Don’t understand the Dogs Trust’s policy

[Wanttoadoptadog]

I am an experienced dog owner but currently dog free after losing my beloved dog 2 years ago, I really want to adopt an elderly dog to make their final months or years as comfortable as possible, after looking on the Dogs Trust website I found a dog which I really felt I could give a good home to, it is 13 years old, a breed I am familiar with and is suffering from the same condition that my previous dog died from so know how to manage the illness and what to expect, however apparently you cannot apply to adopt a specific dog, you have to send in a form and they will do a match for you within three months, if no match is found you can apply again. This seems ludicrous to me, there is a dog sat in a kennel who I would love to meet, who appears would be a good fit for both of us yet I can’t apply to adopt them specifically, has anyone had any experience with adopting from the DT who can advise? Thanks in advance.

I was also skeptical about the system but it worked perfectly for me, and very quickly! You can favourite dogs as explained above. My understanding is that it is because some dogs had hundreds of applications and some had none. Also that it takes time for them to upload each dogs details so it’s quicker if they can just match with someone who is suitable and has already applied.

My mum saw a dog on the Dog's Trust website, filled in the forms, did a video home check, met him, and he was on her sofa 2 weeks later.
This was 2 years ago.

I wouldn't get a dog from Battersea. My last dog was a rescue from Battersea, described on the website as sweet and affectionate. Described by the Battersea worker who'd been fostering him as a normal dog who'd been misunderstood. He went on to seriously bite every member of my family. I involved a behaviourist and as part of that I asked for and received the notes on my dogs admission into Battersea. It turned out he'd bitten numerous people and that's why he was up for rehoming. They should not have rehomed him! So I would not trust rescue centres to know the dogs they pass on, or to be honest about them.

@PALEFACE2023 I fear I'm going to sound like a dick, but i'm going to say it anyway.What on earth possessed you to suggest strangers on the internet adopt a dog that is already showing aggressive behaviour in kennels?

"Shandy is now experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety after living in confinement for too long. He’s withdrawn, snapping again, and seems sad and distressed."

Being stuck in kennels can negatively impact a dog's behaviour. Some really go downhill in them.
My local dog's home used to say that how a dog was acting in kennels would be different to when they are not in them and settled elsewhere, so to ignore barking etc.

@YeOldeGreyhound I know that. But I also know there are hundreds, if not thousands, of dogs in kennels or rescue centres in the UK that don't have severe behavioural issues - and where you will get actual support post-adoption. Unlike these foreign rescues where too often you get lumbered with a dog with severe issues and no support.