Should You Adopt or Shop for Your New Dog? Our Dog Rescue Experience
Are you thinking about adding a four-legged friend to your family? Should you adopt a dog from a shelter or get a new puppy from a breeder? That’s likely one of the first questions that prospective dog owners will ask themselves!
We adopted two dogs from a rescue centre, and I would like to share our experience with you.
Why Do You Want A Dog?
I had wanted a dog for as long as I could remember. Several relatives and family friends had dogs while I was growing up, and I really enjoyed spending time with them.
My brother and I begged and pleaded for a pet dog of our own. We were promised multiple times that if we were good, then we might get a dog for our next birthday or Christmas. I think we were pretty good kids most of the time, but the dog we so desperately wanted never arrived.
Not that I blame my parents for not wanting a dog in their house. I just wish they had not promised without any intention of following through.
I then spent several years at university, followed by several more years of working antisocial hours on some pretty gruelling rota patterns. It really would not have been fair to take on a dog during that time in my life.
And then at last, I finished my training and we moved to our smallholding. We had plenty of space, stable incomes and predictable working hours. It was time to seriously look into dog ownership.
The Decision to Adopt or Shop for a Puppy
I had been scouring the pages of dog rescue centres for some years already (it’s much more wholesome than looking at Facebook!). Having seen the vast numbers of dogs in shelters who needed a loving forever home, there was no way I could support the breeding industry and buy a puppy.
So I filled in the application paperwork for my “local” rescue centre (over 80 miles away) and waited for them to get in touch when they found a match.
Ideally I wanted a pair of dogs who would be able to keep each other company on the odd occasion that we were out of the house or busy on the smallholding. We enjoy hiking and hillwalking, so I felt confident that we could accommodate dogs that were medium-to-high energy.
And then one Sunday morning, I got the call from the rehoming manager at the rescue centre. They had taken in a pair of Border Collies the day before, a mother (Patch) and son (Bear). Their owner had died very suddenly, and the dogs had been passed round multiple family members over a period of six months or so, but sadly none of them were able to meet the dogs’ needs.
Patch and Bear were both very overweight, but otherwise appeared to be in good condition.
The manager asked whether I could come to the rescue centre to meet them the next day.
So I set off bright and early, pausing briefly at the local supermarket to pick up a couple of toys, and headed for the rescue centre. I spent about an hour with them, enjoying lots of cuddles and playing a bit of fetch. I returned home full of enthusiasm, with a camera roll bursting with photos to show George.
Over the coming days, the dogs were vaccinated and received worming, tick and flea treatment. Bear was also castrated.
We went back to the rescue centre together the following Saturday so that George could meet them. We spent a couple of hours with them, walking them around the play paddock and giving them both a good brush. We were both smitten.
The manager spoke to us at length towards the end of our visit that day. She was keen to get Patch and Bear off to their forever home fairly quickly, as they had experienced so much upheaval over the preceding months. We agreed to take them.
On our way home, we picked up dog food, beds, treats, bowls, collars and leads. I ordered identification tags online that evening. And then we went back the next day to collect Patch and Bear, to bring them home.
Settling into a Forever Home After the Rescue Centre
They travelled home very well in the car, but Bear vomited on our Persian rug as soon as we got in the house. I think the events over the preceding days, weeks and months had taken their toll; he was extremely anxious and quickly became very clingy to me. Neither of them really wanted much at all to eat over the next few days as they settled into life with us.
Exercising them was a challenge to start with. Bear weighed 30kg, and Patch weighed 36kg. (They should each have weighed about 20kg). Bear was quite happy to walk a good distance despite his size. Patch really did not have a lot of energy or enthusiasm for walking, but did not want to be left behind either.
Slowly but surely, we got into a good routine with a mixture of playtime and walks. They began to slim down, and seemed to gain a whole new lease of life. It might be more accurate to say that they became entirely different dogs.
We then discovered that they each have a number of triggers.
Patch does not like it when I undertake housework of any kind. Vacuuming or sweeping the floor, hanging out the laundry on the washing line, using the blender or food processor; any of these activities set off a lot of anxious barking. She is also extremely averse to George and I showing each other any affection, so we have to scan the room to make sure she is not watching before sneaking a quick cuddle.
Bear, on the other hand, cannot stand anything that moves. Any livestock, any vehicle, planes overhead, birds, other people; as soon as he spots any of these, he starts a round of angry, defensive woofing. He can be very strong on the lead if we encounter any of these triggers when we’re out and about, which can be rather embarrassing and a challenge to manage.
I have to make sure that they both get enough exercise and stimulation each day, or they are on a hair trigger and will startle at the least little sound outside. Which is not ideal when I’ve just got the little one down for a nap or we’re trying to get some work done.
Even though they are such loud, energetic dogs, they have both been very patient with our toddler, which has been a huge relief. They have tolerated some fairly rough “patting” while our little one squeals with delight at these oversized teddies.
Despite all their foibles, they are beautiful, loving dogs. We adore them. Even though they like to jump on our bed and make a nest in the duvet when we’re not watching.
Reasons to Rescue
1) There are SO many beautiful dogs in rescue centres, desperately in need of a friendly, loving home. Whilst you’re unlikely to find a pedigree pure-breed cockapoo at your local shelter, you will certainly find a dog with a big heart and plenty of personality to fill the dog-shaped void in your life.
2) Many rescue dogs are already house-trained – one less job for you!
3) The adoption fee for a rescue dog is many times less than the cost of purchasing a new puppy. And this money keeps a shelter running, so that many more animals in need can be offered a second chance at life. This is significantly better than lining the pockets of dog breeders!
4) Rescue centres should ensure that your new pup is fully vaccinated, wormed, treated for ticks and fleas, and spayed or castrated before you take them home.
5) Whilst not explicitly encouraged, if you do take a rescue dog home and find you have made a serious error of judgement, you can take them back to the shelter.
Potential Drawbacks of Rescuing
1) Rescue dogs come with baggage. You likely won’t know the extent of any behavioural problems or other issues until they have settled into your home.
2) A rescue dog may have picked up bad habits (such as begging at the table) from their previous home. It can be a challenge to train these less desirable behaviours out.
3) You may have to wait a while for the shelter to find the right dog for you. But hopefully that means you and your new pooch will be the perfect match! You won’t get that kind of service from a puppy breeder.
Top Tips Before Getting a Dog
1) Dogs take up a lot of time. Twice daily walks, playtime, regular grooming, cuddles. They also cannot be left at home unattended for extended periods. Do you research to make sure you are fully informed. Then have a realistic look at your schedule – can you really give a four-legged friend the time they need?
2) Training takes time and patience. This applies to all dogs, but especially rescue dogs. They will have to un-learn anything they’ve been taught before so that they can take on the skills and habits you want them to learn. I recommend you study up on Zak George’s methods of training with positive reinforcement.
3) Dogs are expensive. Food, treats, worming and flea treatment every few months, poo bags, annual vet visits and vaccine boosters, pet insurance, the list goes on. Do you have the budget to cover all of these recurring expenses, as well as to put some money aside for any large unexpected outlays?
4) Dogs make mess. They poo outside (hopefully) and this needs to be cleaned up. They tread in dirt from outside. Most breeds shed hair all over your floors and furniture. Be prepared to clean your house more frequently. Or perhaps consider investing in a robot vacuum cleaner!
5) Can you commit to taking your dog out for a walk, whatever the weather? It’s probably a good idea to invest in some good wellies and waterproofs before you pick up your new pup!
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