What To Expect – An Honest Account From Adopters

Aged 4.5, Adopted 1 year ago by Dawn

What age did you adopt Dawn? 

Dawn came to me last November and is 4 years old, as far as we know, her whole life before rescue in January 2020 was in the dog meat farm.

What was the first few weeks like? 

Her first weeks, months even, she was timid and scared and nervous. I had to make some changes in the house, moving furniture out of the corridor so she was more willing to pass, that sort of thing.

How did you emotionally cope with the difficulties that came with this? 

As someone who has C-PTSD myself I really understood her thought processes which I think really helped. I also have had a number of dogs, nervous and from puppies, and just let them be themselves and come to me in their time.

Emotionally I have just taken great joy in every tiny step, and for me, all that is important is that she is safe and not in a meat farm. I think far too many owners have too high expectations of their dogs, especially rescues that have had traumatic pasts. Just let them be!

What was a key moment when you noticed a change and how did it make you feel?

I’m very soft and cry with joy and my heart bursts when Dawn achieves something big for her, there hasn’t been one key moment, it’s been lots of little ones and we still get them now. Just last night she went through a small gap between the TV unit and my son and we all marvelled at it. In the early days she’d have turned around and left the room if he was standing there.

What is your message to anyone considering adoption? 

The key message that future adopters need to consider is expectations. What they expect from the rescue dog and what the rescue dog can deliver may not match up. Rescuing is more rewarding than anything else, but people need to understand that the dog has a past, and sometimes there will be triggers and things the dog cannot or won’t do. It’s no drama, it’s just an adjustment.

 

Orion, Age 8, Adopted 2.5 years ago and Bella, Age 6, Adopted 1.5 years ago by Zoe and Euan

When did you adopt Orion and Bella? 

Orion arrived with our family in June 2019 after spending almost 6 years at a shelter in Romania. Bella was at the shelter for 18 months after being removed from her previous home.

What were the first few weeks like? 

When we got Orion, he had never stepped foot in a home before, so the first few weeks with him were all about getting him used to his new environment. At times he would spend hours out in the garden before building up the courage to come inside, he even sat outside in the rain for 2 hours one afternoon which was very difficult to see.

What were the biggest hurdles you faced?

He found it very difficult to walk on hard floors and had never been in a bed before. We needed to adapt as a family to suit his needs. We got rugs for the entire downstairs of the house and changed from a dog bed to a duvet to make him comfortable and over time he got more settled.

After the initial few weeks, did you notice any new behaviours that Bella was displaying that you hadn’t seen yet? 

Bella started growling at “random” people out on walks and we couldn’t work out the connection. This was a confusing and stressful time for us all as we couldn’t pre-empt her reactions. Eventually we realised that she was in fact growling at what the people were holding, walking sticks, crutches, brushes, umbrellas etc. We have spent a great deal of time working with similar objects to build up trust. I wish we had picked up on the reason for her behaviour sooner as it would have made walks much easier.

How did you emotionally cope with the difficulties that came with this? 

It requires dedication and a lot of hard work, not to mention the financial and emotional toll it takes. However, if you are committed to your dog and prepared to work through whatever it throws your way, you will be blessed with a most loving family member you could ever wish for.

Age 11 months, Adopted 5 months ago by Maddie

Is Riley what you expected when you wanted to get a dog (if not, why)?  

I didn’t really have any expectations, as all dogs and rescue dogs are different, I was just expecting it to be a big journey – which it definitely is! There are plenty of hurdles that try as you might, you can’t always prepare for and it was a huge life shift which you just have to adapt to. 

Have you ever considered onward rehoming or regretted your decision even briefly? If so, what made you persevere?   

There have been tough times, but it’s not something I ever thought was an option. Riley made me persevere and the commitment I made to him, he relies on me and we just figure it out together when it gets hard. We are both learning! 

 

What would you advice to other adopters dealing with behavioural challenges be? 

Reach out for help, to a behaviourist or vet first and foremost. They can offer guidance and support to fill both you and your dog with confidence again. It’s not always easy, you will go back & forwards constantly but time is everything and remember the small wins everyday. 

 

Aged 4-5, Adopted 2 years ago by Meghan

Is Skyler what you expected when you wanted to get a dog?  

Every dog is an individual and actually my expectations are (now) surpassed! She was the dog I expected because I was told how nervous she was and I expected the hard work I’d have to put in. 

 

How have you dealt emotionally with the challenges you have faced with a rescue?   

Some days are easier than others and there’s no denying it. Sometimes you compare your dog to other dogs and wish you could, for example, walk through a busier town and sit at a coffee shop with them but for one of my dogs that isn’t possible because she is so nervous. With a rescue, you’ll sadly never know their full history, and you have to remember that and keep your emotions in check for their sake.   

What would your advice to other adopters dealing with behavioural challenges be? 

Never expect too much of them. Go slower than you think you should. Get the help of a clinical behaviourist at the first sign of issues. You owe it to your dog to persevere! 

Litter siblings, Aged 3, Adopted in April 2021 by Zoe and Euan

What was the first few weeks like? 

Kiwi formed a bond with myself incredibly quickly and because of this suffered terrible separation anxiety. We have been building up the time apart slowly and she can now settle for 1.5hrs whilst I’m out but this has taken 4 months to get here.

What were the biggest hurdles you faced? 

Both of the girls are nervous, but Daisy’s nerves are significantly worse. Daisy has spent weeks hiding under our dining table only going outside into the garden first thing in the morning when it is really peaceful. This has taken a great deal of time and patience to help her overcome her fears. She has been home 4 months now and is able to go out in the garden a couple times a day with the encouragement of treats, so we still have a long way to go but she is relaxed in the house and is trusting a little more every day.

How did you emotionally cope with the difficulties that came with this? 

I have cried more over Daisy than I have over anything else in my life. The pain watching her struggle was unbearable at times, but we are making great progress and we will continue to do everything that’s in her best interests. At times I have wondered if I am strong enough to be what she needs me to be, but I am sure of one thing, for me, giving up is not an option.

 

 

Age 11 months, Adopted 5 months ago by Grace

 

How have found rescuing a teenage dog?   

There have been many tears, laughter, and frustration! Talking through any issues I’ve had with friends who have adopted and with trainers/behaviourists have really helped. Reading books and articles online, joining rescue support groups on social media has also been great (but be careful to not compare yourself too much and know each dog is different and your journey is unique).  

 

Have you ever considered onward rehoming or regretted your decision even briefly? If so, what made you persevere?   

Yes, there have definitely been moments where it’s felt really hard and I wondered if we rushed into the decision (despite talking about it nearly every day for the past 5 years)! Taking a step back and realising we saved a life, and that nothing in life is easy but when you put the work in it is so worth it. Remembering what my dog came from, and just how amazing she is doing despite all that!  

 

What would your advice to other adopters be? 

Don’t panic, there is always a solution! Yes, it is hard, and it will take time but with patience you will get there! If something has gone wrong, take things right back to basics. Try not to blame yourself and just remind yourself of the good you have done and know things will get better if you put in the time and have patience. 

Age 1.5 years old, Adopted 1 year ago by Rachel 

 

Is Tilly what you expected when you wanted to get a dog?  

Yes and no – she is funny, clever, sensitive, and so loving, which is exactly the type of dog we wanted to have in our life. She is however very nervous and it takes her a long time to build up trust with people. She doesn’t like people touching her, is incredibly nervous of new experiences and becomes overwhelmed very easily.  

What is a big step that has stuck out for you in this process? 

The first time we saw her wag her tail at my partners dad (a man who wears a hat – two very scary things for Tilly), I was so proud that she could trust someone she had been so afraid of before. I am so happy we persevered as they are now pretty much best friends, with full helicopter tail whenever she sees him!

What would your advice to other adopters dealing with behavioural challenges be?  

Take it slowly – the journey is a long one but it is so worth it. Speak to other people who are in similar situations and seek help from a behaviourist. It may be that there are certain things that will always be a bit of a challenge, but when you see changes and your dog building in confidence, it is the most rewarding feeling in the world. 

 

Don’t Forget…

It is common misconception that dogs are highly adjustable, always happy, and love attention 24/7. Whilst this may be the case for some dogs, most are actually highly sensitive and over 70% display symptoms of anxiety. You may be the kindest and most gentle family in the world, but remember, it is instinct for most dogs to assume the opposite. Be ready to prove to your dog that they are loved.