Awful Adoption Experience - Advice?

gettingready

OP - really sorry to hear yoru story.

I understand you do not want to give too much details so will not ask what breed is the dog but - what size is it?

Small agressive dog may be easier to handle than a large one...

DitaVonTee

Do the rescue you got the dog from 'advertise' themselves in anyway?

Reason I ask is, if they do, there is something that can be done, if they do 'advertise' themselves in anyway, I'll throw the link up.

Fire_Fox

You are likely contracted to return the dog to the rescue you got it from, I would do that - literally just turn up with the dog and leave it with them you do not have to wait a few weeks.

~Chameleon~

I think I know the rescue the OP got the dog from and it's not a conventional kennels as most people know it. I posted earlier but deleted it in case I was wrong as I'd hate to tarnish them without proof.

Padstow

~Chameleon~ wrote: »

I think I know the rescue the OP got the dog from and it's not a conventional kennels as most people know it. I posted earlier but deleted it in case I was wrong as I'd hate to tarnish them without proof.

What the OP experienced is so similar to my story that it could be same place. If it's not, then there must be more bad rescues than I thought.

They didn't have their own kennels but boarded elsewhere. The "donation" was £150.
A small matter didn't need vet attention but cost me £450 and when I phoned two days later to say the dog was agressive to other dogs, I was told "your dog, your problem,"

I was advised by a lawyer that as the rescue wasn't a charity, I could sue for my money back, but that meant him being returned which I wasn't willing to do. He's very loving and sweet to all humans, just a s*d to walk and I envisaged someone else losing their temper with him.

He is so terrified on seeing another dog, that he's walked in a sturdy harness as he'd escape from a collar. No wonder the home would only allow me to take him in the lane on a choke chain. I voiced my objection to that but was told it was in the terms of their insurance. Yes, totally conned.

poppygreen

Hi, Thanks for all the replies - it's sad to hear that so many are misled about dogs.

I totally understand that dogs' behaviours and characters can change upon new owners, home, routine etc. However what I'm most bothered by is that these two issues that clash with my skills and life so very much (aggression in certain situs and neediness and activity level in the home) were both known to the home and the opposite was advised and I was assured on both counts he was perfect for my requirements.

There is a lot more detail I could provide but as I said I really don't want to people to be able to work out the home and name and shame yet as it is ongoing, and people are already trying to guess from the little info I've provided. The owner is unpredictable and not pleasant already, and I really don't want her provoked when I am, as someone mentioned, contracted to return him to the same home

His behaviour seems in the largest part to be triggered by the same things day after day, and makes sense with a few comments she made while and after the actual exchange. Perhaps it is a physical issue, but given his history the behaviour kind of makes 'sense', if you know what I mean.

I am so tired and drained from this. Everyone has advised me to take the dog back and leave it there - but surely she will have to sign something to accept him back or I will still be responsible?

One thing I am sure of is that I cannot cope with this dog and his level of these issues where I live - I love him in a way, but he is not what was advertised and I know I am unable to give him what he needs and keep everyone safe and stay sane. Perhaps that sounds heartless But the fact is when people invest a lot of time and money into what I believe should be a very seriously taken decision - well, to end up with a totally different dog... It is heartbreaking and no good for any of the parties concerned, least of all the poor dog. I respect all those people that were misled and kept the dog - I wish I felt I could. But I really really don't

I will be leaving reviews of my experience whereever I can after this terrible experience is finally over. Till then I do not want to name the home and would appreciate no guesses at who they are.

It seems I'll have no hope of a refund of my 'donation' - add that to all the money I have laid out on him, dog gate, muzzle, vaccs she told me she had done only for me to have to get them done etc - this has turned out to be one very, very expensive mistake/con.

And that's nothing compared to the emotional upset - I really don't think I'll get over this any time soon. It has smashed my dream, and made me so wary of risking the same thing again.

poppygreen

Also, sorry Dita Von Tee - they do advertise in that they have a website and get shown on Oldies and Facebook etc.. is that what you mean? And they do state certain things about their methods that didn't turn out to be the whole truth - i.e. that they foster all their dogs to get a proper knowledge of them before adoption. In reality one person is looking after around 10 dogs at their large home - I saw a number of them in crates while there...

It should have rang alarm bells thinking about it now but she was so convincing about 'he is this and that' - like she had spent enough time with him to know, and she just seemed well, honest Yes I am a fool.

This dog was actually separate from the others in an outbuilding 'becaue he likes quiet' and she thought 'he needed some peace'... With the subsequent comments and knowledge, I now believe the truth was she knew he hated other dogs.

gettingready

OP- how big is the dog, what size /weight is it?

poppygreen

He's not a large dog, but as I say I am not comfortable managing this problem - I have to return him

His reaction when outside is so extreme that it is a frightening and worrying experience - for me as much as any other people or animals around. He has seemed close to passing out from the sheer length of his aggressive episodes and has no regard for his own safety even. Each episode is around 20 minutes and will happen each time he spots a person or dog - I live on a school route, popular doggy route, and public footpath in a national park - we have constant walking groups. It really is not an option for me.

gettingready

OP - I am really so sorry that you find yourself in such a terrible situation.. both for you and for the dog..

No advice I am afraid but keeping finders crossed that some solution can be found...