We've applied for many rescue dogs and been put on lists but not getting anywhere really, we have too many animals and children and none seem to fit the bill (we live on a farm).
We aren't mad keen for a puppy so trying other avenues first really.
Via word of mouth, we heard about a nearly 2 year old lab x cocker who currently lives with children but their circumstances are changing and can't keep the dog. The circumstances seem genuine but won't go into them on here.
Me and the children went to visit him in his home and he was lovely, a little bouncy when we were all sat on the floor but didn't jump up etc and calmed down quickly.
They then brought him to our home to meet our current dog and other animals, and that also went very well. He has good recall for his owner, sit/stay etc very prompt. He genuinely seems a really sweet dog.
Ideally we weren't looking for a dog with cocker in more in terms of grooming (we've had a cocker before but our current dog is a lab x terrier so much easier in terms of grooming) but it's not a deal breaker. Our main niggle really is they're looking for £400 to re-home him.
He isn't neutered, I've asked for vet records to see where he is with vaccines etc but £400 seems a lot for an adult dog. I was thinking more along the lines of £250 but they've said no to this. (I was thinking of a standard rehoming fee you'd pay to a rescue).
I'm just concerned that it's a lot of money and we'd have no rescue back up etc should anything go wrong. But at the same time, I know we could easily spend way more on a puppy plus training if we went down that road instead.
What do you think? I'm really torn, every time I think no, just go with a reputable rescue, I think how lovely he is and wonder if I'll regret passing on him.