Thinking of taking a rescue dog

[bigkeeko]

I`ve been thinking recently about taking a rescue dog from a dogs home.

Is there any difference between Dogstrust, RSPCA and the likes or are they all much of a likeness?

Anyone any experience of any of these places? They all mean well and I`m hoping to help at least one doggie.

[bigkeeko]

Thank you very much for your replies.

I have looked at a couple of wee dogs. One had been taken in after it was thrown from a car and left injured in a car park. The other was simply a stray. I rang Dog trust today and they suggested coming to see them so I`m planning a trip on Thursday.

[bigkeeko]

Not really too fussed on breed. Ideally a small to mid sized dog is all the criteria it needs to meet. I`d take a young or a old dog. I kinda like the idea of taking a dog that`s been often overlooked but I`ll decide probably when I visit.
Apparently sometimes they come to your house to see if you actually suit them so that can only be a good thing.

[bigkeeko]

bakerstreet said:

Errr...It might be a good idea to do some research.

There will be some breeds that suit your lifestyle and others that don't.

Errr.... thanks for the illumination there.

[bigkeeko]

Heading up tomorrow for a look round. I`ve never taken a rescue dog. All my dogs have been from pups and having had a `dogless` home for a few months things are not the same.

Thanks for your input and pictures everyone.

Edited by bigkeeko on Wednesday 30th July 15:41

[bigkeeko]

johnxjsc1985 said:

If you are out for long periods of times consider having two Dogs. They are pack animals and do not like being alone. I am lucky and never leave then for more than 5 hours. You can also get someone to walk the Dog during the day if you are not able too. There are always solutions to these problems. From the Dogs point of view anything would be better than 23 hours a day in a cage.

Sensible contribution I have to agree.

[bigkeeko]

Well I went today to dogs trust in West Calder. Lovely place to be fair however I rang 5 times and no answer and it was a 3 hour drive from my house.
When I arrived I explained I had rang the last day and enquired about a couple of their dogs.
On arrival I filled in a `suitability` form and was shown in the direction of the kennels.
The wee dogs I saw online were there however I wasn`t allowed to see them out of their cages as they said they were short staffed and later on they said only staff the dogs knew could take them out. They painted the worst picture possible for the dogs we asked about saying they were boisterous and verging on uncontrollable yet the descriptions were the complete opposite. I mean a 6 hour round trip, I was hoping to at least see one the lead to get a clearer picture and form an opinion. I know it takes time but I get the sense that if I travel again it`ll be a repeat show. I wasn`t expecting to walk a dog, just see one out of the cage.
The dogs themselves, from what we gathered behind the mesh were wagging tails and really happy to have someone near by and talk to them. One kept picking his ball up and dropping it next to me. Another mature couple we met told us that had been rejected in their hope for a spaniel having been told the dog wasn`t for them.
Now, I know the staff have the best interests at heart for the dogs and I understand that they can`t just rehome them to any old Tom, Dick or Harry but they don`t exactly come across as accommodating. The dogs we asked about had be there for a long time. One had been there for a year and a half with no offers of a home but we were told he was the worst dog they had. I mean, he won`t get any offers if they don`t trust anyone or give anyone a chance and it doesn`t help putting that he`s sweet and loving and cute in his description. Maybe it`s part of the process to see if you`re genuinely interested as I dare say there`ll be some dodgy characters in and I understand there needs to be a vetting process.
I`ll try again as I`m still keen to take one in.

[bigkeeko]

bexVN said:

Possibly but I have had 3 colleagues turned down (all qualified vet nurses) because they worked, even though they could bring the dogs to work with them and with one of them her partner worked shifts and another had family that could help if ever needed!

Sounds a bit strict but what can you do? I`ve had dogs all of my life and the breeds I viewed I have an in depth understanding of. Even if am rejected ( and that would be pretty crazy and glaringly evident of a poor system) I could buy one and start from scratch as I always have done so all is not lost.

[bigkeeko]

bakerstreet said:

Having said all this is the OP a full time worker??

I work 12 hour shifts. 4 days on 4 days off. Minus holiday entitlement I`m off 7 months plus a year. The other half works different hours. The dog would hardly be left alone often and even worst case scenario it`s 5 hours. We`ve looked at a local trusted dog walker thats cheap to pay as well. Seriously, the lucky dog would be that. A lucky dog so from a rescue centers point of view it`s no brainer.

[bigkeeko]

tedmus said:

I'd have thought 5 hours would be fine without the need for a walker to be honest.

No, you`re right. It was a belt and braces indicator of our commitment.