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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Adopt don't shop. (Dogs)

89 replies

SarahHans · 03/08/2018 20:24

We are told this constantly.

I have children. My youngest is 8.
I don't particularly want a puppy, been there, done that. It's not something I'm super very interested in.

I ideally want an older dog. Over 7. Chilled.

I've been to 3 different shelters and been told they ALL have age restrictions.

Today I went to a place I visited last week alone. When I went alone the staff were very attentive until I told them I had kids, they told me to bring my kids to meet the dogs as they won't rehome until they all meet, which I knew and was happy to do.

So today I did that. There were at least 25 dogs there, I enquired about one and was told 'over 14 kids only' then she walked away.

Eventually I went to the reception and asked could they please point out the dogs that would be able to be rehomed with an 8 year old.

They told me non. Not one out of a full shelter.

I'm actually considering buying a puppy now as everywhere I try say they don't have any suitable dogs.

Sorry. Just being a bit deflated :(

OP posts:

InspectorIkmen · 03/08/2018 20:30

That's crap for you OP - it really shouldn't be that hard with that many dogs wanting homes. Of course they have to match the right dog to the right home but they should be working with you to find that match.

Have you tried The Dog's Trust? We've adopted three times from them and although I found the staff a bit haughty they did at least actually want to find their dogs a home.

pawsies · 03/08/2018 20:32

Try Preloved. Of course vet the previous owner and ensure you are completely comfortable before saying yes.

annandale · 03/08/2018 20:33

Honestly? Having once had a rescue dog, I think over 14s only is really sensible. The number of rescue dogs where you really know what you are getting is minimal imo.

But they should tell you early in the process to stop wasted journeys.

thegoodnamesarealltaken · 03/08/2018 20:37

Look at Wild at Heart Foundation - they help dogs from shelters abroad be re-homed and I've heard many success stories and they have lots and lots of choice (sadly).

Apehouse · 03/08/2018 20:40

My brother had that experience and then went to Dogs’ Trust who allowed his family to adopt a dog. They were helpful with choosing, too.

Original poster

SarahHans · 03/08/2018 20:45

I've looked on dogs trust and I can only see one dog at our local shelter that might be suitable (4+ age) so I will call tomorrow.

I just felt really sad. I explained to the kids it will take a few visits to find a dog that's suitable but we were completely dismissed and ignored.

OP posts:

Original poster

SarahHans · 03/08/2018 20:47

Am slightly weary of dogs from abroad just because many of them aren't used to a home environment.

OP posts:

CrochetBelle · 03/08/2018 20:48

We adopted from another country in the end.
We got in touch with the volunteers at the shelter and told them our circumstances. They had a think then worked out what would be best for us. I was like you, and didn't want a puppy. My children were 8 and 11 and they recommended a younger dog would be best, as they didn't have as much of a history, and were more able to adjust to a new life.
We ended up with a 7 month old GSD-x (DNA results should be in any day now, am very excited haha), who was toilet trained, but everything else had to be done from scratch.

UpstartCrow · 03/08/2018 20:50

I don't feel any angst over buying a well bred puppy. No one should if they have children.
I've fostered and had rescues, but I've never had the same depth of relationship with them as with the dogs I've raised and trained from a puppy.

Maelstrop · 03/08/2018 20:51

It’s no wonder there’s a bloody massive rescue crisis in this country. And then people import from abroad! Bonkers! If you do go the foreign rescue route, make sure it’s through a recognised organisation and you see the rabies vaccination certificate. Some countries are banning foreign imported rescues. Many of the imports are ex-street dogs, no socialisation or any clue how to behave in a house.

Runrunrudolf · 03/08/2018 20:52

It does depend OP our greyhound is a rescue we couldn't get her until DD grew up a bit more rescue dogs having an age limit is common sadly but there are a few who are suitable

TheGoldenWolfFleece · 03/08/2018 20:52

It's ok to buy a dog if that's how you get the dog that meets your needs.

Isitwinteryet · 03/08/2018 20:55

We went to a breed specific rescue, greyhound trust. I was pregnant at the time but the didn't mind, said they had a chilled out dog that wouldn't mind kids. She's a year old now and he's brilliant with her!

Sparkletastic · 03/08/2018 20:56

We adopted via a lovely fostering network that adopts some dogs from abroad for same reasons OP. Our dog is an absolute blessing and great with kids. She's not a one-off either - they place loads. Try fostering networks rather than animal sanctuaries. They've all live in homes first and give a much more honest picture of the dogs characters without being overly restrictive.

Original poster

SarahHans · 03/08/2018 20:56

I don't really want to buy a puppy though.

Plus adoption fees are £100ish. Whereas puppies all seem to be £350+

OP posts:

ladydickisathingapparently · 03/08/2018 20:58

I was going to suggest a breed specific rescue too. We had a rescue greyhound who was absolutely brilliant with a (then) very young family. He was 5 when we got him, ds3 was 2. Rescue couldn’t have been lovelier. Sadly he died aged 10.

We now have a rescue lurcher who is absolutely bonkers but adorable.

YoureAllABunchOfBastards · 03/08/2018 21:03

Breed rescues are often more flexible. I'd suggest a greyhound - I would have one like a shot but have cats. So we went for a puppy and the cats are sulking still, three weeks in!

Wiggler1 · 03/08/2018 21:09

I won’t rehome a rescue again, much as it pains me to say. I have a dog which, although I had no issues with the charity and the rehoming process, has lots of undisclosed issues that have been pretty challenging, and a horse I had to jump through ridiculous hoops to get. I’m fed up of being treated like a potential animal abuser and the constant worry my horse will be ‘repossessed’, and the worry that might dog might bite if she feels threatened due to her history. I will only ever buy in future, it’s a shame as we have such a loving home to offer, but I’m done with the rescue ‘industry’, it’s full of jobsworths and people on a power trip. Sorry that turned into a bit of a rant!

pawsies · 03/08/2018 21:18

Sorry should have clarified, plenty of older dogs needing new homes on preloved. Owners generally want a good home. At least you cut out the middle man so can find out more about the dog.
Ask plenty of questions and if you feel uneasy don't meet up with that owner. If you get a good vibe from a certain owner/dog then meet up and see what you think. Feel free to walk away if uncertain.

3luckystars · 03/08/2018 21:22

There are 2 ‘rescues’ new me. I have called in, rang and left so many messages over the years, offering a home to a dog.
My husband went down to the recycling centre next door and saw a skip full of dead dogs outside. Full. They killed them all rather than chance. The skip was full, he tried to take a photo but the security guard stopped him.

kitkatsky · 03/08/2018 21:30

I'm desperate for a Bassett hoind. There is a rehoming page on fb and your youngest child has to be 5 to apply to adopt. There are obv a small number who need a no kid home, but plenty that would be fine x

Original poster

SarahHans · 03/08/2018 21:34

Seriously Lucky???

OP posts:

MaisyMary77 · 03/08/2018 21:37

We took a “free to good home” Labrador from the free ads-on a Spar notice board, of all things! That was ten years ago-my DS was 4 and dds were 6 and 14. He’s the most gentle, loyal, wonderful dog ever. He’s 14 now and we’re probably approaching the end with him. :( :( Sometime I look on the pets4homes or preloaded websites (not for puppies) just for people who are trying to rehome their older dogs because they can no longer cope with them. Maybe it would be worth keeping an eye out?

MaisyMary77 · 03/08/2018 21:38

*preloved
Darn that autocorrect!!!!

amazeabul · 03/08/2018 21:42

Where abouts do you live ? I volunteer for a dog rescue that only rehomed dogs over 7 years old. Look for Oldies Club online Not sure if I'm allowed to put link here

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