Well I don't like that idea

[DabDab]

found a similar attitude at the animal shelter we visited in S Devon.

as we were walking through we asked about a cat. (any cat) That was when we finally found a person who would actually speak to us. We were told no cats could do to homes with dogs. They had lots of cats but not a single one would be able to get on with a dog. No question as to how amenable the dog was. Dogs and cats didn't get on.

Strange we had managed 40 odd years with both species together.

I have rarely visited a more unfriendly and unhelpful place but it seems, from your comments, that other shelters may be like this.
Their only interest was in extracting a donation from us. They were quite happy to give us some of their time for that. Sorry but no way.

There's a cat shelter up the road from us that has this policy. No cats to homes with dogs, at all, ever. Even in a house set up to allow the cats to have plenty of their own space and with a dog that is demonstrably cat-safe as there is already another cat in the house .

Many years ago we did manage to rehome a 'absolutely not for a home with any other animals' cat from the RSPCA. It was when Dee (now quite old) was about 1yo and the RSPCA were doing cheap, walk-in microchips. So we went in to have the dog microchipped, wondered around the cats while we were waiting and saw a big tabby cat that had been there about 9 months (he had been badly smashed up when the RSPCA got him and had ongoing medical needs). Only for a home with no other cats or dogs said the slip on his enclosure, but we asked about him anyway. They looked at the small dog and then said they would get the cat out so that they could observe the dog be walked past the cat. Dee dog duely stood in the vicinity of the cat, completely ignoring him, and wondering why a small group of people were staring at her. So we were allowed to take the cat, who was one of the cheeryist cats I've ever known, and lived a good life (with a variety of other cats and dogs) until he had a stroke and was pts age approx 13.

 

[Clodagh]

I’ve just watched an old episode of the Dog House that was on sky.
I imagine this is the system they intend to implement (albeit probably not so time consuming).
Firstly… a patterdale to a first time dog owning family… genetics ignored there but they did want a pup, and she was gorgeous.
Secondly the people that decline a dog because it doesn’t instantly interact with them. I think that is both sad and weird and I imagine is even worse with people walking round kennels.

 

[paddy555]

Secondly the people that decline a dog because it doesn’t instantly interact with them. I think that is both sad and weird and I imagine is even worse with people walking round kennels.

there surely has to be that initial spark though between dog and prospective owner?
the spark may even be that the dog crawls away and hides in the kennel as it is so terrified.

If you buy a horse you may buy a not very nice horse that can do what you want eg hunt, show jump and if it is good at that you may forgive it being just not a nice friendly horse. You spend your time on competition entries not on cuddling it.

A dog is with you all the time, day and night, and to me there has to be an initial "something" to make you want to take it on. Many dogs (and cats) in shelters have problems. They are not there because they are the perfect dog. If you are going to take that on (and it may even only be insecurity from being rehomed) you have to have an initial bond. If not I just think that when it behaves badly, a few days in, you are going to want to return it. (that doesn't apply to people on here who would obviously sort it's problems)

I looked at the dogs and cats for rehoming at my local rescue (a good rescue and one I have had many cats from) just about all have problems even if it is only greyhounds chasing furries.

 

[meleeka]

there surely has to be that initial spark though between dog and prospective owner?


A dog is with you all the time, day and night, and to me there has to be an initial "something" to make you want to take it on. Many dogs (and cats) in shelters have problems. They are not there because they are the perfect dog. If you are going to take that on (and it may even only be insecurity from being rehomed) you have to have an initial bond. If not I just think that when it behaves badly, a few days in, you are going to want to return it. (that doesn't apply to people on here who would obviously sort it's problems)

I looked at the dogs and cats for rehoming at my local rescue (a good rescue and one I have had many cats from) just about all have problems even if it is only greyhounds chasing furries.

I’ve yet to meet a dog I really disliked. Some of them aren’t nice because of their owners. For me, its needs would come first and whether we were a good fit in terms of lifestyle.

I really wasn’t keen on my dog (in fact she’s a breed I would have said I’d never own) Fast forward to now and she’s lovely and makes me proud of her daily. I definitely wouldn’t have picked her (we inherited her from MIL). Lots of people comment on how beautiful she is wherever we go, but I can’t see it at all. What she looks like is of no importance to me, but the fact that she just slots into my life is wonderful.

 

[Teaselmeg]

If I was looking I would have applied for a dog that looks like her , but know it would depend on whether she would fit in. I don’t see what’s wrong with going for a certain type/look, if I’m going to have a dog in my life I want something I like the look and personality of.. and would be happy to look at the details of a selection of dogs that dogs trust thought matched me but I would want to choose not have one selected for me.

Oh me too, when she said 'I might have the dog for you' I was fully prepared to say no thanks on seeing her. But other than being a little taller than I wanted, she was exactly what I was looking for, perfect with my reactive dog ( I had been looking for 7 months) and the most lovely dog.

As she was an ex coursing dog, I think that was why they were worried about the wrong person going for her looks, rather than understanding what they were taking on.

 

[Peglo]

There's a cat shelter up the road from us that has this policy. No cats to homes with dogs, at all, ever. Even in a house set up to allow the cats to have plenty of their own space and with a dog that is demonstrably cat-safe as there is already another cat in the house .

I actually don’t think it’s a bad thing. I’ve had lots of cats and I’m fairly sure none of them would settle to live with a dog because they have never had too. My sister has had 3 kittens that grew up with their dogs in the house and all were fine with that but an older cat she adopted never settled or seemed happy living with them because of the dogs as she’d come from a home that didn’t have them previously.

Possibly if the rescue had a cat they knew came from a home with dogs it would be ok but it seems unfair on the cats if they’re not used to dogs to be forced into that situation.
I imagine it’s nothing to do with wether an adopters dog is good with cats, more is it fair on the cat if they hate dogs.

 

[paddy555]

I’ve yet to meet a dog I really disliked. Some of them aren’t nice because of their owners. For me, its needs would come first and whether we were a good fit in terms of lifestyle.

I come from an opposite POV. I really dislike many dogs. There is no way I could tolerate any terrier breeds, any bull breeds or small yappy dogs. That is before considering breeds that are simply unsuitable eg greyhounds, saluki etc etc and others and ones with unsuitable traits that I couldn't live with.

From a POV of their needs then I have taken a lot of cats which had little future because of their needs and a fair few rescue horses/ponies on that basis.
However for me the difference with a dog is that it is with me all the time. The cats are independent. I don't see the horses for many hours in the day/night.
A dog is such a personal thing which is why no one else could chose it for me and why we have to have a "relationship" before we start.

 

[Clodagh]

I come from an opposite POV. I really dislike many dogs. There is no way I could tolerate any terrier breeds, any bull breeds or small yappy dogs. That is before considering breeds that are simply unsuitable eg greyhounds, saluki etc etc and others and ones with unsuitable traits that I couldn't live with.

From a POV of their needs then I have taken a lot of cats which had little future because of their needs and a fair few rescue horses/ponies on that basis.
However for me the difference with a dog is that it is with me all the time. The cats are independent. I don't see the horses for many hours in the day/night.
A dog is such a personal thing which is why no one else could chose it for me and why we have to have a "relationship" before we start.

Shouting at the ether here but you do realise they can’t make you take a terrier/bull breed or long dog home with you?

 

[paddy555]

Shouting at the ether here but you do realise they can’t make you take a terrier/bull breed or long dog home with you?

no of course they can't, I'm not that thick.. I was just trying to explain why my view differed from Meleeka's in post 124 and why in general a rescue choosing a dog would not be for me and why I have to have some connection with a dog before taking it.

I appreciate your view is different and obviously I am in the minority, everyone else is happy with whatever they are given.

 

[Clodagh]

no of course they can't, I'm not that thick.. I was just trying to explain why my view differed from Meleeka's in post 124 and why in general a rescue choosing a dog would not be for me and why I have to have some connection with a dog before taking it.

I appreciate your view is different and obviously I am in the minority, everyone else is happy with whatever they are given.

. Whatever!

 

[DabDab]

I actually don’t think it’s a bad thing. I’ve had lots of cats and I’m fairly sure none of them would settle to live with a dog because they have never had too. My sister has had 3 kittens that grew up with their dogs in the house and all were fine with that but an older cat she adopted never settled or seemed happy living with them because of the dogs as she’d come from a home that didn’t have them previously.

Possibly if the rescue had a cat they knew came from a home with dogs it would be ok but it seems unfair on the cats if they’re not used to dogs to be forced into that situation.
I imagine it’s nothing to do with wether an adopters dog is good with cats, more is it fair on the cat if they hate dogs.

And I've had numerous rescue cats who have adjusted fine to living with dogs, becaue I have a home set up for it and dont just expect them to mill about with the dogs without their own space. In terms of stressed out cats, I have personally known far more in homes with small children than in homes with dogs.

A rescue can have whatever policies they like wrt rehoming the animals in their care, there's no rights and wrongs. But by being definitive and evangelical about certain characteristics of a potential new home these places do miss out on some good homes for their animals, as well as placing some in homes that tick all the boxes but are actually not great. That will always be the case bo matter what policies they uave of course, and we are all just expressing our own opinions on where they should draw the lines and where the balance should be

editing to reduce font size, not sure why the forum decided it had to be huge (I'm blaming the tech, bit it was probably operator error)

 

[Arzada]

I assume adopters get to meet the dog and then decide if they like it.

I appreciate your view is different and obviously I am in the minority, everyone else is happy with whatever they are given.

A nearby cat rehoming centre, from whom I have adopted 2 cats on separate occasions, now have a different policy. 1. Enquire through their website about a cat that you fancy 2. If you are deemed suitable you will receive a second form asking about your household and what you are looking for in a cat 3. If you are still deemed suitable you will be phoned to discuss the cat and any health or behavioural concerns and you will need to provide proof of address 4. Pass that and the cat will be reserved for you. 5. You will receive an adoption call to sign the paperwork, buy goods from the shop and book a delivery slot. 6. On day of delivery cat arrives and you pay adoption fee etc

So you and the cat meet for the first time when it is delivered. I don't mind all the form stuff but I would want to meet the cat before I said yes.

 

[SilverLinings]

I come from an opposite POV. I really dislike many dogs. There is no way I could tolerate any terrier breeds, any bull breeds or small yappy dogs. That is before considering breeds that are simply unsuitable eg greyhounds, saluki etc etc and others and ones with unsuitable traits that I couldn't live with.

From a POV of their needs then I have taken a lot of cats which had little future because of their needs and a fair few rescue horses/ponies on that basis.
However for me the difference with a dog is that it is with me all the time. The cats are independent. I don't see the horses for many hours in the day/night.
A dog is such a personal thing which is why no one else could chose it for me and why we have to have a "relationship" before we start.

I wouldn't mind a rescue suggesting a dog to me as being a good fit on paper, but I would absolutely have to feel there was a potential for a good relationship there, and that could only be judged by meeting them. If there wasn't that 'spark' it wouldn't matter how good a fit the home thought we were (I would only make an exception out of sympathy if the dog had literally nowhere else to go).

Unlike you though, I also want horses I can have a relationship with; they are powerful, potentially dangerous and I spend a lot of time and money on them so I want to feel we are well-suited personality-wise. If I owned them to do a job (e.g. be a successful showjumper) then I would choose based on their skill alone, but that isn't what I buy horses for anymore.

Interestingly I definitely take longer to build a proper relationship with horses than dogs, and for this reason their first six months with me they are on probation. With dogs it only takes around a couple of weeks, but with both species I need to know there is enough of a personality match there to make a go of it.

 

[Peglo]

In terms of stressed out cats, I have personally known far more in homes with small children than in homes with dogs.

Oh I so agree with you with this and think if it’s no dogs it should be no children also. And of course many people like yourself can have both co existing happily but there will probably be many more irresponsible people who wouldn’t consider their pets stress/living conditions as long as the humans get what they want.

 

[paddy555]

Unlike you though, I also want horses I can have a relationship with; they are powerful, potentially dangerous and I spend a lot of time and money on them so I want to feel we are well-suited personality-wise. If I owned them to do a job (e.g. be a successful showjumper) then I would choose based on their skill alone, but that isn't what I buy horses for anymore.

that was a comment I made in general not about me. I have a relationship with all my horses, they stay here for life. I never sell any.
I was meaning that a dog is such a personal creature you have to chose your own. A horse (if you just want a competion/performance animal) is different for some people. What it can do is all important. Sorry didn't explain that too well.

 

[marmalade76]

I wouldn't mind a rescue suggesting a dog to me as being a good fit on paper, but I would absolutely have to feel there was a potential for a good relationship there, and that could only be judged by meeting them. If there wasn't that 'spark' it wouldn't matter how good a fit the home thought we were (I would only make an exception out of sympathy if the dog had literally nowhere else to go).

Unlike you though, I also want horses I can have a relationship with; they are powerful, potentially dangerous and I spend a lot of time and money on them so I want to feel we are well-suited personality-wise. If I owned them to do a job (e.g. be a successful showjumper) then I would choose based on their skill alone, but that isn't what I buy horses for anymore.

Interestingly I definitely take longer to build a proper relationship with horses than dogs, and for this reason their first six months with me they are on probation. With dogs it only takes around a couple of weeks, but with both species I need to know there is enough of a personality match there to make a go of it.

Agree re horses, they have to be good pets for me (and my children), particularly now that I don't ride so much. My last one I never really bonded with and this was one of the reasons I moved her on. My latest one is a darling.

 

[SilverLinings]

that was a comment I made in general not about me. I have a relationship with all my horses, they stay here for life. I never sell any.
I was meaning that a dog is such a personal creature you have to chose your own. A horse (if you just want a competion/performance animal) is different for some people. What it can do is all important. Sorry didn't explain that too well.

Sorry I misunderstood you @paddy555. I didn't mean to sound like I was criticising you even so, but it did make me think about how I relate to the two species slightly differently. I think because dogs tend to display their range of emotions more obviously and they are with me in the house maybe that is why it takes me a bit longer to feel I fully understand a horse's personality.

 

[paddy555]

Sorry I misunderstood you @paddy555. I didn't mean to sound like I was criticising you even so, but it did make me think about how I relate to the two species slightly differently. I think because dogs tend to display their range of emotions more obviously and they are with me in the house maybe that is why it takes me a bit longer to feel I fully understand a horse's personality.

no problem

 

[Morwenna]

The rescue my sister got her dog from do this. So much less stressful for the dogs than having endless streams of people peering in at them. They are more concerned with finding the right home for the dog than finding people what they think they want. They will often have a shortlist of dogs for people so they do have some choice and of course no-one is forced to take the dog the rescue think is the best fit. I keep seeing a post on Facebook from a rescue about a dog reactive Cane Corso shared by various people and it’s scary how many people have fallen for the sob story and registered interest but have absolutely no idea about the breed, not saying this place will let her go to just anyone but some places would and that is never going to end well.