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.

The more elaborated answer is there are plenty of foreign rescues more than happy to educate people on their work and how they run their shelters - Street Hearts in Bulgaria is an excellent example if you would like to find out more about the rehoming process and their outreach work.

To the posters who question whether it is in the dog's best interest to travel long distance for a home - it's a fair question and can't be answered in general I don't think. It's got to be a case by case thing in my opinion. If the dog is otherwise healthy and the alternative would be to PTS (not that that would be an option in our case) then yes I think it's worth it.

I'd always follow the advice of our vet.

But I know the stress of transporting animals on flights. We have done so with our large dog and cats. I don't take these things lightly and do consider the pros and cons.

I've had so many good pointers here on this thread,thank you!

It is hard for the dogs, it’s a long stressful journey and it’s not right for every dog but that’s for the rescue to decide - my dogs have come through it the other side and are happier for being with me than living on Cyprus streets.

as for me I wanted a proper mixed breed and to actually rescue a dog

If the dog is otherwise healthy and the alternative would be to PTS (not that that would be an option in our case) then yes I think it's worth it.

But you say yourself one of these dogs is "elderly". If you can't care for her yourself, wouldn't it be kinder to have her PTS instead of putting her through a potentially incredibly traumatic journey overseas?

I think it's different for the younger dog, though.

If our elderly rescue is deemed not well enough then we won't send her away and continue to try here and keep her in the meantime.