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The doghouse

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Original poster

Re-homing a dog

110 replies

SiousieSoo · 09/12/2023 15:20

Hi everyone

I know this is a sensitive subject and I hope it does not upset anyone. My dad has a lovely red cocker spaniel, she is almost two years old. It has become increasingly obvious that he is unable to deal with her as she requires a lot of walking and exercise. I think that it might be better all round if she is re-homed but we would want her to go with a loving owner who would take care of her. None of us could bear her being sent to a home with someone who did not treat her well. Do you know how rigorous the process is for rehoming a dog with Battersea Dogs Home or the Dogs Trust? Do they perform due diligence on the owers and continually monitor the dog's living arrangements to ensure that they are being treated well? Are there any sanctions if they give the dog away or are no steps taken? Does anyone have any advice on the best way of doing this? I have not spoken to my dad about this as he would be so upset at the thought of doing this, but I am just exploring potential options at the moment. Would be very grateful for any advice.

OP posts:
RunningFromInsanity · 09/12/2023 15:25

Yes they do checks and the rehoming contract will stipulate that the dog should be return to them in such circumstances. The waiting lists are several months long though so you may want to look at breed specific rescues such as Spaniel Aid or Spaniel Assist.

If there is no immediate rush you could ask to do a ‘home to home’ rehoming so the dog stays with your dad until a new home is found, rather than go to kennels or a foster home.

Evenstar · 09/12/2023 15:25

I think the breed rescue would be best placed to help you https://spanielaid.co.uk/about-us/

Original poster
SiousieSoo · 09/12/2023 15:33

RunningFromInsanity · 09/12/2023 15:25

Yes they do checks and the rehoming contract will stipulate that the dog should be return to them in such circumstances. The waiting lists are several months long though so you may want to look at breed specific rescues such as Spaniel Aid or Spaniel Assist.

If there is no immediate rush you could ask to do a ‘home to home’ rehoming so the dog stays with your dad until a new home is found, rather than go to kennels or a foster home.

Thank you this is so reassuring.

OP posts:
Original poster
SiousieSoo · 09/12/2023 15:33

Evenstar · 09/12/2023 15:25

I think the breed rescue would be best placed to help you https://spanielaid.co.uk/about-us/

Thank you I did not even know about this organisation.

OP posts:
Messyhair321 · 09/12/2023 23:11

Could you get a dog walker or pet sitter to help, it sounds like rehoming might not be the best option for your dad.

VelvetandLace · 10/12/2023 00:48

To answer your question, I have rehomed through Dogs Trust, had to complete a comprehensive application form to show how I could meet the dog’s needs, and afterwards they followed up by telephone x 3 to see how the dog was doing.
Can your Dad manage the dog in the home? I met a lady recently walking a spaniel via Cinnamon Trust. The owner was an elderly lady who had limited mobility, but the other person had the pleasure of the dog out in the countryside, without the associated costs. Might this be an option? Or Borrow my doggy?

Mydogisscratching · 10/12/2023 00:58

Op I bet the dog is wonderful company for your dad though. Can he walk her at all?

Some other thoughts:

The dog goes to a dog walker several times a week - my dog walker gives my pup a solid 1.5 hour walk and by the time she's done pick up and drop offs dog is out and stimulated for a few hours. £17 a day when I use it. He could do it a few times a week?

Dog training - I go to a local club and lots of the other owners are older. We do basic training and there's also scentwork. The dogs love it and it's so stimulating for them - it exhausts far more than walking. If your dad did classes with his dog he could do lots of practise at home.

Things like borrow my doggy - is there a local family that might like a dog but can't commit to one full time? Might they do the occasional day with it or love taking her for a long walk on a Sunday?

Dogs only know what they know. People who walk their dog three times a day will have to keep that up because the dog gets used to it. One walk a day and games and training and other stimulation would do (treat puzzles etc)

I know this isn't what you asked but dogs are so wonderful and if your dad wants to keep her it would be great if he could. Mine gives me motivation to get up and out and a good healthy routine and something to love and car for.

stayathomer · 10/12/2023 01:02

So your dad isn’t on board?! Yikes! Op our spaniel has energy to spare but also would sit all day with a human being petted if possible. Definitely look into a dog walker before jumping to rehome if your dad loves him/her

Mydogisscratching · 10/12/2023 01:05

'I have not spoken to my dad about this as he would be so upset at the thought of doing this.'

Please please try and keep them together. I bet your dad is getting to the stage of his life where he is losing control of his choices and actions he can take and that's so sad. If you can please help him make this work. I would be so devastated if someone said they thought my dog should be rehomed. Wishing you good luck x

margotrose · 10/12/2023 07:41

Nothing you've said makes me think this dog needs to be re-homed - is there a reason why you've leapt to that conclusion rather than using a dog walker or something?

Lastqueenofscotland2 · 10/12/2023 07:53

i would try to keep them together. Charities like the cinnamon trust may be able to help.
if rehoming is inevitable speak to the breeder of the dog, a good breeder would take the dog back.
Otherwise I’d go through spaniel aid

Ylvamoon · 10/12/2023 08:35

Dog training - I go to a local club and lots of the other owners are older. We do basic training and there's also scentwork. The dogs love it and it's so stimulating for them - it exhausts far more than walking. If your dad did classes with his dog he could do lots of practise at home

^ This 100% !

But first, who has issues with the dog? You or your dad?

ACynicalDad · 10/12/2023 08:37

I read recently that the vast majority of dogs that are rehomed are under 2 as they calm
down around then, try working through the next few months and see if you have a different dog then.

MadamVastra · 10/12/2023 08:39

Try borrow my doggy? That could help!

WatchOutMissMarpleIsAbout · 10/12/2023 08:42

If there is a way to keep her with a dog walker I would have that as my first port of call especially as your dad isn’t keen on rehoming.

but to let you know

We rehomed our girl through the breed club. They did a home inspection, then we had an interview in person with her owner who could no longer keep her.

We had follow ups with the breed rescue and her owner for a couple of years.

Our girl suits us perfectly and I know other people were turned down as not being quite right for her.

Nannyfannybanny · 10/12/2023 08:44

How old is your dad? Does he work, does he want to get rid of the dog? At the moment, because of the cost of living, rescues are completely overrun.

bitofashit · 10/12/2023 09:28

First of all, it's not your decision to try and rehome your dad's dog.

However, you are obviously concerned that he isn't coping so I would look at other options first like local dog walkers or borrow my doggy, and suggest those to your dad.

I'm a non dog owner who loves dogs but doesn't want full time commitment. I'd jump at the chance to spend time with/exercise a dog and I'm sure there are other people around like me.

Nousernamesleftatall · 10/12/2023 09:32

Dog homes are overrun. The dog might not get adopted at all. Surely there is another way?

FiveShelties · 10/12/2023 09:34

It sounds like you have discussed this with everyone but your Dad.

AllTheChristmasMovies · 10/12/2023 09:36

If my child was talking about rehoming my dog like this, they’d be told to fuck off!

Healingfrommothernarc · 10/12/2023 09:43

Please look at keeping them together. The dog will be heartbroken as much as your dad. They form real strong bonds.

Look at cinnamon trust and a dog walker.

You can even pay for people to look after all day for a day or two, so your dad doesn't lose his companion.

Does dad live alone? The dog may be his best friend if so.

My dog is my best friend and I live with my partner too 😄 🤣

Rosecutting · 10/12/2023 09:48

Rehoming the dog = separating 2 best friends.

What does your dad think of this ?

Surely it’s best to find a walker/ doggy daycare ?

scratchyfannyofcocklane · 10/12/2023 09:59

So you want to effectively 'steal' your Dads dog and then give it away? Why do you think this is your decision? Has your Dad been diagnosed with dementia that's progressed to the point that he is unable to make a decision re the dogs welfare?

cansu · 10/12/2023 10:01

Just get a dog walker. Sounds very cruel and controlling to be wanting to remove someone's dog! Surely this is your dad's decision.

user1471556818 · 10/12/2023 11:15

I would be exploring every other option before rehoming .Please speak to your dad . Dogs are wonderful company for people living on their own .

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