Re: Should animal charities bring in dogs from overseas ?

You cant take guides pigs (whatever they are) for three mile walks twice a day, and shorter ones other times, have their loving company every evening and weekends as my daughter does. When she comes here for the weekends she always bring her dog with her. She adores her dog and says her daily walks, when she also meets friends, are what keeps her sane, given that she has a very stressful job.

Re: Should animal charities bring in dogs from overseas ?

I might also add that I had two English Setters when my marriage broke up. He wanted to kennel them indefinitely, I retrieved them and kept them another ten years, whilst also working full time to support myself, teenage son and the two dogs.

Re: Should animal charities bring in dogs from overseas ?

Sorry it was Guinea Pigs .
but a dog a pack animal it's still a lot of empty hours for it to spend alone.

Re: Should animal charities bring in dogs from overseas ?

Things can go wrong and a dog may need to adapt to being more alone but I think choosing that for a puppy really isn't a good idea.

Re: Should animal charities bring in dogs from overseas ?

It is not only 'not a good idea', it is cruel for a puppy straight from the nest IMO.
They are so lost at first without the only family and smells they have ever known. They need someone with them.

Re: Should animal charities bring in dogs from overseas ?

Yes I was being a bit too diplomatic with my language really.

Re: Should animal charities bring in dogs from overseas ?

I do agree it's best if somebody is home all day with a new pup - I myself always have been.
However, I do know of many, many people who have/have had dogs while working full time. It's not the best situation, but it can be done with help from family, pet sitters, doggy day-care, etc.

Re: Should animal charities bring in dogs from overseas ?

Looks like I killed yet another thread.

I was a tidge 'upset' how this turned around to what I said about my niece being turned down for a dog because she works full time. I wasn't going to say any more, but it's on my mind, so I gotta!

I am the biggest dog lover around - self-proclaimed admittedly, but after approx. 45 years of owning my own dogs, I think I have a small claim to that title!
I have also worked in rescue, and believe me, I've seen it all. There are real good parts, but there's a lot of ugly also. Too much ugly.
I simply ask that others not be so quick to judge those that don't meet their criteria for owning a dog.
Each case is different, and should be judged as such.
I saw so many dogs released to so-called good homes that were consigned to the back yard (and worse) after the initial 'cuteness' wore off, then eventually back into rescue because they barked too much or the like.
Are they any better than an owner that works all day, but gets up at 5 am to walk their dog, then comes home at noon for another walk, and then another later in the evening, and then takes them places all weekend, etc.?
It's not ideal, but sorry, I won't judge them.
My niece will make a wonderful doggy mum. She will make sure any dog she is lucky enough to have will not be left alone for too long.
She has my support.

Re: Should animal charities bring in dogs from overseas ?

I think if charities want to help they should do it in the country's concerned and not bring them here. My heart goes out to all animals who are mistreated but we cannot bring them all here and it's daft to think we could or should.

I know though if I got involved I would have a house full.....yup difficult one this, it's a case of do as I say not as I do because I think we would all mostly want to save an animal in distress.

Re: Should animal charities bring in dogs from overseas ?

Thank you LMB for your understanding. My daughter, her husband and family love their dog(s) and lavish all care on them. Her last Retriever which she had from a puppy (when she wasn't working) lived to fifteen years old. Now she has this Border Collie who got no exercise at all with its elderly owners, the wife was a carer for her invalide husband. Now despite my daughter working, the dog gets masses of exercise and ball play and is transformed.