Why is it so hard to give a dog a loving home?
Discussion
I wrote this a couple of months ago, but never posted it, as I just thought it was me having a one off bad experience....
After the last 10 years or so of having and rescuing cats and ultimately loosing them to illness and old age. The last 3 cats to go have gone in the last 3 years, the last, a 10 year old, only being with us for 8 months who was adopted from a friend, who was believed to be healthy, only to be told he had a growth when I took him in for his booster. They couldn't do anything for him, so that was more heartbreak.
So the house is now animal free and I have been thinking about getting a dog, or possibly two again. I've owned two dogs in the past and both were rescued, one from RSPCA and one from a family friend or took in strays. They were both the most wonderful dogs and had very happy lives.
Like most people, I have favourite breeds, but my conscience is against buying one from a breeder when there are so many good dogs out there that need homes. Breed rescue is one avenue if you want a particular breed, but dogs come up infrequently and are usually older dogs. Something I don't want as my heart could not stand getting attached for the dog for a short period only for the inevitable to happen. (although, if I won the Euro lottery, one of the first things I'd do is set up a dog sanctuary for all the old, blind, one legged dogs nobody wants!)
So I want a younger dog. Talking to one of my animal mad clients lead me to Dogsblog as well as the other sites and forums dealing with rescue and rehoming. A dog caught my eye and from the description sounded interesting, so I went to the rescue site, downloaded the application form and sent it back. A home check was arranged and duly done. Never had one of those before but the woman who did that was very nice. Then received communication that all was well and when would I like to visit the dog.
Trying to plan a visit was proving a little difficult because the foster home was about 2 1/2 hour drive away and the woman seemed to work part time but seemed to be out most of the day (I only hope the dog/s weren't left alone!) A couple of options were mentioned and after making a decision, informed her of the day I'd like to visit. I also voiced any doubts, concerns and that I wanted the decision to take the dog to be 100% certain, for the dog as well as me, which I think is only sensible and reasonable. Even if I buy a car I usually sleep on it, but taking on the responsibility of another life is obviously far more important!
An email eventually came back informing me that I was no longer suitable! Hmm! So this so called animal lover has judged me, via email, without having the decency to meet me. The description of the dog on the page and in emails were somewhat childishly sentimental. Perhaps because I didn't correspond with phrases like "ah bless, she sounds wonderful, I can't wait to meet her and give her a cuddle..."; condemned me?
So now I'm completely disillusioned with my attempt to adopt/rescue a dog in the politicly correct modern era. Thinking about it a bit more, it seriously worries me how over zealous the adopting process seems to be. The home check is a great idea, but even the checker admitted some of the questions are silly. 'What will you be feeding the dog?', 'err, dog food?'. I suppose there are stupid people out there who would feed cornflakes for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch and afternoon cream tea….
The most disturbing aspect was being told that I'd have to agree to return the dog to the charity for rehoming if for any reason I was unable to care for the dog. Really? Is that normal? If that situation arose I know at least two dog owning families, who the dog would know very well, who would be happy to take the dog if that situation arose... but no, I couldn't do that, let's give the dog some unnecessary stress!...
So I think I'll give up on rehoming, dealing with the rehoming Stasi is too much aggravation and I certainly would not agree to give the dog I've loved, feed, trained, cared for years back to the charity for rehoming with strangers! How utterly stupid!
Against all my principles, guess I'll go buy a dog from a breeder, no checks, no aggravation, my dog, my responsibility… as it should be.
As I said, I thought it was just me having a bad experience, but it looks like I'm not alone after all: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2081502/St...
My circumstances are different from this woman, no kids, in an owned home, but I instantly sympathised with her feelings!
After the last 10 years or so of having and rescuing cats and ultimately loosing them to illness and old age. The last 3 cats to go have gone in the last 3 years, the last, a 10 year old, only being with us for 8 months who was adopted from a friend, who was believed to be healthy, only to be told he had a growth when I took him in for his booster. They couldn't do anything for him, so that was more heartbreak.
So the house is now animal free and I have been thinking about getting a dog, or possibly two again. I've owned two dogs in the past and both were rescued, one from RSPCA and one from a family friend or took in strays. They were both the most wonderful dogs and had very happy lives.
Like most people, I have favourite breeds, but my conscience is against buying one from a breeder when there are so many good dogs out there that need homes. Breed rescue is one avenue if you want a particular breed, but dogs come up infrequently and are usually older dogs. Something I don't want as my heart could not stand getting attached for the dog for a short period only for the inevitable to happen. (although, if I won the Euro lottery, one of the first things I'd do is set up a dog sanctuary for all the old, blind, one legged dogs nobody wants!)
So I want a younger dog. Talking to one of my animal mad clients lead me to Dogsblog as well as the other sites and forums dealing with rescue and rehoming. A dog caught my eye and from the description sounded interesting, so I went to the rescue site, downloaded the application form and sent it back. A home check was arranged and duly done. Never had one of those before but the woman who did that was very nice. Then received communication that all was well and when would I like to visit the dog.
Trying to plan a visit was proving a little difficult because the foster home was about 2 1/2 hour drive away and the woman seemed to work part time but seemed to be out most of the day (I only hope the dog/s weren't left alone!) A couple of options were mentioned and after making a decision, informed her of the day I'd like to visit. I also voiced any doubts, concerns and that I wanted the decision to take the dog to be 100% certain, for the dog as well as me, which I think is only sensible and reasonable. Even if I buy a car I usually sleep on it, but taking on the responsibility of another life is obviously far more important!
An email eventually came back informing me that I was no longer suitable! Hmm! So this so called animal lover has judged me, via email, without having the decency to meet me. The description of the dog on the page and in emails were somewhat childishly sentimental. Perhaps because I didn't correspond with phrases like "ah bless, she sounds wonderful, I can't wait to meet her and give her a cuddle..."; condemned me?
So now I'm completely disillusioned with my attempt to adopt/rescue a dog in the politicly correct modern era. Thinking about it a bit more, it seriously worries me how over zealous the adopting process seems to be. The home check is a great idea, but even the checker admitted some of the questions are silly. 'What will you be feeding the dog?', 'err, dog food?'. I suppose there are stupid people out there who would feed cornflakes for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch and afternoon cream tea….
The most disturbing aspect was being told that I'd have to agree to return the dog to the charity for rehoming if for any reason I was unable to care for the dog. Really? Is that normal? If that situation arose I know at least two dog owning families, who the dog would know very well, who would be happy to take the dog if that situation arose... but no, I couldn't do that, let's give the dog some unnecessary stress!...
So I think I'll give up on rehoming, dealing with the rehoming Stasi is too much aggravation and I certainly would not agree to give the dog I've loved, feed, trained, cared for years back to the charity for rehoming with strangers! How utterly stupid!
Against all my principles, guess I'll go buy a dog from a breeder, no checks, no aggravation, my dog, my responsibility… as it should be.
As I said, I thought it was just me having a bad experience, but it looks like I'm not alone after all: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2081502/St...
My circumstances are different from this woman, no kids, in an owned home, but I instantly sympathised with her feelings!
Edited by Bacardi on Tuesday 3rd January 23:26
We lost our dog at the begining of last year and both my wife and myself were devestated, as was our surviving dog, so we decided to get another. Now Leo, was old when he dies and we didn't have a problem with taking an older dog to give it a good home but the hoops the local rescue centres wanted us to run through was unbelievable!
First, fill in a form to assess suitability, then three seperate walks with the dog, home check, then introduce the dog in question to our other dog/kids, then, maybe if the wind was in the correct direction and there were no Werewolves in our past histories, we could fork out the several hundred quid and be allowed to foster the dog, subject to a further home visit to check he/she was settling properly!
Then they found out we had two cats and said "NO!"
So we went and bought a puppy which really went against the grain as we have always rescued dogs be they puppies or older, but all the local dog rescue places seemed to NOT want you anywhere near "their" dogs.
Anyway, our little Chester has settled in well and we love him to bits, but still think of some poor little bugger in a cold kennel we could have homed.
First, fill in a form to assess suitability, then three seperate walks with the dog, home check, then introduce the dog in question to our other dog/kids, then, maybe if the wind was in the correct direction and there were no Werewolves in our past histories, we could fork out the several hundred quid and be allowed to foster the dog, subject to a further home visit to check he/she was settling properly!
Then they found out we had two cats and said "NO!"
So we went and bought a puppy which really went against the grain as we have always rescued dogs be they puppies or older, but all the local dog rescue places seemed to NOT want you anywhere near "their" dogs.
Anyway, our little Chester has settled in well and we love him to bits, but still think of some poor little bugger in a cold kennel we could have homed.
Dogs in a shelter are there for a variety of reasons.
Not all are suited to all enviroments. Some will herd your kids, some will eat your cats, and some have behavior traits that are maybe not suitable to first time dog owners.
After searching about five shelters, I got a shortlist of three dogs. I took my wife to decide on the final candidate. With some pushing from me she chose my first choice
Medium size, two years old, house trained and no undercoat. (Perfect)
Played with him, walked him, he had no training but appeared very eagre to please.
Yep, we'll take him.
OK, we'll put you on the list, you are third!
What?
We are checking the references of the first two.
Me.....I have done a lot of searching to find a suitable dog to replace our recently deceased Afghan. This dog is house trained because his crap is the far corner of his run, he has no undercoat so does not molt.
The kennel girl who showed us the dog then said "they already have him walking properly after a couple of minutes" (which evidently they hadn't). Told them I intended to do "discipline" with him. We have a large fenced yard lots of grooming equipment etc. Long story short we got the dog.
I was able to demonstrate this dog would get a very good home.
Newer got far on discipline though, he loved the jumps, but failed badly on the tunnels, gave up
.
OK I know you think it was maybe wrong for me to que jump, but this is/was one hard headed little dog, that was not particularly easy to train. (even with some pro help)
Which is probably the reason he was in the shelter.
I hope this adds some perspective to the process.
Not all are suited to all enviroments. Some will herd your kids, some will eat your cats, and some have behavior traits that are maybe not suitable to first time dog owners.
After searching about five shelters, I got a shortlist of three dogs. I took my wife to decide on the final candidate. With some pushing from me she chose my first choice
Medium size, two years old, house trained and no undercoat. (Perfect) Played with him, walked him, he had no training but appeared very eagre to please.
Yep, we'll take him.
OK, we'll put you on the list, you are third!
What?
We are checking the references of the first two.
Me.....I have done a lot of searching to find a suitable dog to replace our recently deceased Afghan. This dog is house trained because his crap is the far corner of his run, he has no undercoat so does not molt.
The kennel girl who showed us the dog then said "they already have him walking properly after a couple of minutes" (which evidently they hadn't). Told them I intended to do "discipline" with him. We have a large fenced yard lots of grooming equipment etc. Long story short we got the dog.
I was able to demonstrate this dog would get a very good home.
Newer got far on discipline though, he loved the jumps, but failed badly on the tunnels, gave up
.OK I know you think it was maybe wrong for me to que jump, but this is/was one hard headed little dog, that was not particularly easy to train. (even with some pro help)
Which is probably the reason he was in the shelter.
I hope this adds some perspective to the process.
I can only comment on the "come back to the rescue first" option.
Yes this is common, and is also common for breeders to put into their contract. That way the dogs are hopefully rehomed "properly", or it prevents a dog going to a different shelter/rescue place which may PTS them quickly............
Yes this is common, and is also common for breeders to put into their contract. That way the dogs are hopefully rehomed "properly", or it prevents a dog going to a different shelter/rescue place which may PTS them quickly............
Their usually a victim of their own goodwill. They want to rehome dogs but get so bogged down with the attitude that everyone who enquires as downright scum.
Me and the missus used to do home checks and some fostering for rescue Huskies for the Siberian Husky Welfare Association. We've seen a wide range of people with differing attitudes to rehoming. The OP is obviously one of the good ones, but it is getting harder to identify the 'home for life' people. We had some home visit where the bloke had a house surrounded by 3ft fencing, which was unsuitable for an escape artist husky but he was going on and on about how he had had GSDs all his life and now wanted a husky and he'd just train them to not jump, err no. Then he'd boast that he'd build a fence all the way round as he was a landscape designer and it'd only cost £7K to also fence off an entire field near him too that he 'owned'. It was just bull after bull, so you can see the opinion of him we went away with. Not helped that we had taken our two huskies along with us and they had caught fleas from the house, or at least they had hopped on board for the trip home. Having your dinner and suddenly this black speck bounces off the dog and across the rug wasn't funny.
The we had another home visit of a family that already had a boy husky but wanted a girl, nothing wrong with that we thought, they had the security and knowledge of huskies, well aware of their traits etc etc, and all was well until she let slip that she wanted to breed from the rescue b
h. Err, no! Besides any dog we took on to foster, we had Dog trust vouchers that entitled them to get the snip free while in our care, and the woman didn't appreciate that.
And they were just the home visits. Obviously we had plenty of good home ones too. We had some very dodgy email and phone calls too, asking random questions that were genuine but almost disturbing.
It is very hard to make sure the dog goes to the right rehome and will stay there. We've known from my sisters experiences some very normal, seemly loving people, well off, large house and garden, plenty of countryside to walk them in, ticked all the boxes etc had just a week later literally try and dump the dog and get rid of it. A local rehome center had been informed by a neighbour and they got it, somehow it came back to my sister but the dog was scared and very frightful now (used to be a wonderful loving dog). They did suspect it had had been mistreated. Strange people.
Sometimes they don't always get it right, but hopefully most times a rehome center will.
Me and the missus used to do home checks and some fostering for rescue Huskies for the Siberian Husky Welfare Association. We've seen a wide range of people with differing attitudes to rehoming. The OP is obviously one of the good ones, but it is getting harder to identify the 'home for life' people. We had some home visit where the bloke had a house surrounded by 3ft fencing, which was unsuitable for an escape artist husky but he was going on and on about how he had had GSDs all his life and now wanted a husky and he'd just train them to not jump, err no. Then he'd boast that he'd build a fence all the way round as he was a landscape designer and it'd only cost £7K to also fence off an entire field near him too that he 'owned'. It was just bull after bull, so you can see the opinion of him we went away with. Not helped that we had taken our two huskies along with us and they had caught fleas from the house, or at least they had hopped on board for the trip home. Having your dinner and suddenly this black speck bounces off the dog and across the rug wasn't funny.
The we had another home visit of a family that already had a boy husky but wanted a girl, nothing wrong with that we thought, they had the security and knowledge of huskies, well aware of their traits etc etc, and all was well until she let slip that she wanted to breed from the rescue b
h. Err, no! Besides any dog we took on to foster, we had Dog trust vouchers that entitled them to get the snip free while in our care, and the woman didn't appreciate that.And they were just the home visits. Obviously we had plenty of good home ones too. We had some very dodgy email and phone calls too, asking random questions that were genuine but almost disturbing.
It is very hard to make sure the dog goes to the right rehome and will stay there. We've known from my sisters experiences some very normal, seemly loving people, well off, large house and garden, plenty of countryside to walk them in, ticked all the boxes etc had just a week later literally try and dump the dog and get rid of it. A local rehome center had been informed by a neighbour and they got it, somehow it came back to my sister but the dog was scared and very frightful now (used to be a wonderful loving dog). They did suspect it had had been mistreated. Strange people.
Sometimes they don't always get it right, but hopefully most times a rehome center will.
I took on some rescue cats last year. All were Microchipped prior to being rehomed. The phone numbers linked to the chip also contains the Rescue, so should the animal end up getting lost not only can I be contacted but so can the Rescue if I do not answer my phone.
I'm just a 'Foster' home to them, they will forever remain property of the Rescue centre and I have no problem with that. I love them to bits and have no intention of returning them. But should something happen in my life which means I cannot keep them, then at least I know they will go to another good home.
I'm just a 'Foster' home to them, they will forever remain property of the Rescue centre and I have no problem with that. I love them to bits and have no intention of returning them. But should something happen in my life which means I cannot keep them, then at least I know they will go to another good home.
What a lot of people forget is that once an animal is in rescue they have been let down at least once by people already, sometimes more times. Yes, you have to jump through a few hoops to rescue but IMHO it is worth it to ensure the animals aren't put through anymore unsuitable homes.
I agree some rescues are their own worst enemies with stringent rules, but if you genuinely feel they are being over the top then speak to the trustees directly. They will often lift some rules if you explain your case to them, for example one of my rescue cats had already been reserved by someone else when I officially showed an interest (I did see him before the other people, but the reserving process wasn't explained to me). The trustees chose to rehome him to me instead of the other family purely because he loved other cats, and the other family didn't have any. So it isn't all cut and dry, and they will flex the rules if you ask.
I agree some rescues are their own worst enemies with stringent rules, but if you genuinely feel they are being over the top then speak to the trustees directly. They will often lift some rules if you explain your case to them, for example one of my rescue cats had already been reserved by someone else when I officially showed an interest (I did see him before the other people, but the reserving process wasn't explained to me). The trustees chose to rehome him to me instead of the other family purely because he loved other cats, and the other family didn't have any. So it isn't all cut and dry, and they will flex the rules if you ask.
I hadn't realised dog rehoming is so much more complicated than cats. There are several cat rescue centres in range; on the rare occasions when I need a new cat, I visit them all, pick the one I like best and hand over a donation. One of places said they'd visit in a few months to check, but never did.
Lunablack said:
We had similar issues with a rescue called "many tears"
I think in future, we'll speak with the local dog warden, and try and rescue an unwanted pooch from the local council run place, before it's 7 days were up...
Four of my dogs have come via rescue homes. Three from Woodgreen, who did home checks for the first and a post home visit for the third as she had had behavioural issues. The second dog I hadn't intended getting but after an impromptu afternoon visit one day as I was passing and had a few hours to kill. I fell in love with this huge soppy Greyhound who had killed a cat (reason for being sent to the shelter) and whilst in the shelter given blood and saved the life of several dogs including an SBT. He was the longest resident there at the time. I fell in love with him and left with him on the backseat of my car with their approval - I think they were happy he'd eventually found a home.I think in future, we'll speak with the local dog warden, and try and rescue an unwanted pooch from the local council run place, before it's 7 days were up...
Of all the dogs I've had I loved him and miss him the most.
I've also had a dog from Many Tears, and though found their actual main home hard to deal with, the dog I had came via a secondary temporary home and the process was very straight forward, again including a home visit.
A friend of mine who lives in a huge property with ground, on a quiet lane in a small village next to a nature reserve had so much hassle trying to adopt a kitten via the Cats Protection League who thought she lived too near a busy road... The road doesn't lead anywhere accept to a few residencies. I think in the end she ended up getting a FTGH kitten, available on every Supermarket notice board.
I can sympathise with the rescue centres who obviously lead a very busy and stressful working life and have to make judgements for the animals future well being, but, there needs to be far more training for these staff in human relations.
I was offered work with one rescue centre working with the dog section and being trained in dog behaviour a few years ago. I couldn't take up the position due to other commitments at weekends at the time. But it is something I'd consider doing again. There's a lot to learn.
First of all, IMHO the woman who wrote the article in the DM is a tit. I don't believe at least half of the things she said. She needs to get over herself. She is middle class so therefore it is her right to have just what SHE wants, regardless of suitability? She thinks it's OK for kids to treat the dog like a toy? How to get bitten in one easy lesson
Rescues are often slated. Mostly by people who have never, ever done anything to help a rescue, so have no clue how things work or what a crock of st (like DM woman) people come out with.
I'm sorry you've had a bad experience with rescue, but there are many, many other rescues out there. Most of the smaller ones are able to treat each case on its on merit rather than apply blanket rules. Some rules, however, ARE set in stone. They will be there for a good reason, after years of experience of rehoming thousands of dogs. I've heard the reasons people have given for being turned down for a dog. If you dig deeper, things are often a little different.
Rescues have a duty of care towards not only the dogs they take responsibility for, but also towards the families they rehome to. They want to minimise risk of rehoming the wrong dog to the wrong home. No-one wants the dog to become another rescue case or bounce back, nor for the family to be stressed/put in danger.
Rescues WANT to rehome dogs, but only appropriately, for the good of all concerned Don't give up. There are hundreds of rescue dogs out there. One will be right for you.
Actually I have this chap on foster with me
And these two are both rescue dogs too:
Rescues are often slated. Mostly by people who have never, ever done anything to help a rescue, so have no clue how things work or what a crock of s
t (like DM woman) people come out with.I'm sorry you've had a bad experience with rescue, but there are many, many other rescues out there. Most of the smaller ones are able to treat each case on its on merit rather than apply blanket rules. Some rules, however, ARE set in stone. They will be there for a good reason, after years of experience of rehoming thousands of dogs. I've heard the reasons people have given for being turned down for a dog. If you dig deeper, things are often a little different.
Rescues have a duty of care towards not only the dogs they take responsibility for, but also towards the families they rehome to. They want to minimise risk of rehoming the wrong dog to the wrong home. No-one wants the dog to become another rescue case or bounce back, nor for the family to be stressed/put in danger.
Rescues WANT to rehome dogs, but only appropriately, for the good of all concerned
Don't give up. There are hundreds of rescue dogs out there. One will be right for you.Actually I have this chap on foster with me
And these two are both rescue dogs too:
I think if you speak to Rach she will tell you all about bulliesos, who I do home checks for and assess dogs for rehoming. Rach came to me because she wanted to rescue an english bull terrier. After fostering a couple of dogs for a while she now has the lovely Stella. You have to appreciate that the rescue need to find a suitable dog for you and your circumstances. If the dog has no history then of course they will not let you have a dog if you have children. Why put the children at risk from being bitten of the dog has never been around children and let the dog be stressed. Dont' give up. We are not all bad. www.bulliesos.co.uk . There are so many dogs in rescue that need rehoming.
Thanks for the interesting replies, clearly a more common problem than I would have ever imagined. I do appreciate that there are some stupid and unsuitable dog owners out there, who might want a cute puppy or dog as a fashion item and I completely agree that people like that should be prevented from taking on dogs. The woman who did the home check told me of people who just get cute dogs and then when they get a bit old, just trade it in for a new one. My mind is incapable of thinking like that, any pet I've had has always been 'for life' through thick and thin.
I also despise 'proffesional' breders who just use a b1tch to breed three litters and put them up for rehoming at 5 or 6, something I noted on Dogsblog. Hopefully the aren't all like that? If I bought from a breeder, it would be doing the checking on them!
Regarding cats, I have some friends who wanted a pair of kittens, went to the cat rescue, told them their address and were told, 'no chance, you live on a main road, the cats would get run over', even though they had a large back garden. So they sourced a couple from a friend of a friend of someone else who's cat had just had kittens. Two years on, one cat is doing very well, the other, sadly no longer here, not due to the road, but because he climbed a tree and disturbed a wasp nest and was stung to death.
When adopting animals, death is as much a part of life as being scratched by cats or bitten by dogs. I've been torn to shreds by cats and bitten by dogs both as a child and an adult (not because I was mistreating any animals I might add, but removing ticks or breaking up fights can leave an arm in the wrong place at the wrong time). This current nanny attitude to pet adoption is ridiculous!
I haven't given up on the idea of rescue and will try contacting a couple of breed rescues. Thanks for the the link to bulliesos, I had seen that before. I do have a soft spot for English bull terriers, but generally am not attracted to bulldog types, which is a shame, as when I've been to look at Battersea and most places, the Staffy type cross breed is in abundance. I tend to be attracted to gun, working, hound type dogs, with longer faces, but that's just my personal preference. If that makes me sound like a snob, then so belt, although the dog I applied to adopt (or maybe lease would be a better term) was a JRT.
But I suspect, as the rehoming place specialise in young dogs, my name has been (unfairly) blackballed. In any event of me being unable to look after the dog, I would not agree to give the dog back for this rehoming 'process' as long as I have capable friends who would be able to re-home the dog with less stress and I could still see the dog. I understand this isn't always possible, but I would, as long as I had my wits about me, want what's best for the dog.
Ironically, I know where to get an ex race horse with far less problems and have re-homed a couple to a fellow PHer in the past. But I guess the options are less for horses, they are lucky to be re-homed at all, or it's down the dog food factory!
I also despise 'proffesional' breders who just use a b1tch to breed three litters and put them up for rehoming at 5 or 6, something I noted on Dogsblog. Hopefully the aren't all like that? If I bought from a breeder, it would be doing the checking on them!
Regarding cats, I have some friends who wanted a pair of kittens, went to the cat rescue, told them their address and were told, 'no chance, you live on a main road, the cats would get run over', even though they had a large back garden. So they sourced a couple from a friend of a friend of someone else who's cat had just had kittens. Two years on, one cat is doing very well, the other, sadly no longer here, not due to the road, but because he climbed a tree and disturbed a wasp nest and was stung to death.
When adopting animals, death is as much a part of life as being scratched by cats or bitten by dogs. I've been torn to shreds by cats and bitten by dogs both as a child and an adult (not because I was mistreating any animals I might add, but removing ticks or breaking up fights can leave an arm in the wrong place at the wrong time). This current nanny attitude to pet adoption is ridiculous!
I haven't given up on the idea of rescue and will try contacting a couple of breed rescues. Thanks for the the link to bulliesos, I had seen that before. I do have a soft spot for English bull terriers, but generally am not attracted to bulldog types, which is a shame, as when I've been to look at Battersea and most places, the Staffy type cross breed is in abundance. I tend to be attracted to gun, working, hound type dogs, with longer faces, but that's just my personal preference. If that makes me sound like a snob, then so belt, although the dog I applied to adopt (or maybe lease would be a better term) was a JRT.
But I suspect, as the rehoming place specialise in young dogs, my name has been (unfairly) blackballed. In any event of me being unable to look after the dog, I would not agree to give the dog back for this rehoming 'process' as long as I have capable friends who would be able to re-home the dog with less stress and I could still see the dog. I understand this isn't always possible, but I would, as long as I had my wits about me, want what's best for the dog.
Ironically, I know where to get an ex race horse with far less problems and have re-homed a couple to a fellow PHer in the past. But I guess the options are less for horses, they are lucky to be re-homed at all, or it's down the dog food factory!
Bacardi said:
I do appreciate that there are some stupid and unsuitable dog owners out there, who might want a cute puppy or dog as a fashion item and I completely agree that people like that should be prevented from taking on dogs.
I think most people have a friend/family member who is like this. It is all too common sadly.I would also say that some rehoming centres mean well but are hopeless. We had one who came round to us and ended up having been rigorously cross examined by us, rather than the other way around..... We got the moggy....
My Mum goes and does home checks for people. It's the charity that make the decision if you can have the dog or not.
They have a whole load of rules they go buy. To be honest some are very good others are ott. To be fair a lot of mong tards try to get dogs via this route and just don't have a clue about keeping a dog or keeping it safe. For eg a lot of people dont have a garden the dog would be able to escape from. What would be the point in sending it to a home where it might escape.
To be fair OP you have had dogs before and seem to be a good person to re home a dog god knows why they would t let you have one
They have a whole load of rules they go buy. To be honest some are very good others are ott. To be fair a lot of mong tards try to get dogs via this route and just don't have a clue about keeping a dog or keeping it safe. For eg a lot of people dont have a garden the dog would be able to escape from. What would be the point in sending it to a home where it might escape.
To be fair OP you have had dogs before and seem to be a good person to re home a dog god knows why they would t let you have one
The part in the contract about always belonging as such to the rescue is fairly standard. It's there to stop the dog being unsuitably passed or sold on. Also there to reclaim the dogs if it was warranted.
To be fair, I've rarely heard of dogs being reclaimed, and then the circumstances have been exceptional.
If you were unable to keep the dog for any reason, I'm sure most rescues would be happy for you to have found a suitable home for him/her rather than the dog being returned to rescue. I've certainly done that for someone. We just tied up the loose ends by carrying out a homecheck and completing a new adoption agreement at the same time The clause is only there as a safety net.
To be fair, I've rarely heard of dogs being reclaimed, and then the circumstances have been exceptional.
If you were unable to keep the dog for any reason, I'm sure most rescues would be happy for you to have found a suitable home for him/her rather than the dog being returned to rescue. I've certainly done that for someone. We just tied up the loose ends by carrying out a homecheck and completing a new adoption agreement at the same time
The clause is only there as a safety net.jeff m2 said:
Mrs Grumpy said:
And these two are both rescue dogs too:
These two look adequetly rescued
Dog on the left is very, very damaged
I am as certain as I can be that he was tied up in a shed and beaten. Been here getting on for 3 years now and I am still pretty much the only person who can touch him. Certainly the only one he trusts. He has a real thing about hands and unsurprisingly has some behavioural issues We are working through them though and he is so much better than he was This photo was a momentous occasion as it was the first time he was comfortable enough to share his personal space with another dog.Dog on the right was taken to the vet to be pts for biting. She was less than 2 years old at that time. Only been here since March. I can say with hand on heart that either she didn't bite, or she was in real fear for her life
She is sweet, gorgeous and sensitive. I can still see the occasional glimpse of some harsh treatment she's had. In the space of 7 weeks I had to train her to pass my practical dog training exam for my degree and within 6 months she had won Best Trick at two dog shows and fastest recall We are learning agility together now and will probably do flyball and heelwork to music as well. She is the best girl and has no issues at all. 
A take anywhere dog. The worst habit she has is over-enthusiastic greetings of people!Gassing Station | All Creatures Great & Small | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff