rescue dogs

[kallis3]

Lesley, we're real softies with our dogs! They are both house dogs and Bella (the lurcher) has a cover on the settee and spends most of her day on there (unless a cat goes past, in which case she goes berserk!). She has a dog bed in our bedroom and sleeps on there. Lloyd spends most of his day on my chair looking out of the window, then at night he lies with his dad on his chair (proper daddy's boy!). He sleeps on our bed, and most mornings he is in the bed, lying between us.

Not very healthy and you shouldn't really do it, but I've got used to it now.

[Shining]

Ah Kallis that's lovely, I don't think that the way you are with your dogs is wrong at all and if it suits your family and lifestyle then go for it, my mum had a dog like that, she'd get out the chair for the dog to sit on it! Never did understand that one! I've just trained mine to be outside all day and they have water, shelter and warmth in the winter and shaded areas for the summer, my post may have sounded like I dump them outside and forget about them till 6pm 'ish', it's not like that honest. We do walk them and the lab is trained for hours as he's very good at obedience and loves his training, comes everywhere with us whenever we go out. The cocker is sadly blind in one eye as he has retinal disease but has a good quality of life so long as you don't take him out of his comfort zone.

[kallis3]

Lesley, I didn't for one minute think you dumped them outside! I know that it suits some people to kennel their dogs outside. My hubbie is at home all day, so it makes sense for them to be inside. We used to have neighbours who had a pair of Rotties and they were kennelled outside (and what lovely dogs they were too!) Sorry to hear about the cocker - it's awful when things happen to them isn't it?

I had a friend who owned a Bull Mastiff and paid hundreds of pounds for a beautiful big shed like kennel with a covered run - she couldn't bring herself to leave him in there!

[cat 1]

My lab is just a baby yet.We only have a small yard.The garden is open and not at all secure/private even though there's lots of it.I wondered about getting a kennel for the yard as she's in the kitchen during the 5 hours she's alone.Wondered if she's be happier in the 'open'.So far so good in the kitchen currently, but clealry she's going to get bigger.Cat

[kallis3]

The only problem if the garden is not secure is whether or not she could get out or whether anyone could get in. You do read stories about dogs being stolen.

If she is ok in the kitchen, I think I would leave her there.

[facingittogether]

ang

let us know how you go on!

probably a good idea to wait till you are off in the summer, bet your older dog would be fine with the new addition after a while!

good luck

barb x

[angela18]

well hubby and daughter went kennels yesterday.. (I had niece and nephew for day - nephew still here!!)there are 2 male stafffies in contention they think.. they sent me pictures and they are beautiful.. the younger one is the best...BUT.. there is a 3 - 4 year old who has been in kennels since October. Caitlin took him for a walk and hubby says he was gentle and walked lovely for her.. they are desperate to rehome him and said a £50 donation as opposed to £80 plus £55 neuteuring cost for the younger one. The y call him bruce but he is known as Smiler in the kennels as he is always happy to see people...

the only reason they think he's still there is there is always younger cuter ones there.. and he is a big Staffie plus fat due to being in a kennel for 8 months.. got to take Casey to see how they get on and if they are ok we can take him for 24 hours to see how they react at home.. I'M A SUCKER FOR A SOB STORY

daughter wants to buy the dog with her own money..

[chris.g]

Oh Ang, he sounds just the dog. I understand about the staffie things, I think once you have had one you're spoilt.
I'm sure Casey will enjoy having Bruce to keep her company and you never know, it might put a bit of a spring in her step!

[kallis3]

He sounds wonderful! I love staffie's and think he sounds as though he would make a wonderful pet. Let's hope Casey thinks so as well!

[angela18]

been to see him today.. he's lovely.. younger one didn't like me (cheeky thing) was growling and barking at me.. quite scared me actually.. and I'm not scared of dogs[:(]

need to check when casey had last booster so they can meet.. has to be within 18 months but i honestly can't remember when[:I]

[Skippy]

Good luck with him Angela. I hate the way the older animals are always over looked for the young cute ones. When we started looking for a cat we decided that we would have an older cat rather than a kitten - to be honest I'm not as keen on kittens or puppies. The charity were really pleased and couldn't wait for us to look at their list of older cats, although I'd already seen Harry and knew I wanted him!

[OPTIMIST12]

When I got a cat from our local Cats Protection last year she was aged 14 (in cat years). She is not very cute or cuddly but is fiercely independent and I think she is brilliant.

[angela18]

he's on the Newcastle Dog and Cat Shelter website, under Our Dogs.. I keep looking at him and thinking WHY? would he be dumped or chucked out!

[Skippy]

I've just had a look on the website and Bruce is adorable! If I was getting one I'd have Paige as I love Rotties!

Harry came from the Hounslow Animal Welfare Society and they'd had him for about 4 months, but there were some on the website who they've had for years - it's so sad when animals are passed over like that.

[kallis3]

Our Lurcher, who is now 14, was about 18 months old when we had her. House trained (which is always a plus) but not a puppy. Once she goes, we will replace her with another rescue dog who will also not be a puppy. Trouble is, I want to take them all home with me!