desparate for a dog!

foreign_correspondent

I read it too - it does sound a little brusque, but I am guessing that this has come from long experience of people ringing them up, demanding a westie, and being gobsmacked when they realise there is a rehoming fee involved, ad expecting the dogs to be freebies!

I think this sums it up really...

None of us begrudges the effort we put in for the welfare of the dogs, but we must stress that whilst we make every effort to find you the dog you would like, our first priority is always focussed on the needs of the dog and we would prefer to think that you would share our attitude

they are not a cheap dog seller, but a rescue who work very hard to ensure unwanted dogs get the very best homes... I think they are just being upfront and honest about their values, and it wouldn't put me off.

Actually, if anything, I would expect them to be similarly open and straight in the rest of their dealings, and I expect they place dogs carefully, in the dogs interests so that a dog that doesn't like kids (for example) doesnt end up in a home with three kids, and a dog which loves long walks doesnt end up with a frail elderly person! Obviously this is also brilliant for the new owners who are likely to get a dog that suits them and their lifesytle too!

It is sensible for them to point out the dogs are not free - if someone cannot afford the intial outlay, they are not likely to be able to afford it if the dog runs up a big vets bill, or chews the settee - this is just realism, and prevents dogs being homed then sent back a few weeks later - even more confused and harder to home as a result.

fantasia322

foreign_correspondent wrote: »

I read it too - it does sound a little brusque, but I am guessing that this has come from long experience of people ringing them up, demanding a westie, and being gobsmacked when they realise there is a rehoming fee involved, ad expecting the dogs to be freebies!

I think this sums it up really...


they are not a cheap dog seller, but a rescue who work very hard to ensure unwanted dogs get the very best homes... I think they are just being upfront and honest about their values, and it wouldn't put me off.

Actually, if anything, I would expect them to be similarly open and straight in the rest of their dealings, and I expect they place dogs carefully, in the dogs interests so that a dog that doesn't like kids (for example) doesnt end up in a home with three kids, and a dog which loves long walks doesnt end up with a frail elderly person! Obviously this is also brilliant for the new owners who are likely to get a dog that suits them and their lifesytle too!

It is sensible for them to point out the dogs are not free - if someone cannot afford the intial outlay, they are not likely to be able to afford it if the dog runs up a big vets bill, or chews the settee - this is just realism, and prevents dogs being homed then sent back a few weeks later - even more confused and harder to home as a result.

I think as well (to deter any would be freebie seekers or would be breeders) that they should state that they insist on all dogs being speyed and neutered so to discourage unwanted and unnecessary breding
I actually had sign an agreement that i would have my my white GSD speyed when i re-homed her (within 3 months) and also to return the agreement signed by a vet after the surgery. Very sensible.
Also be aware that the breed rescue's rarely provide the dos papers for the above reason

dollparts

I thought the same, that they were a little coarse in getting their point across but that this may have derived from being approached by people who saw themselves as rescuing the dog and for that should be exempt from any costs, which of course is not the case.

It did put me off this particular organisation to be honest and gave the me the idea that others may also look upon my motives in the same way which is unfair because, whilst I don't want to pay huge amounts for a dog (because I cannot live my life that way anymore) it doesn't go hand in hand with the desire to get something for free either.

Fire_Fox

Dollparts just wanted to say I think you are handling the questions and debate very well, and I wish you the nest of luck in finding a suitable Westie.

dollparts

Fire_Fox wrote: »

Dollparts just wanted to say I think you are handling the questions and debate very well, and I wish you the nest of luck in finding a suitable Westie.

Thank you very much for saying so. Just have to find a westie to love now!

foreign_correspondent

I wouldn't be put off the rescue to be honest - but I would be very cautious about anyone who is happy to let you take a dog or pup home the same day, who advertises in classifieds, who does not ask you 1001 questions... they are likely either to be getting rid of a problematic dog, or to be a dodgy breeder...

Anyone who cares about the dogs they home will not make it too easy for just anyone to take them on a whim! You need to be prepared for this, and realise it is the actions of a responsible owner/rescue/breeder!

mrcol1000

dollparts wrote: »

I thought the same, that they were a little coarse in getting their point across but that this may have derived from being approached by people who saw themselves as rescuing the dog and for that should be exempt from any costs, which of course is not the case.

It did put me off this particular organisation to be honest and gave the me the idea that others may also look upon my motives in the same way which is unfair because, whilst I don't want to pay huge amounts for a dog (because I cannot live my life that way anymore) it doesn't go hand in hand with the desire to get something for free either.

I think the problem is that rescues have to balance ensuring that they make sure adopters are suitable and are 101% sure they want a dog but then to be welcoming and encourage people to adopt the dogs.
I am not saying this one is and its only a minority of rescues. But some rescues do concentrate on the rescuing dogs and forget about the whole finding them new homes. They get overwhelmed with the dogs and do not have the rescourses to care for the dogs properly. There has been a number of cases of RSCPA rescuing dogs from rescues. Some have had to be put down because they are in such a bad condition. While your householder not being able to afford vet care for a dog and the RSCPA prosecuting them gets lots of publicity the rescues who mean well but can't cope and get prosecuted get very little publicity.
At the end of the day its the talk at application to adopt and the home check which should weed out the people not suitable to adopt rather than having a nearly nasty message on your website putting people off. At the end of the day there are loads of dogs looking for homes and it would be a shame if some don't get the oppotunity because the rescue is a bit heavy handed and puts people off.

dollparts

foreign_correspondent wrote: »

I wouldn't be put off the rescue to be honest - but I would be very cautious about anyone who is happy to let you take a dog or pup home the same day, who advertises in classifieds, who does not ask you 1001 questions... they are likely either to be getting rid of a problematic dog, or to be a dodgy breeder...

Anyone who cares about the dogs they home will not make it too easy for just anyone to take them on a whim! You need to be prepared for this, and realise it is the actions of a responsible owner/rescue/breeder!

I fully expect to be vetted thoroughly and would have concerns if any person was just willing to give me a dog to take home on the same day!

I would be a responsible owner and would expect to come by the right dog by dealing with someone like-minded.

footballwidow75

Hi Dollparts

While I agree that pets are an expensive hobby, as long as you have everything in place (insurance & stuff) you should stop worrying about long term illness, and start focusing on what a fantastic home you have to offer.
I have a Rottweiller - we pay £8 per month for insurance (Animal Friends) and her food bills come to £35 for 5 weeks (Iams) She dosent need anything else, so if we decide to spoil her then thats an extra, but it's not something we have to do!!

If I listened to everyone's horror stories about illness, vet bills and unsociable animals I would not have the pleasure of having a fantastic, loving, brilliant with children, well balanced dog.
Yes I understand as dogs get older they develop problems but thats something to think about long term, and maybe set up a little nest egg for if and when that situation arises, but in the meantime - I hope you find the perfect pooch for you, and I hope you have many happy years together.

BTW - I think its great that your parents are happy to share the financial responsibility with you and let you have this opportunity.

claire1234

have you got a dogs trust near you?
you could have a look around there,

they have very helpful staff and im sure would be able to help with any q`s you have,
when we got our dog from there we were thoughly vetted and also had to attened a "talk" (in a room with a few others and the speaker went though everything to do with our new family member )

hth