Really need advice on finding emergency care for dog owner may be admitted to hospital today

[Thingstodotoday]

Hi my friend is having a psychiatric assessment at 4 today and may be admitted to stay. She has asked me to look into temporary care for her dog (4 year old Weimeraner). She mentioned something about temporary RSPCA care? I work all day and live in a block where pets are not allowed so am unable to help out. There is no one else that she can ask. She is central London based.
Any advice would be gratefully received. I'm having the day from hell at work as well so unfortunately don't have much time at the moment to research and ring around but if someone could point me in the right direction that would be great

www.cinnamon.org.uk/ Try the cinnamon trust, they do fostering.

Ask a local vet if they know of anyone.

Thanks will give them a try.

www.weimaraner-rescue.org.uk/

www.weimaranerclubofgreatbritain.org.uk/index.php/rescue

Worth trying breed specific rescues who might help with temporary fostering.

Brilliant thanks Exit.

Yes, I was going to suggest the cinnamon trust.

They were able to look after my friend's mother's dog, when she went into a care home, until permanent arrangements could be made.

I hope all is well with your friend.

Thanks Sanity. I think she'll be getting the help she needs. She's very worried about the dog. Who is gorgeous by the way. I'd be more than willing to dogsit for a few days if only I could.

Would it not be possible to put the dog in kennels for the short term?

Yes I think Kennels might be the way forward now. Can anyone recommend one in London that is reachable by bus/tube?

If the dog is a rescue, please contact the rescue it came from. I've fostered dogs in exactly these circumstances via their original rescue. It's one of the many benefits of adopting a dog from a rescue that the backup will extend for many years post adoption. I've also known rescues pay for kennel accommodation when they can't find a foster home in these circumstances.

For the love of Dog, DON'T contact the RSPCA - they are very unlikely to accept the dog, and if they do, over 50% of the dogs they take in (even the healthy ones) are killed. Their death rates are horrific and shameful. I would rather a dog faced a Council pound than them.

Perhaps look on FB/web for any local dog walkers? Some will do boarding as well - obviously cost will be an issue but you never know - or they might know of someone who could look after the dog temporarily.

Also, if your friend will be in hospital, could someone live at her place rent-free in return for looking after the dog? I'm sure I saw something ... this

Is it likely to be under section? If so, they (the NHS) have a duty to ensure pets are taken care of.

I could help out but only till just before Christmas as we are going away. I would not charge.

My dog was put down on Monday. There is a big void in my life that needs filling. I am based in South West London. (SW18).

If she came from a breeder - the breeder may (should) offer respite care - or have within their network someone who can.

I hope your friend is OK btw.

I hope you got my PM Thingstodotoday. I would love to help out if needed - and as you'll see on other threads on this forum I'm in the process of registering as a volunteer fosterer/walker for the Cinnamon Trust.

Please let your friend know that there is someone who can help out if necessary - and at short notice. It'll give her peace of mind.

Thanks to all of you for your advice. I just spoke to the amazing MidLifeCrisis who has agreed to look after Willow. It will be a huge weight off my friend's mind and she can focus on her recovery.

For Things, your friend and the lovely Midlife!

That's lovely. MN is amazing sometimes.

Wonderful offer! So kind and helpful.

I hope it will help your friend a little bit, knowing her dog is safe and cared for while she is getting some help.

By way of update, I just waved Willow off safe in the knowledge that she couldn't possibly be in better hands with Midlife. I spoke to my friend and she sounded hugely relieved. The dog is her world and to able to reassure her that I've found Willow an amazing temporary home will help enormously in her recovery I'm sure.

Yeah. Result!

Shit. That has actually brought a tear to my eye.

how lovely you are midlife. Enjoy lovely doggy cuddles!!

Willow and I made so many new friends in Richmond Park this morning! She is beautiful and very sociable too. Now we're home she's following me like a shadow!

She's quite the perfect therapy for me after losing my beloved Springer Spaniel on Monday and it's heart warming for me to know that the owner is relieved that she's in a happy temporary home too. The owner is following our antics on Twitter and has seen a couple of piccies of us out and about today! Social Media is such a great tool. How did we ever survive without it?!