Dog Adoption UK

Are you looking for Unconditional Love?

Hugo's mum April 2005

Hugo came into our lives on the 14th September 2002 and what a magical day that was! My husband and I had met him once before and as soon as we looked into his eyes we fell in love with him. We had both decided we wanted to rescue a dog as opposed to getting a puppy.

After a lot of research and preparation over a period of 6 months we approached the WCGB Rescue Rehoming & Welfare Service to discuss our options further. They were fantastic and before long had made a match for us with Hugo. Everytime we go anywhere, adults and children are fascinated by him and come up to talk to us both. People automatically say they want a puppy, without thinking of the consequences. What they don't seem to realise is that puppies grow up!

Please, if you are really serious about having a dog, give a thought to rescuing one, because what really happens is that they rescue you!!

Oliver and his mum

Oliver came to us when he was 4 years old. He was extremely thin but it wasn't noticeable because of his long coat. It was only when I stroked him did I realise how painfully thin he was. He arrived with nothing, no toys, no bed just a large bag of very inexpensive dried dog food.

Slowly we introduced him to a good diet and before long he'd reached his ideal weight. We were told that he didn't bark, didn't play with toys and didn't take titbits, however within a few weeks he was doing all three.

We already had another German Shepherd called Amber. She is a wonderful dog but quite a handful, as she won't always do as she is told. Oliver changed all this, he took control of her [and still does]. Now when she disobeys us, he grabs her by the back of the neck until she gets the message. When Oliver was introduced to her they both got on like a house on fire and are now inseparable, greeting one another every morning with a kiss [even though they both share the same bed].

Oliver had been with us for 2 weeks when he was diagnosed with panic attacks. He was obviously not sure whether he was going to stay with us or not. This soon disappeared when he realised he was staying and was definitely part of our family. Oliver is now 9 years old.

Over the years my husband and I have had several German Shepherds that we have reared from pups. I was a little wary at the beginning as to whether he would fit in with our family. At the time we had 2 dogs and three cats. Oliver treated every one of those animals with respect. He is perhaps the most wonderful dog we have ever had, very, very faithful & loyal. I'm sure this is because he had such a miserable start in his early life. He had never been indoors for 4 years and even now is still terrified of fireworks.

He has made such a difference to all our lives. His love is always unconditional. Pet loss is the loss of a family member. Any dogs we get in the future will be rescue dogs. It has been so rewarding to see him develop from being unsure and unhappy to this wonderful, happy & confident dog who, is secure in the knowledge that he is loved and cared for.

George's mum April 2005

We adopted our dog George from an RSPCA rescue home just over a year ago. My partner and I thought long and hard whether to get a dog but we knew if we did it would have to be a rescue dog. How could we not when so many of these dogs are in need of a loving home?

George is a cross-breed stray so his past is unknown but he is the best behaved dog I have come across. I run a pet grooming and dog minding business which means that George has to socialise with plenty of dogs. He's brilliant with them all. On several occasions people have remarked that he seems almost human.

Some rescue dogs do come with behavioural problems however that's from bad human management in their past but others do not. Its all about getting to know a dog before deciding to adopt them. George's gentle, placid nature makes him loved by all. We were truly blessed the day George came into our lives. I call him my angel because that's what he is to me and my family."

Chez's Mum April 2005

At home we have Chez, a 5/6 year old border collie from Jerry Green's branch at Gilberdyke and he was estimated to have been foraging for at least a year when they got him in last year. He had no coat, was so thin you could see his ribs and his eyes were bulging because he had no flesh on his face. He was covered in wee and was starving.

The dog warden received him and took him when his "time was up" to the Jerry Green at Gilberdyke as JGFT have a policy of non destruction. Angela the manager telephoned us and we took him on to live with our very elderly border collie Jeff (who has since sadly died).

Chez has since grown a long thick curly coat and is glossy and sleek and quite different to look at. Along the way he had to have some rotten teeth out but he is now well. All through he has been so loving and tender and obedient, and knows sit, down stay etc. He gives his paw and never takes food.

He still likes to find a cluster of wheelie dustbins if he can, as he has learned that food may be nearby (old habits die hard!). As he is so loving, it is heart breaking to think of him lost and alone and so hungry.

Below are just some of the rescue societies nationwide:

The Jerry Green Foundation Trust
The Jerry Green Foundation Trust is a registered charity (200232) based at the Head Office in Broughton, near Brigg, Lincolnshire, UK, whose major aim is to care for and protect stray and unwanted dogs and place them in good homes, where they are subsequently visited by our Welfare Officers. We are totally reliant on public funding and support. We have been caring for dogs for over 40 years.

Dogs Trust
Dogs Trust is the UK’s largest dog welfare charity caring for over 12,000 dogs every year.

RSPCA
The RSPCA rehomed 69,956 animals in 2003 - mostly through the Society's network of 178 branches. Branches are separately registered charities operating subject to RSPCA and branch rules. They work for animal welfare locally and many provide services including subsidised veterinary treatment for those in need, neutering and rehoming schemes. Together, branches are responsible for 38 branch-run clinics, 37 animal centres and five animal welfare centres.