To find a UK family to adopt our foster dogs?

[Bobbeldibop]

Sorry to post on AIBU, I want to reach as many people as possible.

I read time and time again on mumsnet how hard it is to adopt a dog from UK shelters. I'm sure there are reasons, that's not my question.

We live in Cyprus and have 2 rescue dogs we found abandoned on a hilltop while walking our own dog. It has been almost 2 months and we simply cannot find a family for them. There isn't any space in shelters or sanctuaries here. We cannot send them to the local pound as they will be put down after 15 days if nobody claims them. We have formed an attachment now and really want them to go to nice families.

We have a large dog and several cats as well as small kids so cannot and simply do not want another 2 dogs. They are so loving but we haven't got the mental capacity for 2 more animals.

AIBU to think there must be a way for Cyprus dogs to be more easily adopted to UK families?

I have tried contacting charities via Facebook but everyone tells me all shelters are full. We want to go via a charity or shelter so home checks can be carried out (although I have also read about ridiculous hurdles which make no sense!).

Please if you know of any charities or shelters who could facilitate pet adoption from Cyprus to the UK help us!

Thank you for reading.

I found this on google. They may be able to help, or at least advise.

spdc.org.uk

It says they rescue dogs in Cyprus and
facilitate adoption in the uk.

Thank you so much I will check it out.

We have enough feral dogs of our own without importing them thanks.
keep them, put them down, do what you will but don't try and pass them on to us.

There are too many dogs in rescues in the UK, don't add to their burden.

Best thing is probably to have them PTS.

Even though being PTS might be the kindest option, I can't blame anyone for wanting to try their best for a different outcome.

Good luck OP

I would ask Underdog International if they can help - speak to Eve and see if they can help find them a home in the UK.

Have you tried Nicosia Dog Shelter?

Andrea Siddons is a wonderful lady who runs Cyprus Dog Rescue - she may be able to offer you some advice. She has a good relationship with Dogs 4 Rescue in the UK.

The UK is already full of unwanted dogs.

Have them PTS.

Here's another idea of who might help. www.dalidogrescue.uk/
Good luck x

Thank you for your messages and suggestions. I will ring them all.

To those suggesting to put them down, I do agree in general, however sad it is. Now that we've formed a connection to the dogs it's not possible anymore though. We didn't expect it would be so difficult to place rescue dogs, learnt our lesson now.

If only those people abandoning their dogs would put them to sleep... The more humane choice in a miserable situation.

Thanks all.

Can you offer a rehoming direct from your home, with a rescue offering rescue back up - so the rescue would home check (or authorise you or another more local rescue to do so) and would take them back/sort them out another place if they 'bounced' for some reason.

This is done fairly often, with the RBU provider advertising them, but expecting you to also do so.

It would also help if you could find out the costs and route to transport them out of the UK, so that you can set that out in an uncomplicated fashion for any potential adopters.

In the meantime, get some good pics and do some training so they have some useful skills that puts them ahead of untrained dogs kept in kennel based shelters.

As long as they are healthy I would just put them back on the streets, put food out once a day and periodically worm them.
Street dogs can live out perfectly fine.
Often they don’t suit living in a busy U.K. household anyway.

Why are UK born dogs more worthy of being rehomed than dogs from anywhere else in the world? Those advocating putting to sleep - would you advocate the same for dogs in UK shelters waiting for homes? I don't understand this at all. A dog is a dog. Either all dogs warrant the effort of rehoming or none do.

This is good advice. Also take plenty of videos of them with your cats. Dogs in shelters here are rarely cat tested for obvious reasons but if you have a dog you know is safe with cats that's a massive plus point and advantage for adopters

What heartless twats you all are.

Have you had them vaccinated, do they have microchips and pet passports that would allow them into the UK without going into quarantine?

It's not hard to adopt from UK shelters and importing "rescue" animals is a ridiculous endeavour. Shelters here are full to bursting and rehoming applications at an all time low. You don't want them but you rehomed them and you're attached to them. You keep them.

I think you need to step up and keep them . They will have formed a bond with you and feel safe . You'd be totally heartless to let them down now . It's a horrible situation for the dogs .

Thank you that sounds good. I will look into that.

Yes they've been fully vaccinated, dewormed, chipped, passports everything. We treat them like our own pets. They are able to fly overseas if someone could be found.

So many vile people suggesting putting the dogs to sleep. On one hand, there are lots complaining they can't adopt from UK shelters as the rules are too strict, on another hand others don't want poor dogs here, when there are available and willing homes.

The problem in this country is people often only wanting pedigree puppies, often bought from puppy mills. There are still lots of people willing to take rescues though.

I totally understand that the UK and other countries for that matter have their own rehoming issues with too many dogs in shelters. To me it's still worthwhile asking internationally as the more people I ask the more likely it is I will find someone suitable. People can always say no if they'd rather adopt a local dog which is entirely fair enough.

@Hermittrismegistus how horrible of you! The "lovely" shelters here in the uk are full up with just as many imported dogs as they are uk ones? Charity's are a business they want to make money like all of businesses do.

So I agree with you about the attachment formed. From both the dogs and our sides. I disagree entirely that I'm heartless to try and find another good home for them. Even though they will likely be traumatised again which I understand and am considering as well. Some people cannot have so many animals even if we'd love that. That's why I'm trying everything I can to find homes that can suitably accommodate a dog that's been through hardship. We won't be giving them away to just anybody or put them back on the street as you've rightly said we are all somewhat attached to each other now.