Any experience of Spaniel Aid?

[Paq]

We've applied for three dogs so far with no luck. I think we're doing and saying all the right things. We only apply for dogs we think will fit in with our family and we can give a good home to.

DH is retired, I wfh 40% of the time. We have a good sized house and garden, access to lovely countryside, one sensible teen, no other pets. Experience of a spaniel cross in our old dog.

Is there anything we should be saying in our applications to catch their eye?

They get a lot of applications for some of the dogs. We have a Spaniel Aid dog. During lockdowns they were closing some applications after an hour or so with 200+ applications. If there are 20/30 suitable applications it's luck of the draw and getting in early/location. It could be you are looking at dogs where you aren't the ideal home but if you looked at different dogs you would have better luck. You could offer to foster and get first dibs on adopting.

Is Spaniel Aid near you?

If you could volunteer for them? They may need drivers or dog walkers or even fosters. Then you will be on their radar and have way more chance of getting the right dog

The problem will be that hundreds of other people will be applying for the same dogs as you, and only one can be successful.

I suspect, like most people, you're applying for dogs who appear relatively easy to handle - so not ones with issues like resource guarding, or with a bite history, or who have shown discomfort around children.

That's absolutely not a criticism, but everyone wants a dog like that so it's probably mostly just a case of luck rather than you doing anything differently.

Does it have to be Spaniel Aid? Some years ago, I adopted a darling Springer from South Yorkshire Springer Spaniel Rescue. There are other spaniel rescue charities - there may be one local to you.

@IngGenius Spaniel Aid dogs are in foster homes all over the country. One of the plus points is all the dogs are assessed in a home environment before being put up for adoption.

Thanks all, much appreciated.

We are at one end of the country so that might count against up adopting dogs far away. @countrygirl99 congrats on your pup. @cinnamonfrenchtoast yes, we are being realistic about our levels of experience with dogs with issues. Our previous dog was bitey anxious around children and other dogs, and while we managed fine I wouldn't call us experts.

@BadGranny happy to source a dog from any rescue, Spaniel Aid appeals because they so obviously research the dogs before sending them out for adoption. Other rescues I'm following seem a little, erm, slap dash.

I think it's just a case of being as patient as possible.

It's great that you're being realistic and hopefully the right dog will turn up sooner rather than later :)

Not sure we're you are, but have a look at many tears

@Paq our dog is lovely. He's one of the big group of Bretons that came over from Spain in 2020 when another charity couldn't take them as planned. He'd been a stray and was quietly cautious when we got him. It took 3 months before he dared get up on the sofa but now he loves his cuddles.

Look at Battersea, they re-home all over and all the dogs are assessed and vetted.

Hence the reason to say about driving - the fosters need driving all over the UK

I adopted from Spaniel Aid about 15 years ago. The foster was in a town about 20 miles from me, so not too far. I was the 3rd choice though. 2 other applicants had been to see him and he wasn’t right for them. Best dog ever. 🐶

My friend rehomed from them, very experienced and perfect home. Was waiting about 18 months though.

There's a group on facebook called SOS spaniels who bring spaniels over from Spain that are in need of homes. There are some lovely dogs on there.

Spaniel Aid are on the lookout for foster with a view to adopt. Could it be a consideration for you? They're keen to recruit more people to foster as, sadly, they have so many dogs being surrendered. https://spanielaid.co.uk/foster-for-us/ They offer great support too.

South Yorkshire Spaniel Rescue are great and will allow a dog to be adopted out of area. Might be worth asking if they're recruiting foster places with a view to adopt.

Don't waste any emotional energy. Or time in dealing with spaniel aid. You can tick all the boxes. Your made to believe you are going to get the dog you have applied for then they give it to someone else. With no explanation why. Heartbreaking.