Puppy v rehoming

I know there are supposed to be hundreds of dogs looking for a forever home. However after nearly a year of contacting various rescue societies I am being penalised because I cannot travel at least 2 or three times to visit. My last two dogs were rescue dogs - one in 1985 who died in 2000, the next in 2002 who died last year. My vet was asked each time for a reference, and apparently gave glowing references. In both cases the previous owners visited me and were happy to pass over their dogs. A few of the rescue societies have paid home visits during the last couple of months - most said it was a doggy heaven(!) with a half-acre enclosed garden and woods and fields back and front. I donate regularly to a few rescue societies, but am considering withdrawing my support as all of them do not consider me suitable unless I visit first; apart from being several miles from any shelter I do not drive. Am I being unreasonably selfish in thinking that if they are so keen to rehome all these homeless dogs it would not inconvenience them to consider my circumstances. This is the first time in my life that I have been without a dog.

Greyhounds make wonderful pets. We have had 3 over the years. They are always past the puppy stage and are usually trained to walk nicely and travel well. If you are not into much exercise two 20min walks a day are fine, but if you want more they are up to it. They are extremely companionably and we have always found that after the rather hard life they have had they settle in marvellously. So many finish racing or don't make the grade they are usually 3-4 years old, and a good greyhound rescue home would match you up well with one.

My daughter has been foster carer for an older dog for the dogs trust, he owner died , he is a great dog but at 13 unlikely to find a new home. Don't forget what hard work puppies are, effectively babies! And worse......teenagers later!, Try the Dogs Trust!

Grizelda most greyhound rescues once they have done a home visit are happy to bring a couple of dogs that they think suitable to see you. They understand that not everybody drives. Certainly the rescue that we got our dogs from are happy to do that, she travels quite a distance to see people and home a dog. She also understands that some people don't like visiting rescues.

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This sums up the whole issue for me.
A cute puppy will ALWAYS find a home, but remember even buying a puppy can be fraught with danger. Puppy farmers and unscrupulous importers will go to any lengths to "persuade" you that yes, this mum is a family pet, yes, these pups are vaccinated and disease free and yes they are genuine breeders or dog lovers.
A rescue dog has its character formed -you know what you are getting! You know how big it is, its temperament and whether you warm to it. A puppy, however cute may turn out to have genetic weaknesses or character flaws inherited from its parents. Don't get me wrong, I love puppies but I also love DOGS. Look carefully at the cartoon, it is chilling.
Do think of a rescue dog. A REPUTABLE rescue centre will put themselves out if they feel they have a dog who would suit you and vice versa.
Hattie (middle pic) is my FOURTH rescue greyhound and a sweeter better natured dog would be hard to imagine! Gracie (third pic) had her forever home with us for 9 happy years and left an enormous hole. I consider myself privileged that Hattie has come along to fill it.

There are so many dogs that need a good home it would be a pity to overlook them. While many bull breeds are online, this is probably because they are more difficult to rehome with the poplar breeds (and puppies) being easier to place. Why not contact your local shelter or RSPCA and talk to them? They could let you know when a suitable candidate arrives. Don't forget there will also be dogs whose owners perhaps can no longer care for them due to age or health who will be desperate for a home. Must be worth exploring?

MawBroom raises a good point, there are thousands of greyhounds who are available and they can make great pets.

Just to reiterate that greyhounds do NOT need huge amounts of exercise
(They don't call them 40mph couch potatoes for nothing!)

We have a rescue Staffordshire Bull Terrier, she was left tied to a post with her puppies in a carrier bag.
Although we are not so young, I feel so thankful to be giving her a happy life

Just thought I would put in a good word for Staffys, our last dog also a Staffy rescue puppy lived to be 16years.

This little lady is a joy.

Our last dog was a Rottweiler Cross rescue,she had been in kennels for 12 months before we rescued her. She was the sweetest and most loving dog I have known and just wanted all humans to love her in return. Unfortunately she went over rainbow bridge in June.

We are now looking for another rescue and will probably take another Rottie from the Rottweiler Welfare Association.

They are large dogs and many people are fearful of their size but they are quite a contented animal in the right home.

The same process applies when picking a husband, mine came not fully trained, had previous owners, was loving and caring but with some bad habits. Good in company, steals from fridge if not watched, loves children (and grandchildren) but like a rescue dog he has thrived in the time we have been together and has moulded (almost) into the perfect husband.Needs company, a small amount of exercise, and regular grooming. Choose a rescue if you can.

My daughter has a Rottie and she is the loveliest most loving dog.Hope you find another.

She is so lucky to have you. Heartwarming story.

Telly, good point made and often see adverts in vets too.

Please look at the Oldies site .....Fabulous dogs , all getting on in years .

After my little dachshund crossed the bridge just before Christmas last year, I and the GChildren missed her so much that I decided i have to get another dog. I was determined this time to get a rescue, I tried numerous rescues. I was rejected time after time because I live in a flat (ground floor) and do not have my own garden. So I bought an adorable wirehaired mini dachshund puppy by a KC approved breeder. She has lots (and lots) of energy, but at 66 I can cope with that as well as looking after grandchildren. She may outlive me, who knows, but that could happen whatever age you are. I couldn't cope with a big dog, so I would recommend a small/medium one. As you have a garden, please don't give up on rescues. There is a lovely one that specialises in smaller dogs, (look for ANGELS SMALL PAWS DOG RESCUE) . They do ask you to "meet and greet" but even if you get a puppy, you would have to make a couple of trips to the breeder. Good luck. If a dog is what you want, you will overcome any obstacles put in your way.

I've just looked at www.oldies.org.uk, after googling as suggested above. Some of the stories are heart-wrenching. Sadly i'm still working full-time, and my boss is terrified of dogs, so he/she woulod be on their own a lot of the time, and sadly I feel that's not fair..

A friend of mine is picking up a miniature Schnauzer next week. Her last dog died a couple of months ago. My friend refused to consider a rescue dog because she also thought that they all have "issues". This fellow is 9 weeks old, she is 74 but very fit. I only hope that he does not outlive her.

Try nearest greyhound track? They are always on lookout for homes for 6yr old dogs. Surprisingly they recommend 20mins exercise morning and afternoon.

Have you thought of approaching Guide Dogs..they always have withdrawn pups and retired guide dogs needing rehoming. It is very easy to forget how demanding and exhausting new puppies are! We have always been lucky with rescued dogs but I do share the reservations.

@ggmarion Have you considered becoming a fosterer for a rescue? I volunteer for a dog rescue (I have 2 rescue dogs myself), and we rehome and foster dogs all over the UK despite being based in Scotland.

We always have a variety of dogs coming through the rescue - small, older, younger, occasional puppies and all spend time under assessment before being put up for adoption.

You sound like a fit, caring person and there's full rescue back-up if your health should fail or your circumstances change...

If you google Loving Homes Dog Rescue, you'll find a comprehensive website and also a very active Facebook page!

Whatever you decide, I wish you luck!

My 85 year old Mother has just got a dog from Dogs Trust, a 6 year old small breed which belonged to an older lady who died. Perfect fit for the two of them. I really don't approve of buying puppies as it leads to over breeding and puppy farms and the associated misery. If you have a desire for a particular breed of dog, contact their rescue group. Dogs are not always in rescue because they have behavioural issues, it sometimes can be due to owner's death as with my Mother's dog.

You could contact the Cinnamon Trust. They recommend cats and dogs when the owner has to go into care or dies.

I am 65 and will be welcoming a Cavapoo (Cavalier King Charles spaniel/toy poodle cross) in mid November when she’s ready to leave mum. I got her from a reputable breeder who has excellent testimonials and was recommended. I am not sure if I would be inclined to have a young puppy in 10 years time.

I had a rescue westie many years ago. We got her at 5 months and she was not housetrained. We had problems with her with separation anxiety and being of a nervous nature. She hardly had any fur due to westie skin problems. I researched on the internet and got some tablets to cure the problem and within 3 months she had acquired a lovely new fur coat bless her.

Puppy breed puppies are sweet and cute calm puppies who love a lot of attention and the company also love to play with all the world are not at all aggressive they come to have 03 months and a half and are ready to join their new family especially a family in love with animals that will know better take care of it.ma separation with them will not be easy but I still support it because it does not depend on me so please please contact me in message deprive on the email address: [email protected] if it interests someone