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Post by delythv on Dec 31, 2014 13:26:09 GMT
Hello. Is there a set of criteria for dog rehoming at Cardiff's Dog home? I'd love to be able to give a dog in need a home, but I know some homes refuse dogs to people who are out of the house for more than 4 hours a day. To me, it's a bit ridiculous that they would rather keep the dogs in kennels than accept that the majority of people have to work full time, especially considering the cost of keeping a pet dog! It saddens me, considering how many dogs are in shelters and how they're seemingly bursting at the seams. I'd even pay for walkers etc to break up the day for the dog, as I agree 7/8 hours is too long for dogs that need to wee, stimulation, etc but having a blanket no policy towards people who work full time is absolutely ridiculous!
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Post by Jenna on Dec 31, 2014 14:19:53 GMT
Hi Delyth. Friends don't get directly involved in rehoming process but we can tell you a little bit about the procedure.
If the dog you want is available for rehoming you'll need to fill in an application form, the staff will take up to 3 applications for each dog. if they feel you are the most suitable home, you'll need to bring anyone who shares your home to meet the dog (especially children who live with you or who visit regularly). Resident pets also need to meet, and the home reserve the right to homecheck.
If you and the staff agree that you are a suitable forever home, you agree a collection date, pay the adoption fee, and that's pretty much it! The staff make every effort to ensure that each dogs gets rehomed to the most suitable forever family for them.
Full time workers are not excluded from rehoming at CDH (many of us work full time and have successfully rehomed from CDH ourselves), but the staff will consider the individual needs of each dog. E.g a puppy would not be suitable for a full time worker.
Go down to CDH meet the dogs and have a chat. Good luck!
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Post by garrick on Jan 1, 2015 14:57:56 GMT
Hi Delythv
Happy New Year
Just wanted to add something to the great advice Jenna has given you in the previous post. My husband and I work full time and we have two rescue dogs - one of whom was from Cardiff Dogs Home.
I know that some shelters are pretty strict about their criteria for adopting. I know they do it for the right reasons - i.e. making sure the dog concerned is happy and therefore less likely to be brought back - and it's absolutely right that the dog's welfare must be the top priority.
However, I do agree with what you're saying. My own feeling is that, for a lot of dogs, having their own home where they are loved and walked and part of the family is compensation for having to be on their own in the house for a number of hours each day.
In my experience, and that of my brother and sister in law, some dogs can be quite adaptable providing you make sure they do have chance to go to the toilet and have access to water, food and toys.
We're very lucky in having a fantastic dog walker who is part of an organisation called Care4Pets which is based in Barry. She's great with our two and they're always pleased to see her. We also make sure that they have toys like filled Kongs to keep them occupied and we always leave the TV or Radio on for them when we go out.
I'm not sure what your circumstances are but wonder whether you'd consider adopting two dogs? My two are great company for each other and our little girl from CDH has single-handedly cured our lurcher's separation anxiety since she's been on the scene. I find two dogs easier than one to be honest
If you are thinking of adopting - and it would be great if you are - it might also be worth considering an older dog. My niece - who is a teacher - has recently adopted an 8 year old greyhound. He seems happy to snooze all day while she's out - with a toilet break provided by her neighbour, who has a key to the house - and is then thrilled to see her and go for a walk when she comes home. Once a week he goes to a dog creche, where he socialises with a lot of other dogs, and he's a really contented canine.
You're right, so many shelters are bursting at the seams and, while they are wonderful and do the very best they can for the dogs in their care, I have a sneaking suspicion that some of their dogs would be happy to compromise on having a working Mum or Dad, if it meant having a loving forever home of their own.
Cardiff Dogs Home and Friends are excellent. They assess each case on its merits. Do go and see them and meet the wonderful dogs in their care - I don't think you'll be disappointed. If there's not a dog there at the moment who works for you, stay in touch with Friends and the Forum - they'll give you some great advice and support.
Good Luck. Would love to hear you've found a rescue pal(s) - they're worth their weight in gold!
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Post by paolaf on Jan 1, 2015 17:30:42 GMT
Hi Delyth - I don't think Cardiff Dogs Home has a set of hard and fast rules as such. When we adopted Ellie in Dec 2013 it seemed to us that they assess each case on its merits. My husband and I both work full time but we had plans to make sure someone is always able to come home during the day so that Ellie can have a comfort break and some playtime. We were deliberately looking for a slightly older dog (Ellie was about 4 then) with a little less need for lots of stimulation and although Ellie has plenty of energy for playtime and never turns her nose up at the chance to fetch a tennis ball, she does seem happy to settle down for a snooze when we leave for work in the mornings.
I had the impression that the application process at the home is all about matching the right dog to the right home so I think Garrick and Jenna are right - pop down to the home and get to know some of the dogs. I'm sure the staff at the home will be able and willing to help you find the right dog for your circumstances. Good luck!
Paola
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