Much of the work Sylvia and I undertake is concerned with the Rescue and Rehoming of dogs. In fact, five of our "pack" of seven dogs were destined to be euthanised, before we stepped to the fore.
Since our move to Fife in 2005 our reputation has grown and our network of contacts expanded and this has brought us into contact with many kind hearted people who have taken rescue dogs from various sources and with a multitude of different problems.
Unfortunately, when a potential owner approaches a rescue centre to help a dog which needs a good home, they do not always get a comprehensive background knowledge of the dog's history. This sometimes leaves the owner totally unprepared for what may be a difficult "settling in"period and occasionally results in the poor dog being returned to the rescue centre ( if they will take it ) or in the worst case being abandoned yet again and subject to further anxiety, exacerbating what may already be considerable dog psychological problems.
In order to help reduce the number of unfortunate dogs experiencing being shunted from pillar to post, home to home, rescue to home, we offer the following advice:-
1. When considering taking on a rescue dog or rehoming a dog from any source, take time to analyse your motives and understand the impact it will have on your current lifestyle. It requires a committment to the dog, both financially and in time and effort. This is especially true of a dog that has suffered abuse and malnourishment, where there may be ongoing and long term medical problems. You must also assess whether your accommodation is suitable to take on the type of dog you wish to home, e.g. a St Bernard in a bed-sit is not going to work!!
2. If you are certain you want to make such a commitment, then check out the source thoroughly before you consider taking a dog from them. Are they reputable? Do they offer support in the form of advice and aftercare, should you experience problems? Are they forthcoming with an accurate past history of the dog, particularly with regard to any health or behavioural problems? If this is not the case, then reconsider whether you should be taking a dog from this source.
3. Always pay two or three visits to the dog and ask to have free association with it before deciding to take it on. It will pay dividends in establishing the relationship and make the initial settling period easier.
4. Any rescue centre/kennels that do not vet you, your family circumstances and your home, are not taking a responsible approach to rehoming and therefore should be avoided.
5. Ask as many questions as possible regarding the following points:-
- the rescue centre's policies for rehoming.
- the history of the dog prior to rescue, it's behaviour and feeding habits.
- the sociability of the dog prior to rescue and whilst in the rescue kennels.
Finally if you are inexperienced in rehoming dogs or if you are currently experiencing problems in the settling in of a rehomed dog, then Contact Us, we will be able to help.
Sparky & Co
Currently we are seeking a suitable home for Simba, a 12 month old Black and Sable German Shepherd who has a truly loving nature.
Simba came to us some four months ago, as a boisterous harum-scarum, who had been allowed to grow out of control due to troubled domestic circumstances and family illness. His idea of play was to run around the home, on and off the furnishings and trashing anything that came in his way. He mugged visitors and owners alike until he felt he had enough attention, which was NEVER!!! He had no social skills at all with humans or dogs; all in all he was a nightmare. However after several months of hard work on the part of Sylvia, myself, and our Pack of five (The Canine Crew), he is now a very sociable, obedient dog who understands his place in the Pack and although he maintains his natural youthful exuberance he accepts that only calm behaviour will reap rewards and behaves accordingly.
Simba will make an ideal companion for a single owner or a couple who have the time to dedicate to him and the space to house him; he will require a great deal of exercise and firm but loving handling. His temperament is ideally suited to working either in obedience or agility as he is easily motivated by both food and play.
If you know of a suitable home for Simba then please contact us.