Rescuing a dog

[alfa pint]

Our beloved hound Douglas (named because we didn't use to have a dog and now ironically we don't) died in May.

Since then, my missus has been putting pressure on me to get another dog, something I'm loathe to do for various reasons - 1) can't take dog to work with me anymore 2) haven't got over Douglas properly yet 3) don't want a rescue dog that will get left alone all day 4) don't want a puppy that will be left alone all day and 5) quite enjoying the freedom of not having to think about the hound at weekends.

However, I accept that it's only a matter of time before I get another dog (I really miss the company), it's just I want that time to be on my terms - after all, it will be me that trains / re-trains the dog, does the bulk of the walking and maintenance, buys the food, pays the vet's bills. I have 3 weeks leave at summer and consider this to be a feasible time to introduce the right dog into the household (no kids thank fk!)

Missus's been told about a 2 year old golden retriever bh that the 'devastated' owner has to get rid of because she can't look after her properly and will be given to the Dog's Trust if she can't be re-homed soon. We don't know the dog, but she was in tears this morning, declaring that I'm being selfish and that she really really wants another dog.

So, PH, am I being selfish or am I right to stick to my guns and approach this with a bit of common sense?

[itsnotarace]

alfa pint said:

We don't know the dog

Would find out before making a decision.

[Reedy156]

We "rescued" a dog, Minny, from a broken home a few years ago - But are expecting our 1st baby so my retired parents have her now (many reasons, we both loved Minny very much, but they will have all the time in the world for her, and we would rather have a dog come into the family with a child in it) and want to get another dog when baby is about 6 months old - If you have no kids, most traits can be trained out of a dog, it is rare that there is a bad dog, we are the ones who make them that way!! Ask to go and see the dog in its own home and access it temprement?

If you want a specific breed of dog there are a lot of rescue centres devoted solely to one breed and as such can give any additional help needed - that is the way I think I will go when we start thinking about it.

Good luck with whatever you choose to do and our house feels empty without Minny, but there are other little feet coming so that won't last long!!

Reedy

[randlemarcus]

OP, I think its less about the dog than your feelings about having another dog.

I'd stick to your guns, and only get another dog when its right to do so. Leaving it all alone all day isn't going to be good for a dog, now, or after your summer break.

Tell the missus she can have another dog if she goes part-time - that should squish the nudging for a bit.

[scirocco265]

randlemarcus said:

I'd stick to your guns, and only get another dog when its right to do so.

This.

Work out what sort of dog you want - size, breed, exercise requirements, age etc. It's amazing that when you decide exactly what you want, it takes ages to find the perfect dog for you.

Also, I would also advocate rescuing a dog direct from a rescue centre/organisation rather than from another situation as the former means the dog will have been behaviourally assessed.

I think this is one of those deep breath, wait 'til later, sit down with the OH, long talk, decide on plan occasions.

[Moo27]

OP - i think you are being the sensible one here.... our hearts can often rule our heads when we hear that there is an animal out there in need, and often can do it more harm than good by taking it on when it isnt really suitable.

Apart from Boris, all of my dogs have been rescue dogs, and all you can do is try to find out as much about their background as possible.... but even if this was the most perfect dog in the world, it doesnt sound like you are 110% convinced you really want another pooch right now.... its needs to be 100% on both sides!

Good luck though whatever you decide, it cant be easy.

[Mrs Grumpy]

It doesn't sound like you are ready to take on another dog at the moment.

There are many, many worse things that can happen to a dog than going to a good rescue. DT will ensure the dog is neutered, vaxed, deflead, wormed, have a homecheck, matched to the right home and will offer back up.

[Jasandjules]

Surely taking on a dog that the owner can't look after BUT then not being able to look after it properly yourself right now, is pretty pointless?

Nothing wrong with rescuing dogs though, our most affectionate pooch (and he's also the biggest) is a rescue. He's a lovely boy, and the only regret I have is that we didn't have him sooner.

[johnxjsc1985]

alfa pint said:

Our beloved hound Douglas (named because we didn't use to have a dog and now ironically we don't) died in May.

Since then, my missus has been putting pressure on me to get another dog, something I'm loathe to do for various reasons - 1) can't take dog to work with me anymore 2) haven't got over Douglas properly yet 3) don't want a rescue dog that will get left alone all day 4) don't want a puppy that will be left alone all day and 5) quite enjoying the freedom of not having to think about the hound at weekends.

However, I accept that it's only a matter of time before I get another dog (I really miss the company), it's just I want that time to be on my terms - after all, it will be me that trains / re-trains the dog, does the bulk of the walking and maintenance, buys the food, pays the vet's bills. I have 3 weeks leave at summer and consider this to be a feasible time to introduce the right dog into the household (no kids thank fk!)

Missus's been told about a 2 year old golden retriever bh that the 'devastated' owner has to get rid of because she can't look after her properly and will be given to the Dog's Trust if she can't be re-homed soon. We don't know the dog, but she was in tears this morning, declaring that I'm being selfish and that she really really wants another dog.

So, PH, am I being selfish or am I right to stick to my guns and approach this with a bit of common sense?

I took on a Bull mastiff which had been abandoned and tied to a tree. 10 years later he is still here and wouldnt swap him for the world.
We brought him into a house with two other dogs and there was never a cross word.if you are experienced trust your own instincts.

[Rach*]

Just try to get as much background as possible and make sure there is backup to return the dog if you have problems.