Re: Should animal charities bring in dogs from overseas ?
Originally Posted by
Muddy
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I paid a £200 ' donation ' for my rescue dog .
I think this is fair because of the costs incurred by the rescue if not for any one particular dog but others ( neutering and vaccinations or other ailments ) it also shows commitment .
However the dog sanctuaries in the Uk have too many 'gatekeepers ' who make it difficult to adopt a dog .
They set the bar too high so people just get fed up and go and buy a dog .
I noticed this when looking at rescue agencies plus some said you cannot even pick a dog but a suitable dog that they have picked will be brought out to see you after forms completed and a home inspection. One place even asked for references from a vet or someone similar.
I can understand how they want to place dogs in suitable homes but I think its gone too far this way now.
I sent out emails to rescue centres who were saying on their websites they were desperate for people to adopt.
I described me, my lifestyle, previous dog experience, my home and garden, the park next door with the long enclosed dog run, I paced it out 525 yards, took photos even shot video of house and garden. I have a car for outings and was prepared to travel to be interviewed and collect dog.
Explained to them I live near a canal with lovely long towpath walks, and I won't be holidaying abroad so dog will come with me on holidays in UK, dog friendly hotels or even camping in the better weather.
I mean, a dogs not just a pet, its a lifetime commitment and companion.
Guess how many replies I received.......None.
I've put the search on hold at the moment while I'm doing the house and garden makeover as I don't want to confuse a dog with carpets and furniture being replaced as well as decorating after the flood before my dog settles down at home with me first, but when I look again I'm going to buy privately.
And after my moan.
No I don't think that agencies should bring in more dogs or cats here but instead help set up agencies to look after them there.
I suppose there are agencies that do proper checks on importing these animals but there will be others who will do minimal checks just to make a profit and it would be difficult to check who is who once making money is involved as per usual.
I have nothing against people who want to adopt animals from abroad but it should be well regulated.