Rehoming older dog but away in July

[mysteryfairy]

We have a long ago booked holiday for three weeks in July. We’ve never owned a dog as a family though DH and I have childhood experience and have been thinking and researching owning a dog for a long time with a view to progressing after July. However I am really drawn to a specific little rescue dog. Should not have let myself start looking. Is it a huge mistake to take him in now and then need to board him in July?

I don't think it would be fair Just as he's starting to get settled in you disappear and he has to get used to a whole new routine in a new location while thinking you're never coming back. He wouldn't know if he was coming or going.

The only way I could see it working is if he's currently in home fostering and he could go back there on a paid for basis - but that's a long shot and still not great for the dog.

There will be others out there for you

I would also think it very unfair. Rehomed dogs typically go through a period of insecurity/clinginess when they get into their new homes and something like a change in routine so soon after he arrives could easily cause him a great deal of stress, anxiety and trigger the escalation/development of behavioural issues.

The only way I could see it MIGHT work for the right dog is to have the board set up right from the start - so for half a day or so a week, building it up slowly to an overnight or two every week until your holiday. That way, the board would be part of his new routine.

I'd choose a home board (not a kennels because they are way too similar to typical rescue kennels) and talk in detail to the rescue centre about it first to get an idea of his personality. They would know best whether he is likely to cope with it.

Thanks. I knew this really but needed someone else to say it too. It's a shame as he is so perfect but he will be right for someone else too.

There is a very good chance that the dog will still be there in July. If she has gone, then think of the positive for her of a quick rehoming.

I was in the same position last year. I started looking at the beginningof November and fell In love too. I could not take her until after Christmas. I watched her almost every day on the Rescue site and lost countless hours of sleep. On Boxing Day, by son drove me to the Kennel and we brought her home. She was well worth the wait, but there is no way that she could be kennelled again.

Can you talk to the rescue op?
They might have a solution or hold the dog for you while you get to know it with visits/walks?
Is your whole family coming on the holiday?