Can I have some advice about a rehome dog?

[Pullywoolover1]

Hi all - I’d really appreciate some of your collective wisdom to help me make a decision about taking in a rehomed dog.

Currently have one mini dachshund - she’s a year old and absolutely brilliant. Very typical of the breed in that she’s a big character, strong willed but very affectionate and funny.

I’d really love to get another dog and there is a chance to rehome another mini dachshund. She’s 4 years old but not a lot known about her background. Been with current owners 6 months but they’ve realised it’s a big commitment and don’t have the time to look after her properly. Prior to this, not much known other than has had two litters of pups and lived on a farm with a number of large dogs - rehomed as environment not great for a small dog.

She seems very sweet, calm and walks well on a lead. Greeted my dog nicely and they walked and played well together. Apparently whines at night but is made to sleep downstairs which I wonder might be the problem. Vet checked and all OK. Toilets outside fine. Bit on the thin side, coat, eyes look fine.

My worry is the lack of knowledge around health - am I risking a world of pain by taking on a dog with no knowledge of this? For e.g. is she PRA clear or susceptible? What about back issues? I’m happy to put the work in to bring her out of her shell - she needs attention more than anything I think. But I’m worried I’m following my heart and not my head! Any advice gratefully received.

Sorry meant to add, she’s also timid and approached me very cautiously but did take treats from me. Clearly loves her owner which broke my heart a little for her.

Other than breeders health tests, any dog is a health crapshoot to be honest. My pedigree lab puppy with fab hips , eyes etc, has had cancer, hypothyroidism and scavenges things which make him ill. My rescue dog is strong as an ox 🤞🏻.
I went with the connection between the dogs and her response to the family when making a decision. 4 years on and she is just a dream.

Would it be possible to have her for a week to give you an idea on how things will go?

It’s really difficult to make these decisions with our head, when our hearts are saying yes! But try to take a step back from the situation and think what advice would you give a friend if they were going through this and do the same.

We all take risks with health when we take on a dog - either rescue or a puppy.

It would be sensible to take the dog to the vet for a health check to make sure there's nothing identifiable, before an adoption is finalised.

Of course, a new health problem (cruciate ligament injury or something) could happen the very next day, but that's the case with any dog.

I'd dig more into what it is they feel they can't give her? I suspect there's stuff they haven't told you.

Thank you all, that’s really useful food for thought. I think the current owners have underestimated the impact and commitment of owning a dog, to be honest. They work from home upstairs all day but leave the dog on her own downstairs. Dachshunds don’t do well without company, you really can’t leave them alone for any stretch of time, so I can see this might be problematic. I think I’ll ask if they’d be happy for me to take her to my vets for a general check and see what they say. If there’s nothing to hide then they should be fine with that. If they’re reluctant, we’ll, that answers the question!

Another mini dachshund owner here. I can absolutely believe that they underestimated the level of commitment dachshunds need - they’re not easy dogs in many ways.

It sounds like you’re being sensible and cautious and I hope it works out for you all.

Are they rehoming or selling her?
If they are trying to get their money back it's very unlikely they are telling you the whole story.

They're such shit owners Why can't they have the dog with them while they're working upstairs.

It's awful when you see a wee dog so in love with its owner who then gives them up.

We have a rescue - he was literally abandoned in the town centre at 10 months old, no micro chip - really expensive and desirable dog He's perfect too - lovely manners, hasn't put a foot wrong in 5 months. We love him so much.

Thanks again for all the advice, it’s much appreciated

Its greatly thing to do I also think you need to do a trial week as I have known some dogs with the best of intentions just didn't get along so had to be split again