Rescue Centres Closed. Where to get a pup?

Chocolate

Now that we're home for the foreseeable future, we've decided we can invest the time into training a puppy.
We are a family of two adults and three children (aged 10-13). Ideally, we'd like a small dog. We have a secure garden.

The problem is all the rescue centres around us seem to be closed. We submitted a questionnaire online to <snip>and did a phone interview. We have passed their criteria to get a puppy but they have none available and they said to call back in 2 or 3 weeks and they might have something.

However, I feel that would be valuable time lost and I'm now wondering should we go privately. I have no idea how to find a reputable place.

I looked up the Irish Kennel Club but it seems you need to know the breed you want in advance. There are so many options. It's a bit mind boggling.

I've looked on dogs.ie and while most of the pups I looked at seemed to be IKC registered and vaccinated, the ones I liked the look of weren't so I'm wondering does that mean they're likely to be from a puppy farm.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

alias no.9

Ring your local vet, they may know of someone whos dog has had a litter of puppies who need homes.

Once you're not after a dog with papers or some designer breed posh mongrel, there are always dogs who need good homes.

JustAThought

seems like a great time to get a puppy when everyone has time and is trapped inside with lodes of energy to commit!! I didn’t realise when I got my dog that different dogs have different characteristics based on what they were originally bred for and this this affects their breeds typical energy levels and daily needs. so for example dalmations were bred originally as carriage dogs to run behind the coaches of nobility and so have LOTS of running daily needs. Ditto Hungarian Vizlas who were bred to hunt deer for aristocrats and so have huge daily energy needs. Ditto sheepdogs who are supersmart and like to organise and herd anything including often small children or cats and like to obsess with balls or chasing after things you throw for hours on end. Some dogs shed a lot and hve reputations as being snappy and/or agressive eg - Jack Russels., Some are known for their kind family like temperments - Retrievers & Labs, etc etc. Everyone says lurchers are couch potatoes and only need about half an hour off lead run a day, and we all know the myth of labradoodles/cockapoos being non shed is totally unreliable and that thou small they are often really high energy and need lots of exercise.

Its really worth thinking about the breed before you fall in love with puppies or decide based on price. Ifs also really worth scrutinising the value of having a restricted breed dog as there are strict rules regarding them
not being allowed off lead and always being muzzled in public and in parks - and many people are very quick to be abusive to you or your kids if you have one. The shelters are literally full of them or mixes of them which are still liable to the same restrictions as fullbreeds.

I found when I was looking hat the kennel club wanted only to recommend their registered breeders and a very limited number of them - as I dis not fancy spending 2 or 3k on the type of dog I wanted I went elsewhere.

Its worth waiting and biding your time as the puppy or breed may not be available the wek or day you want to buy/adopt one. For the right breed and dog, it really is worth taking your time.

Chocolate

By dogs with papers, do you mean certified to be a particular breed. (You can tell this is my first time venturing into this forum in Boards!)

No, having a particular breed doesn't bother us.
A small dog that is family friendly would be ideal.

Now I'm sorry if I'm about to offend you all straight away but I'd rather not have a pug or a staffie. They might be lovable but the look of them turns me right off. Not that I'm a model myself, mind you!

Chocolate

Just thought, thank you for your long reply.

We live in a semi- d with a small garden and would be able to offer a dog about 1 hour exercise in a day over maybe two half hour walks.

We will not be getting a restricted breed dog.

So we're hoping for a dog who would be content with that amount of exercise.

Del2005

Chocolate wrote: »

By dogs with papers, do you mean certified to be a particular breed. (You can tell this is my first time venturing into this forum in Boards!)

No, having a particular breed doesn't bother us.
A small dog that is family friendly would be ideal.

Now I'm sorry if I'm about to offend you all straight away but I'd rather not have a pug or a staffie. They might be lovable but the look of them turns me right off. Not that I'm a model myself, mind you!

Don't overlook ex racing greyhounds, they only need a bit of a walk and then will lounge around all day. A lot of small dogs have lots of energy and this down turn won't last as long as a dog, will your kids/you still have the time to walk and entertain an active dog when back to school and work?

Chocolate

Del2005 wrote: »

Will your kids/you still have the time to walk and entertain an active dog when back to school and work?

Well, a walk half an hour twice a day, with a bit of play here and there in the house is what I'm guessing if I'm being realistic.
My eldest, in particular, is dog mad and will give loads of attention. The other pair will likely give it sporadic attention.

The greyhound, I've heard is a lovely dog but another one whose look I just can't warm to. I know it shouldn't matter and I feel a bit guilty about it but there you go.

JustAThought

At least you know what you like and don’t like! What age is your eldest and how soon will s/he be off dating and gone to college!!

I met a man with a newfoundland puppy (40kg!) and its mammy yesterday and he assured me it only needed a half hours walk every day !

JustAThought

there is this website which shows a picture of the different types of dog and if you go into the breed details it gives you a bit of an idea of what to typically expect in the context of height, etc. Its UK based so ignore the rest! Might give you some ideas of what might or might not suit! ( when you are looking in rescues etc) . You need to go directly into the dog breed section - ignore the search.

petsforhomes.co.uk

I’m sure that the council pounds are still operating, even if not open to the public.

I second the retired greyhound!

DBB

Hi OP,
Forgive me for asking, but you don't mention it... is your normal lifestyle (whatever normal is these days ) a suitable one for owning a dog? So, for example, when things get back to normal, how many hours would the dog be alone for during the week?
Again, apologies if you've already got this sorted!
For what it's worth, many of the rescues have pretty much had to grind to a halt because the process involves volunteers doing home visits, and transport, and dogs need trips to the vet prior to adoption... all of these activities are either curtailed, or simply not possible now, as long as the social distancing requirements are in force.

strandroad

OP if the rescue is responsible it's closed... if the people running it come down with the virus who is going to look after the dogs?

You may want to tune into your local social media, there might be cases of abandoned puppies near you. Otherwise it's definitely worth it to use this time to do your basic research into general types of dog breeds and their respective needs for when you can return to <snip> etc.

If not a greyhound perhaps a lurcher? Such easy dogs, and unfortunately puppies are easy to find.

Chocolate

We'd be gone for about 6 hours in the day from September.
But my next door neighbour who is dog mad has offered to step in to allow the dog out for wees.
My childminder has also offered to mind the dog during the day too.
Both have their own dogs.
My husband will be working at home sometimes too.

Chocolate

I wasn't complaining about the rescue centres being closed. Not at all! It's essential that they close.

I was just saying I need help to find a puppy as I'm new to all this. I don't want to inadvertently support the puppy farm industry so I thought I'd seek advice here.

DBB

Ah brilliant! You've obviously thought it through beyond the next little while. If you do get a pup, I'd strongly suggest you do what too many new owners don't think of doing... even though you're home, you need to get pup used to spending time alone during the day.
Being home 24/7 is an excellent opportunity to do this gradually, so that by the time September rolls around, your new pup will be well used to, and happy with spending time alone
I can't help you with where to get a pup from, because of the widespread shutdown, but whilst I know you're mad keen to get a pup as soon as possible to make use of this time, don't feel under pressure to take the first one that comes along, unless it's what you're looking for.
The very best of luck with your search now

JustAThought

I also found this which might interest!

https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/getting-a-dog-or-puppy/finding-the-right-dog/non-shedding-breeds-of-dog/

Its from the uk kennel club site so should be fairly accurate rather than a lot of the lists on the internet that seem to be mad finger in the wind jobs. Use it with the breeds section on the other website & it might help! Obviously being the kennel club it dosn’t mention the halfbreed fashions but they are genetic luck of the draws in what you might get Inbox.

tk123

AIGRC posted this earlier so I assume it’s be the same for other clubs?

“ Please Note
It has been brought to our attention that our Club Secretary has been inundated with calls from people looking for puppies. The Club are NOT aware of any available litters at present. Please be patient, God willing when we get over this virus we would expect that members may mate their bitches, meantime please remember that quite a lot of Breeders won’t be keen about having a litter as it involves meeting future owners etc in their homes.

We thank you for your patience “



I had been hoping to get a pup in a few months but the whole pandemic situation means I can’t do the kind of socialisation I’d want to do - I already have spooky boy Bailey so I need to be able to make a pup as bulletproof as possible so it doesn’t pick up on big bro’s fears.

Springwell

I have a litter now (not suitable pets, working gundogs) and they are going nowhere for the foreseeable future. Travelling to collect a pup is not essential travel and they're sold to homes 2-14 hours away.

tk123

Springwell wrote: »

I have a litter now (not suitable pets, working gundogs) and they are going nowhere for the foreseeable future. Travelling to collect a pup is not essential travel and they're sold to homes 2-14 hours away.

You can post pics for us and still maintain social distance!!

Springwell

Voilá. A week old today.

cocker5

Springwell wrote: »

I have a litter now (not suitable pets, working gundogs) and they are going nowhere for the foreseeable future. Travelling to collect a pup is not essential travel and they're sold to homes 2-14 hours away.

Working gun dogs? Not suitable as pets?

I adopted a ex working gundog 11 weeks ago who was dumped Offaly pound then a rescue centre saved him and he’s most definitely a pet .. loves his comforts ... took him a week or two to settle and not to think everyone was out to hurt him but now he’s an amazing dog and I can only imagine how more he’ll progress over the coming months!

A springer .. wouldn’t be without him!

JustAThought

georgous snoozy pups - for now!! I think s/he means their lunatic energy levels! Fair dues to you - is there a pic of your adoptee!?

Springwell

cocker5 wrote: »

Working gun dogs? Not suitable as pets?

I adopted a ex working gundog 11 weeks ago who was dumped Offaly pound then a rescue centre saved him and he’s most definitely a pet .. loves his comforts ... took him a week or two to settle and not to think everyone was out to hurt him but now he’s an amazing dog and I can only imagine how more he’ll progress over the coming months!

A springer .. wouldn’t be without him!

:rolleyes: I'm a vet and I also work for a gundog rescue. I would not recommend this litter to any pet home that wasn't already committed to an active sport - "walks" do nothing for these guys, they need a job! Litter was sold to field trialing homes before my girl was mated and there's a waitlist.

Also, my workers are all pets, all live in the house and two sleep on my bed...they have comforts but they're most definitely happiest when working.

Springwell

JustAThought wrote: »

georgous snoozy pups - for now!! I think s/he means their lunatic energy levels!

Yup, energy and drive in trial bred dogs just don't suit pet only homes, not that most gundogs aren't working pets. Rough shooting/Woodcock type dogs make much better pets, generally - I have a rescue one of those too currently

gmisk

Lots of people here recommending greyhounds.
They do seem to make great pets. The ones I tend to meet have a lovely temperament.

I am a bit biased as I have one but a french bulldog could make a good pet. There are a few rescue groups on Facebook which I would recommend, if you want to buy one go via IKC only some seriously dodgy sellers about. They can have some health problems so do your due diligence. Also always insist on meeting the mum and dad and ensure they well cared for.
Our fella is 3 had him since 8 weeks we visited him about 4 times before taking him home and zero health issues...bar rolling a grass seed into his cheek!
Put the training in at the start and definitely get them used to being alone for some time.
Myself and my husband both work but I do flexi and he does shift work, so longest our fella is alone would be 6 hours, two decent walks a day.
Good luck!

makeandcreate

JustAThought wrote: »

At least you know what you like and don’t like! What age is your eldest and how soon will s/he be off dating and gone to college!!

I met a man with a newfoundland puppy (40kg!) and its mammy yesterday and he assured me it only needed a half hours walk every day !

But to really give a Newfoundland a good home you have to give them swim time. They are amazing in the water - I looked after a pair of elderly Newfies and was amazed when the elder one, that was deaf and doddery must have smelled the water and ran across a road to get into a river then swam like a baby. After that we were a regular feature - me in the river waving sausage rolls trying to get her out again! Not giving the dog their natural scope is not fair.
Now I've a Bull Terrier - rehomed him - a total different animal - he's a tough twirling loon for a while,then a chilled out family guy - and have emergency housed 3 others in the past 2 years as people buy them and then cannot cope with them at 18 months/2 years.
If a puppy buyer Needs advice - ask someone with a 5 year old dog or a 15 year old dog that they like. And most of all let them realise - it's that long. My kids will hopefully leave home before the Bullie does ....

cocker5

JustAThought wrote: »

georgous snoozy pups - for now!! I think s/he means their lunatic energy levels! Fair dues to you - is there a pic of your adoptee!?

Here you go!! Here’s Cooper!

What I will say is yes I agree they are not for the faint hearted, full of energy, ball / fetch obsessed .. but that’s grand for us we’re doing 25km hike with him this Saturday! Plus he’s get 7km walks each day!

As did our cocker whom we lost in August!

volchitsa

Springwell wrote: »

:rolleyes: I'm a vet and I also work for a gundog rescue. I would not recommend this litter to any pet home that wasn't already committed to an active sport - "walks" do nothing for these guys, they need a job! Litter was sold to field trialing homes before my girl was mated and there's a waitlist.

Also, my workers are all pets, all live in the house and two sleep on my bed...they have comforts but they're most definitely happiest when working.

Gorgeous pups, Springwell. I love Springers.

I have am question about that: do you not occasionally get pups that just can't hack it as gun dogs though? Afraid of the noise etc.

Or is that a problem with pups from certain dogs only, like a genetic tare?
Because my (very limited) understanding about dogs bred for hunting is that it happens fairly regularly, but I've no idea whether it's random or traceable through gene lines.

Or maybe it's always down to poor training techniques by the owner? I've heard you can get sheepdogs that end up being bullied by the sheep if they're put to work too young/in the wrong conditions!

tk123

volchitsa wrote: »

Because my (very limited) understanding about dogs bred for hunting is that it happens fairly regularly, but I've no idea whether it's random or traceable through gene lines.

Is this is actually a thing though? I wonder is this just something rescues say - 99% of people I've met who've rescued a gun dog have been told by rescue that the dog is gun shy when it was spooky/hyper, or not soft mouthed enough when it was chewing the house down.... but how does a rescue know this when so may dogs have no history coming into a rescue?

JustAThought

they may also like the odd sheep snack or be too vigalent in herding and nipping them to get it right -dog OCD /overbred! I used own and train a gundog - you have to introduce them to guns gently and patiently and in a particular way and train them properly - not every dog thst is the breed is a ‘ natural’ or is afept at what it is supposed to be good at -eg a retriever that will retrieve but will mash it on its way back or whose mouth is always too hard or who will swim after prey but not understand that if its still alive and flying/swimming it can’t just keep following it until it reaches Wales etc . Some dogs are so obsessive at what they do that they are no good at the full picture! And some dogs are just missing an essential bit of the overall picture that makes ttem the Rainman of the pack -brilliant at the bit they do well but no good in the overall context!


COOPER that is a fabulous looking very regal looking dog! I’d say he could but and sell you! Georgous! Enjoy your 20k walks!!!!

CelticRambler

Something else to bear in mind at present: puppy vaccinations are not (necessarily) going to get done at the usual times, which will have a knock-on effect on when you can take them out once restrictions are lifted.

And also: I don't know what the situation is like in Ireland right now, but here in France although vet practices are theoretically open, a lot of them have suspended their normal work and have placed their staff and equipment at the disposal of the local hospitals (something similar is being done in the UK). This means they are no longer really available to deal with the kind of accidents that tend to happen to pups.

tk123

tk123 wrote: »

Is this is actually a thing though? I wonder is this just something rescues say - 99% of people I've met who've rescued a gun dog have been told by rescue that the dog is gun shy when it was spooky/hyper, or not soft mouthed enough when it was chewing the house down.... but how does a rescue know this when so may dogs have no history coming into a rescue?

They want to pull at your heartstrings. Can’t beat a sob story.

Springwell

volchitsa wrote: »

Gorgeous pups, Springwell. I love Springers.

I have am question about that: do you not occasionally get pups that just can't hack it as gun dogs though? Afraid of the noise etc.

Or is that a problem with pups from certain dogs only, like a genetic tare?
Because my (very limited) understanding about dogs bred for hunting is that it happens fairly regularly, but I've no idea whether it's random or traceable through gene lines.

Or maybe it's always down to poor training techniques by the owner? I've heard you can get sheepdogs that end up being bullied by the sheep if they're put to work too young/in the wrong conditions!

No gundog is born gunshy, poor and rushed training makes them gunshy. I've never had or bred a gunshy dog, I have had one in via the rescue I help with.

It's the default op-out sob story for rescues and it really annoys me, it makes people who own gundogs sound like uncaring prats who dump dogs. The reality is this is a very very small proportion of working dog owners, similar to the proportion of pet owners who dump their dog because "they've no time", "my child is allergic" etc.

Springwell

tk123 wrote: »

Is this is actually a thing though? I wonder is this just something rescues say - 99% of people I've met who've rescued a gun dog have been told by rescue that the dog is gun shy when it was spooky/hyper, or not soft mouthed enough when it was chewing the house down.... but how does a rescue know this when so may dogs have no history coming into a rescue?

They don't, it's a nice sob story though to get adopters. Very few rescues assess dogs to work - we do and will rehome workers to working homes and also have dogs working with police and customs now. Not all dogs make great pets - the detection dogs tend to be madly high drive which makes them great at their job, all they want is a find to get their tennis ball reward

Choc Chip

Springwell wrote: »

They don't, it's a nice sob story though to get adopters. Very few rescues assess dogs to work - we do and will rehome workers to working homes and also have dogs working with police and customs now. Not all dogs make great pets - the detection dogs tend to be madly high drive which makes them great at their job, all they want is a find to get their tennis ball reward

I'd say it's a story lots of people tell when they dump a dog too. "It's not suitable for working" is probably a better sounding story than, "I can't be bothered anymore" or "I thought I wanted a high-drive dog but didn't".

I have a foster right now who had a 2 pages of reasons given for why she was returned. I've experienced exactly zero of them (though she has a few pages of other problems). If you adopted from a rescue and they hadn't used a foster home, they'd likely give those reasons to the new owner. The rescue might not be creating a sob story - I find it more likely that people surrendering the dog aren't being exactly forthcoming.

august12

cocker5 wrote: »

Working gun dogs? Not suitable as pets?

I adopted a ex working gundog 11 weeks ago who was dumped Offaly pound then a rescue centre saved him and he’s most definitely a pet .. loves his comforts ... took him a week or two to settle and not to think everyone was out to hurt him but now he’s an amazing dog and I can only imagine how more he’ll progress over the coming months!

A springer .. wouldn’t be without him!

Same here but bought from a private seller, the poor thing was mal nourished , he loves his new home, mad as a hatter though, anytime I appear with the sweeping brush, he runs for the hills, poor thing obviously saw it being used for a purpose other than sweeping the floor.

Cherry Blossom

While these stories are all very nice, its not helping the OP, can we try to get back on topic please.

Thanks,
CB.

bpmurray

Rather than rescue centres, have you tried your local pound? Or the ones in the counties around you? And looking in this particular group may not be the most productive: unexpected litters might be better searched for in your local area - https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=77

august12

Ok, back on topic as per the mod, I was listening to newstalk on way to work this morn and the topic of buying dogs was on just as I tuned in, they had someone on from a rescue centre and she advised against purchasing a dog and is of the opinion the rescue centres will be inundated with dogs come September, she made the suggestion of fostering a dog, I know someone who does this on a continuous basis, might have a dog for two weeks, maybe longer, then fosters another when the time suits, this is a wonderful way of getting to know different breeds and also gives you a good understanding of the time and commitment required. You maybe able to find this piece on the podcast,

VonLuck

august12 wrote: »

Ok, back on topic as per the mod, I was listening to newstalk on way to work this morn and the topic of buying dogs was on just as I tuned in, they had someone on from a rescue centre and she advised against purchasing a dog and is of the opinion the rescue centres will be inundated with dogs come September, she made the suggestion of fostering a dog, I know someone who does this on a continuous basis, might have a dog for two weeks, maybe longer, then fosters another when the time suits, this is a wonderful way of getting to know different breeds and also gives you a good understanding of the time and commitment required. You maybe able to find this piece on the podcast,

I've been looking to foster a dog but haven't been getting any responses from anyone I contacted. Have they stopped fostering during this Corona Virus pandemic?

Springwell

Try contacting smaller rescues - but again, travelling to collect a dog is not essential travel...

JustAThought

Springwell wrote: »

Try contacting smaller rescues - but again, travelling to collect a dog is not essential travel...

it is for thendog. especially if they are still killing them in pounds. And if rescues have closed their doors to taking new ones in - as many state they have.

OP have tou had any more thoughts since we beseiged you with information!? : ) I see a few new litter of retrievers on a well known website that cannot be named. Males and females. I always think females are easier. Less wee-ing in everything they see - bit like men.

august12

VonLuck wrote: »

I've been looking to foster a dog but haven't been getting any responses from anyone I contacted. Have they stopped fostering during this Corona Virus pandemic?

I don't know , I'm not sure if Newstalk do a podcast of their morning show, might be worth listening to it if they do, I tuned out at the end and missed if any info re contact details were given re fostering during these weeks.

cocker5

Personally I’d say wait ... listen everyone is panicking.. doing crazy things including offering fostering / adopting of dogs .. reality is it’s a 15 year commitment.. honestly I’m not sure all this type of reaction is the best for the dog ...

Dogs / cats needs commitment, time (not covid time) , patience and love and while people may think giving a dog a home now under extreme circumstances is a good thing but in reality what happens when life goes back to normal????

What’s happens to all these dogs?

Wait Op wait until rescues open up again and choose a dog for your when it goes back to normal... not now

august12

Chocolate wrote: »

Now that we're home for the foreseeable future, we've decided we can invest the time into training a puppy.
We are a family of two adults and three children (aged 10-13). Ideally, we'd like a small dog. We have a secure garden.

The problem is all the rescue centres around us seem to be closed. We submitted a questionnaire online to <snip>and did a phone interview. We have passed their criteria to get a puppy but they have none available and they said to call back in 2 or 3 weeks and they might have something.

However, I feel that would be valuable time lost and I'm now wondering should we go privately. I have no idea how to find a reputable place.

I looked up the Irish Kennel Club but it seems you need to know the breed you want in advance. There are so many options. It's a bit mind boggling.

I've looked on dogs.ie and while most of the pups I looked at seemed to be IKC registered and vaccinated, the ones I liked the look of weren't so I'm wondering does that mean they're likely to be from a puppy farm.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

I'm not trying to turn you off getting a pet at some stage but maybe not now. This is a good read.

People advised to 'think twice' before getting new pet during time of social distancing https://jrnl.ie/5060039

Chocolate

JustAThought wrote: »

OP have tou had any more thoughts since we beseiged you with information!? : ) I see a few new litter of retrievers on a well known website that cannot be named. Males and females. I always think females are easier. Less wee-ing in everything they see - bit like men.

Yes, I've spent a lot of time since scouring websites, learning more as I go along.

Meanwhile the nearby pounds are shut. I feel that, unfortunately we have missed the boat on getting a pup during this time.

I'm not aware of the well known website that cannot be named - maybe you could send a PM.

As far as I can tell though, and I'm open to correction, we wouldn't be able to get veterinary care for a puppy during these more stringent restrictions.

Waiting until things have returned to normal is what I'm hearing from people and I understand where they are coming from.

This was something we'd been considering for a number of months so it wasn't a sudden decision.
I just thought it was a good time to allow us to train a pup.

So, we're disappointed that we potentially have to wait a long time but hey, there are a whole lot of more serious things going on out there at the moment.

Springwell

Chocolate wrote: »

As far as I can tell though, and I'm open to correction, we wouldn't be able to get veterinary care for a puppy during these more stringent restrictions.

First vaccinations and emergencies only - vet staff have to minimize their contact and use of PPE too

JustAThought

Springwell wrote: »

First vaccinations and emergencies only - vet staff have to minimize their contact and use of PPE too

My local vets - two of them - were open for all kinds of things up to a day or two ago - by that I mean spaying and general vets visits and kennel cough shots. May have changed now since yesterday of course.

What is the name or website address of your gundog rescue please? And if anyone can remember the timing and distance between the two sets of vacs - I can’t remember myself?

dartboardio

Hi op, when the rescues were all closed a couple of weeks ago we got a new puppy from a woman on said well known ad website, all above board, had the worming/vaccinations done, not a back door/illegal puppy farm lol.

yes we 'bought' him instead of rescuing him, but i dont see anything wrong with that when there's no facility at the moment to rescue a pup/dog.

JustAThought

fab -picture please!!!! whatcha choose to love & torment ya forever!

Gosh_idiots

It's beyond me why rescue centres/pounds etc are not classed as essential when pet shops etc are. Sure...theres a corona risk. But every single other person out working runs the same risk. Sure. Some people might make a rash decision to take on an animal they won't look after for the rest of their life... But there are also PLENTY of people who want a dog/pet but have held off due to not being home for a few weeks to get it settled/house train it etc. The rescues are CRYING out for people to help and rescue/adopt but yet it seems increasingly difficult to do so. Obviously rescues need to have standards/rules to make sure the animal is going to a good home but something needs to be done for people and rescues to meet in the middle about this kinda thing. Why does every rescue not legally have to have someone updating their rescues page EVERY DAY and replying to enquiries? It's impossible to even get a response from some of them at the best of times and 9/10 times they don't update their pages regularly with who's in and who's out. Even a website in which every rescue had to register the animals on to.. So if you're looking to give one their forever home it's easily accessible, regularly updated etc. I'm a massive animal lover and think a lot of rescues work so hard to do good, however, I think it's a shame they're not open at the moment. And I also think the restrictions (while some are obvs needed) need to be lightened a but in some areas re adopting/rehoming. My friend has had dogs for years..lives on a farm.. Had to get a dog off donedeal cause no rescue around would rehome a dog to them as they lived on a farm. My brother was looking to rehome one... He can't. As he has kids under 10. Not even a puppy. We moved out ourselves to a big old farm. I messaged one particular rescue just to enquire and let them know we had lots of space and I had experience with horses if they had any in need of a good place to recuperate or live out their days. I was told it would be at LEAST 300 euro as I'd have to get two. Along with another 200 at LEAST for insurance... That's 500 euro I would be out of pocket just to give some poor animals a home. And that's without adding on the food, bedding, vet trips, farrier costs etc. Yes, the rescues need to make their money somehow but it's a shame these animals are not made more accessible. Surely the animals welfare should come above all else. Of course rescues do great things and are fantastic at times but they're not perfect! A few years ago I had to rehome my staffy mix due to circumstances outside my control. It breaks my heart to this day. I tried everywhere to find her a loving home and ended up calling a well known rescue. I was crying my eyes out down the phone at the thoughts of having to part with my best friend.. The friendliest, most loving girl.. and the "rescues" response? "Maybe you should euthanise her as there's lots of bully breeds left stuck in rescues"... Literally gobsmacked. Apologies for the rant but while I'd try rescue.. If you can't it's not the be all and end all. There are plenty of dogs out there crying out for homes and help that don't come through rescues.hope you find the right little match for your family!