Snowy Posted September 10, 2009 Share Posted September 10, 2009 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted September 10, 2009 Share Posted September 10, 2009 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 . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClaireG Posted September 11, 2009 Share Posted September 11, 2009 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted September 11, 2009 Share Posted September 11, 2009 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 .) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Groovychook Posted September 11, 2009 Share Posted September 11, 2009 I'm so sorry to hear about Dennis Best of luck with finding a new furry friend...x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted September 11, 2009 Share Posted September 11, 2009 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted September 11, 2009 Share Posted September 11, 2009 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted September 11, 2009 Share Posted September 11, 2009 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted September 11, 2009 Share Posted September 11, 2009 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted September 11, 2009 Share Posted September 11, 2009 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted September 11, 2009 Share Posted September 11, 2009 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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted September 11, 2009 Author Share Posted September 11, 2009 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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted September 12, 2009 Share Posted September 12, 2009 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted September 12, 2009 Share Posted September 12, 2009 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisnrob Posted September 15, 2009 Share Posted September 15, 2009 How about one of these? http://www.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk/ Rob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
