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Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Romanian dog rescue

403 replies

Preciousmemory · 22/02/2025 17:30

I am in an awful situation that I can find no solution to. Please if any one could give me some advice.
i have rescued a Romanian dog which has turned out so badly.
He arrived 10 days ago and has serious problems I am not able to deal with so am asking if anyone can offer me advice.
The rescue have a policy that I must give him back to be rehomed but are not able to find anyone although it is a short time they are describing him on the advert as a dog that loves humans and children and dogs. A huge part of this is not right I have not tested him with a child but as for people he definitely does not like them , only me.
He attacks my husband in the morning, in the evening when he returns home from work and then randomly at any other time. The attacks are getting progressively worse. But yesterday he met my 80 year old tiny dad for the first time which I had also for the first time put a muzzle on him after 7 days of training with it.
The attack was so ferocious on my dad that he was foaming at the mouth leaping as high as his shoulders to grab him but because he was muzzled there was no damage. my dad immediately left. I despair to think what may have happened otherwise. My daughter turned up shortly after the same thing happened. I was thinking he maybe afraid of men but it seems not.
I have constantly tried to work with the Romanian Rescue which could take months for them to find a suitable home, the only option I have from them is to stick this traumatised dog into a kennel which will cause further damage to him, but I am not able to keep him in my home with this level of aggression.
Dog rescues are full up. I have contacted a few that specifically deal with dog aggression. I do not see how this poor dog can just be homed in a normal family environment as this will happen again. He is a large growing powerful dog that could cause serious damage to a person.
Thank you for reading , this is such an anxious problem that I see no solution to.
I am grateful for any advice possible .

OP posts:
Preciousmemory · 25/02/2025 20:01

BoiledOrRoastPotatoes · 25/02/2025 12:18

Exactly. These aren’t purposefully bred dogs. They are more akin to a wild animal. They don’t know or understand homes or humans. When they are on the streets humans are probably a species to be very wary of. They are likely to be chased away from homes and businesses as they are not wanted there.

Just because they are dog shaped it doesn’t mean they are the same as the Labrador that Dave and Joan next door have. Unlike our UK rescue dogs these aren’t family pets that have been handed in because the owner can no longer care for them (for whatever reason). These are going to be more similar to picking up an urban fox and expecting it to function and behave like a dog.

some are street dogs most are puppy farmed which is why so many are advertised as fluffy puppy’s that have never lived on the streets and are being photographed with someone holding a bundle of them. These are not street dogs . But yes there are plenty of them to especially the bigger and older dogs . Are they just getting rounded up off the streets being bunged in pounds to make pounds. These dogs would be happier living their street life. Such a cruel world we live in

OP posts:
oakleaffy · 25/02/2025 21:09

Preciousmemory · 25/02/2025 20:01

some are street dogs most are puppy farmed which is why so many are advertised as fluffy puppy’s that have never lived on the streets and are being photographed with someone holding a bundle of them. These are not street dogs . But yes there are plenty of them to especially the bigger and older dogs . Are they just getting rounded up off the streets being bunged in pounds to make pounds. These dogs would be happier living their street life. Such a cruel world we live in

Hopefully he will stay there for life, and not be moved on again.

That is good news.

There is a dog rescue in Australia that took dogs from a terrible hoarder/breeder situation.
One was a young male whippet who had never been out of his crate in a shed.

He went to an 'experienced' new home, as an only dog...The adopter just couldn't get him to trust humans in any way shape or form.
He hated living indoors with her, was afraid of outdoors...she had him for over a year.
He just about tolerated living in a box kennel on her verandah - he hated being touched, wouldn't go out for walks as it was too scary.

Vet said euthanasia would be the best thing for him as he was so fearful {shaking and trembling} of everything {but not aggressive}

She contacted the dog rescue where he came from, as she found it very hard to deal with his behaviour {basically she wanted a loving pet} and they found someone who had taken an older Female Whippet who had been in the same hoarding/breeder place.

They introduced the two Whippets at the shy dog's place and it was like magic.

They wondered if they were mother and son..{Quite possible}

Suffice to say the male Whippet now lives with the older female Whippet - he still distrusts humans, but that doesn't matter- he lives with this older Whippet who is human friendly, and he now comes indoors to the new owner's home where he takes comfort from the older Whippet.

Early socialisation is so important - one of the worst things is for a dog to have spent it's formative months/years in an unstimulating environment- it will find everything terrifying, even outdoors.

{Pic of a young puppy being carried about to get them used to the sights and sounds of its environment.. see how interested the pup is! - not at all fearful.}

Romanian dog rescue
oakleaffy · 25/02/2025 23:23

Very interesting documentary about Romanian Street dogs. {Starts off about halfway through} -I watched it with my dog {English} who seemed to understand the barks!

Greensaysgo · 25/02/2025 23:36

Nameychangington · 22/02/2025 18:01

People don't get dogs from UK rescues as the UK rescues have insane rules like there must be one person not working and at home all the time. Have you tried to get a dog from a UK rescue recently? Their requirements are mad.

This.

SixtySomething · 26/02/2025 09:06

You have no choice but to put the dog down. Every day he is a danger to the people you love.
Do you want the dishonest rescue to re home him to another innocent victim?
You have a responsibility to have him put to sleep, hard though that is to do.
I don't think you will regret it in the future.
Unfortunately, I don't think it is a cheap thing.

SixtySomething · 26/02/2025 09:09

@oakleaffy
That's a heart-warming tale - but so what?
This dog is a danger to human life!
Are you offering to come over and put OP's rescue into a dog carrier on your chest?
Come on, wake up, this is real!
Dogs matter but so do people!

Mia184 · 26/02/2025 09:59

@SixtySomething RTFT 🙄

Zippedydodah · 26/02/2025 10:00

MumBikini · 23/02/2025 21:58

We have a rescue from Romania. We got her through a British charity that is local that supports a romanian charity. All above board. I met the dog in the UK before adopting. She met my other dog. We went for walks together etc..

We actually wanted a greyhound rescue and that was our first choice but I was so disappointed. We went to the greyhound rescue place. It was run by people that breed greyhounds for racing and are very much involved in the racing scene and had greyhounds they paid good money for as good racers Then when the poor dogs are no longer useful as racers they market them as rescue dogs.

I don't agree with greyhound racing at all and so don't want to support the breeders in this way. The rescue place we went to was an official "greyhound rescue" centre apparently. I was really surprised. I had assumed "greyhound rescue" would be rescuing greyhounds and would be against racing. Not that they would be breeders and v much actively involved in the racing scene.

I have one too and she’s the easiest dog I have ever had in 50 years of being a dog owner.
I tried 17 rescue centres across southern England and Wales before giving up. The RSPCA centre locally won’t allow adoption of any animal if you’ve ever had one put to sleep (large notice to that effect in their reception), I didn’t want a Staffie/German Shepherd/Rotweiller type dog, no greyhounds as cats live either side of us, I didn’t mind having an older dog, prefer a bitch. We live rurally, safely fenced garden, lots of walks in woods and across fields. Both retired and active. Several rescues wanted you to already own a dog, or were not helpful at all.
It was ridiculous when supposedly there are so many dogs needing homes - my dd had exactly the same issues when looking for a dog, she too adopted from the same rescue as us.
This was 4 years ago. Obviously there are even more dogs in rescues now because of lockdown purchases losing their appeal and people being unable to afford them.

VickyEadieofThigh · 26/02/2025 10:08

Zippedydodah · 26/02/2025 10:00

I have one too and she’s the easiest dog I have ever had in 50 years of being a dog owner.
I tried 17 rescue centres across southern England and Wales before giving up. The RSPCA centre locally won’t allow adoption of any animal if you’ve ever had one put to sleep (large notice to that effect in their reception), I didn’t want a Staffie/German Shepherd/Rotweiller type dog, no greyhounds as cats live either side of us, I didn’t mind having an older dog, prefer a bitch. We live rurally, safely fenced garden, lots of walks in woods and across fields. Both retired and active. Several rescues wanted you to already own a dog, or were not helpful at all.
It was ridiculous when supposedly there are so many dogs needing homes - my dd had exactly the same issues when looking for a dog, she too adopted from the same rescue as us.
This was 4 years ago. Obviously there are even more dogs in rescues now because of lockdown purchases losing their appeal and people being unable to afford them.

I'm puzzled by this notion that the RSPCA won't allow you tonadopt "if you've ever had an animal put to sleep". Are you saying they expect owners to allow their animal to suffer in agony until they die naturally?

oakleaffy · 26/02/2025 15:12

VickyEadieofThigh · 26/02/2025 10:08

I'm puzzled by this notion that the RSPCA won't allow you tonadopt "if you've ever had an animal put to sleep". Are you saying they expect owners to allow their animal to suffer in agony until they die naturally?

This is a myth!
The dog we adopted via RSPCA , they knew we had previous terminally Ill cats PTS

The dog we had from them was advised to be PTS by their chief vet as dog had osteosarcoma at almost 12.
She was PTS at home. ( on my bed)
The vet said “She looks well”..( ironically) but osteosarcoma is very aggressive, even today with chemotherapy and amputation the time bought isn’t very long.
Not fair on an older dog according to their chief vet .

Floralnomad · 26/02/2025 15:39

I think what the RSPCA mean is pts for no good reason , in the same way as they shouldn’t let people have an animal that continually keep getting rid of them and getting new replacements .

oakleaffy · 26/02/2025 19:43

Floralnomad · 26/02/2025 15:39

I think what the RSPCA mean is pts for no good reason , in the same way as they shouldn’t let people have an animal that continually keep getting rid of them and getting new replacements .

I should hope not!
That goes without saying..There are people who get animals on whim, then don’t commit to them.
They obviously do let animals do to homes, despite tough criteria- Dogs especially need carefully matching as they can do significant damage if given to the wrong person for that dog.

I’d be useless with a dominant Malinois, or a Working Cocker spaniel, but a gentle Whippet or Lurcher- or Greyhound, I understand and can give those what they need.

Right dog/ right home.

VickyEadieofThigh · 27/02/2025 08:49

oakleaffy · 26/02/2025 19:43

I should hope not!
That goes without saying..There are people who get animals on whim, then don’t commit to them.
They obviously do let animals do to homes, despite tough criteria- Dogs especially need carefully matching as they can do significant damage if given to the wrong person for that dog.

I’d be useless with a dominant Malinois, or a Working Cocker spaniel, but a gentle Whippet or Lurcher- or Greyhound, I understand and can give those what they need.

Right dog/ right home.

But surely such people wouldn't admit to that?

Persista · 27/02/2025 13:24

@mumbikini

There are many greyhound rescues that are anti-racing. You need to find those that aren't supported by the industry. The anti-racing rescues really need support because they don't take the industry blood money.

LittleCharlotte · 28/02/2025 09:29

This reply has been withdrawn

This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

LittleCharlotte · 28/02/2025 09:32

Pigeonqueen · 22/02/2025 18:08

That is just not true. They do expect someone to be there a lot of the time and this is fair. No dog should be left alone for hours whilst someone works full time and doesn’t provide a walker / dog sitter who actually spends time with them during the day. If someone can’t provide this as a bare minimum they shouldn’t be rehoming a dog.

It absolutely is true of some rescues. My dog walker was told by one he was too old to adopt a puppy - at 53!

It depends on the rescue but I never got any responses to any of my applications and it was soul destroying. I'm so happy that I adopted from abroad and will do again. I know I can trust my rescue place though.

LittleCharlotte · 28/02/2025 10:20

I'm really pleased to read of your solution OP. The foster home sound like they know what they're doing.

The monies charged by the rescue are quite average and given that they vaccinate, chip, feed and neuter/spay the dog plus transport it to the UK they only cover costs.

After getting my dog from a small Romanian rescue I do a lot of work for them and have seen how this small team of people do everything they can to protect and care for the stray dogs including rescuing them from kill shelters. They also have a spaying programme. I donate to them as much as I can to help them care for the dogs in their shelter but also for their spaying programme.

I'm so sorry OP things turned out this way. Please don't be put off adopting again. I would see a dog in foster in the UK though, so you can meet it. My shelter have foster homes where the dogs are socialised.

Rory Cethlin-Jones, referred to earlier in this thread, adopted a young puppy who was much happier with other dogs. I do think if he'd had a resident dog or Sophie had come over with a friend she'd have settled a lot more quickly.

My little Rommie and I celebrate 3 years this year and I'm so grateful I got him. It was soul destroying when UK rescues didn't even bother responding to me. The Romanian lot took time to talk to me as a human rather than going down a checklist and suggested dogs which were suitable for me.

OP, I'm sorry you've had a hard time on here. I feel certain that Lucky is in the best possible place. Well done for all you did.

Preciousmemory · 28/02/2025 20:05

LittleCharlotte · 28/02/2025 10:20

I'm really pleased to read of your solution OP. The foster home sound like they know what they're doing.

The monies charged by the rescue are quite average and given that they vaccinate, chip, feed and neuter/spay the dog plus transport it to the UK they only cover costs.

After getting my dog from a small Romanian rescue I do a lot of work for them and have seen how this small team of people do everything they can to protect and care for the stray dogs including rescuing them from kill shelters. They also have a spaying programme. I donate to them as much as I can to help them care for the dogs in their shelter but also for their spaying programme.

I'm so sorry OP things turned out this way. Please don't be put off adopting again. I would see a dog in foster in the UK though, so you can meet it. My shelter have foster homes where the dogs are socialised.

Rory Cethlin-Jones, referred to earlier in this thread, adopted a young puppy who was much happier with other dogs. I do think if he'd had a resident dog or Sophie had come over with a friend she'd have settled a lot more quickly.

My little Rommie and I celebrate 3 years this year and I'm so grateful I got him. It was soul destroying when UK rescues didn't even bother responding to me. The Romanian lot took time to talk to me as a human rather than going down a checklist and suggested dogs which were suitable for me.

OP, I'm sorry you've had a hard time on here. I feel certain that Lucky is in the best possible place. Well done for all you did.

Awwww thank you Charlotte. 💕
i think the lady who has fostered him will do wonders with him, I prey she will end up keeping him. I heard from the rescue that he went to a horse show yesterday and was jumping up at people really friendly, so I must have been doing something wrong. Feel so bad that it didn’t work out with us but so happy that he is in the right place that he can become his bestest. Exactly as you said about other dogs, I truly believe he will thrive, he has 6 dogs to live with and this will help him build his trust in humans when he sees how they love humans.
I would love a life with dogs but have to come to terms with how badly this went
it’s heart warming to hear all the lovely stories like yours that your little Romanian worked out and May you have many wonderful years together

OP posts:
LittleCharlotte · 28/02/2025 21:14

You weren't doing anything wrong per se, but I suspect he would be happier with other dogs. He could probably sense your nervousness which in turn made him nervous. A dog is an individual. My uncle rescued a dog from a UK shelter and it bit him; he was traumatised by this but looking back he recognises he didn't really give the dog time to decompress and he did other things which she wasn't ready for. People make mistakes, often out of love.

He went on to get a puppy, but without him saying so I know he regrets it as he's quite old and really wanted an older quieter rescue dog.

I don't think your rescue are a scam; it sounds like they've done their best but had to wait to find a suitable foster parent. I hope this hasn't put you off rescuing in the future. There are so many dear dogs in need of loving homes, both here and abroad. I would suggest talking to a rescue about your previous experience and perhaps going for an older dog?

I wish we could PM on here as I'd happily discuss this with you in private. I'm very passionate about rescues but I'm also passionate about people and them being happy too.

JohnFinlaysNewTeeth · 01/03/2025 17:03

I heard from the rescue that he went to a horse show yesterday and was jumping up at people really friendly
They've taken a known aggressive dog with a bite history to a horse show AND allowed them to jump up at people within a few days of fostering them? The mind boggles.

SnoozingFox · 01/03/2025 17:09

was jumping up at people really friendly

Fuck me. A dog who was biting a week ago, jumping up at people and you think that's a good thing????

Ylvamoon · 01/03/2025 17:45

I heard from the rescue that he went to a horse show yesterday and was jumping up at people really friendly, so I must have been doing something wrong

Sorry, but I wouldn't believe this. It's a lie to make you feel better. No way would any experienced dog trainer or foster carer over stimulated an aggressive guarding dog by taking it to a horse show.
( A guard dog like you had can drop the behaviour if taken away from the area/ object it decided to guard. But it's irresponsible to take it to a busy place with people, horses and other dogs. )

You have done nothing wrong, other than been given the wrong type of dog for your family.

Don't give up on a dog, the right one is somewhere out there waiting for you!

monsterfish · 01/03/2025 23:17

SnoozingFox · 01/03/2025 17:09

was jumping up at people really friendly

Fuck me. A dog who was biting a week ago, jumping up at people and you think that's a good thing????

And this is why I keep dogs I don’t know out of reach of me whenever possible. Dogs jumping up at people full stop is ill mannered and not to be encouraged.

I would be taking this update with a massive pinch of salt tbh.

whowhatwerewhy · 02/03/2025 05:49

What an alarming update. A dog that has bitten , not giving time to adjust to a new owner is now taken to a busy event and is aloud to jump up at people.
I do hope it's made up .

LlamaDharma · 02/03/2025 07:38

As an experienced handler of fear aggressive dogs, there are some things you just do not do with them full stop, especially over stimulation in unfamiliar settings as it will trigger the dog. I also find this very difficult to believe. It would be completely irresponsible to allow a dog you know was regularly biting strangers just days ago to start jumping up at random strangers in public. I would agree they might just be telling you this as a means of implying there's nothing wrong with the dog and you were misinterpreting his 'friendliness' as aggression.