Tips for rescue dog?

[Doodlekitty]

Hi all

Tomorrow we are going to visit a lovely crossbreed in a rescue centre. He is 1 year old, medium build, looks like he has a chunk of German Shepherd in him and described as 'boisterous but loving'

I've never had a rescue dog before but dh and I are experienced dog owners. What type of questions should I be asking? We know he is OK to live with children but needs a firm hand. I guess I'm asking what do you need to consider which is specific to rescue rather than buying.

Also, jumping the gun a bit, if we do get him what's the best food to get? I've always used bakers but have heard bad things about it. Would rather dry feed, don't want to raw feed.

I wouldn't even consider reading the info on a "big chunk of adog that needs a firm hand".

Seriously ?! With kids ?

Sorry, I jumped the gun there..

I'd be very wary of having any dog with a child so young though. We waited until ours where 6 & 9 yrs.

Also my DH made we wait a year to ensure it wasn't a whim.

Well. Having walked a beautiful dog from the shelter every day for a week. Taken her food at the shelters request (the food they had was upsetting her tummy), walking her with my two kids 4 times in a week and being told that as soon as she was recovered from her spay we could do home visit and then take her home, yesterday they decided to give her to someone else.

I know it's ridiculous but I've cried all night. I'm done with shelters, the search for a puppy begins.

Oh Doodle that's bloody awful! How ridiculous of them, I can't believe it. They should have more empathy, they should realise that children will get attached very quickly (not to mention, you as well!). You should name them - to warn other potential owners.

But please, please don't discount rescues. They will have puppies too, by the way.

Hope Rescue
Four Paws Rescue
Many Tears
Balkan Underdogs
Black Retriever X Rescue
Heathlands
Pro Dogs Direct

There are many, many good rescues and some awful ones. It might take time to find the good ones, but you've had lots recommended on here.

Don't be too disheartened. Not all rescues are the same anymore than all breeders.

We had our girl from Yappy Ever After Dog Rescue in the Midlands. They are a foster based rescue so the dogs have been in homes and tested with kids/cats/dogs etc before being put up for adoption (although it seems quite a few fosterers fall in love and keep them). They have dogs from the UK and abroad and often appeal for homes for puppies as well as older dogs. They have a website but their facebook page is most up to date. I believe they will re-home nationwide so long as no ongoing vet treatment is required.

Good luck in your search.