Arrrrrgggggghhhh - is it me?

rising_from_the_ashes

Thanks Fantasia ... I actually don't want a pup (sevearal reasons) but just can't help look when I see the ads!

I've have been trying to find an adult, cat friendly dog (not the easiest I know) but having major problems with rescues as I work. A couple have said they might consider me but TBH, they're not breeds that I'm after (again for various reasons) so I'm struggling ....

fantasia322

Do you mind if I ask how many hours you work daily, and what kind of dog you are looking for? If I'm too nosy just say so, but rescue need to be prepared to compromise in this day and age, and sometimes their criteria is not in the best interest of the dogs x

rising_from_the_ashes

Perferably Lab or Lab cross (I've had them for 25 years so know the breed & their quirks well:D) - would happily consider others but I've ruled many out myself (eg collies & spaniels as I feel they need more stimulation that I think I can offer, greyhounds due to where I like to go walks etc etc).

I am basically a "lab person" - I love everything about them, from their loyalty to their naughtiness;)

I work full time - I know this isn't ideal & not suitable for all dogs but I honestly don't believe it should rule me out altogether without looking at other factors:

• I work 4 full days & one 1/2 day (Weds) - this is a godsend for many reasons a) it breaks up the week b) we get a fantastic walk in the afternoon which is esp great in winter etc
• I am a very early riser and Ben was taken out for 30 - 45 mins every morning (park a couple of mins walk from house & track through farmland to the next village also a couple of mins walk away)
• I can come home at lunchtime & let the dog out / walk if needed (Ben actually hated me coming home so didn't - but I'm only 10 mins away so not an issue for me)
• Several dog walking services nearby (very rural & load of dogs) if I do have to change job
• Get in from work & go to the woods or beach for 45 mins - 1 hour + every night. Nearest beach & wood around 3 miles (car) with several others within 15 miles which I usually go to on Weds PM/Weekends
• I have no dependents .... no other ties ... no other demands on my time ... etc

Sorry, don't mean to go on, but it's just so beeping frustrating when I know I can offer a dog a really good, loving home & loads need one and I'm just written off.

I mean, really - does this look like an unhappy dog:

fantasia322

woohoo, now I see you are in Scotland
Cannot see why you would be turned down by rescue. I know most of them insist that someone is around for 3-4 hours a day (they certainly do with great danes which is my fave breed) But thats because of the risk of 'bloat' gastric goings-on blah blah. Your dog looks well happy and extremely loved and well taken care of. Can't see what the rescue problem is.
Have you considered getting a dogwalker in a couple of days a week? A lot of rescues are in favour of this (Its just a suggestion). Even if you put it to them and see how they feel about it, it might be a step futher forward x

rising_from_the_ashes

Thank you .... will have another bash in the NY but it's just so soul destroying to be told "no" again and again without them even listening....

Believe it or not, he was kept in a kitchen for his whole life before I got him - he didn't have a clue what to do with a toy even .... so sad - but he did land on his paws in the end!

Person_one

purple.sarah wrote: »

I love cross breeds, my first dog was one too. There's just no reason to deliberately create them when there are so many in shelters. And no need to pretend they are a breed.

The same could be said of pedigrees.

Irresponsible breeders are irresponsible regardless of the genetics of the dogs. We need fewer and better breeders, whatever type of dog they create.

Person_one

rising_from_the_ashes wrote: »

I mean, really - does this look like an unhappy dog:

Sorry rising, its obvious that Ben had a great life with you but in this second picture he does actually look a wee bit p!ssed off with you!

:rotfl::rotfl:

rising_from_the_ashes

LOL - probably 'cos I'd not thrown his floaty thing back in the water quick enough!

Thank you for making me chuckle .....

(It was also quite windy and his ears had a habit of taking off)

whispony

I used to breed Cocker Spaniels, the mothers were always annually PRA tested and hip tested also vet checked before and during pregnancies. All puppies were checked as soon as possible and all went to new homes with at least first vaccination done with second paid for. What gets at me is as a breeder is I looked into genetics carefully and always bred for the best temperament and also to improve problems. Cockers when I bred mine were prone to eye problems and certain lines had genetic heart problems. If you take a cocker who may have had these problems and say breed with a labrador from a line that has had hip problems is this not asking for trouble. My point is breeders (well most) spend years breeding the best puppies they can to eliminate as far as possible problems. When looking into genetics you have to look back several generations and I'm not convinced that people who are cross breeding do this. Therefore surely this could cause more problems and possible heartbreak for owners.

olibrofiz

Nope, it's me as well If it's a cross between two breeds it's a mongrel, nowt wrong with that, except for the price tags :eek::eek:

Couldn't believe the Basset/Cocker cross I saw advertised as a Hush Bassett for about £600. Body of a bassett, ears, face, coat of a cocker - just cruel imo. And you could get the worst traits of both breeds thrown in.