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Potentially adopting a dog

40 replies

Beachbodyready · 21/08/2025 23:58

I love dogs and have wanted one for years. I’ve not done anything about it in the past because I lived in a flat which wasn’t suitable for a dog. I’ve recently been thinking that my life may now be in a place where I could give a dog what it needs - I still live in a flat but this one is more suitable. I saw a dog for adoption yesterday and sent an application so I could chat with the rehoming charity. They phoned me today and have suggested I pick up the dog next week. I’m worried I have an unrealistic view of being a dog owner and the adoption process seems far too fast. It’s a good quality rehoming charity and I’ve been open with them about my position. They’ve sent me lots of online resources but I was hoping to have a week or so to reflect on the information before making a final decision. My heart is saying go for it but my head is more cautious which is how I normally approach things. Please can you suggest anything I need to consider/questions I need to ask myself to make the decision.

for info - I live alone, am semi-retired/work from home, I go out a couple of times a week for a couple of hours. The dog is small and elderly.

OP posts:
daddysgirlnot · 22/08/2025 17:54

We have adopted two cocker spaniels- a mother & daughter duo. We got to meet them first to see if we liked each other. I fell in love with them immediately & they seemed to like me. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done. The mother was elderly; 11 years old when we got her. She’s blind and deaf now, and sometimes doesn’t make it outside in time to piddle… but she’s still full of personality. I’d recommend meeting the dog first.

daddysgirlnot · 22/08/2025 17:56

Oh, should have said… the sanctuary normally does home visits first, but covid restrictions were still in place so we had to send them a video of our home & garden, and which are we planned on letting the dogs sleep.

Beachbodyready · 22/08/2025 18:00

Thanks everyone for the comments. The home check took place today. Originally I was scheduled to meet the dog one day next week and take two days later subject to the meeting going well. Based on the comments on here I told them that felt too fast and we’ve agreed that I’ll meet the dog a couple of times before agreeing a date to take the dog. They’ve said it would be better for the dog if the process isn’t too extended but we will have several meets over ten days rather than wrapping everything up in three days. Your comments have really helped me to find the right way forward.

OP posts:
LandSharksAnonymous · 22/08/2025 18:02

@Beachbodyready great news 😊 let us know how it goes!

SpanielsGalore · 22/08/2025 18:27

@Beachbodyready That sounds much better. I hope it all works out for you.

DangerousAlchemy · 24/08/2025 10:25

HappiestSleeping · 22/08/2025 05:56

As long as you can cater to the dog's exercise needs, living in a flat isn't a blocker. What breed is the dog?

When it comes to you, my best tip is to not fuss it when it arrives. Bordering on ignoring it. Lead him around the flat to smell everything, and let the dog come to you when it's ready. When you're outside, play with it as much as possible.

Excellent advice 👏 same with new rescue cats. People have a tendency to fuss/take tons of photos and invite their family round to meet the new dog. Avoid doing these things. Remember the 3, 3, 3 rule. 3 days to acclimatise/ decompress, 3 weeks to learn your routine and 3 months to feel at home. Try and have set times you feed the dog so they know what to expect. Find out as much background about the dog as you can.

DangerousAlchemy · 24/08/2025 10:29

Beachbodyready · 22/08/2025 18:00

Thanks everyone for the comments. The home check took place today. Originally I was scheduled to meet the dog one day next week and take two days later subject to the meeting going well. Based on the comments on here I told them that felt too fast and we’ve agreed that I’ll meet the dog a couple of times before agreeing a date to take the dog. They’ve said it would be better for the dog if the process isn’t too extended but we will have several meets over ten days rather than wrapping everything up in three days. Your comments have really helped me to find the right way forward.

Fabulous 👏 well done for speaking up. Rescue centres are overwhelmed all across the country so likely they have dogs that already need the kennel space. they do tend to rush rather than smaller rescues etc. Enjoy your new dog if you do decide to adopt. When you go to meet them you could take something you've worn (cardy/hoody) so the dog can get used to your scent etc. It can really help settle them into a strange new environment. You would bring your item of clothing back when you adopt tho make it clear to staff its yours and not general bedding to wash. x

Beachbodyready · 27/09/2025 20:22

Thanks to everyone who commented. She moved in a couple of weeks ago and it’s the best thing I’ve ever done. She’s great.

Potentially adopting a dog
Potentially adopting a dog
OP posts:
TryingAgainAgainAgain · 27/09/2025 20:26

How wonderful. And what a cutie! Very happy for you both.

Buildingthefuture · 27/09/2025 20:29

How utterly lovely 🥰 love it when it works out, good for you and her 🥰🥰🥰

doodleygirl · 27/09/2025 20:46

How wonderful for you both, enjoy your new furry friend

SeaAndStars · 27/09/2025 21:29

Oh my goodness, she's gorgeous.

How settled and happy she looks already.

Wishing you many happy times together.

leli · 27/09/2025 22:01

Enjoy her. Having a dog is wonderful, you’ll never look back. Congratulations & thank you for adopting.

daddysgirlnot · 04/10/2025 19:39

Beachbodyready · 27/09/2025 20:22

Thanks to everyone who commented. She moved in a couple of weeks ago and it’s the best thing I’ve ever done. She’s great.

Oh she is beautiful!!! Congratulations! Delighted for you both ❤️

Empress13 · 05/12/2025 05:41

Beachbodyready · 27/09/2025 20:22

Thanks to everyone who commented. She moved in a couple of weeks ago and it’s the best thing I’ve ever done. She’s great.

Just came back to this. She’s adorable hoping you have lots of happy times together and thank you for rescuing her such a kind thing to do ❤️

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