Getting a new dog...slightly effing frustrating
Discussion
So many of you will know we lost our wee man Ozzie in Sept. Thanks again for all the kind words.
This weekend been trawling around all the dog homes...and not just local ones. Booked a couple of days away and went to visit ones further afield.
Filled in their questionnaire's and looked at the dogs they had....many a tear shed by the wife and a few by me. No easy seeing and hearing them barking and looking sad etc etc.
Anyhow...we seen one we liked and we know its not as straight forward as going into a shop and buying what you want but we were basically told no you can't have any of the ones you like because they can't be left alone.....despite the fact my wife and i work different shift patterns and there is virtually always one of us hoe 7 days 24 hrs a day. Very worst case scenario it will be on its own for 4 hours max twice every 10 days...that is very worst case. We have no kids a very large enclosed back garden - live in a semi rural village and in general have a lot of love to give..as well as being able to give them a great home life.
One of the dogs we liked was going to a family..who were there whilst we were there. The dad was what can only kindly be described as a chav...now he may have just been finished work i grant you...grey joggin bottoms baseball cap and a Kappa T-shirt. Wife - nice enough 3 very young kids in tow.
Maybe I'm just being jealous - snobbish - whatever. I don't mean to be. But the people in the homes never asked us much bout our jobs...just no you can't have it ( the one we wanted in the home in question was a 1 yr old black lab) because you both work....eh???
Really?? You can't have a dog because it can't be left alone?? Seriously? All the dogs I've had may not have liked it initially but have got used to it...and this year I changed jobs so there's virtually always some one home 24/7 - before taking annual leave into account.
Still its OK if you have 3 young kids ( none were over the age of 5 ). At least someone is home all the time there to pull their tail poke and prod it etc.
I'm sorry....rant over. No rescue dogs here I think..try breeders now.
This weekend been trawling around all the dog homes...and not just local ones. Booked a couple of days away and went to visit ones further afield.
Filled in their questionnaire's and looked at the dogs they had....many a tear shed by the wife and a few by me. No easy seeing and hearing them barking and looking sad etc etc.
Anyhow...we seen one we liked and we know its not as straight forward as going into a shop and buying what you want but we were basically told no you can't have any of the ones you like because they can't be left alone.....despite the fact my wife and i work different shift patterns and there is virtually always one of us hoe 7 days 24 hrs a day. Very worst case scenario it will be on its own for 4 hours max twice every 10 days...that is very worst case. We have no kids a very large enclosed back garden - live in a semi rural village and in general have a lot of love to give..as well as being able to give them a great home life.
One of the dogs we liked was going to a family..who were there whilst we were there. The dad was what can only kindly be described as a chav...now he may have just been finished work i grant you...grey joggin bottoms baseball cap and a Kappa T-shirt. Wife - nice enough 3 very young kids in tow.
Maybe I'm just being jealous - snobbish - whatever. I don't mean to be. But the people in the homes never asked us much bout our jobs...just no you can't have it ( the one we wanted in the home in question was a 1 yr old black lab) because you both work....eh???
Really?? You can't have a dog because it can't be left alone?? Seriously? All the dogs I've had may not have liked it initially but have got used to it...and this year I changed jobs so there's virtually always some one home 24/7 - before taking annual leave into account.
Still its OK if you have 3 young kids ( none were over the age of 5 ). At least someone is home all the time there to pull their tail poke and prod it etc.
I'm sorry....rant over. No rescue dogs here I think..try breeders now.
Edited by Craphouserat on Tuesday 21st October 21:07
[quote=scdan4]Not sure who you are looking with, but try the smaller one man band type rescues.
The large, known ones are often a shower of "the road to hell is paved with good intentions" s
te imho.
Have used big ones in the past, but never again for us I'm afraid. All the known brands have dissuaded us from going back.
Local ones are better and more sensible IME.
Our current mutt was found by word of mouth. She's a good un. Ask around.[/quot
Cheers
The ones we went to were the larger ones....really put us off. Never really spoke to us at all. Whats annoying is we have so much to offer/give...but no...you both work so forget it. I appreciate a lot of rescue dogs will have baggage and we really want to give a dog thats had a st start a good life...so we know they will take time. We wouldn't just leave it.
But alas all they seen in the form was both these people work....dogs won't work for them at all. Get a goldfish.
The large, known ones are often a shower of "the road to hell is paved with good intentions" s
te imho.Have used big ones in the past, but never again for us I'm afraid. All the known brands have dissuaded us from going back.
Local ones are better and more sensible IME.
Our current mutt was found by word of mouth. She's a good un. Ask around.[/quot
Cheers
The ones we went to were the larger ones....really put us off. Never really spoke to us at all. Whats annoying is we have so much to offer/give...but no...you both work so forget it. I appreciate a lot of rescue dogs will have baggage and we really want to give a dog thats had a s
t start a good life...so we know they will take time. We wouldn't just leave it.But alas all they seen in the form was both these people work....dogs won't work for them at all. Get a goldfish.
bexVN said:
I'm sorry to say this is on of my biggest gripes with animal charities 
. I had fellow vet nurses refused even though we can bring our dogs to work with us!! I've known prospective rescue dog owners refused so they've gone and bought a pup instead.
There will be some out there more open minded. As mentioned look at smaller charities or if you can bring yourself to, ask your vet. We keep a list of people that could be prospective owners of dogs needing a new home. (people just like yourselves)
Thanks Bex.. I had fellow vet nurses refused even though we can bring our dogs to work with us!! I've known prospective rescue dog owners refused so they've gone and bought a pup instead.There will be some out there more open minded. As mentioned look at smaller charities or if you can bring yourself to, ask your vet. We keep a list of people that could be prospective owners of dogs needing a new home. (people just like yourselves)
Really frustrating. I've owned Retrievers and now a Terrier - we both work for the Police on different work patterns....not even that mattered !!
We're now looking at pups. Really sad because like I said it was upsetting seeing the dogs some of whom almost looked like they were begging us to take them home.
Ohh well.
I appreciate these places do a good job and they quite rightly have to have the dog's interests at heart...but for gods sake have a sense of perspective. Yes some dogs have current problems and so cannot be left alone...we completely understand that...no problem. But to tell us we can't have a 1yr old lab because we work and give it to a couple with 3 kids is a bit odd.
My wife got our terrier from her brother when they had a kid because they couldn't look after both. We gave him a great life. I'm not saying you cannot look after a dog if you have 3 kids..not at all..I am just jealous ! But I doubt it'll be easy.
Anyhow..time to breath ! Rant over!!
My wife got our terrier from her brother when they had a kid because they couldn't look after both. We gave him a great life. I'm not saying you cannot look after a dog if you have 3 kids..not at all..I am just jealous ! But I doubt it'll be easy.
Anyhow..time to breath ! Rant over!!
egor110 said:
put up a post up on the agilitynet facebook page, lots of people there have there fingers in lots of pies.
Thanks - I've never heard of them before.I was about to ask what buying from the net is like..gumtree etc? i imagine like everything else...some good sellers online...some not so good.
Thanks for everyone's replies. Very interesting reading others experiences. My wife and I are experienced dog owners - personally I've worked with working dogs and more recently just had them as pets.
It has been the Dogs Trust that have really put us off. Their general lack of interest in us was almost verging on ignorant. No questions - just a quick perusal of the questionnaire and effectively no - go away...we are busy here.
We are in the East of Scotland - St.Andrews in Fife. We visited some local places and headed through to Glasgow for a couple of days and had a look through there whilst we were through.
We have done research into breeds and we would prefer a Terrier...the one we prefer would be a Border Terrier or Patterdale. Labs are also high on our list...the main reason we went to the Dogs Trust in Uddingston was the 2yr old Black lab they had there. Looked well if a bit skinny - but no.
I would like everyone to know that despite me starting this thread I do appreciate what they do and respect the fact they know dog better than us and they have the dogs interest quite rightly at heart. My frustration lay in the way we were treated - we're not inexperienced owners and have a lot to offer..and ofcourse we would not look to rehome if we were going to leave it alone a lot. quite the contrary...because of hours my wife and I spend a lot of time home alone...so we want a companion !!! When we have time together long countryside walks and weekends away are how we spend our time...a new dog will love it...one day !!
It has been the Dogs Trust that have really put us off. Their general lack of interest in us was almost verging on ignorant. No questions - just a quick perusal of the questionnaire and effectively no - go away...we are busy here.
We are in the East of Scotland - St.Andrews in Fife. We visited some local places and headed through to Glasgow for a couple of days and had a look through there whilst we were through.
We have done research into breeds and we would prefer a Terrier...the one we prefer would be a Border Terrier or Patterdale. Labs are also high on our list...the main reason we went to the Dogs Trust in Uddingston was the 2yr old Black lab they had there. Looked well if a bit skinny - but no.
I would like everyone to know that despite me starting this thread I do appreciate what they do and respect the fact they know dog better than us and they have the dogs interest quite rightly at heart. My frustration lay in the way we were treated - we're not inexperienced owners and have a lot to offer..and ofcourse we would not look to rehome if we were going to leave it alone a lot. quite the contrary...because of hours my wife and I spend a lot of time home alone...so we want a companion !!! When we have time together long countryside walks and weekends away are how we spend our time...a new dog will love it...one day !!
CAPP0 said:
Glad to hear you're feeling ready to find another friend, Barry 
Regarding the rescues, it's massively frustrating but some of them seem to have a rigid set of rules where no common-sense is applied. I volunteer occasionally for a group of GSD rescues, mostly doing homechecks, and I have never yet turned anyone down. However, I will, where appropriate, note any issues which might affect the type of dog selected (e.g. 4ft fencing? No jumpers!). My belief is that in the vast majority of cases, a dog will always be better off in a home than in a kennel, as long as the rehomer and the dog are considered and matched as well as can be.
I've rehomed 4 rescue dogs myself over the years. Most, but not all, the rescues have home checked us first, but (in answer to a post above) I have never had a re-visit from a rescue, and on the same point, I have never been asked to, or wanted to, revisit a home I have previously checked.
The restriction on the home you mentioned where they won't tolerate 2 x 4hr periods is utterly ridiculous. All the rescues I have ever known have been fine with a 4-hour period, regardless of frequency. Going back to my point about the dog's suitability, obviously this wouldn't be the best approach in the case of a dog with known separation anxiety, but it sounds like they have simply ruled you out full stop. Maybe you should point them at your thread about Ozzie, nobody could be in any doubt as to your care or intentions after reading that
The vast majority of the dogs in the rescues I have volunteered for have been GSDs but they do occasionally have others, or crossbreeds. Mainly in the South East but with connections elsewhere in the country. Drop me a line if I can be of any help.
How are you getting on Cappo?Regarding the rescues, it's massively frustrating but some of them seem to have a rigid set of rules where no common-sense is applied. I volunteer occasionally for a group of GSD rescues, mostly doing homechecks, and I have never yet turned anyone down. However, I will, where appropriate, note any issues which might affect the type of dog selected (e.g. 4ft fencing? No jumpers!). My belief is that in the vast majority of cases, a dog will always be better off in a home than in a kennel, as long as the rehomer and the dog are considered and matched as well as can be.
I've rehomed 4 rescue dogs myself over the years. Most, but not all, the rescues have home checked us first, but (in answer to a post above) I have never had a re-visit from a rescue, and on the same point, I have never been asked to, or wanted to, revisit a home I have previously checked.
The restriction on the home you mentioned where they won't tolerate 2 x 4hr periods is utterly ridiculous. All the rescues I have ever known have been fine with a 4-hour period, regardless of frequency. Going back to my point about the dog's suitability, obviously this wouldn't be the best approach in the case of a dog with known separation anxiety, but it sounds like they have simply ruled you out full stop. Maybe you should point them at your thread about Ozzie, nobody could be in any doubt as to your care or intentions after reading that
The vast majority of the dogs in the rescues I have volunteered for have been GSDs but they do occasionally have others, or crossbreeds. Mainly in the South East but with connections elsewhere in the country. Drop me a line if I can be of any help.
Thanks for your post. I am trying to look at the visit there objectively and not be too judgmental...but I know I'm not doing too well with that right now !! Still smarting a bit I guess. Please don't get me wrong - we knew it wouldn't be like going to buy a loaf of bread and expected a bit of a grilling and maybe 3 or 4 return visits to any centre...but the lack of interest in us on their part was a bit surreal. We felt like others were getting a lot of their attention - getting the history of dogs etc and a lot of attention..where as we were generally ignored.
Maybe I'm just still a bit sensitive about the whole dog thing just now and I'm jealous because a family got the dog and despite what I've said it probably will have a good life with them....maybe I had my heart set just a bit quickly !! I gave the Trust a decent donation but doubt I'll waste my time going back - I respect what they do and respect they have reasons for saying no but at the end of the day every dog will at some point in anybody's week will be on its own just for a short time.
We will find a dog and we won't rush in - like many have said here - we are still going to continue research and perhaps get a pup. It's hard work but a very special and fun time having a pup around. We would like to give a rescue a life though...just wish I could give an older one a good end but after Ozz I don't think I could put myself through the end of life thing too often. Didn't appreciate how attahced I was to the wee man.
All the best mate.
tedmus said:
Lots of smaller rescues post on the Dogpages forums.
We're on our second rescue dog and we both work, never had a problem.
Edit - beaten to it I see
Thanks - I've just registered on this site and will be posting in the coming days.We're on our second rescue dog and we both work, never had a problem.
Edit - beaten to it I see
Edited by tedmus on Wednesday 22 October 15:08
Again this part of Pistonheads is proving to be the best. Thanks all for your help.
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 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.
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.
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 f
ked off.scdan4 said:
Balls to them. You've tried.
Now go get a nice cute puppy.
This is what will more than likely happen.Now go get a nice cute puppy.
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.
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.
Apologies for the comment....it was made very much out of frustration and anger that my wife was made to drive there just to be reduced to tears. If we are unsuccessful with getting a rescue then reputable breeders will be my next port of call. Money is absolutely no object - I'm no lottery winner but when it comes to 4 legged friends they get what they want/need whenever they want/need it with me. Rescue is our first option because so many need a home...that's our main driver for trying to get one - not cost. Gumtree/ebay will not be an option for us...was a tad pee'd off when I posted.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.
Dr_Rick said:
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.
Thanks for the link. After a pretty crap weekend we are starting our rescue search again so will give this a look....any more rejections and I won't be posting them on here....you lot will think we must be a pair of rotten buggers !!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.
Cheers
I just came on to update with some positive news....mainly because I've posted a couple of negative posts - regarding attitudes of SOME within Dog Rescue centres.
Before I do this I have to reiterate that I have said from the off that I have the upmost respect for the job these people do - all of them - from the large centres like the Dogs trust to the small local ones. I have also said I know and again appreciate that they have the dog's best interests at heart. They were established because they care - simple.
I only started this because I was basically dismissed out of hand at one centre...I'm wasn't being over sensitive, we were amazed by the attitude that, because we were honest about the small amount of time it would be left alone, we can't have any of their dogs. Maybe this staff member was having a bad day...they were busy...but this was my first and only impression I have had of the Dog's Trust. now regardless of the job you do...regardless of if you're a volunteer - if you meet the public YOU represent your company/charity whatever.
I didn't mean to offend anyone or piss anyone off - I know these people and centres do a great job and they will see some fked up animals/situations.
Now in the interest of balance....the reason for me posting again on this thread.
Got an email from a relatively local Centre - PADS in Perth.
Hi and thanks for your email telling us about your working hours.
I do not think it would be a problem rehoming a dog to yourselves because of them.
In an ideal world no dog would ever be left alone but we have to be realistic about things.
Tilly has now been rehomed but Hugo is still available. He is a very friendly big lump with humans but not great with male dogs. He also might have some other issues that we are not aware of yet.
If you would like more info please give us a ring 01764 684491.
Kind regards,
Louise
I also registered with Lab rescue Scotland and will be speaking with them shortly regarding a rescue dog..they also don't think our working arrangements are a problem.
Hopefully get a new buddy soon.
Before I do this I have to reiterate that I have said from the off that I have the upmost respect for the job these people do - all of them - from the large centres like the Dogs trust to the small local ones. I have also said I know and again appreciate that they have the dog's best interests at heart. They were established because they care - simple.
I only started this because I was basically dismissed out of hand at one centre...I'm wasn't being over sensitive, we were amazed by the attitude that, because we were honest about the small amount of time it would be left alone, we can't have any of their dogs. Maybe this staff member was having a bad day...they were busy...but this was my first and only impression I have had of the Dog's Trust. now regardless of the job you do...regardless of if you're a volunteer - if you meet the public YOU represent your company/charity whatever.
I didn't mean to offend anyone or piss anyone off - I know these people and centres do a great job and they will see some f
ked up animals/situations. Now in the interest of balance....the reason for me posting again on this thread.
Got an email from a relatively local Centre - PADS in Perth.
Hi and thanks for your email telling us about your working hours.
I do not think it would be a problem rehoming a dog to yourselves because of them.
In an ideal world no dog would ever be left alone but we have to be realistic about things.
Tilly has now been rehomed but Hugo is still available. He is a very friendly big lump with humans but not great with male dogs. He also might have some other issues that we are not aware of yet.
If you would like more info please give us a ring 01764 684491.
Kind regards,
Louise
I also registered with Lab rescue Scotland and will be speaking with them shortly regarding a rescue dog..they also don't think our working arrangements are a problem.
Hopefully get a new buddy soon.
CAPP0 said:
We met someone yesterday walking their new (to them) year-old Viszla. They found him through www.pets4homes.co.uk The guy said they did get messed around by one owner (we want to rehome him/oh hang on no, we don't/are you still looking cos we do again now, etc) but the one they did get was apparently a pleasant seamless transaction. So maybe worth a look Barry?
Thanks for that Cap.Hopefully have something shortly - I got a couple of pieces of positive news yesterday. The pair of us a bit more upbeat. The only reason we never just lied about our working hours is we didn't think it would be a problem...and if you lie you could get caught out on a home check - then you defo won't get a dog !
Anyway - thanks again mate - hope you and yours are well.
I have a new buddy....meet Archie !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Over the moon.
http://www.dogaidsociety.com/dog-for-adoption/arch...
Hope the link Works - similar to Ozzie but thats not the reason we went for him.
Thanks for everyone's words of advice. Apologies for my frustration over the last few weeks...our house was not a home without a dog. We get him on Thursday !!!!
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