Hello 
Some of you folk might have seen my musings on another thread. Basically, we have made a decision to get a rescue dog, our first 'real' forage into dog ownership (apart from DH, who inherited a dog from a previous relationship for 3 years but that's a long story!) We were looking at Greys or Lurchers, but essentially personality is more important than breed at this stage. All options open, for good or bad!
The rescue have been fantastic and I have had a great experience with them. They recommended an 18 month old JRT, which I was unsure of after researching the breed. However, I spoke to his fosterer yesterday (all their dogs are fostered, which I like) and she sung his praises, said she had fostered dogs for 20 years and had seen every dog known to man and this guy was just amazing, the finished package. Says he is the perfect first dog.
So, I went to see him this morning and of course I fell in love! Whoever had him previously (he was a stray) must have put hours into him. He knows all his commands, fully house trained, amazingly calm (yet energetic, loves to play but will just sit and chew a toy if not being given attention). No separation anxiety, not crate trained but hasn't touched a thing in the house which isn't a toy and he's only been there a week! Sleeps downstairs but all doors open do he can find the family if required.
I took him for a walk by myself (DH knows but DC not yet), he walked well on the lead, coped with a busy road without even looking up, passed a school with kids playing out, other dogs. No reaction at all.
We then went back to the house and I spent nearly an hour playing ball with him, he drops the ball and rolls it to you with his nose if you don't ask him to drop it quickly enough! He sat and stayed for me happily. He would be happy to do the ball thing all day I think!
We are being home checked on Monday (already shown them piccies of our HUGE garden, shameless I know). DH and DC going over to visit on Sunday as the rescue want to see all the family, I am going too!
So, the catch? Another couple are seeing him tonight (that's a long story too), they have had a JRT before and the fosterer will make her decision what's best for him on Sunday after seeing all of us this time.
I PROMISED MYSELF I WOULDN'T GET ATTACHED TO A DOG AND NOW I AM AND HE MIGHT NOT BE OURS [CONFUSED]
If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.
The doghouse
aargh!! Didn't want this to happen!
doggydaze · 22/11/2012 13:19
Just spoken to my own rescue co-ordinator who has been fab and called me often. She has spoken to the fosterer, who really liked me, I am pleased to say (I so wanted to make a good impression!) that they both think exactly that, oreocrumbs (great name, are you related in some way to my DS, who leaves trails everywhere?!) i.e that the other interested party will be able to handle a less easy dog, they have plenty of JRT's coming through and the this little guy is a perfect match for us.
But, no 'yes' yet but loking positive.
Home check brought forward to Saturday morning too
Aww I'm really excited for you, If the other couple do have experience then the rescue will want them to take on a more troubled dog since they can obviously handle one that would be more difficult to rehome.
This little JRT sounds a lot like my boy he was a rescue too and he is amazing very calm but energetic knows when its time to back off and go rest instead. Only problem is the little buggers learn words so fast 
We can't say treat, walk, forest or wee in our house anymore without a very excited reaction and him running off to the relevant location.
JRT's can be amazing little dogs they love their cuddles but they can be very headstrong if not trained from an early age so he sounds perfect for a first time couple where as the others will be able to take on an untrained dog who would otherwise be unlikely to be rehomed very quickly if at all. Let us know how it all goes!
Fingers crossed for you! But if you think he's a bit easy I will swap you for the JRT x Whippet puppy that just peed on my floor
Thanks
His fosterer did say he was very clever, so if we wanted to change his name, that wouldn't be an issue. Hadn't even thought that far!
Billie - it's true, I was gone when he did the roll the ball thing with his nose But, I have been to Dogs Trust a few times in the last week and just not felt anything for the dogs there. Half an hour in this ones company and I can't stop thinking about him!
Now I am going to be gutted if it doesn't happen but that's ok, I figure dogs are about mega love and emotion, even if I 'aint got one!
You lot might get a regular in The Doghouse, not that I have much advice to give!
If it is meant to be it will be.
Dogs come into our lives, steal our heart and we humans have no say in the matter. The good, the bad and the ugly - every single one has a special place in our world.
paws and fingers crossed for you doggydaze
"Dogs come into our lives, steal our heart and we humans have no say in the matter. The good, the bad and the ugly - every single one has a special place in our world."
I'm stealing this Jax what a wonderful way to put it
Good luck! Whatever the outcome it's good news for the dog that he will have a lovely home either way (but fingers crossed it's you of course )
How exciting! Really hope it goes well for you. Were they able to give you any history on him - why he ended up in rescue? Re. the pushing the ball trick, my brother's girlfriend little shi-tzu pushes the ball/stick nearer to you with her feet when you say "Can't reach!" It's very cute
Jax - I am gone already, what a lovely sentiment
I have told the kids and shown them his piccies on the website. I have explained that he might not be ours. I had to tell them, given we are going over on Sunday. It's hard for them not to get excited (his pictures are adorable), but at least at 13 and 11, they are able to understand a little.
How the bloody hell do foster carers not end up with millions of dogs I wonder?!
Update - fosterer has just called. Haven't even told DC or DH. She asked how I felt about him. I told her that I loved him already, simple and hadn't stopped thinking of him. She saw the other couple tonight. He's ours if we pass our home test. She believes we can give him all that he needs and he can give us all that we need.
Scared stiff now that DC or DH won't like him 
Further update - person in charge of the rescue has over-ruled the fosterer. He's going to the other couple who want him. In tears 
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Yay! Of course they will love him. Ooh I love a happy ending .
Welcome to the madness, you will never look back.
Oh, I'm so sorry, that's a real bugger and not fair on you. They really should have got their lines of communication sorted before the fosterer told you. I suppose the only good thing is that your kids hadn't got attached to him... But you had! Have a big glass of wine
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