Rescue dog advice needed.

Rev

Hoping to get a little advice from those who've rescued dogs.

A few weeks ago I had to have my dog pts, sadly she'd been diagnosed with cancer months back and it finally got the better of her. She was almost 20 and up until three days before she died she was as bouncy as a 6 month old.

I kind of don't really know what to do with myself right now, the house is completely horrible to be in without her. My mum got me a pup when I was a week old and I've had a dog ever since, I hate being without one, so I really would like to get another, sooner, rather than later.

So, now comes the decision between a puppy or a rescue dog, I had my heart set on rescuing a dog and yesterday looked up the two rescue centres that are local to me (well, not really local, both about an hour away by bus/train as I don't have a car), called up the local rspca rescue earlier to ask what the procedure is as I've never rescued a dog before, when I asked if they had dogs suitable to be homed with cats/kids I was told:

"We don't really know. We could take them around the cattery to see if they're okay with cats, but it won't be a good representation since the dog will be on a lead, and as for kids, we have no idea really, sorry."

I was a little shocked to be honest, as I thought a little more effot would have gone into determining the dogs personality. Is that the answer I'll get at all rescue places?

I'd love to rescue a dog but I need to know that it'll be okay with my cats, and my 2 year old nephew who's here almost daily (I'd never leave him alone with the dog, or let him treat the dog as a toy, as I've seen some people let their kids do, but I need to know he'll be safe around the dog).

The second rescue center must have been shut, so I'll try them again Monday. But I'm now beginning to wonder if I should get a puppy. At least that way I'll be in control of it's training as such.

If anyone has any opinions or advice, I'd love to hear them.

Thanks.

hethmar

Sorry to hear about your loss. That was a very good age. What breed or breeds was she?

Rescues have puppies aswell you know. Of course, a good gentle puppy wont always grow into a mature dog with the same personality but you should be able to spend time training and socialising them. Will the dog be left alone though? Take it you are at work? You have to remember a puppy needs pretty much 1 to 1 for months.

What part of the country do you live in?

hflower74

Alot of rescues have the dogs in foster homes where they are assessed as they want to find them their forever homes. They give quite abit of info on the dogs on the below sites so you have an idea whether they will fit into your family life. Good luck

http://www.dogpages.org.uk/forums/index.php?showforum=29

http://animallifeline.forumotion.net/rescue-animals-looking-for-homes-f34/

http://thelittledogrescue.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=ourdogs

Rev

Thanks for the reply, she was a mongrel. She was an amazing dog, great temperament.

The dog being left alone isn't a problem, I live with my mother, she's got a few health issues and I'm her carer, so there's generally someone in the house all the time. I'd obviously look into training courses and such before actually getting a puppy. But I will be honest and say I really wanted to rescue a dog.

I'm in Liverpool. The two rescue centres closest are Freshfield and Halewood.

foreign_correspondent

wanting to rescue a dog is lovely - it is a great thing to do, and I am sure you could offer some poor dog a lovely home. Some rescues know little about their dogs, some know loads - not that long ago andother poster on here wanted a dog to live with her and her cat - she ended up with a lovely little staffy who had been assessed with cats, and has been fine with her cat!

I have posted this before but will post it again, as I feel it is relevant, and I like it!

A Dog's Legacy

When humans die, they make a will

To leave their homes and all they have

to those they love.
I, too, would make a will if I could write.
To some poor wistful, lonely stray
I leave my happy home,
My dish, my cosy bed, my cushioned chair, my toy.
The well loved lap, the gentle stroking hand,
the loving voice,
The place I made in someone's heart,
The love that at the last could help me to
a peaceful painless end
Held in loving arms.
If I should die, Oh do not say,
"No more a pet I'll have,
to grieve me by it's loss"
Seek out some lonely, unloved dog
And give my place to him.
This is the legacy I leave behind -
'tis all I have to give.

Do your research and look around, ask lots of questions and be patient - the right dog is out there!

This website is worth a look too, www.dogsblog.com - many of the dogs are listed with information about whether they are cat friendly or not!

hethmar

I know of a 12 month old labradoodle in Rochdale area. Still living with his family, used to cats (he lives with 5 of them) and good with children and gets on with other dogs. Has been neutered and up to date on innoculations. Said to have a lovely personality.

I will pm you with more info.

BitterAndTwisted

Isn't that Labradoodle handsome? It looks like it's smiling too. Adorable

Please consider a retired greyhound if you're thinking along the rehoming line. Please

Paradigm

I would also recommend a retired Greyhound, I've never heard of a bad report from anyone adopting one... although I'm sure there must be some

camngnp223

I'd go for a cross breed (mongrel, if you prefer). They tend to keep all the good traits from their parent breeds while losing all the bad ones.

Cam

Barneysmom

Here's my rescue dog, we got her a few years ago and she has never given us a moments worry. She loves us totally and we idolise her.
Unfortunately she got lumbered with Sun readers :cool:




When cats and dogs live together, it usually takes about 3 days of hell, then once they've sorted out who's pack leader, they get on fine, even sleeping next to each other. We always had cats and dogs together when I was growing up.

Paradigm

Barneysmom wrote: »

Here's my rescue dog, we got her a few years ago and she has never given us a moments worry. She loves us totally and we idolise her.
Unfortunately she got lumbered with Sun readers :cool:

Nice to see she's reading "striker" the girls got taste