Anyone know anything about Madsods Dog Rescue near Derby?

[KnackeredOldHag]

... that's all I wanted to ask really.

We have been looking for a rescue dog for a while now (mainly via the RSPCA) and came across this place. I don't know anything about it, so wondered if anyone else had had any involvement with them? Any experiences good or bad? Are they reputable? etc etc etc

Thanks in advance.

I do... and I wish I could remember what it was I knew! I have a funny feeling what I learned wasn't good... I know that I had an email exchange about it but this was in the time I was using an old address which Yahoo have simce decided to close down because I stopped using it.

Bear with me, I'll see what I can find elsewhere. I may be wrong but there's something about the name which rings alarm bells.

I don't know of them, but here are some of the things I'd be wanting to check:

• do they homecheck?
• are all their dogs vet-checked, wormed and vaxed before going out?
• do they neuter?
• if there's a problem with the dog, must it go back to them?

If the answer to any of the above is 'no', then that would make me walk away. Just my opinion, but the above to me is the bare minimum that separates a rescue from a pound.

Other questions you could ask:

• how are dogs that come into them assessed?
• if you experience behavioural problems with a new dog, what support would they offer?

When you go around the kennels (if they have a kennels), then see if they are clean and that the dogs look happy, there's adequate warmth, clean water, bedding and toys.

This is by no means comprehensive, but might be a good start.

I was just coming back to add that as thereis nothing about these things on their website, but Laska got there first. :)

Thanks. That's really helpful .

Any further information gratefully received.

I've just had word from someone who lives in the area. She can't promise this but she doesn't THINK that they homecheck at Madsods. I'd strongly advise that you ask and if they say no, avoid. A homecheck is for your benefit just as much as the dogs and will identify any issues which need addressing prior to a dog moving in and ensure as much as humanly possible that the dog you have chosen is right for you and your family. People often talk about risks wrt rescue dogs but the biggest risks imho are from not carrying out sensible precautions like this.

Thanks.

I've tried googling and can't find anything negative, but it is so difficult to know.

Do you think in addition to whether they home visit or not that it is reasonable to ask a rescue centre for a "trial run" of a dog before committing to signing any paperwork? That way we could have a short time to see whether a prospective dog would fit with us as a family and us with them.

Absolutely. Put it this way, again I'd be inclined to avoid a rescue which rejected the idea.

Fingers crossed for you and good luck. :)

TBH, I should also add that what made me question in the first place is that I found a section on the website which talks about characteristics of different dog breeds. However, all the write-ups of the different breeds are all very "warm and fluffy", for want of a better term. For example, I have owned a collie in the past and whilst I adore them, it's not a breed I would readily recommend around young children and yet their description of the breed does not describe any of the real negatives of owning such a dog (i.e. very, very hard work).

I may just be being somewhat over-cautious, but I'd just rather check it out.

I had a look at their website too Knackered and agree about the write ups - was looking at the Lurcher and the Whippet ones To be fair, the JRT was a bit more realistic advising that they are energetic, lively and can be keen to chase small fluffies. To me it looked like a website that had been put together quite quickly - that may not actually reflect the knowlege and skill, but is a very common problem with a number of animal rescues and charities (and local authorities as well actually, who have no excuse) - there is still little understanding of the importance of web based marketing (sorry, am on one of my pet rants here). It may well be they are a good rescue but haven't thought through the impact of their website as their "front door" and calling card.

As a positive I adored the oldies and they are actively working towards charitable status which is a good sign.

Thanks all.

Scuttlebutter, you might have a point re: not realising the impact of website design.

I'll maybe contact the local RSPCA and see if they have any info about them.

Knackered, contacting the RSPCA wouldn't be any help - they don't have any regulatory oversight over other charities (many of us would say, thank goodness). Have a chat with local dog warden/Environmental Health/Trading Standards and see if they are licensed for either boarding/breeding - if they are you are entitled to see inspection reports under FOI request. This won't cost you anything and can be very interesting. Your dog warden may also be aware of any complaints/issues that have been raised. Again, it may be worth doing a FOI request.

Re websites - I know loads of good rescues taht have absolutely shocking websites - usually because volunteers involved are too busy in the hands on stuff and a lot of voluntary organisations just haven't realised the importance of web/mobile as PR.

Ok, that's really useful to know. I'll try that. Thanks again.