New Dog.

You both look lovely Caleo. I wish you both many happy years together

I wish Caleo a long and happy relationship with this lovely chap - it’s great to hear how comforting she finds it to have him in the house. My mum is 91 and would really love to have a canine companion. She is still pretty active. We are looking out for an old dog that needs a warm and loving home and plenty of cuddles. There are specialist rescues for old dogs.

My daughter has an older rescue (Bonnie) as she knew that she couldn’t manage a young dog. She volunteered initially to foster rescue spaniels. This gave her a chance to get to know the dogs and identify any potential issues before they went for adoption. She had to write a report on the dog, specifying any issues she has identified and thinking about the kind of home which would best suit the dog in the long-term. This might be a solution for some people who are struggling to find a dog to adopt - you will do lots good for other dogs before you find your ‘perfect fit’.

My daughter looked at overseas rescue organisations but she didn’t like the fact that she had no opportunity to meet the dog in advance, or to return the dog if there was a subsequent problem. I am sure that some are very responsible, but others will exploit the fact that some people want a quick route to dog ownership.

Sadly, these dogs from overseas are often surrendered to UK rescue organisations when people realise that they’ve taken on too much. (This happens a lot in the UK anyway as people are very unrealistic about the demands of responsible dog ownership, and quite prepared to lie about their circumstances to breeders and rescue organisations.)

He looks very handsome Caleo. I hope you both have a very happy life together. I'm sure he'll come to adore you as much as you clearly adore him. So lovely that you have both found each other

You look really well suited Caleo iyswim!

Hope you'll have many happy years together.

He's lovely Caleo. He has such a wise face. I'm feeling a bit jealous - my spaniel has many expressions, but wise isn't one of them.

Just had to say, Caleo, that's a gorgeous photo of you and your new best friend. May you both benefit so much from somebody special to love and care for. And well done in saving him!

I have always had rescue dogs, mainly from the country, but I adopted a little blind & deaf poodle from Romania a few years ago. I’ve had several blind dogs from the UK but this poor little thing was found sitting in the middle of the road, the day before it became legal for the dog catchers to snatch any dog with a wire loop & chuck them in the back of their vans. I had 3 wonderful years with him but he was very old & a hard life had taken its toll. He was grateful for everything, whereas the last dog I had, again a miniature poodle, from the Blue Cross, was the most spoilt,arrogant dog I’ve ever had. I was obviously there just to be her servant.

“this” country…

I am amazed that you let the dog off lead so soon.how could you know you had it under control? I am sorry but I think these sort of overseas adoption should be banned. We just import problems. If Uk charities say no then maybe your situation is not suitable for a dog. Adopt a Uk cat.

How wonderful, Caleo! My favourite dog in the village is a Romanian rescue, a big, black, shaggy dog, with a very sweet temperament.

Freya5,
You are totally wrong regarding the vetting process concerning Romanian rescues. As l have said previously, l adopted from Safe Rescue Norfolk. They mainly have Romanian rescues.
I had to have a home visit first. I completed a lengthy adoption form. I explained what l would like, I didn't care about looks af all. I wanted a plodder, l have back problems. I needed a dog that was friendly to people and other dogs, my previous dog Finn also a rescue didn't like children or other dogs. I explained about my Autistic granddaughter.
They thought there were two dogs that fit the bill. I met them both and very lovely dogs. Safe Rescue foster first to get an idea of what the dog is like. They are a fantastic rescue who care deeply about their dogs. They go along with volunteers to Romania 3 or 4 times a year to actually bring the dogs back.
As l have also mentioned, please take a look at Botosani, the shelter they deal with. 600 or 700 dogs in tiny wooden huts, no bedding and concrete floors. Never walked.
How my Toby survived l will never know. He is the most gentle and kind dog.
I can only speak for my own experience but Safe Rescue is the place to go if you want a rescue.

Caleo, Odi is beautiful, I hope you have many happy years together. Yes they do look alike. Toby is believed to be a Lab / Anatolian shepherd mix.
Thank you for the link, it is very informative.
Thank you Canadian Gran, Toby has brought me such happiness after a couple of very sad years.

Poppyann1 Your little Romy rescue is the spit of my Romy rescue who we also adopted 6 years ago. She is the same in that she won't play, but is the gentlest most loving dog.

That is such a lovely photo of you and Odi Caleo. He is gorgeous. Wishing you many happy years together.

Cambsnan

I am amazed that you let the dog off lead so soon.how could you know you had it under control? I am sorry but I think these sort of overseas adoption should be banned. We just import problems. If Uk charities say no then maybe your situation is not suitable for a dog. Adopt a Uk cat.

You are assuming the park wasn't enclosed. We have 2 local parks and they are both fully enclosed so letting a dog off the lead is less of a problem.

Cambsnan, I too was surprised my sons let Odi off the lead so soon. I never did this with any of any of my other rescue dogs.

Odi is a different personality from any of my other rescues. He quickly understood what his duties were to be in my house- i.e. sticking close to his family at all times. I can only attribute this trait to his breeding such as it is! Many of these Romanians are by DNA largely herder guarders bred to look after big flocks of sheep with calmness and obedience. Socialisation of the individual from puppyhood is essential.My dog has obviously been well treated in his early life. I like to think that his old family in Romania could know that he has come to another good home.

My dog is eight years old so is past the very energetic stage of life however I will need to provide him with some games to exercise his brain.

Maya, that is what I guessed Toby is! Odi looks like a Carpathian shepherd mixed with corgi! I might have his DNA done out of curiosity. Did you actually get Toby's DNA done?

Caleo

Me and Odi

Aw what a sweet team you make! I hope you both enjoy lots of fun and love together Caleo. x

Thanks , Yogitree. Odi wags his tail and licks me more than my ex husband ever did.

ViceVersa, please let us know how the cane corso in your family is getting on. Earache can be horribly painful and I am glad he was rescued and treated for it. Any chance of a photo?

My son and daughter in law had a big mastiff who was a calm and responsive companion for the family.

I used to live in Edinburgh, and had many happy dog walks around the north west of the city

Lovely picture of you both 😍

Joplin, will you get another dog? I recommend Wolfie's Legacy .Gill is hugely responsible in every way and most careful to match dog and persons. Disabled dogs are often overlooked but are often Very Good Boys.

Caleo

ViceVersa, please let us know how the cane corso in your family is getting on. Earache can be horribly painful and I am glad he was rescued and treated for it. Any chance of a photo?

My son and daughter in law had a big mastiff who was a calm and responsive companion for the family.

I used to live in Edinburgh, and had many happy dog walks around the north west of the city

He is doing quite well now, although they have to clean out his ears regularly to try to prevent future infections. Here he is with a new toy - which lasted all of 30 seconds or so!

There seem to be a huge crowd of charities finding homes for Romanian rescue dogs. It strikes me as having huge potential for scam. Does anyone here know which of these organisations are reliable and respectable?

ViceVersa, what a lovely boy! Thanks for the photo. I wonder if he has a Spanish name.