a young 8 month, untrained largish lurcher who had a lovely temperament (I was told) but had come from Ireland on quite strong heart medication though had now been given the all clear?? I couldn't do it. I think they saw me as ideal because of my job but she wouldn't have been insurable etc. After what I'd been through with Jimmy I had to say no but felt terrible doing so. I was told that she was being penalised because they were being honest. (She was also based miles away)

[Craphouserat]

Dolf Stoppard said:

Good to hear that you're thinking of getting a new friend. I replied to your post back in September as we'd just taken on a puppy a year after losing our last dog.

I have to say that while I think The Dogs Trust are a great charity they can be a little frustrating.

We were in a very similar situation to you in that my other half works shifts, I work normal office hours but I'm often at home, so the longest a dog would be left for is a morning or afternoon. The Dogs Trust were actually ok about this so I wouldn't necessarily give up with them.

What we did find really frustrating though was that the most appealing dogs were always rehomed even before their picture appeared on the site. How this kept happening I don't know. Whenever we turned up there only ever seemed to be a small number of dogs available, with all of the others in some sort of maximum security type wing they wouldn't even let you in. The whole thing also felt quite competitive, with loads of families / couples competing for a small number of dogs, while the staff were not all that interested in helping find the 'right' dog.

In the end we decided to go for a Cockapoo puppy and haven't regretted it one bit - although in many ways we'd have loved to 'rescue' a dog. I do think that the smaller charities are perhaps a better bet and have more realistic expectations of those looking to rehome a dog. I'm not sure if I'm allowed to do this or not but have you tried:

http://www.terrierrescue.co.uk

We very nearly had a dog from them and they seemed a decent, straightforward bunch. Always plenty of little scamps to choose from as well!

Good luck with your search though.

Thanks for that

[rovermorris999]

moorx said:

Sorry - by way of introduction, I should probably say that I'm Clare, I live in west Wales and I currently have four dogs (two greyhounds and two very naughty whippets - all rescues) and six rabbits (all rescues except one) - not an obvious combination, I know and one very ancient goldfish.

Hounds are additive aren't they? Five here, rescued greyhound, rescued saluki/greyhound, rescued lurcher and two whippets I got as pups.
I came seriously close to a Wolfhound pup recently as I had one years ago but I think I'd need to extend the house first.

[tedmus]

Jasandjules said:

A smaller local rescue is more likely to be helpful. People who actually realise a dog left alone for a few hours a dog is better off than a dog stuck in kennels in their place for 22 hours a day.....

Absolutely this.

Although, our current rescue dog came from a place run by one of the most well known of dog rescues, the feel of the place was that it seemed to operate like one of the smaller, independent rescues. Home check was done by a local volunteer.

[moorx]

rovermorris999 said:

Hounds are additive aren't they? Five here, rescued greyhound, rescued saluki/greyhound, rescued lurcher and two whippets I got as pups.
I came seriously close to a Wolfhound pup recently as I had one years ago but I think I'd need to extend the house first.

Seriously addictive Are your whippets related? Ours are litter brothers who ended up in rescue because they grew too big for showing/breeding and the breeder couldn't sell them.

So far I have owned Ellie (lurcher), Lily (grey), Hudson (lurcher), Benson (saluki/grey), Joe (bull lurcher), Sam & Jet (whippets), Dylan (grey) and Honey (grey).

I first got one when I was living alone and working FT (as a companion for my staffy x) as I heard that they were a good choice for people who work. I did have a dog walker, I hasten to add. Then I adopted several more over the years. When OH and I moved to Wales a couple of years ago and Lily died, I did consider other breeds, as our circumstances had changed (OH works from home), but I kept being drawn to the pointy faces on rescue websites

I adore Wolfhounds too, and Deerhounds. One day.....(or at least a scruffy lurcher - all mine have been smooth coated).

[rovermorris999]

No, the whips aren't related but both just over two years old. Wilf is a proper northern grey/silver brindle whippet from racing and hunting stock bought from a lovely couple in Bradford. Alice is a white/brindle show stock more-or-less rescued from a dodgy breeder and came with the biggest worms I've ever seen. I only intended to have one whippet but Wilf ran our old big dogs (10 years old approx) ragged so we decided on a companion for him. They are inseparable and I'll always have them in pairs in future, two are probably less trouble than one as they entertain each other. Makes for a crowded bed in the morning though, sometimes four at once with me perched on the edge.

The others are Tess, a tan Heinz 57 lurcher, got at 6 months old after 5 previous homes; Lucy (aka Noodles) a black and white ex-racing greyhound and Honey(aka Hooter due to the bizarre hooting noise she sometimes makes) a tan saluki/grey cross. Honey was an accident really. I spotted Lucy at a local small rescue, took her out and decided to have her but thought my wife should have a look first. So a couple of days later took Mrs RM along and the swines at the rescue had put the newly-arrived Honey in the next kennel. I'd never seen such big, frightened eyes. Mrs RM decided that we had to have both so that was that.

Edited by rovermorris999 on Thursday 23 October 17:57

[Dr_Rick]

Someone at work here volunteers at this place:

http://www.anydogildorescue.org/

According to her, they won't give you the jip that the Dogs Trust gave you. She commented that they use a little 'code' in the online descriptions and do judge people in a slightly daft way.

[Craphouserat]

Happened again today at a localish rescue centre. Seen a lurcher/Collie cross pup ( 16 week ). I went to see it yesterday alone (wife was working) and today my wife went to see it today (i've been at work)...a good hours drive there. They were very positive yesterday - dog jumping all over me - lots of hugs and playfulness. Wife turns up today and basically told ehhh no - you both work !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

She has been in tears since....i'm just in the door and im effing raging. Why did they not mention yesterday any concerns? Maximum of 4 hours twice every 10 days...worst bloody case...even that won't happen often!!!!!!!!!!!

Genuinely cannot believe how things are panning out.....I genueinely don't think I can go on with a rescue dog.

That's Saturday night ruined for us. Being honest about our working arrangements has meant we are getting overlooked. Two decent people who have good responsible jobs with the Police Service...a lot to offer living in a nice house - big garden - no kids - almost always someobody home...no not good enough.

So it's start lieing or just go to gumtree/ebay whatever. I'm presuming people with dogs never ever....ever leave it alone? Never go out to the pub...or go shopping etec etc.

Apologies all....i am majorly fked off.

[Efbe]

Craphouserat said:

Happened again today at a localish rescue centre. Seen a lurcher/Collie cross pup ( 16 week ). I went to see it yesterday alone (wife was working) and today my wife went to see it today (i've been at work)...a good hours drive there. They were very positive yesterday - dog jumping all over me - lots of hugs and playfulness. Wife turns up today and basically told ehhh no - you both work !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

She has been in tears since....i'm just in the door and im effing raging. Why did they not mention yesterday any concerns? Maximum of 4 hours twice every 10 days...worst bloody case...even that won't happen often!!!!!!!!!!!

Genuinely cannot believe how things are panning out.....I genueinely don't think I can go on with a rescue dog.

That's Saturday night ruined for us. Being honest about our working arrangements has meant we are getting overlooked. Two decent people who have good responsible jobs with the Police Service...a lot to offer living in a nice house - big garden - no kids - almost always someobody home...no not good enough.

So it's start lieing or just go to gumtree/ebay whatever. I'm presuming people with dogs never ever....ever leave it alone? Never go out to the pub...or go shopping etec etc.

Apologies all....i am majorly fked off.

very surprised you didn't just lie this time.

[bigandclever]

Craphouserat said:

So it's start lieing

No st, Sherlock.

[bexVN]

Can you not phone them back and give them some frank words esp with how this has upset your wife. Tell them your vet will clarify your ownership qualities etc.

I do not think they should be allowed to give off this crap and advise them that as you work you can pay for the dog etc.

I am fuming for you, I have seen too many good, decent potential owners go through this stress and bullcrap!

Oh and yes we are the worst owners ever as we have just left Bryn alone for 4.5hrs!! (though he has cocked his leg in the lounge in revenge, little sod!)

Edited by bexVN on Saturday 25th October 19:16

[rovermorris999]

Some rescues are too far up their own arses for their own good. Unless a dog is going to be left for long periods regularly then a loving home is far preferable to any kennel however good it is. Being treated like that would seriously piss me off.

[Dolf Stoppard]

I think one option is to perhaps explain your work pattern to the home, that there will be the odd occasion when the dog will be left alone (albeit only for short periods) but that you'd be happy to consider a dog-sitter / doggy day care if it was needed. This should help alleviate any concerns a home might have. It's also an option worth considering for when you want a holiday / day out and shows you've considered the long term issues. If a home is still not happy to deal with you I'd walk away and find one that recognises all of the positives you've got to offer.

[SteBrown91]

Are these people for real? So now you can't ever do anything because a dog might be alone? Mrs dog quite happily spends all day alone in the week - he just sleeps! I'd just start looking in the ad mag or something rather than a rescue. Sounds too much hassle to be worth it.

[scdan4]

Balls to them. You've tried.

Now go get a nice cute puppy.

[Craphouserat]

scdan4 said:

Balls to them. You've tried.

Now go get a nice cute puppy.

This is what will more than likely happen.

We had thought of lieing...but didn't want to get caught out....plus I'd emailed my interest prior to my visit and explained our work patterns and whilst we were talking he never said it was a problem. I have emailed them again today and they have said they decided to give it to a family who work from home and they were sorry if they caused any upset. I'll leave it there with them...I can only assume the people they gave it to are hermits who only ever leave the house for essentials.

We're now looking at pups/decent local breeders. Still get drawn into looking at rescue websites but at the end of the day there is no real point.

[bucksmanuk]

I have read this, kept a close eye on the updates and been gob smacked at the response from the rescue centres. Partly because we shall probably be doing this ourselves in the New Year, and we fit into the same 2 working but different patterns routine. This little proverb seems fitting somehow…
"The road to hell is paved with good intentions"

[egor110]

Why do you say it's time to go to gumtree/ebay?

It comes across (and i could be way off the mark) that your just after a cheap dog, i wonder if the rescue places are also picking up on this ?

If i was in your shoes and i was having no joy rescuing i'd just get the breed i actually want rather than what's in the rescue center.

Gumtree would be my last place to look, it's where people who have no idea what there doing advertise, go to a breeder who's done the health checks on the breed you choose so you can at least know mum/dad grandparents are healthy.

[bexVN]

I think the comment was vented out of frustration tbh. Rescue isn't a cheap route either. I wouldn't advise Gumtree/ EBay either.

[CAPP0]

egor110 said:

Why do you say it's time to go to gumtree/ebay?

It comes across (and i could be way off the mark) that your just after a cheap dog, i wonder if the rescue places are also picking up on this ?

If i was in your shoes and i was having no joy rescuing i'd just get the breed i actually want rather than what's in the rescue center.

Gumtree would be my last place to look, it's where people who have no idea what there doing advertise, go to a breeder who's done the health checks on the breed you choose so you can at least know mum/dad grandparents are healthy.

I think the OP will confirm that yes, you are way off the mark. If you read back some of his other recent threads you'll see that he and his wife have nothing but the best of intentions and I would hazard that money is the very last thing on their minds in this situation. Many people, including me and including many on here, actively want to help a rescue dog which needs a home and might otherwise struggle for one. Puppies, whilst often fairly easy (too easy?) to buy, will pretty much always find a home; not always a good home, but that's another story (and one of the reasons rescues exist). Rescue dogs need help.

I'll declare now, before the hypocrisy-accusers pitch up, that yes, my wife and I did buy a pedigree puppy a few months ago, but there were good, and specific, private reasons for that. I have rehomed 5 dogs from rescues in the past and we only lost the last one a couple of weeks ago. As soon as we're ready I'm sure we will also be offering a home to another rescue dog (if they'll let us have one!).