Oh my giddy god......

[HangingOver]

I can't actually believe I'm finally typing this... I think I'm getting a dog!

I've wanted one of my own my entire life. I had one growing up and look after friends and neighbours at every available opportunity as I adore dogs so much. A rescue came up locally and I thought he looked lovely, he was snapped up immediately, but came up again yesterday! Me and DP are meeting him this afternoon.

Any tips for meeting a rescue for the first time? Other than being gentle and calm? He's 8 months so a bouncy chap.

ARGGGH! So excited. 😁

I'm checking in for the photos! I have one rescue snoring next to me, and the other snuggled up under a blanket on my knee. They are so rewarding!

I'm so excited for you op, congratulations!!

Also, getting a rescue from an actual rescue centre always seems so difficult (so many threads on it) , how on earth can there be failed adoptions for such silly reasons??

Congratulations.

When I got my rescue pups (now deceased) I knew nothing. One book advised tossing some of their dry food onto the kitchen floor every time i left the house (they were small and never crated).

I did so, and called out "Forage!" They were so busy running around eating their handful of food that they didn't become anxious at my departure.

As they grew & eating patterns changed, I limited it to a couple of treats. But they never seemed anxious when I departed. And it's easy enough to run a mop over the floor.

Because people lie. The rescue is actually only looking for the composition of your home, the hours somebody will be with the pup and what space you can offer/is it secure. If people lie about how passionately they want the dog, the rescue staff have no way of telling.

So excited for you, OP. I haven't read all the responses so apologies if someone's already mentioned this (and apologies if you're already aware), but please keep him on a long lead at the beach. Not every dog can swim and riptides can be deadly.

Awww, this sounds amazing. I love how excited you are!

I hope you and your lovely doggo-to-be are very happy together! 😁

Also pupdate. 😆 And dusting before the dog arrives! 😂

Good god! Your post is heartbreaking. Who could do such a thing to a sweet angel?

Omg that's heartbreaking , he's got you now and how happy he looks , I've been wanting a doggy for a while now and you've all convinced me to go for a rescue .
Your dog is gorgeous and looks so happy, hopefully he doesn't remember his past anymore x

This is the best thread ever

Photos needed 😄😄😄

@Gopin he was rescued from travellers.

@johnson39 you won’t regret getting a rescue, they’re so full of love. Our scruffs doesn’t seem to remember no, he’s not reactive to other dogs and is showered with love everyday.

My rescue had a very upset tummy for about 6 weeks @HangingOver so regular trips to the garden and keep an eye out for pacing. It took several
months for him to settle in properly and he was quiet and stressed at the beginning. He will likely be very tired after stress of kennels and rehoming so expect lots of sleeping once he has settled a bit.

I’m so sorry to hear this. Grief truly is the painful price we pay for all that love we share. Thank God you found each other in this crazy world. I was distraught when I lost my previous dog. But I took a lot of comfort in knowing I gave him an amazing life (and vice versa).

All these posts show what amazing people there are out there and how much we love animals , it's really cheered me up today seeing all the pics of your dogs and how happy they look in their new families it's lovely to see 😊

If anyone has any good rescue centres in mind please share as I am in a good position to give a dog a good home, not bothered by breed ( although I'm only 5'2 so nothing too overpowering) no small children and wfh, definitely made my mind up to get a rescue.

My gorgeous rescue GSD. He is clearly extremely handsome (if I do say so myself) but from the top right pic you can see he has a goofy side! You can’t tell me he’s not smiling!

His brown eyes make my heart melt

I forgot to pay my dog tax!

As the username suggests….here is my dog

Where do you live? I think it’s often least stressful for the dog to pick it up near home so it doesn’t have to travel for too long.

Joing kn with vicarious excitement. I'm waiting for you to give your new pup a tour of the house.

What a beautiful boy. His fur is gorgeous!

Cutie pie! I love his or hers ears!

Bit late for OP, but anyone else who is considering a rescue, PLEASE be extra careful on your way home!
We live in a village next to a major motorway service station, about once a month there will be a social media appeal because they’ve rocked up, opened the boot and the dog has bolted. Sometimes with a lead attached, sometimes wriggled out of a harness, sometimes no collar at all. And then, obviously there’s no one the dog knows so catching them is very difficult.
We’ve been involved in catching several, but it takes days/weeks usually, and the new owners usually just go home and leave us to it! Several have been run over as they've bolted straight onto the motorway or adjacent dual carriageways. So, please be cautious getting out of vehicles with a new dog.
Good luck with new family member OP.

How exciting for you :) I hope he settles in well!

My advice:
Sounds obvious, but remember, dogs don't speak English by default. So if you're trying to train him you need to be super clear with your body language and tone of voice. Saying 'noooo not there silly boy, put your paws on the floor' - you may as well be speaking swahili to him. Short and clear commands and he'll know where he is and so will you!

And - watch his ears and learn to read his body language. It will make your relationship closer if you learn when he does want to be petted vs does not and also if you can read how he's feeling.

Can you share what breed he is? It might make specific advice easier!

How exciting here for pupdates

@cardibatch I'm right in the middle of Merseyside and Cheshire way.

Just wondered if you were near ‘my’ rescue. You aren’t, sadly. Have a look for your local council dogs’ home - they don’t usual all have much of a budget for publicity so rehoming can be difficult for them.
This is the Manchester and Cheshire one I think, but nit sure. dogshome.net

This too would set alarm bells ringing - sounds like the 'Rescue' didn't do due diligence as to the suitability of the potential home.

A reputable one would be extremely careful, simply because ''Bounce backs'' are so very bad for the dog.

We had to have interviews, home visit by Dog Warden to check boundary fences, and the staff advised the dog for us {as first time owners} - it was very successful, but the dog's home was incredibly careful and responsible.