Were you aware that 21 dogs a day are euthanised in rescue kennels across the UK through no fault of their own? That’s 7,665 dogs a year. They are not ill or old. Not all of them are damaged beyond helping and thus not able to be rehomed. They are young, healthy, happy dogs who are killed because there is no longer room for them in the rescue kennels. Think about that for a moment.
If you have a dog or dogs, look at them and then imagine them going for that long walk from their kennel to the vet for their life to be ended. Ended before they have a chance to find the happiness that they deserve. This is not the fault of the kennels or the vets that have to perform this procedure. It is a fact that there are more dogs needing homes that there is room in kennels to house them. This situation will only grow worse when some ‘lockdown dogs’ are surrendered to kennels when people return to work.
Did those facts break your heart? They did mine, which is why I’m reaching out to you.
Please, please, when you’re thinking of getting a dog, consider rescuing one. There are so many beautiful souls out there needing a second chance. I have had eight rescue dogs so far and will continue to do so until I’m too feeble to look after them. They are so grateful to have a good home and will give you so much unconditional love.
However, you need to be aware of what you’re taking on. Some dogs are not always easy initially. Many of them have baggage. They have been abused and treated cruelly and will need a lot of time, patience and, above all, love, to enable them to blossom and become the beautiful dogs they are. Others will slot straight into your family as though they have always been there. They will be so grateful for this second chance and will give you total unconditional love.
Speak to the people at the kennels. They won’t always know the dogs’ histories, but a lot of the time they do. They will also be on hand to help you and answer any queries you have. Some of them offer dog training for you and your new family member, and some also give you a period of pet insurance. Most of them will also ensure you are the right fit for the dog; the last thing they want to happen is the poor baby be returned! Having said that, the dog will pick you; all of mine have!
If you prefer a particular breed such as a Westie or a Border Collie, there will more than likely be a rescue kennels for that breed. Also, keep an eye on the various kennels’ websites; sometimes ‘your’ breed is handed in. If you prefer puppies, again, check rescue centres’ websites; puppies do appear from time to time, but get adopted very quickly, as you can imagine!
If you don’t feel you can adopt, foster. When you foster, it is my understanding the rescue kennels will supply food and, I think, pay any vet bills, but check with the kennels. If you can’t foster, volunteer at a kennels, donate, sponsor a kennel or dog, or fundraise. It all helps.
There are so many rescue kennels out there. As well as the well-known ones such as Dogs’ Trust, Battersea and the RSPCA, there are smaller, local kennels in your area.
Let’s see if together we can reduce the number of dogs killed every year. You never know, we may even help to reduce the number of puppy mills!
Tracey Sisson