Paws for Thought

Many people come forwards to rescue a dog and offer them a stable forever home. Their reasons are many. It may be helpful to offer an awareness which will challenge 'common' Dickensian held ideas about 'rescue' dogs. Welcome to the 21st century.

Worth: A 'second-hand dog' is not 'a worthless mutt'. People place value on 'items', but dogs are family members in our view. People get 'rid of' rubbish, but dogs are sentient beings whose over-riding ethos is 'loyalty'. So approaching rescue as though it a 'sensible purchase', small bitch under a year and trained please … doesn't cut with us. Step over the 4 year old male, the 7 year old ex-breeding' bitch as though they don't exist if you can, we can't. As far as we know M&S hasn't yet streamlined 'precious pups' to suit. We often turn people's thinking on its head. Is a pup an easy option, no. A rescue dog past 2 years old where its character is clear is an easier prospect if properly matched. Rescue is a long chain of caring hands with the owner as part of that chain of care, not as a 'purchaser'. It isn't about blame, but about taking responsibility.

Humans place a lot of 'theory' onto dogs which just isn't true. Are old dogs able to learn, yes. Dogs are far more adaptable as a species than human beings and carry a lot less baggage. Oh he's being dominant; or is he trying to play! He doesn't like entire males; bitches tend to be far more protective actually, males in fact are 'easier' to mix. Oh he's jealous; no, he is just trying it on or needs to learn to share. There are many fashions of thought being played out which can miss the mark by a mile. There are a lot of couch potato experts. We know this in particular, as many of our terriers are misjudged and put at risk of losing their lives by generalist terms being applied. Fact: shock equipment shatters a dog's confidence and trust. A rescue dog is a dog. They may have been through a few homes, but could have become an all rounder in the process, not necessarily 'damaged'. Many Staffies coming into rescue are brilliant, versatile dogs, 'good with everything', having been passed around. Fact: Very few dogs pine when in foster. Some dogs have had confused beginnings so yes, we owe them "the very best", not "they should be lucky for whatever they are offered" mentality. We look for commitment, stability and valued pet status; integral and central in their family's world. The very best homes are rescue homes! Also many genuine people need to surrender their dogs for genuine reasons, they are not all villains.

Value: To buy a pup you'll pay £175 - up to £1200 for a designer dog or rare breed. By the way it's still a dog! Then the true costs: vaccinations, repetitive worming, insurance, sorting puppyhood issues e.g. skin ailments or gastric problems, accidents e.g. swallowing harmful items. Purchase of basic equipment, quality treats and a training course. Later the chewing phase with damage to furniture, mobile phones etc. Just how much does a puppy actually costs in their first year! Compare it with a rescued young dog whose medical issues have all been sorted - at cost to the rescue. See the adult dog presented as healthy and neutered- at cost to the rescue. Many of our dogs have cost us dearly for kennelling at £7 a day (subsidised rate), our long-stay dogs at £220 per month. Consider the emergency vet treatment, costs for the older or abused dogs needing investigation, surgery, medicine and TIME to get their chronic conditions 'sorted'. Then our £150 minimum donation is questioned. "Battersea charge less". We are extremely happy for people to help a Battersea dog, who are supplemented by large legacies. In 7 years we have only been given 3 donations of £500 and over, even though we repeatedly hear, "it's not the money, we are happy to pay for a pedigree puppy, we just want to help a homeless dog".

Paws for thought: Our costs turn a homeless dog around medically so they are 'set-up for life'. We provide safe, good quality kennelling while they await their forever family. People try and barter with us. Try bartering with your vet, a breeder or pet supermarket. We see people give us £150 and next month paying £300 for an animal behaviourist for an hour's assessment to tell them what we have already shared, as though they are the expert. Leaving the donation as discretionary - many would offer £20 thinking they are helping the rescue. People just have an old fashion view that rescues do it all for love and are ever so grateful for a good family coming forward for their dog. It is true of course. The people who 'dump' their dogs like a worthless commodity on the streets, give it to whoever will take it, should pay. Those who buy and sell dogs at a profit without declared issues through the free ads, they should be the ones to 'pay the costs of care and keep'. Some past owners do contribute a little to their care, most do not. Sadly the caring ones are the ones who choose to come forward for a homeless dog and they are the one who support us and enable us to 'be there for the Jess's who have been in kennels for 18 months and the Ozzie's who need involved surgery' to set them up for life. Believe us we are ever so grateful, but yes we struggle to keep the rescue running.