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.

They sound like the sort of dogs people in the UK would like to rehome, setter and pointer, don't see those breeds a lot in rescues over here. The pointer might get a chance with Apollos Angels, they are Cyprus based and might be able to advise you ?

@socialdilemmawhattodo I was only speaking personally - I have no interest in cats.

There’s a very good rescue called Pound Dog Rescue Episkopi. They rehome to both the UK and also locally in Cyprus. They may be able to help/advise you.

one is a black setter mix and about 7 months old, melts into your lap as soon as he sees you

Try* *Black Retriever X Rescue - they’d be very interested in your dog I think, especially if you’d be willing to cover transport costs etc.

What is it to you if people are happy to pay those fees? I don't understand that either. Nobody is asking you personally to pay travel fees for any animal.

Fostering dogs to get them ready for adoption really isn't that unusual and it's not cruel. It would be ridiculous to expect every dog fosterer to keep the animals because they have an attachment. They do a specific role and it's important that they do.

YABU

Inter-country animal "rescue" is totally unethical. It's really not in the animal's best interests to go through the stress of travel and quarantine. Every country already has more pet animals in need of homes than there are homes so any household that can't get an animal locally at all isn't actually a suitable environment for a pet.

Also, although probably not applicable to this OP, some international pet rescue organisations are exploitating the pet-loving tendencies of gullible brits as a money-making exercise.

Anyone tempted towards an international "rescue" would do a lot more good in reducing the amount of animal suffering in the world by donating to reputable charities working towards reducing the excess pet and stray/feral animal population with neutering programmes.

I know it's heartbreaking to have a healthy animal PTS but the sum total of animal suffering in the world is lower if the cyprus strays are PTS and the UK families who are able to adopt from local sanctuaries do so and those who are not able to find any sanctuary to approve them as pet adopters accept that verdict.

Thank you, I will check them out

Thanks so much for this, I will check them out too.

Thanks!!

Thank you all so much for your suggestions and replies in general. I will go through all the mentioned rescues and find out what the deal is. As we are happy to fund all associated costs, fingers crossed someone responsible and loving can be found.

Best of luck! There are many people in the UK keen to adopt overseas rescue dogs so I hope you manage to find someone suitable.

Im a bit shocked at the suggestions of putting the dogs down.
They are innocent animals and never asked to be born.

I see load's of articles where a Go Fund Me has been created, the local press get hold of the story and a home is secured for the pets.

Maybe that could be an option?
All animals deserve a chance.

To all the eejits suggesting the OP just puts them to sleep, I feel sorry for you. What happened in your lives to make you so callous?

I agree that some of these posts are disgusting as well as displaying an astounding ignorance about the work of foreign rescues.

I have adopted 3 dogs from there myself. They are excellent!

Nice. Hope you dont ever need help.

They don’t go into quarantine when they come from Cyprus. You clearly don’t know the first thing about it but you feel qualified to comment anyway

@Bobbeldibop - is it really in the dogs best interests to travel 1000's of miles to an truly alien country?

The simple answer is yes.

@Nemesias I'm clearly not the only one rolling my eyes at that post. When someone evidently has no knowledge of the subject, why on earth do they feel compelled to make an utter fool of themselves writing complete rubbish.

After getting my much loved rescue dog earlier this year, I have a LOT more sympathy with the strictness of dog rehoming centres. He is gorgeous and I love him, but the trauma he had been through is really only just starting to show itself. He needs a quiet, safe home, he finds it hard to be around children, he’s very good with other dogs - sometimes! He’s becoming increasingly affectionate but also increasingly barky and bitey. Initially, he was so subdued, in trauma mode, that it looked like simple obedience. Now that he feels safer, he’s much better and making it known when he is scared or unhappy. Rescue dogs just aren’t always simple.

Is it really fair to transport an elderly dog overseas?

Thank you!

... and the more elaborated answer?

I just don't think it's always in the dogs best interests to be removed from everything they know. Sometimes PTS is better than holding on to what we humans perceive as a better life.

Then there is the journey in a confined space, different food, different climate and different living conditions... all this for what exactly?

(Possible Answer: The feel goof factor of having resced this poor creature from death row.)