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.

willsmadnan, your comment about Labradors and loaves of bread reminds me of our lovely golden retriever who stuck his head in the open window of a hired cabin cruiser and helped himself to their tea. It didn't take him long to wolf down a plate of sandwiches!

When they banged on our door and demanded financial recompense I pointed out they were moored at the bottom of his garden and as he spent most weekends with us on our own boat hoovering up the leftovers, he was only showing his appreciation.

As we lived two miles from the village, the best I could offer them was a sliced wholemeal loaf from the freezer and a cucumber.

I'm sure the Queen would approve

My next door neighbour has two little rehomed dogs. Once is a little love and the other is a PITA. It barks, it nips, it growls.

There are plenty of lovely dogs wanting rehoming and it's a lovely thing to give a dog a 'forever home' just make sure it's the right one for you.

If you look on the Kennel Club's website (I think at the 'getting a puppy' page) there's a quiz you can do which, according to your answers, will provide some breeds you can consider. You can then look at the details of any you want to find out more about.

Rehoming a retired greyhound is a good option or you might want to look at a smaller breed. I'm in my late 50s and going through a divorce at the moment. I have a German Spitz aged 6 who will take all the exercise I give him but who is equally happy to settle quietly if that's what I'm doing too. And of course he gives me unconditional love, which is more than I got from my adulterous husband!!

All the best with your search and do let us know what you decide!

I've had dogs all my life and been extremely close to several, including one I hand-reared from birth. Out of them all, the most loving, faithful, devoted and eager to please is my present cavalier. I got her as a seven year old rescue, an ex-breeding bitch who had always lived in a pack with no individual attention or love.
I wouldn't get a puppy when older than middle-aged, they're such hard work, nor a dog bigger than a spaniel, nor any breed with a bad reputation for health or temperament.
(Cavaliers have awful health problems but I'm an experienced owner)

I have a friend who is very involved with re-homing retired greyhounds. They have a very good foster care service for those who do not want a long term commitment that works for her.

I keep thinking about getting another dog. We've currently inherited 2 ageing, lazy cats but I do yearn for a dog. Our previous one was from a rescue centre and was a delight. I'd always buy from a rescue centre - never a breeder. The rescue centre I visited was excellent being concerned not only about the dog but whether he was right for me and our home. I think a greyhound is a great choice. The only thing that puts me off is the need for poo bags!!!

I think the organization you mention is the Cinnamon Trust.

There is an organisation which re-homes dogs whose owners have had to go into care or who are unable to care for them. Don't know what the organisation is called but am going for supper with friends on Sunday. They got their latest dog this way and it has been very successful so if someone else hasn't come up with the name before then I will ask and let you know

I agree willsmadnan, JRs are such characters and completely in charge of the household. Our boy is 12 now and bosses everyone around, - get my ball, take me out, where is my dinner ? need I go on. He makes us laugh every day. Not a breed for the faint hearted.

ggmarion I am so pleased to see this thread because I am also looking for a dog. I had the chance of a labradoodle puppy recently but decided not to proceed because I don't think I can manage a puppy or a big dog in my dotage! Also I really want a dog that isn't too heavy for me to lift up. Good luck.

I would beg to disagree with Whitewave. As an owner of labradors for 40 years I would say the last thing they are is lively. When their working day is finished(and it only lasts from Sept to Feb) they are the most lazy laid-back dog on the planet. Once their retrieving/ beating work is over there is nothing they enjoy more than snoozing...anywhere! Preferably at the side of an Aga or in front of a wood burner. Oh, and eating of course. On top of their own dog food, anything within reach... whole loaves of bread, bags of flour, a partially thawed chicken.. you name it one of our dear departed labs have eaten it.

In tandem with labradors I had JR terriers. Now they do really tax one's patience. Unpredictable,stroppy, unaware that they are actually a dog, so further down the family pecking order and a complete law unto themselves.

I too am beginning to yearn for another dog now that I'm on my own... I need the companionship and even more,the exercise as all dogs need walking. As I'm now in a small bungalow with an even smaller garden my choice is made up for me..... it will have to be a Jack Russell (however bolshie).
My advice to you Ggmarion .. go for the breed you know and love.

Our neighbours have taken in a Greyhound, there are thousands of them who are retired from racing at the age of about 3 apparently.

I've had three dogs,the first I got from a breeder as a puppy, the next two were rescues and they were both fantastic, the first one came from a family split-up, the second was dumped in Aberdeen
We are dog free at the moment but if we ever get another it would be a rescue,puppies are really hard work and I don't think I could do it again. Thry were all Great Danes, wonderful dogs. Most breeds have rehoming societies

Jacksmum, they are absolutely gorgeous!!!!

Wot , i have 2 rescue Lurchers , they are fantastic dogs , it is one of these dogs who is a care visit dog , he loves the dementia residents as much as they love his visits to them.
This picture is of all my rescue dogs i have at the moment.(the little dog is also a care visit dog)

1 of my rescue dogs came to me aged 13 months old , when he had settled in it was like having a puppy again (all the nice side of it) , he was house trained , and he was such good fun to watch how he played and realised what it was like to feel safe and to be able to have fun, please consider a rescue, alot of rescues have dogs with foster mums so you would get alot of info about behavior etc, and also you would have rescue back up.

Have you thought of rehoming a much older dog? I have rehomed 4 up to now. The oldest was 15 when I got her. You often find that they aree in this position because their previous owners have died and, because of their age many are just left there completely overlooked. I had my old girl for nearly 2 years and she was an absolute joy. If you Google oldies dog rescue you will see they have a Scotland section

Re home a lurcher....we've had two and they are gentle and loving!

Rescue centres always have dogs who are there through no fault of their own, owner has become ill or died, family break up etc. Our latest rescue dog was saved from a horrible life with gypsies. Now she is gentle, loving and a real character. I would advise against larger breeds having just been pulled off my feet and suffered a pelvic fracture when walking our biggest dog. ( not the rescue one )

I agree that the puppy farming trade is dangerous which is why I would only buy a puppy from a kennel club inspected breeder, never from the internet. How can one tell if a dog to be rehomed has problems. I have read of people who have reluctantly had to return a dog to a charity only to be told that this is the 3rd time someone has returned it. I suppose that my location (Scotland) is a a bit of a problem as the likes of Battersea are too far away. I live opposite a large beach which is where I excercised my current dog when he was younger. Suggestions of a quieter breed would be welcomed though I must say that past experience of labs has shown they need less exercise than many of the terriers I have had. I couldn't have a rescue greyhound which seemed ideal as I am unable to provide the 5ft fence which they insist upon. Thank you all for taking the time to help me with this dilemma.

I understand that rehomed greyhounds are very good. They can be a little shy at first but soon settle and don't need a lot of exercise.

Of course, a lab breeder may be reluctant to let a dog go to an older owner which is what happened with someone I know. Very disappointing, but the breeder was probably right.

Perhaps the home could suggest a dog whose owner has died and the dog has not got 'issues'? Our last dog was an 'inheritance' and he was brilliant - not at all what we would have chosen but he turned out to be a really wonderful dog.

Many dogs are rehomed for perfectly decent reasons that do not mean they have issues. Most decent rehoming charities try very hard to match the needs and abilities of their clients to ensure the forever home is forever.
To be honest the puppy trade is becoming dangerously out of control - so many imports and farms that guilt people into buying unhealthy dogs....you only have to watch one episode of Supervet to realise that. Yes, of course there are plenty of very reputable breeders but as long as its acceptable for people to buy puppies off the internet there will be unscrupulous people happy to provide over bred and unhealthy dogs.

We went down the rehoming route and found a 10 month old who had simply gone to the wrong sort of home (elderly couple with small walled garden). She needed a fit energetic family with access to lots of countryside walks and she is now a very important part of our family.

Well young for your age or not, a lab is probably one of the longest to mature, so you will have a good couple of years ahead of you and perhaps longer of an extremely lively dog. It is difficult I know. If you can give the lab a good few miles of exercise a day and can continue for another 8-10 years then fine. If not perhaps a quieter breed? Or look again at rehoming, yes some come with issues but I am sure some won't and who would dearly love a new home. Try the Battersea site.