4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[Snowy]

As some of you know, we had to have our little westie, Dennis, PTS yesterday He had nerve damage to his back end, could hardly walk and was becoming incontinent. The vet gave him valium for it which cheered him up a bit, but it was quite distressing as he just looked spaced out all the time and kept going and standing in the corner with his nose against the wall Anyway, the deed is done and he has gone to doggy heaven.

 

But this is the first time in 20 years that we have been dogless! There has always been a bit of an overlap in the past so we have always had one, if not two dogs. Much as we loved Dennis, I don't fancy another westie. OH desperately wants another retriever (we have had three in the past and love them to bits). But I don't want 1 the massive expense of a puppy (how much???? ) and 2 the hassle of toilet training again. But we don't want an old dog that won't cope with young boys and long walkies. We have contacted out local goldie rescue who are planning to come and vet us Never had that before

 

But anyone got any pointers about what to look for and what to avoid, where to look and how to pass the vetting! Am missing my doggy

[Ain't Nobody Here]

I'm so sorry to hear about Dennis . Poor little chap .

 

We got Riley from the Cat and Dog Home in Edinburgh (for £50!) and have been so lucky with him. They advised us whether the dogs we were looking at would be suitable for a young family or not and they were spot on with Riley, he's a lovely dog .

 

Best of luck finding a new four legged friend .

[ClaireG]

Don't worry about the vetting Snowy. I did some vetting for lab rescue. What they are checking is that you all want a dog and know the responsibilites etc involved and that your garden is secure and also what you want in a dog so they can try and match the right dog to you. The fact you have had goldies in the past will stand you in very good sted.

[Ain't Nobody Here]

Forgot to say, we didn't get vetted at all .

 

(They could obviously see just be looking at us that we were perfect doggie material .)

[Groovychook]

I'm so sorry to hear about Dennis

 

Best of luck with finding a new furry friend...x

[The Dogmother]

So sorry to hear about Dennis, Snowy. Hope that the boys aren't taking it too badly.

 

Have a look at some of the rescue sites on t'interweb. I saw this wee thing today. if only I had the room/time for another pup.....

 

 

 

http://www.lurcher.org/llink/forum/viewtopic.php?t=49448&sid=0cef842d3f8f14e9d33683e372942186

 

Love to you all

 

cxxx

[Chucky Mama]

gosh what a gorgeous puppy! Some rescues wont let people who go out to work take dogs I was turned down by a well known rescue a few years ago as I worked despite the fact that it was at a vets I have heard of others having the same problem. It is silly, I know they don't want a dog left for hours and hours but also they need people who can afford to keep a dog and pay the vets bills etc. You may have to have a plan if you are asked about working.

[The Dogmother]

Snowy, have you thought about fostering? Providing a home to a dog who is awaiting adoption after rescue.

 

I used to do that when I worked from home, had some lovely doggles to look after.

[Chucky Mama]

Have you thought about contacting Guide Dogs. You can get 'rejects' that don't quite make the grade but will make perfect pets and can be rehomed as young adults. There may be a waiting list though.

[Patricia W]

You can also get them from the Police and Prison Service - i.e. sniffer dogs which can't "sniff" and guard dogs which are too too friendly. Usually spaniels, labs, and german shepherds.

 

 

Tricia

[Redwing]

Have you thought about contacting Guide Dogs. You can get 'rejects' that don't quite make the grade but will make perfect pets and can be rehomed as young adults. There may be a waiting list though.

 

Good idea. also I met a lady recently who had one of the Guide Dog 'mums' it has puppies each year and the organisation covers all the food vets bills etc.. and the dog gets to live with a loving family

 

Regarding working - I know that if you work long hours you are unlkely to be accepted as a home however surely working some hours is not all bad? sometimes these animal charities put so many unrealistic expectations on their rehoming policies I am amazed that any get rehomed at all. No wonder people end up buying pups and kittens!

[Snowy]

Thanks everyone! I don't think work will be an issue as we tend to work opposite each other so there is always one of us at home.

I looked at fostering Clare, but some of those fosterers deserve medals, I don't think I'd have enough knowledge or patience to deal with problems. Plus there is the unknown element of a dog that may have problems with small children.

I do like lurchers - I want a big brindle lurcher, but don't think OH would approve

Will have a look at guide dogs - one of them would be ideal!

[The Dogmother]

Fostering can be very rewarding, but if you have smallsters, they need to be very dog savvy.

 

Lurchers are a real challenge compared with the more pedestrian breeds, especially in their first year.

[Seagazer]

I'm so sorry to hear about Dennis, its so sad to lose a dog

 

Good luck with your search for a new doggy friend.

[chrisnrob]

How about one of these?

 

http://www.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk/

 

Rob