I want to rescue but have problems, advice needed.

Bubs99

Hi,

I am well aware of all the rescue centres rules, one of the main ones being "there must be a well enclosed garden in the new home", yes, fair enough, totally understandable but my problem is...
I am moving to Galway with my boyfriend soon and Ive wanted a dog companion for years as my parents pets live in Waterford with them.
I am obsessed with dogs and would love to work with them, even voluntary, I dont care but back to the main problem.

We found it almost impossible to find a place near the college that has a safe garden for the pet, all the best garden places are far far away from the city which is difficult for me as I cant drive as I have epilepsy. That also links to another animal rescue rule..."somebody must be at home with the dog all the time" and that is no problem whatsoever because I cant work.
I have wanted to rescue one for years and have just completed a Veterinary assistant course also.

We found a house that finally accepts pets (very hard to find) and its near the college but this house does not have an enclosed garden. So, where do I begin? I really want to rescue, I am NOT buying a dog or cat, I will only rescue but will any place in Ireland let me if I dont have a decent garden?
I will take the best care of this dog EVER! Please, please, any advice or tips are appreciated but again...I DO understand the rule BUT I think if the dogs are in so much need for a home and love and care, they should be allowed be adopted IMO. I dont mind inspections either.

piperh

The most important thing about the garden is that its secure and the dog can't hurt itself not the size of it or even if you have one. Can you secure the garden? perhaps temporary fencing?

Blueprint

Get in touch with MADRA (www.madra.ie), they do not expect a secure garden as long as you are aware of the fact that the dog can get out and get killed on the road etc. and make sure this can't happen by supervising, keeping dog on lead etc. and make sure that the dog gets walked regularly. They'd actually rather see a dog in an apartment than stuck alone in a back garden all day, as if you have a dog in an apartment you have no choice but to interact with it!

Zapperzy

You could get a run or enclosure, http://cilldara.ie/ they can be folded up and moved so you would have it for life, I think nearly all rescues will accept these in place of a secure garden.
If you ring around and talk to different rescues you may be able to find one who does not have a blanket rule on secured gardens, so long as you are aware the dog will have to be supervised at all times when outside and either well trained to recall or on the lead at all times.

Tranceypoo

Blueprint wrote: »

Get in touch with MADRA (www.madra.ie), they do not expect a secure garden as long as you are aware of the fact that the dog can get out and get killed on the road etc. and make sure this can't happen by supervising, keeping dog on lead etc. and make sure that the dog gets walked regularly. They'd actually rather see a dog in an apartment than stuck alone in a back garden all day, as if you have a dog in an apartment you have no choice but to interact with it!

Was just about to suggest MADRA myself!! They will judge each case individually and will match a dog to your needs/lifestyle and as above poster says, they'd rather see a dog in an apartment than in a back garden all day tied up and unsocialised/exercised (or even in their shelter!!)

Inexile

Fully recommend a dog pen from Cill Dara. they are expensive but are an investment and can be taken with you if you move home later.

Keep trying all the rescues - one will work with you once you show your commitment to keeping the dog safe when it is outside. Be prepared to put dog on the lead every time it needs to out to the toilet - its a pain especially if its wet but its necessary if the garden isnt enclosed. Also invest in a few child gates to block easy access to exits.

You also have the option of going direct to a pound but I would recommend the shelter route as they provide backup and advice if needed.

Gremlin

Carrick Animal shelter are nice people to deal with, I was on the verge of adopting a dog from them but we got another in the end. Might be a bit of a drive but they have a large selection of unwanted dogs available for immediate adoption. They don't require a homecheck. However they do require a fee (can't remember what it is). They do ask you sign a contract which says the dog will be kept securely. If you talk to the guy there (think his name is Steve) he stikes me as a decent sort. I'm pretty sure if you explain that the dog is to be kept indoors and will only be out on a lead, it wont be a problem.

Sigma Force

Well not sure I agree with Madra there, am sure they do good work but there should be a secure garden otherwise it just makes life difficult for owners and dogs. Escapes will happen dogs can bolt out the back door people get distracted so security is a must.

I would go with temporary fencing, it's expensive but you'll never need to replace it and you can make it as big as you like.
cilldara.ie or hayses modular among other companies make strong, secure, moveable dog runs that can be made in to fencing or you could try builder panels or a combination of both.
It does no damage to the grass other than leave a dent that will grow back in the grass, and won't damage tarmac etc. and can be put together in seconds.
I've got them and use some as a driveway gate until we can afford timber ones I'd keep them permanently there only I can't drive the car over them.

Can't reccommend them enough and you can have as many as you like or get a few and increase the size as time goes on if you find them a bit pricey.

suziwalsh

Most rescues are absolutely fine once you explain your circumstances and you are realistic in what you expect from a dog i.e they will expect an "enclosed" garden if you have one where the gates have fallen down etc. Its just practical sense. Id say contact a few places....madra being excellent and depending on the breed and age you go for you'll be absolutely fine. If not there are plenty of ways to rescue a dog without actually going to a rescue centre ( although nice to have the back up). Or consider fostering a dog first to see how you get on

Best of luck and thumbs up for choosing not to buy

seamus

For many rescues the "enclosed garden" rule generally relates to the condition of the garden, not the existence of one. I get the feeling from your post that you have a place with no garden at all?

Bubs99

The current place we have our eyes on and we will be viewing next week is based in a little town just outside the city. Its a two storey house in the middle of two others but kind of a tiny communal garden between all, Im not sure about the back as I have'nt seen it and wont until until next week.

Each house has a tiny grass and path entrance, low wall to each door but no gates, but I do know for sure that its a small safe enough town and no busy, dangerous country or city roads.

I am well aware of dogs speeding out the doors. I have had dogs all my entire life (Im 27). I promise though, whatever breed, Id always put the harness and lead on before the door opens. I love walking and have even done this years Flora Mini Marathon for "A Dogs Life" dog rescue.

Whats also handy is I did animal training in my course and my college friend and former tutor are both qualified dog behaviorists.

Ive checked out MADRA and the Carrick rescue, thanks a million for the advice and tips. Theres so many to choose from that need so much TLC. Thankfully, the rescue crews seem helpful enough to find the suitable dog for you.

Ill keep you all updated and thanks again.

Galway K9

Guys i cannot emphasize this enough....and no offence to rescues.


Go to the dog pound, theres loads of amazing dogs there. I got my fella there about 6 years ago and best decision ever!:)

Bubs99

Hi Galway K9,

I was and still am thinking of that too. Im thinking of all possible ways and have been for atleast 2 years.

Infact theres a dog pound just 15 kilometres away from me now, the only thing that puts me off them a bit is the fact I dont and most likely the crew wont either, know what the dogs temperament is like, compared to the rescues which seem to have dogs for a longer period.

I know theres loads there and are loving, infact, the charity I did the marathon for, take the dogs out of Dundoyne before their put to sleep and rehome them BUT one of their rules is, that you must have an enclosed garden and that, i doubt we'll find.

Still considering though.

Toulouse

There is loads of different variables involved when it comes to rehoming a dog and rescues are reasonable, they just want to ensure a good fit so you have a happy owner and a safe and happy dog.

My advice would be to get your place and then talk to the rescues about the most suitable dog for you. I mean if that house you're talking about had a secure back garden it would be workable. Or an apartment with no garden but an active owner who's around most of the time would be good for some dogs too.

Bubs99

We're preferable looking for a house as its bigger and we've lived in apartments most of our lives since we left home in our teens.

Not many landlords who own apartments allow pets in my experience for a few reasons which are fair enough.
Plus, houses are cheaper to rent in Galway than Kildare/Dublin.
But also beggers cant be choosers these days, my dream one forever is a detatched house with large garden thats private enough and rural but near the coast. Fantasy or what nowadays!

Fingers crossed we find a decent size, nice house or large apartment that the landlord allows pets in (like I said, in my experience, hard to find) and that has greenery or near a beach.

Either way, I promise I will take the best of care of our new pet when we get one. Obviously we must find a proper home for ourselves first but we will also be thinking of our future new pet when making our decisions as it is also important for them.

Discodog

EGAR East Galway Animal Rescue who is a regular poster here may be able to help you. They are flexible regarding gardens etc.

Kali_Kalika

I'd check in with DID (Dogs in Distress) - they do have a garden rule - but I'm sure with your situation they would very happily work with you around this. They are a fantastic rescue and I can't say enough good things about them. You sound like a fantastic owner and something like a garden fence should not stop you from owning a fantastic dog and rescuing a life. Trust me, more of these rescue agencies have their heads screwed on tight and will clearly recognize a great home and a fantastic owner when it comes along! Hang in there and best of luck with getting a dog!

ECH

Hi. Don't rule out the pounds - the dogs in rescue are already safe, the ones is the pound may be put to sleep. The temperment of the dog is not always that clear when in rescue. The dogs have been abandoned, maybe lived rough or are grieving for their owners, they can be very traumatised. A dogs true personality often doesn't come out until they are well settled into a new home - quiet ones turn out to be hyper and the hyper ones can really settle down. Not all people/dogs/rescues are created equally and you might also be told what you want to hear in order to move a dog.

Look at dog types - do you want a younger dog that you'll have to train or an older dog (>3 years) who is house trained and less destructive, are you very active and suited to a working breed or looking for a lazier dog. Saying you'll lead the dog everytime he goes out is not as easy as it sounds. It is not just twice a day for a walk but every time the dog needs to toilet; standing outside at 1 in the morning when it's freezing and raining waiting on the dog to pee will get tiresome very quickly and I speak from experience. You will need to be committed to training the dog for recall so you can let them out briefly to toilet and be sure that the dog will not run off, with a shared garden I'd also check on the friendliness of the neighbours. The dog won't understand invisable boundaries and you'll want to make sure you collect any pressies left on neighbouring lawns quickly.

If you do go to adopt from a pound if possible have a look at the ones with the highest kill rates:- Westmeath, Kildare, Cavan, Cork County and Roscommon. These are all over 70%. Galway City is 39% and Galway County is 26%.

Best of luck, hope you find the perfect 4-legged friend.