My Experience with Wags and Wet Noses – Tasha’s Story
I wanted to share my experience of adopting my beautiful Tasha through Wags and Wet Noses. Sadly, our story did not have the happy ending I had hoped for. While I will never regret bringing Tasha into our family, I have been left with serious concerns about aspects of my experience with the rescue.
I first met Tasha at her foster home in Somerset, where she was being cared for by the lovely Naomi. It was immediately apparent how well Naomi looked after the dogs in her care. I spent around an hour with Tasha and fell completely in love with her. She was gentle, affectionate and absolutely beautiful. I knew she was the dog for us.
On 20 August, I received Tasha’s health attestation letter, which stated that she was healthy in every respect. Naturally, this reassured me that she had been assessed and was fit and well.
Just five days later, on 25 August, I adopted Tasha, full of excitement about giving her the loving retirement she deserved.
Tasha had clearly experienced a difficult life before coming to the UK. She had spent years chained up and was significantly overweight. Despite everything, she had the most wonderful nature. Watching her begin to enjoy life, become more mobile and even break into a little gallop was an absolute joy. She was safe, loved and finally able to enjoy the comforts every dog deserves.
Unfortunately, from the beginning, Tasha suffered with persistent digestive problems. Despite dietary changes and attempts to settle her stomach, things did not improve.
As Tasha lost some of her excess weight, my UK vet was able to feel abnormalities in her abdomen. Further investigation revealed the devastating news that she had two enormous tumours in her colon, each approximately 12 cm.
The veterinary advice was heartbreaking. The extent and location of the tumours meant that removing them would require removing essentially her entire colon. Surgery was not a viable option.
My vet explained that Tasha was already on the verge of a complete bowel obstruction. Without intervention, she was expected to deteriorate rapidly and die within days, potentially experiencing extreme pain and suffering.
I had to make the devastating decision to have her put to sleep. It was heartbreaking, but it meant I could spare her the suffering that would otherwise have followed.
My vet explained that Tasha’s significant excess weight would have made the masses much more difficult to detect previously. As she lost weight, they became easier to feel. I appreciate that this means the tumours may not have been obvious during earlier examinations.
However, what I find particularly concerning is that I had received a health attestation dated 20 August stating that Tasha was healthy in every respect, yet only weeks later she was diagnosed with two enormous, inoperable tumours.
I understand that not every serious medical condition can be detected during a routine examination, particularly given Tasha’s weight at the time. Nevertheless, the contrast between the reassurance provided by that document and the reality of her condition has left me with significant questions about the extent of the veterinary assessment she received before adoption.
One of the most concerning aspects of my experience was the advice I received when Tasha’s health problems continued.
I was specifically told not to take her to a UK vet and was advised that UK vets were not to be trusted. Instead, parasite treatment was suggested, despite her persistent digestive problems. Her panting was also attributed to the heat.
I found this advice deeply troubling, particularly in light of what was subsequently discovered.
Had I followed the advice not to seek veterinary attention, Tasha’s two enormous colon tumours might have remained undiagnosed until she developed a complete bowel obstruction. Given how close she already was to that point, the consequences could have been catastrophic within days.
Thankfully, I made the decision to seek independent veterinary advice. That decision meant Tasha received a proper assessment, her condition was identified, and I was able to protect her from what my vet explained would otherwise have been an extremely painful end to her life.
I believe that discouraging an adopter from seeking veterinary advice when an animal is experiencing persistent symptoms is a serious welfare concern. Whatever the intentions behind that advice, the potential consequences in Tasha’s case were devastating.
I want to acknowledge that there was some practical and financial support from the rescue following Tasha’s diagnosis, including reimbursement of the adoption fee and an insurance excess. I appreciated that assistance during an incredibly distressing time, and I believe it is important to recognise the positive aspects of my experience alongside my concerns.
However, I have been disappointed by how communication with the rescue subsequently unfolded.
I took the time to write a review of my experience and sent it privately through Messenger to the rescue for their approval before publishing it. Rather than receiving a response or an opportunity to discuss my experience, I discovered that I had been blocked.
I found this particularly upsetting. I had approached the situation openly and had wanted to share Tasha’s story fairly, including the positive aspects of her adoption and the heartbreaking circumstances surrounding her death.
I believe that adopters should be able to raise concerns, ask questions and share their experiences without feeling that communication will simply be closed down.
I understand that rescue work is difficult and emotionally demanding. I also appreciate that organisations working with animals from abroad face significant challenges. However, transparency, appropriate veterinary care and respectful communication with adopters are essential.
Above everything else, I want people to know that I do not regret adopting Tasha for a single second.
She may only have been with us for a short time, but those weeks mattered. She experienced love, security, comfort, kindness and freedom. She had a home and a family who adored her.
My vet explained that, without her condition being discovered, Tasha would likely have experienced a complete obstruction and considerable suffering within days. Knowing that we were able to prevent that brings me some comfort.
I had hoped to give Tasha several happy years of retirement. Instead, I was able to give her a few precious weeks and a peaceful, dignified ending.
Tasha deserved the world, and I am grateful that, for a little while, I was able to give her a small part of it.
I share this review not to discourage people from adopting rescue dogs, but because I believe prospective adopters deserve honest accounts of both the wonderful experiences and the difficulties that can arise.
Tasha will always have a very special place in my heart, and I will always be grateful that our paths crossed.
Finally, I would like to make something very clear.
The review I originally sent to Wags and Wet Noses was intentionally positive. I made a conscious decision to omit the negative aspects of my experience because I wanted to remain cordial, acknowledge the support we had received and focus on the love and happiness Tasha experienced during her final weeks.
Despite this, after sending that review privately through Messenger for approval, I discovered that I had been blocked.
I find this particularly disappointing because I had gone out of my way to be fair, respectful and considerate. I had no intention of creating conflict or publicly criticising the rescue, despite the concerns I had about aspects of Tasha’s care and the advice I received.
However, being blocked after I had made such an effort to maintain a positive relationship has changed how I feel about my experience.
I had initially chosen to focus on the positives out of respect and goodwill. Unfortunately, the way I have subsequently been treated has made me feel that it is important to share the full picture.
I hope that by sharing my experience, other adopters can make informed decisions and that the importance of openness, accountability and respectful communication is recognised.
Most importantly, I hope that Tasha’s story serves as a reminder that every rescue dog deserves not only love and a safe home, but also appropriate veterinary care and people willing to advocate for their welfare.
Tasha was deeply loved, and she always will be.