aargh!! Didn't want this to happen!

[doggydaze]

Hello

Some of you folk might have seen my musings on another thread. Basically, we have made a decision to get a rescue dog, our first 'real' forage into dog ownership (apart from DH, who inherited a dog from a previous relationship for 3 years but that's a long story!) We were looking at Greys or Lurchers, but essentially personality is more important than breed at this stage. All options open, for good or bad!

The rescue have been fantastic and I have had a great experience with them. They recommended an 18 month old JRT, which I was unsure of after researching the breed. However, I spoke to his fosterer yesterday (all their dogs are fostered, which I like) and she sung his praises, said she had fostered dogs for 20 years and had seen every dog known to man and this guy was just amazing, the finished package. Says he is the perfect first dog.

So, I went to see him this morning and of course I fell in love! Whoever had him previously (he was a stray) must have put hours into him. He knows all his commands, fully house trained, amazingly calm (yet energetic, loves to play but will just sit and chew a toy if not being given attention). No separation anxiety, not crate trained but hasn't touched a thing in the house which isn't a toy and he's only been there a week! Sleeps downstairs but all doors open do he can find the family if required.

I took him for a walk by myself (DH knows but DC not yet), he walked well on the lead, coped with a busy road without even looking up, passed a school with kids playing out, other dogs. No reaction at all.

We then went back to the house and I spent nearly an hour playing ball with him, he drops the ball and rolls it to you with his nose if you don't ask him to drop it quickly enough! He sat and stayed for me happily. He would be happy to do the ball thing all day I think!

We are being home checked on Monday (already shown them piccies of our HUGE garden, shameless I know). DH and DC going over to visit on Sunday as the rescue want to see all the family, I am going too!

So, the catch? Another couple are seeing him tonight (that's a long story too), they have had a JRT before and the fosterer will make her decision what's best for him on Sunday after seeing all of us this time.

I PROMISED MYSELF I WOULDN'T GET ATTACHED TO A DOG AND NOW I AM AND HE MIGHT NOT BE OURS [CONFUSED]

Thing is, the fosterer, who has taken the trouble to call me again, does not think that. I am talking out of turn here and probably so is the foster carer but she is angry about the whole situation.

She said this couple spent 5 minutes with him and asked no questions about him at all, didn't play with him etc. 8pm visit ended by 8.15pm. I spent 2 hours with him and he was happy to initiate play with me, I asked all about him and told the fosterer all about our lives and the life we could give him.

But, the fosterer and my co-ordinator still get over-ruled because the couple were 'first in the queue' and know the overall manager of the rescue.

It sucks and it doesn't seem to be in the dogs best interest. I have a sour taste.

Sorry, that last post sounds bitter and mean spirited. I was upset last night and 'vented'!

And the fosterer probably said too much but that was because she was VERY upset with the situation and truly believed that the best interests of the dog were not served. She also said there's not anything she said to me which she won't be repeating at length in feedback. She was a super lady.

Oh poor you, what a crummy situation.

Aaah, sorry to hear this. With 'easy' dogs a fair process is essential, so it's disappointing that this mix up happened and has understandably left you a bit bruised. But you'll find another dog or they will find you, so please don't let it put you off. Maybe consider another rescue though if you haven't already.

That is appalling-especially if the fosterer knew that she didn´t have the final say-why on earth did she offer you the dog?

diddle - think the fosterer did think she had the final say (!) so there's clearly a communication issue there. But, why wouldn't she not have the final say as she is in the best place to know what is in the best interests of the dog itself?

Spicy - thank you for your diplomatic reply That's what galls me, I don't feel the process was ever really fair. They shouldn't have let me go and see him in the first place.

I do feel rather bruised today tbh but will tootle up to DogsTrust this afternoon and chat with them again. Back on the horse, so to speak!

Well tbh it would make sense that she should, wouldn´t it if she knows the dog?

Of course, not spending much time with the dog doesn´t mean that the couple will be bad owners either-and their having had one before might have been a big sway in their favour.

Sounds like a shit procedure & I would complain about that.

Great that it hasn´t put you off, though.

We went to a rescue place with a dog in mind & we got him, but in all honesty I think we would have loved any as much.

So sorry to read your update. Why on earth have fosterers and then over rule them - seems very unfair. And playing with your emotions.

Good luck with finding your dog.

Yes, procedure leaves much to be desired, I agree and I hope he gets a good home as he deserves it.

Thanks Exit.

I have just tootled up to Dogs Trust and handed in my application form, filled in with great detail. We will go up as a family this weekend but they did take me seriously. Not sure there is anything specific at the moment, a couple of young staffies, which I have no issues with at all but DH (in ignorance imho) does. Nothing without some form of 'issue', although I do understand there might not be ever a 'perfect' dog.

They suggested a puppy though (a spring/cocker cross) of 11 weeks in particular but not to rule out a puppy. I got a bit confused then as they hadn't been on my agenda at all. Or some Rottie cross puppies.

They were very helpful though, glad I went.

Lordy lordy!

Springer, sorry.

Wondering if trying to keep such an open mind re breed is actually a good thing?

What a balls up by that rescue ! Hope you get someone soon, a spaniel x pup sounds lovely IMO. My DH had the same view about Staffs when we were looking ( at Battersea) but fortunately the day we went they had a terrier pup (14 week ish ) so we got him.

Oh heck I'd love a dog but we both work full time and it wouldn't be fair. It doesn't stop me wanting though. (No point in wishing one of us didn't work because then we couldn't afford the dog). I would just worry about him being on his own.

Just had a look at the xbreeds on there-they all look lovely.

And there´s a Cocker called Poppy.

I wanted a Cocker but no one else did.

Should have put my foot down as I´m the one who does everything!

Although we´d be lucky to get another dog as good natured as the mutt we´ve got!

Springer

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I'm so sorry, that must have been utterly heartbreaking - I cried over a ferret in the same kind of circumstances, but was not as lovely as you about it! Such a shame and very poorly handled.

My gawd a Sprocker?! Mental as baskets! Having grown up in a house full of cockers (only 5 now!) and still having the pleasure of dog sitting them for hols - very endearing but very, ahem, busy little things, Sprockers more so!
Rottie cross or Staffies? Ugh, they melt my heart! I've just written an essay for another poor poster about our old Rottie (Superdog) and I love Staffies - they are one of 2 breeds that aren't Large breeds I wish I could have, Staffies and Bullies, sadly the inn is full Staffies are just love in a fur coat.

You will find the perfect dog - or rather, they'll choose you whether you expect it to be them or not. I hope it's soon, will be looking out for an update. Fingers crossed.

oh no, what a cock up. I hope you find your family a lovely rescue. Not all springer or sprockers are mental - majority yes.

So sorry it didn't work out, and sounds like the situation was badly handled by the rescue :(

Yes I think it's a good idea to keep an open mind about breed to some extent, dogs are all individuals, even allowing for general breed traits.

I agree with the above poster about Staffs though - the one smaller breed I'd consider, they have lovely temperaments as a rule, and those endearing little faces

Hope you get on well with the Dog's Trust. We have a dog from them, and IME they're very good at matching dogs to the right family.

Thanks all

Ok, I went back to Dogs Trust, I passed on the Sprocker (a Sprocker, who knew?!). Just too insane for a newbie. And, I didn't 'feel' anything for him, if that makes sense?

I didn't pass on a 12 week old, starved, scrawny, cross breed, wearing a knitted coat (he was shivering this morning) and behind their desk. He's brindle, def some Staffie in there, one ear stands up and the other down, ears quite big, poss Lurcher/Grey as he's got long legs and is so very thin but hard to tell. Apparently, he's doubled in weight in a week so how thin he was god only knows. Found as a stray, in a bad way. Clearly malnourished and has mange. Soft as you like, just sitting quietly behind the desk, happy for a bit of attention but just sits when none given.

DC and I met him, he didn't nip at all, just happy for some love. Nails in a terrible state. DH going to meet him tomorrow at 3pm, he's reserved until then.

Assistant manager going to take him home tonight to sleep in her kitchen but not with her other dogs, see how he gets on. He's fine with other dogs, just seeing how he copes alone (although he is alone at the Trust given the mange)

Wondering if I am a sucker for any dog lol. Might need to read about puppies! Will you all help me?!

Exit - love the piccies! I care not about mud and mess, just that I can give a puppy what it needs being inexperienced.

Oh wow that is great news! I'm loving the fact that you turned down a glossy sprocker and have gone for the mangy big eared cross breed .

Yay! Oh he sounds like he would have had me falling at his feet! I hope he works out, sure DH will love him. My DH constantly raises an eyebrow when I appear with another waif or stray, immediately says 'No, not another one' and then sabotages me finding a home (no, I don't think he'd like it there, don't call them I don't think they'll appreciate him etc) until he can say 'ah well, I suppose we'll have to keep another bloody animal' as he's snuggled up in a cuddle puddle with the new arrival.

Fingers crossed things run a lot more smoothly - what a lovely picture you paint, and seriously in need of some love.

hope all goes well for you tomorrow doggy this puppy sounds lovely - and not just any dog grabs your heart. I can appreciate and like and foster all sorts of waifs and strays but not every one I want to keep, luckily!

And the strange thing is that when you offer a home to a dog who you think is not exactly going to win a beauty competition after a couple of weeks he becomes beautiful to you.

That is so very, very true Higgle. Good luck, Doggydaze - I am loving the sound of your new arrival. Can we have pics please as soon as you are able?

Oh, he sounds cute!