Advice please - finding a rescue dog at the time of Coronavirus

[TTK]

We have recently lost our beloved terrier at nearly 16. His friend is now very lonely, as are we. Now, normally, we would go to the Dog's Trust, have a saunter round and come home with a new friend for life. However, their centres are closed, the few dogs that they post on their website seem to be the 'high issue' ones and the Blue Cross are the same. Local rescues seem to be sort-of functioning but are rammed with large dogs, lurchers and bull types - all lovely dogs I am sure, but we want another terrier.

Has anyone got any advice for us. We always have rescue dogs and are not minded to buy a puppy. I almost feel as if it is an impossible task to find a new friend and don't really know how to start. Help us please.

 

[Annette4]

We found the rescue we got our most recent rescue through word of mouth.

I found Facebook the most helpful for finding rescues in our general area that I'd not even heard of. You could also try the breed specialist rescues if there's a type of terrier you are thinking of. I found a general terrier specialist rescue when we were looking but steered clear as their policies didn't match our values.

 

[Ranyhyn]

Try a smaller rescue perhaps or a breed specific one maybe? Good luck, its such a shame for the dogs x

 

[CorvusCorax]

My Mum got a dog through an indy rescue in April, everything was done over video call (she 'met' dog, they had a look around her gaff) contracts were signed, scanned and emailed and I collected and delivered the dog for her masked and gloved up, as were the staff when they put dog into my vehicle.

 

[gallopingby]

Surprisingly we have very few dogs coming into rescue atm the few we have have major problems and require specialist homes. We don’t know if this is because people are spending more time at home or selling because of inflated prices.

 

[Arzada]

https://www.terrierrescue.co.uk/

 

[deb_l222]

What breed are you looking for? I think the breed rescues are still functioning but I'm not 100% certain. Springer rescue have definitely slowed down these last few months. I'm seeing loads of puppies out and about and often wonder to myself how much people have paid for them.

Breed rescue is probably the way to go.

 

[TTK]

Thank you all, those are very helpful ideas. Following your good advice, I have started applying to breed specific rescues and will phone round our local small rescues. Though I agree with GallopingBy that most of the dogs available that I have seen so far have very complex behavioral issues. While we are experienced dog / terrier owners, we are only amateurs and are not really capable of dealing with extreme aggression etc. I will also put the word out locally and see if anyone responds. We are not looking for any particular breed but it must be a terrier. Will also try the terrier rescue. Thanks very much for your thoughts on this.

 

[Tinkerbee]

Are you in England? Are the centres only closed for lockdown perhaps? , a colleague got one a bit earlier in autumn and met the dog a few times for walks etc, this was either Dogs Trust or RSPCA I can't remember which. He was a hand in after someone passed away I think and has no behavioural issues,just a bit (very) chubby so they are out there.

 

[Goldenstar]

Tell your vets , they often know of dogs looking for a new home .

 

[leflynn]

Its tricky in lockdown, fewer rescue dogs available as more have adopted plus it is harder to keep to covid guidelines during the rehoming process, i volunteer for a greyhound rescue and atm we have stopped rehoming as the process agreed by the RGT is to do a virtual homecheck via video/video call and then deliver a greyhound to the new family - we don't believe that's right and there is a greater risk of the dog being returned as they can't check if they get along until they are in a home! Yes most times it will work but still risky, lets hope lockdown eases soon. Conversely we have had some returned with issues caused by change of working patterns and people not following advice/not the right dog as they were in a hurry to adopt

 

[TTK]

I have spoken to our vet, thank you for the idea. I do agree with Leflynn though, I have an existing oldie and I can't take on a rescue unless he can meet a new dog beforehand. a video clip does not give me a true idea of a dog's character. I have taken on board all very helpful suggestions - thank you all very much. I will keep searching and hope that the situation changes soon.

 

[TTK]

An update for all you kind people. We applied for lots of rescue dogs without success, but finally the Dogs Trust have come up with a Chihuahua/ Pug 8 year old male dog. He is very sweet and fits right in. My existing dog seems pleased with his new friend. Thank you for all your encouragement, we got there in the end.

 

[AmyMay]

But, but, but.......

...... there’s no photo ??‍??‍??‍

 

[Chinchilla]

My Mum got a dog through an indy rescue in April, everything was done over video call (she 'met' dog, they had a look around her gaff) contracts were signed, scanned and emailed and I collected and delivered the dog for her masked and gloved up, as were the staff when they put dog into my vehicle.

what is meant by 'indy rescue'? Never heard that term before.

 

[{97702}]

what is meant by 'indy rescue'? Never heard that term before.

Independent rescue - not one of the big guys like Dogs Trust, RSPCA, Blue Cross etc

 

[CorvusCorax]

Yep what Lev said. Often self-supporting, run by volunteers with little to no statutory funding, using fosters or cheap/free kennels.
The physical place he came from is a boarding kennel keeps a few kennels spare for the rescue.

 

[TTK]

Will post photo ASAP, he only came today, and it’s been a busy day......