Adopt a dog is a motto I firmly believe in. Since starting my business over ten years ago, I have always had a close association with the Greyhound Trust. To test the market for my new business ‘Doggy Boho’, I had a stand at one of their charity events. And to cut a long story short…
Hall Green Greyhound Trust is where our very own greyhound Larry came from over six years ago. Before that, we had Charlie, a greyhound from Shropshire and Borders Greyhound Trust. Our first dog though was Pecan, a rough-coated lurcher from the Roden Dogs Trust in Shropshire. Here are our rescue dogs from left to right: Larry, Charlie and Pecan.
Rather than look for puppies, I am a firm believer in the motto adopt a dog, don’t shop for a dog. It’s not always possible, I know. And two or three of the younger members of my wider family have gone down this route. Luckily with some lovely results.
Childhood animal rescues
As a family, we had a menagerie of animals. Cats, rabbits, chickens. geese, and many a wild bird, including the occasional swan. Often wild mice, befriended by one of the many cats, and of course loads of dogs in the mix too. My parents were animal lovers. Mum more than dad but he always came around in the end.
I worked in a local Jobcentre for much of my 20s. One day a Manchester terrier-cross puppy was abandoned in the foyer. I did not hesitate to take it home and everyone I worked with knew instinctively that would be the case. That evening I walked into the kitchen with a small dog tucked into my coat. As dad looked up he told me “Whatever it is, it’s not staying”. But, within minutes she was on his lap and her name was Lottie. Named so in the hope that one day she would bring us the luck needed to win a million or two. It never happened but she was priceless!
The go-to home
Our reputation as animal ‘do-gooders’ went before us. On many occasions, there was a knock at the door from someone with an arm full of kittens, an injured bird, or a stray dog who was often pregnant. Even our milkman appeared with an oil-drenched kitten picked up from a local factory. Arriving one spring day in April and living a good 16 years, his name, was April! I could go on with similar stories. But my point is there are enough animals already in the world who need a helping hand through adoption.
Living where we lived it was reassuring to have at least one dog if not three. One of which would more often than not be a rescue German Shepherd. It was never hard to find them with a backstory of misunderstanding and unintended neglect. Over the years we had 4 or 5, all of whom were loving and loyal, hence my passion for http://www.uk-gsr.co.uk. Sighthounds were also a regular feature in my childhood and I always said I would have sighthounds when I was older.
Adopt a Dog to Rescue, Rehabilitate and Rehome.
I may be biased, but I believe adopting a pet from a charity or rescue centre is one of the best things you will ever do, for both you and the animal. The road may be littered with uncertainty but the reward will be tenfold.
Here is our list of 10 good reasons to adopt a dog:
The biggest reason of all. You’re giving a dog, cat, horse, or another animal, a reason to live. In their past life, the dog you eventually rehome may have been living a life of heartbreaking neglect, abandonment, abuse, or living a street life. By adopting, you are giving them a safe and loving home in which they can thrive. The biggest gift of all. Watching their daily progress towards becoming the dog they deserve to be is a gift that keeps on giving.
Not all breeders put their animals welfare first. Many dogs are forced to breed again and again. They are kept under cruel conditions in puppy farms and even some domestic homes. We have all seen these terrible stories in the press and on Social Media. By choosing to adopt, you are avoiding these organisations and supporting animal welfare in the process.
There are more than enough dogs of all ages, looking for a home. By choosing to adopt rather than go to a breeder for a specific puppy, you are caring for a dog that already needs support, instead of encouraging the overbreeding cycle. It’s one of the best ways to help ensure that all animals get the chance of finding a loving home.
Many dogs in shelters are adolescent or adult dogs, rather than puppies. This means they are likely to already know some basic commands or be housetrained, making your life a lot easier when you bring your dog home.
With thousands of shelters around the UK and many more abroad, there’s a good chance you’ll find the perfect match for you and your family. You may also find that the pet you fall in love with is completely different from the one you thought you wanted.
No one knows more about the dog you are adopting than the people working at the rescue shelter each day. They provide care and prepare them for adoption. They will be able to help you carry on any training or behaviour work and give you and the dog the right support to make the transition a success.
It’s always good to show support to a local organisation, and these shelters provide a valuable service to the dogs in their care. By adopting, you are also contributing to the ongoing care of the animals left at the shelter waiting for their forever home.
Rescue centres often provide excellent medical treatment, as well as any necessary vaccinations. your new rescue may have also been sterilised and microchipped, making them ready to join your family.
It costs far less to rescue a dog from a shelter than to buy one from a breeder. Virtually all shelters spay or neuter the animals in their care, keep vaccinations up to date, as well as offer other services at a reduced cost.
Studies show that having a pet can help you live longer, whilst improving your overall happiness and health. Having a loyal companion also helps people with depression, loneliness, stress, anxiety, and many other ailments. But equally, adopting an animal will improve their lives and well-being too.
Giving a dog a home is the greatest gift of all.
Right now, we abandon more pets due to the financial crisis. This is in addition to the numerous ‘lockdown’ dogs who have found themselves in shelters through no fault of their own. A home for a rescue dog is the greatest gift of all. Another reason to Adopt a Dog.
Here’s where to look for greyhounds currently looking for a home Greyhound looking for homes in the Midlands with Greyhound Trust (greyhoundtrusthallgreen.org.uk) They are many more Greyhound Trusts throughout the UK and if sighthounds are not your bag, other rescues are available. Please consider it. It’s a worthwhile and fulfilling way to find a new dog.
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