d'ya like dags?

[andym]

I figured I'd ask the forumites their opinion of adopting a dog....

Personally I've only ever bought a puppy (6 weeks old) and kept her till she was 3, but because of family issues and various other reasons I decided that she would be better off re-homed and said a brief farewell... this was about 14-15 years ago.

Even though my ex has 3 dogs... she isn't willing to part with 1 of them, so I'm looking to adopt one, I've done a brief search, and will check again tomorrow.... but I was hoping there may be someone out there that can offer advice on how the whole adopting a dog thing works.

[groovylee]

Have a look at blue cross mate, that's where I got my lurcher

Simply put, it's the same as buying a puppy. Except the dog will already be spayed / neutered and have had all of its jabs. And it'll be bigger
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Past - 1988 honda revere 600, 1996 kawasaki gpz500s, 1999 Yamaha R6

Current - 2002 Aprilia RSV1000R & 1999 Kawasaki ZX6R

[ScaredyCat]

As has been said, look for a rescue dog. You're helping solve a problem and you'll gain a loyal friend for life. My mother in law has just got a rescue dog and it's pretty much saved them both. After she lost her dog she started to go downhill. We organised a visit to see this little dog and they're now together. They adore each other and she has a reason to get up in the morning.

If you find a Beagle jump at the chance. I still miss my two.
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[Nexus Icon]

Dogs are the greatest. My mum has always kept a couple, usually border collies, and they're brilliant.

I wouldn't have one myself as I don't have the time to dedicate to walks and company that it would need.

If you do have that time then there's no reason not to get one.
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[garth]

I have a rescue dog and he's a bastard.

[Yoyo]

Miss S has a recue Lurcher.
They are the easiest to look after. If he isn't out with us riding. Then we just chuck him out the car down one of the lanes and drive off. Had him running at about 30mph, whilst we was warm and dry. He loved it and then slept the rest of the day on the hay stack until we went out for a ride and then home.
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[andym]

Thanks for the advice, I'm currently looking through the RSPCA site again after entering my postcode. Something I've noticed is they have loads of Staffordshire Bull Terriers (probably about 20 out of 50 dogs so far).

As said I don't know how all this works.... so do I get in contact and go see the dogs a few times, or is it a case of turn up on the day and I have to choose there and then?

Sorry for being so dumb about all this

[CG Sam]

Lots of Staffies, got ours from a rescue home. We went a few times, saw a few, let them know we were interested in one they let us out to see how we get on with the dog, we decided we wanted him so they do a home visit (mostly for the garden, needs to be decent size and secure) and then that was it.
I assume it's a similar set up at most rescue homes.
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[andym]

[swampy]

[AlanC]

[ScaredyCat]

[andym]

[ScaredyCat]

[Slacker24seve...]

Our local dogs home won't give a dog to anyone who works full time. Apparently despite my current dog having an extensive run, getting walked plenty and generally being the happiest little bitch ever, I'm not fit to be a dog owner in their eyes.
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[CG Sam]

[marsden1967]

What about fostering? That way you can see if your lifestyle and home are really suitable for dog ownership before fully committing yourself to having one full time.
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[tbourner]

I would suggest looking for smaller rescues of a breed that you're interested in, rather than going to big places like RSPCA.

The smaller rescues will generally arrange for you to be homechecked, which involves someone from their volunteers coming around and chatting to you about your lifestyle, have a look around your home, write some stuff down and then bog off. You'll be contacted shortly after to say the outcome and what dogs they have that fit your situation - there are some rescues who will offer you dogs as soon as you contact them, I would say you AVOID these, you WANT them to check you so that they give you a dog which has been assessed and they know will fit into your situation.

Generally there'll be a donation requested for the adoption, rescues can't sell dogs but they can state that you must have supported the organisation before being considered. Once paid they arrange for you to meet the dog, either at your house (for which you may have to pay some costs) or at the fosterers home. If all goes well you get more info and a date for collection.
Same goes for collection then you either go yourself or pay for transport.

Normally the dog remains the property of the rescue, so you are a lifelong custodian. This doesn't mean anything UNLESS something happens like the dog attacks someone or runs off and worries sheep or whatever, as the chip will usually report to the rescue who will then know what's happened. They may then take it away if you're found to have been negligent or whatever.


So what do you want from a dog? You have no garden really, do you work full time? Lots of visitors? Kids? Max times the dog will be left alone?
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Trev, now a biker?
Looking for first big bike.

[andym]

[tbourner]

What kind of size dog do you want? German Shepherd? Springer Spaniel? Little yappy terrier?
Male or female?
Any age?
Any preference to 'look' of the dog? Like would you mind a Basset?
How about crosses? Something like a Lab/GSD?
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Trev, now a biker?
Looking for first big bike.

[wodge]

Have you thought of a Greyhound?

They make great pets, are lazy as fuck, good with kids and with their short hair are clean and don't need much grooming.

Expect to give a donation of 100-150 quid to the rehoming centers. This usually covers the tagging, neutering, dentistry etc. meaning you get a healthy dog.
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[Ariel Badger]

I do not like dogs, they are dirty creatures and best treated as a food source. I do not eat meat but if you do try recipe
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[sickpup]

[Howling TerrorOutOfOffice]

^^^All creatures are dirty aren't they?

Not much to add other than they can be expensive and a big commitment.
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[andym]