Considering getting a dog - rescue centre questions
Discussion
I've had a change in work pattern which now means I can work from home. Unfortunately this newfound "freedom" often has a downside in that you find yourself not really doing anything else other than working and sleeping and only leaving the house for necessities and occasional friend meet-ups. I need to get more exercise but I'm not a gym person and I need a reason to do it, if that makes sense. I feel that a dog may be the answer. Although my Old Dear is no longer with us we have always had dogs, cats, and other small furries in the family throughout all my childhood so I'm well accustomed to living with them, but actually being the owner and having all the responsibilities to look after it is something entirely different.
I have been considering going and looking at mutts at rescue places at some point and seeing what takes my fancy (I have read a number of the old 'what dog?' threads here and done some research into the pedigree breeds) but I am puzzled by the terms most of these places seem to operate under. They say that they welcome donations but when you look deeper into the terms it then changes to a compulsory donation of an amount of their choosing. Is this standard practice? It doesn't sit well with me as imho a donation is an amount of my choosing and entirely voluntary. If they are dictating the cost then it isn't a donation, it's a sale and should be listed accordingly rather than trying to disguise it. Furthermore, why insist on a "donation" when you are doing them a favour by rehoming one of the animals meaning that that is one less animal they need to buy food for and care for? Although it sounds a bit ridiculous, if these places are so desperate to find good homes for the animals then if anything they should be offering YOU money to take them(!) because you're doing them the favour, not the other way round. Of course I realise in reality that would be open to abuse and the animal would be the one that ends up suffering.
I have noted from some of the old threads that other's have had bad experiences with these places where they have found they are more interested in harvesting your details in order to constantly pester you for money through the post rather than wanting to rehome their animals. Would it perhaps be better to avoid these places and instead keep an eye out for the "free to a good home" ads on gumtree, for example?
It's not that I have a lack of funds to look after a dog for life, I just find the whole concept of expecting money for these "new home urgently needed for x" ads a tad strange (breeders excluded). If I were in the position of no longer being able to home my pet I would not charge nor expect any money from anyone kind enough to offer to rehome them. Is it just me?
Moving on.. any recommendations for places to visit in Leeds or surrounding area? Looking for a dog that doesn't moult, doesn't slobber (no boxer or bulldog types) and isn't big in size and quite happy to chill on his/her own when I need to work and get stuff done. Needs to be house trained and already had jabs. A Staffie sounds like it would fit the bill but I don't particularly like them. Someone I know through a friend has a nice docile dog but not sure what type it is. It's white and tan, long body with little legs and long tan ears that nearly drag on the floor. I think it could be a beagle but it can be a bit snarly with other people til it knows them, but it seems quite happy sleeping all day.
I have been considering going and looking at mutts at rescue places at some point and seeing what takes my fancy (I have read a number of the old 'what dog?' threads here and done some research into the pedigree breeds) but I am puzzled by the terms most of these places seem to operate under. They say that they welcome donations but when you look deeper into the terms it then changes to a compulsory donation of an amount of their choosing. Is this standard practice? It doesn't sit well with me as imho a donation is an amount of my choosing and entirely voluntary. If they are dictating the cost then it isn't a donation, it's a sale and should be listed accordingly rather than trying to disguise it. Furthermore, why insist on a "donation" when you are doing them a favour by rehoming one of the animals meaning that that is one less animal they need to buy food for and care for? Although it sounds a bit ridiculous, if these places are so desperate to find good homes for the animals then if anything they should be offering YOU money to take them(!) because you're doing them the favour, not the other way round. Of course I realise in reality that would be open to abuse and the animal would be the one that ends up suffering.
I have noted from some of the old threads that other's have had bad experiences with these places where they have found they are more interested in harvesting your details in order to constantly pester you for money through the post rather than wanting to rehome their animals. Would it perhaps be better to avoid these places and instead keep an eye out for the "free to a good home" ads on gumtree, for example?
It's not that I have a lack of funds to look after a dog for life, I just find the whole concept of expecting money for these "new home urgently needed for x" ads a tad strange (breeders excluded). If I were in the position of no longer being able to home my pet I would not charge nor expect any money from anyone kind enough to offer to rehome them. Is it just me?
Moving on.. any recommendations for places to visit in Leeds or surrounding area? Looking for a dog that doesn't moult, doesn't slobber (no boxer or bulldog types) and isn't big in size and quite happy to chill on his/her own when I need to work and get stuff done. Needs to be house trained and already had jabs. A Staffie sounds like it would fit the bill but I don't particularly like them. Someone I know through a friend has a nice docile dog but not sure what type it is. It's white and tan, long body with little legs and long tan ears that nearly drag on the floor. I think it could be a beagle but it can be a bit snarly with other people til it knows them, but it seems quite happy sleeping all day.
Edited by All that jazz on Tuesday 24th January 22:55
I thibk it's technically illegal to sell a non pedigree dog so that might answer why dogs aren't advertised for direct sale.
Ignoring everything else a Staff sounds ideal, what is it you don't like? The social stigma? It's not as bad as made out and anyways f
k what others think.
There GREAT dogs but need to know their place in the pack.
Because of tways that couldn't look after them or had them for mistaken status rescue places are full off them too.
Begals are just ducks (IMHO)
Go and see a Staffy and spend an hour.... you won't look at another breed.
Ignoring everything else a Staff sounds ideal, what is it you don't like? The social stigma? It's not as bad as made out and anyways f
k what others think.There GREAT dogs but need to know their place in the pack.
Because of tways that couldn't look after them or had them for mistaken status rescue places are full off them too.
Begals are just ducks (IMHO)
Go and see a Staffy and spend an hour.... you won't look at another breed.
It is partly the stigma but they're also quite full on in that they can quite a handful and always seem to be panting and slobbering everywhere. Also they seem reluctant to be exercised too and much prefer to stay lounging at home so won't be any use for my new exercise regime! (at least that's the experience I've had with a mate's staffie). Other dog owners and non-dog people generally don't like them either because of their stigma.
If you baulk at the donation, what will you do when you have to shell out on a vet. It is a type of thing to remove unsuitable persons from getting a dog.
It is also a donation, because the dog never legally becomes yours, should you be seen to abuse the dog, the home can get possession of the dog with fewer issues than if you were to actually own the dog.
As for a staffie, didn't like them myself, but contact with them has changed my mind.
It is also a donation, because the dog never legally becomes yours, should you be seen to abuse the dog, the home can get possession of the dog with fewer issues than if you were to actually own the dog.
As for a staffie, didn't like them myself, but contact with them has changed my mind.
All that jazz said:
It is partly the stigma but they're also quite full on in that they can quite a handful and always seem to be panting and slobbering everywhere. Also they seem reluctant to be exercised too and much prefer to stay lounging at home so won't be any use for my new exercise regime! (at least that's the experience I've had with a mate's staffie). Other dog owners and non-dog people generally don't like them either because of their stigma.
Ok I think I see where youre coming from.Stafford just want to please (and slobber less than a Labrador does) so will generally be happy doing what makes you happy. Hence why you see fat ones that people don't walk and complete power houses that people do.
The stigma bit is a weird one. They're the ONLY dog the KC will day is ideal with a family with kids and are often called 'the nanny dog'.
I took pleasure in changing people's expectations and as I say unless you're tatood with a tracksuit you've nothing to worry about.
I do and can acknowledge though that cretins have adopted them mistakenly thinking that they're crazy killers, and the only pics you see in the press are massive jaws jumping at the camera.
Forget that.
A staff is a loyal and loving (but HIGHLY intelligent and stubborn/head strong) animal that wants to make you happy so much that they've been known to put their life for thier pack (family). Just be warned that after 20 odd kilos of muscle (assuming you walk him) WILL give you dead legs.
They like to think they're lap dogs.
From what you've said they do sound like an ideal breed.
You should really have a read about them and go and spend an hour with one.
You can thank me later lol.
Seriously they are the ideal breed. Smart enugh to learn quickly (and take the piss out you) yet small enough for the average home but big enough to keep you safe.
Mine could go to the fridge and bring me a beer, took about 3 days to train.
What more can you ask for?
EDIT: To add my best mate is currently a Doberman, I would highly recommend one but not in your position.
From what you've said I wouldn't look past a Staffy. Go to a rescue place and take one for a walk, give it a scratch behind the ears and look into its eyes and let it tell you it's story.
You'll know quick enough what I mean as words don't describe.
Edited by Roscco on Tuesday 24th January 23:55
Dog rescue places run on donations, so without them there would be the situation they have in Italy where the strays get rounded up in the autumn and given a one way trip to a vet with a needle.
I like dogs, can't have one as I work away, but a mate has 2 labradoodles, and they are great. One is dim as a post but very sweet natured and tolerant, he just mooches about taking it easy. The other is an evil genius, chews through leads that are set up for him to roam the garden but not escape, bothers the hell out of the dopey one, all the rest. I also had a cockerpoo live next door at the last place, that was a great dog. Daft as a brush and needed lots of attention, it used to come to the fence and look over until I came out to throw the ball, bash him with an empty plastic bottle, or whatever game it was.
Neither of these moult, and being crosses they suffer from fewer genetic disorders.
I like dogs, can't have one as I work away, but a mate has 2 labradoodles, and they are great. One is dim as a post but very sweet natured and tolerant, he just mooches about taking it easy. The other is an evil genius, chews through leads that are set up for him to roam the garden but not escape, bothers the hell out of the dopey one, all the rest. I also had a cockerpoo live next door at the last place, that was a great dog. Daft as a brush and needed lots of attention, it used to come to the fence and look over until I came out to throw the ball, bash him with an empty plastic bottle, or whatever game it was.
Neither of these moult, and being crosses they suffer from fewer genetic disorders.
I'd always wanted a dog. First thing I did when I changed jobs to being a home worker was get one. For lots of the reasons you mention... get me out the house, less sedentary lifestyle and for company during the day.
Best thing I've done. Elvis the cockapoo is now eighteen months old and a total legend. Sometimes incredibly clever, sometimes daft as a brush
Highly reccomend.
Best thing I've done. Elvis the cockapoo is now eighteen months old and a total legend. Sometimes incredibly clever, sometimes daft as a brush
Highly reccomend.
We have had several rescue dogs. Most centres have a charge structure, I think it was £60 the last time we adopted. As has been said previously, most centres are entirely reliant upon donations and I can see no problem with putting a structure of charges as against reliance upon ad-hoc sums.
I think the other key issue to be aware of is that from a good centre you get a complete service, you can chat with the staff who have experience of looking after the dogs, behaviour of the dog has been appraised, health checks/corrective actions will have been done, you get the opportunity to "get to know", often centres do pre-adoption home visits to advise on being prepared and they will also provide post-adoption follow up advice on any problems with behavioural issues etc. All in all excellent value and especially so compared with acquiring a dog through a non-centre transactions which will usually cost considerably more.
On top of that there is the moral side of so many animals seeking the fresh starts in life that they deserve.
I think the other key issue to be aware of is that from a good centre you get a complete service, you can chat with the staff who have experience of looking after the dogs, behaviour of the dog has been appraised, health checks/corrective actions will have been done, you get the opportunity to "get to know", often centres do pre-adoption home visits to advise on being prepared and they will also provide post-adoption follow up advice on any problems with behavioural issues etc. All in all excellent value and especially so compared with acquiring a dog through a non-centre transactions which will usually cost considerably more.
On top of that there is the moral side of so many animals seeking the fresh starts in life that they deserve.
Rescue centres are charities which rely solely on donations. They have to charge, otherwise they wouldn't be able to carry on looking after unwanted, abandoned, troubled animals.
I think the term 'donation' is more of a polite way of saying you have to pay for a dog. A lot of people pay more than the donation figure. You're doing them a favour taking the animal off them, but you're also allowing them to take another unfortunate animal in. Vets bills at many small charities run into six figures. Many of these charities also cover vets bills for pre-existing conditions as well.
If you see a 'free to a good home' advert, better to alert a rescue charity because scumbags trawl Gumtree posing as decent people to then get dogs for free and then use them as bait animals or for fighting.
I think the term 'donation' is more of a polite way of saying you have to pay for a dog. A lot of people pay more than the donation figure. You're doing them a favour taking the animal off them, but you're also allowing them to take another unfortunate animal in. Vets bills at many small charities run into six figures. Many of these charities also cover vets bills for pre-existing conditions as well.
If you see a 'free to a good home' advert, better to alert a rescue charity because scumbags trawl Gumtree posing as decent people to then get dogs for free and then use them as bait animals or for fighting.
I would advise you visit your chosen rescue centre and see what they have. I would not be looking at pedigree dogs, they will always be more expensive and a mongrel tends to be much easier. I work with dogs (Barking Mad) and know that whilst there are characteristics to a dog breed they all have different characters. As a working person , I still favour Geyhounds, they don't need much walking and tend to splatter on your sofa while you work.
Go visit a local rescue centre (not the large charity ones but a local one IMHO) and see what dogs are there. This may help you decide.
But I will say, getting a dog just to go out for walks is possibly not the best reason to get one - you have to pick up their poo, feed them and entertain them as well... It is not just a walk a day.
But I will say, getting a dog just to go out for walks is possibly not the best reason to get one - you have to pick up their poo, feed them and entertain them as well... It is not just a walk a day.
Last year we got a Staffie from a rescue centre.. It was actually the council ran stray dog centre (literally dogs found on the street with no hope of finding the owner). From here they keep them 7 days, then legally the original owner is no longer the owner - They keep for a further 7 days where they aim to rehome (either pubic or rescue centre) or they put down.
The donation was £105 iirc? That DID grate on me knowing it was council ran and funded where it's main funding aim was getting dogs off the street rather than re-homing. However when you go and meet the people who work there, they are trying really hard with the dogs and realise their hands are tied - Money does help them. To be fair, it's not about the money, it's about giving a dog another chance, regardless where you find it or how much it costs - I recommend going to them all in your local area, it's not about the rescue centre it's about the dogs.
Staffies as a breed are loyal, caring, affectionate but also boisterous, energetic and hilarious. Mine sleeps 60% of the time, dozes/lazess around 20% and energetic the other 19% (the other 1% is mental - in the best way possible). In all honesty, mines that asshole friend that you wouldn't swap for the world. Right now i'm at home and he's in his basket (upsidedown) next to me asleep and has been since 9.30am.
He can and does sleep all day, but I go on x3 walks daily, (usually 20min, 20min and 1 hour). Weekends for a longer walk and usually chuck the ball for him where he'll run like mad for an hour, he's more than comfortable going for a jog with me whilst I marathon train (5k to 10k is childsplay for him) which I do twice weekly. 4-6 hour walks in the countryside (with a pub lunch in-between) every once in a while is fine (the pub bit with him is much more often- he just looks at the world from under the table). Basically they'll sleep most of the day, have an hours or so of wanting attention to play but they will literally do what ever exercise you want when you want - I could wake mine up right now and go for an hours run if I wanted or have a tug of war and he'll love it, then go back to doing his own thing. Oh he doesn't slobber, hardly moults and doesn't smell. The breed literally ticks all of the boxes (other than stigma).
I highly recommend you spend an hour or two with one and you'll be hooked. My Mrs wasn't a fan at first because of what she's heard, now she's smitten and I mean smitten (and at 8 stone wet through, she struggles but can handle him). They are smart enough to know who to be more boisterous with. He's much softer with her than he is with me, he's worse with some of my mates who just wrestle with him. A good Staffie will be anything you want him to be - He's loyal with so much wanting to please.
The donation was £105 iirc? That DID grate on me knowing it was council ran and funded where it's main funding aim was getting dogs off the street rather than re-homing. However when you go and meet the people who work there, they are trying really hard with the dogs and realise their hands are tied - Money does help them. To be fair, it's not about the money, it's about giving a dog another chance, regardless where you find it or how much it costs - I recommend going to them all in your local area, it's not about the rescue centre it's about the dogs.
All that jazz said:
It is partly the stigma but they're also quite full on in that they can quite a handful and always seem to be panting and slobbering everywhere. Also they seem reluctant to be exercised too and much prefer to stay lounging at home so won't be any use for my new exercise regime! (at least that's the experience I've had with a mate's staffie). Other dog owners and non-dog people generally don't like them either because of their stigma.
You are so wrong. Staffies are a great breed, the stigma is there don't get me wrong but it's mainly ignorance. It really can be an upside where 99% of interactions are fantastic and the amount of stangers who go out of their way to say well done, comment on their reputation being wrong and it's all generally very very uplifting (when I mention rescue I get so many "well dones"), it's all very humbling. You do get the odd comment and it's always been those with toy dogs or pretentious high pedigree owners, but in all honesty I can think of two occasions in over a year with him which were in all honesty bizarre interactions, where as good comments are nearly every other walk. Staffies as a breed are loyal, caring, affectionate but also boisterous, energetic and hilarious. Mine sleeps 60% of the time, dozes/lazess around 20% and energetic the other 19% (the other 1% is mental - in the best way possible). In all honesty, mines that asshole friend that you wouldn't swap for the world. Right now i'm at home and he's in his basket (upsidedown) next to me asleep and has been since 9.30am.
He can and does sleep all day, but I go on x3 walks daily, (usually 20min, 20min and 1 hour). Weekends for a longer walk and usually chuck the ball for him where he'll run like mad for an hour, he's more than comfortable going for a jog with me whilst I marathon train (5k to 10k is childsplay for him) which I do twice weekly. 4-6 hour walks in the countryside (with a pub lunch in-between) every once in a while is fine (the pub bit with him is much more often- he just looks at the world from under the table). Basically they'll sleep most of the day, have an hours or so of wanting attention to play but they will literally do what ever exercise you want when you want - I could wake mine up right now and go for an hours run if I wanted or have a tug of war and he'll love it, then go back to doing his own thing. Oh he doesn't slobber, hardly moults and doesn't smell. The breed literally ticks all of the boxes (other than stigma).
I highly recommend you spend an hour or two with one and you'll be hooked. My Mrs wasn't a fan at first because of what she's heard, now she's smitten and I mean smitten (and at 8 stone wet through, she struggles but can handle him). They are smart enough to know who to be more boisterous with. He's much softer with her than he is with me, he's worse with some of my mates who just wrestle with him. A good Staffie will be anything you want him to be - He's loyal with so much wanting to please.
Edited by pseudonym on Wednesday 25th January 11:25
On the Staffie reputation:
Here's a Staffie which helped a little girl get over her fear of dogs and is now used as a therapy dog for people with Alzheimer's and those who have suffered strokes:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4091954/Th...
More and more Staffies are being rescued from shelters by police forces because they can be trained for operations (and not as attack dogs).
Yes, there are horror stories, but I'd say 99% of the time it's down to awful owners or children not knowing how to behave around a dog.
Here's a Staffie which helped a little girl get over her fear of dogs and is now used as a therapy dog for people with Alzheimer's and those who have suffered strokes:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4091954/Th...
More and more Staffies are being rescued from shelters by police forces because they can be trained for operations (and not as attack dogs).
Yes, there are horror stories, but I'd say 99% of the time it's down to awful owners or children not knowing how to behave around a dog.
Smiler. said:
Why not see if your local dog rescue centre needs help with walking their dogs OP?
A friend of the mrs did this & then eventually adopted one.
If this idea appeals you could look at walking other people's dogs via the cinnamon trust.A friend of the mrs did this & then eventually adopted one.
I feel,this charity does excellent work
thepeoplespal said:
If you baulk at the donation, what will you do when you have to shell out on a vet.
Marvtec said:
After reading your long winded whinge about paying a small adoption fee (£60-80 usually), I think you should forget getting a dog as you probably can't/won't pay for the vets bills, insurance, decent dog food, toys etc.
For those struggling to read, maybe you'll have better success if I highlight it for you :I said:
It's not that I have a lack of funds to look after a dog for life, I just find the whole concept of expecting money for these "new home urgently needed for x" ads a tad strange (breeders excluded). If I were in the position of no longer being able to home my pet I would not charge nor expect any money from anyone kind enough to offer to rehome them.
Thanks to everyone else for the advice.Gassing Station | All Creatures Great & Small | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff