"Adopt, Don't Shop"...

[pixie374]

Just wondering if anyone has any views on this current mantra?

While I can see the idea of it...... controversially, maybe... I don't think it is always the case. For me, the most important point, is the right "match" between a dog and the family. Someone who may be a perfect person for one dog, may well not suit another. And especially inexperienced people, or those with small children etc...

Anyone have any views?

[Mamyalynne]

I don't see it as clear cut but definitely worth exploring the idea before you decide to buy.

As you say, everyone's situation is different.

[Barsel]

My daughter has had dogs all her married life, but she did take in a rescue dog once, that she tried very hard with, but she just couldn't tame him, and because she had a young child at the time, she had to take him back to the rescue centre.

[barry1010]

All my dogs have been rescues and have been perfect for us. Maybe we were lucky.

[pixie374]

Thank you, all of you x it's something I am seeing around a lot just now. But, I don't think would suit everyone.

[Prudie]

I think the idea is great in principle but not if it becomes the only 'PC' way to go and makes those who want to buy feel guilty which it sort of has already. Sometimes people want to give a lifelong loving home to a specific breed and want it from a puppy (I know that's my dream). It goes without saying it should be from reputable registered breeders.

[Baldric]

Since moving to Kent 30+ years ago we've had 6 dogs, the 2 we have now and one we lost a while ago have all been rescues.
We've had no problems at all.

[pixie374]

Me neither, baldric. 7 out of 9 of mine have been official "rescues", the other 2 weren't a great place.
I just keep seeing this saying a lot at the moment.... and wondered if everyone else agreed.

[Vagus]

I wouldn’t really consider a rescue dog.
I wanted a particular breed for various reasons, and I wanted a puppy so it could grow up with us and our foibles.
Maybe if our doggie died, and as we get older, I would, perhaps, consider an elderly rescue dog. Maybe..

[iluvmargie]

All my dogs (four) have been rescues and all have been wonderful, loving companions and I would always go for a rescue, every time.

[237SJ]

I think it also depends on where you get the rescue from. A friend of mine (single professional girl) adopted a dog from a rescue. The dog suffered from separation anxiety and chewed the house to bits when she was out at work. I remember it chewed some of the paint off the front door and had to go to the vet's because it was so ill. The dog should never have been placed with her. Likewise, I asked around at local rescue centres for a cat and was told that becauce of my job, they wouldn`t let me have one but one place said they had just the cat for me - a 13 year old with stage 1 kidney problems. They just wanted to get rid of the cat. Some rescue places are responsible and some don`t give a damn it seems.

[ladybirder]

Spot on 237. What the dog needs should come first. If it doesn't work the poor dog ends up back where it came from so it pays the Rescue to make sure they match dog to adopters. Most, if not all breeds have a breed Rescue and they sometimes have puppies from unwanted mums so always try a Rescue first is my advice.

[woofgang]

Pixie, I agree, it would be lovely if it was as simple as that..... What I don't think is that people should shop for a pet like they shop for a freezer which is what seems to happen a lot nowadays...people feel entitled to have a pet of the kind they want, when they want it and regardless of whether they are suitable owners. They buy from puppy farmers and importers disguised as rescues then whine that they have lost maybe thousands of pounds when the pup dies when "all they wanted to do was rescue the poor thing from such hideous circumstances"
grrrr

[woofgang]

lb but pick your rescue carefully. I know of one who charges a 1000 quid non refundable adoption fee for imported street dogs who are forcibly harvested from europe and shipped here. When the "adoption" fails as most of them do, they kindly (ha) take the dog back and almost immediately offer it on their website again....easy money.

[barry1010]

woofgang, I am so against the import of strays. I don't understand it, we have enough strays of our own that are being destroyed because there aren't any homes for them.
Surely it would be cheaper to fund a rescue centre in the country of origin.
I am convinced that at least some of these foreign rescue organisations are simply finding a way to get round the UK laws re selling dogs.

[barry1010]

If I ruled the country (ha) I would ban dogs being used in tv adverts even for dog food and would also ban dogs from playing 'characters' in films and tv shows.
Too many people who have never owned a dog decide they simply must have a particular breed because the one in the advert is 'sooooo cute'. The Flash advert is a good example.

The ongoing popularity of breeds such as French Bulldogs that are well known to suffer health problems due to their 'deformities' sickens me.

[maggiebee]

Much as I love dogs I would never "adopt" one. My son's Charlie has adopted me though! I sponsor a puss called Rosie who lives in a barn hotel. She was feral and don't think she would be happy in a house. She and her mates can roam far and wide. All neutered and wormed. Think she finally leads a charmed life.

[naomi24]

The slogan is all very well but the reality is finding suitable dogs to adopt is no easy task at the moment. Even Battersea doesn’t have many dogs available - and those they do have that aren’t snapped (pardon the pun) up immediately have major problems.

Additionally, the price of puppies has gone through the roof.

Seems everyone wants a dog for lockdown.

[AuntPollyGrey]

My puppy is coming sometime in January - she is now four weeks old. I have bought her from a reputable breeder of working GS dogs and she will be kennel club registered. I would not ever consider a rescue dog for a variety of reasons, and I think importing 'rescue' dogs from abroad should be totally banned. Hopefully Brexit will stop all that.

[Zacs-Master]

Tried adopting. The process was ridiculously complex and/or the organisation brought up the dog’s unacceptable traits.

[pixie374]

I found the same, naomi. I was registered (applied, homechecked, accepted) for over 3 years with 4 rescue centres, vaguely local. I didn't mind appearance, breed, age, sex, etc... but I needed one suitable with children and other dogs. Nothing...
I don't think the high prices are solely due to lockdown, I've noticed it for for at least the last couple of years.
Prudie, that's what I'm finding... I'm on several dog groups on fb, but any time someone suggests they are looking for a puppy (or even if they don't), there seems a horrified reaction to not getting a rescue.