I've just spent a sad afternoon.....

zebidee1

.....visiting the RSPCA rescue centre.

We've been tentatively thinking about getting a pal for Harley but we're not at the stage of making any firm decisions yet. We decided to pop into the rescue centre to have a chat and a look round today.

I kinda wish we hadn't. Apparently a load of dogs had been rehomed only yesterday so there were 5 left. One was an 8 month black lab who was so scared he would give Harley a run for his money. There was a staffie that had barked himself hoarse, and 2 other mongrel type dogs. There was also a dog in another cage who had a 'not for rehoming' sign on the front.

The available dogs were all deemed unsuitable to be with other dogs and children so not suitable for us. They were all pacing and barking frantically. They were clearly nervous and anxious and as soon as I saw them I was in tears. I'm sure they're looked after but it's not like having a home is it? Their surroundings were so harsh. I felt so sorry for them being in those small concrete kennels every day for who knows how long. Those concrete kennels could feasibly be the last place they stay before being pts if no-one takes them.

I think I'm maybe just too sensitive but I'm not sure I could go there again tbh. It's just so sore on the old heart.

Tulip

Oh gosh tears came to my eyes just reading that.To be honest I dont know what I can say but those poor dogs

EmptyPockets

I don't think you're being too sensitive - it is so sad when you visit the recues and see all the animals, not just dogs, who are struggling to find a new home. I do believe that in the majority of cases the rescue staff do all they possibly can for the animals, but nothing comes close to having a forever home of their own.

I wish rescue centres didn't have to exist, but they're a sad fact of life. If it were possible, I know DH and I would take every one of them home!

hethmar

Im sad to say this but its likely that at least some of those will be pts as unsuitable for rehoming. The RSPCA can be quite harsh.

chris_n_tj

Many rescue centres take a lot of stick but where would these poor souls be without them.
I dont think anyone with a heart couldnt walk around any of these places and not get a tear in their eyes, or wish they could take them all home.
The sad thing is until people stop buying from back strret/puppyfarms/ill informed/ out for profit/ people then I am afriad these poor amimals dont stand a chance.
I have nothing against good breeders, but these are few and few between. Anyone that takes in a rescue good on you.
Rescues are not for everyone and I for one dont mind some one having a puppy from a good breeder, or a rescue. As long as its well cared for, we couldnt ask for more.
Sorry for highjacking the thread, OP, I do hope whatever you decide be it a rescue or a whatever, by your posts I for one can see doggy would have a great home, and thats all that counts in the end.
Chris n TJ x

foreign_correspondent

sadly, as long as too many people breed and buy dogs impulsively, dogs will suffer like this - it is heartbreaking though. I dont have much time for the RSPCA as an organisation, but some of their branches do very good work.

zebidee, many small rescues try to keep dogs in foster homes rather than kennels - this is generally nicer for the dogs, and also means thay can often be more accurately assessed in so far as to how they get on with kids and other dogs - you could always look on dogsblog, as you can search by criteria (eg. good with other dogs, good with kids etc)

elsien

The last time I went to a rescue centre, I wanted to take most of them home with me. If I hadn't been looking for a specific breed, I don't know how I'd have chosed one. Probably ended up with the really sad looking needy one which would have been completely unsuitable for me. It's a good thing they assess which dogs are suitable for which situations.
I looked at one dog which was so stressed by being in kennels that its personality was completely hidden by weird behaviour. I couldn't have her for various reasons, but I often wonder what happened to her. That was the dog's trust though, and I don't think they PTS do they?

jackieglasgow

No they don't they have a lot of dogs which they can't rehome for one reason or another, and that's really what the sponsorships go to paying for.

geri1965_2

I have a standing order to my local RSPCA dog & cats home but I can't bring myself to go down there.

paulwf

I was at the local cat sanctuary on Monday and could have taken at least 20 kitties home with me...we already have 2 from there though and have 4 in total so it wasn't possible. We went to help socialise some of the mogs, just basically spending time with them so that they would be friendly to people then there is more chance of them being rehomed. So, if you can ask your local sanctuary if you can go and play with the cats and dogs so they have a better chance of finding a home

POSSETTE

I wont go around one because i would be sobbing too...but if you think about it,the ones in rescue centres are the lucky ones..they are not being starved, kicked,abused etc,they are being fed and have a safe place to sleep.