Dog Rescue: Introduction. #1 in a series of 5 blogs.

UK dog rescue centres are overflowing with unwanted/unloved dogs due to many different reasons, one of the most common being the Covid pandemic.

These lockdown dogs were purchased as puppies as company for many during lockdown. Lockdown ended, owners went back to work, and these “companions” became superfluous and are ending up in the rescue centres (if they’re lucky!)

A fifth of new dog owners who bought a puppy during the Covid-19 pandemic said they didn’t know whether their dog would still suit their lifestyle after the lockdown.

Another reason for this situation is the ongoing cost of living crisis, indeed the RSPCA has reported a 24% increase in pets being handed over to rescue centres last year, and it’s only going to get worse.

The Dogs Trust reported they received 4,370 inquiries to accept dogs for re-homing in July 2022 alone. Also according to the Dogs Trust, between August 2020 and

January 2021, there was a 41% increase in web traffic to its Giving Up Your Dog page.

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home predicts a likely increase of up to 27% more dogs abandoned or left to stray in the next five years.

As can be seen by the above stats rescue centres are under enormous pressure, and there’s no sign of the situation easing at any time soon.

Indeed in the UK, there are currently 6,600 search engine searches per month relating to relinquishing pets to a shelter/rescue centre, and these are just the ones where owners are trying to do the right thing after a change in their

circumstances and find a new loving home for their dogs. I dread to think how many are just being abandoned at a roadside and left to die or fend for themselves!

According to a recent report by the UK Government there are more than 1,000 rescue centres in England alone, most of these rescue centres are run by a dedicated bunch of unpaid volunteers whose only reward comes with the happiness and satisfaction they feel with every single dog they successfully rescue, rehabilitate and re-home.

In the following series of articles, I’ll look at what’s involved in a success story when it comes to rehoming dogs and will cover:

· The role of the rescue centre, from the acceptance of a dog, to the medical care, both physical and mental, to the adoption process, and reasons why not every dog is suitable for every situation, and all the way through to the after-care post adoption.

· The reality of adopting vs buying a puppy

· Adoption risks

· We’ll also cover some of the benefits to the adopters

· And how you can help these rescue centres continue their never ending, demanding, but rewarding work.

Obviously, these articles are based on my personal experience only, but hopefully will provide an insight into bringing a dog into your life, and provide an insight to help you with your decision on whether to buy a puppy or adopt a rescue

My Story:

I’m not a professional, but I am an experienced dog owner, both with buying a puppy, and most recently with adopting from a rescue centre.

My latest furever companion is Koda, a 7 year old Border Collie that I adopted just over 2 years ago from Northumberland Dog Rescue Centre just outside Alnwick in Northumberland.

My friends had previously adopted a staffy each from there, and after moving home I was finally in a position to be able to care for a dog again.

Not all rescue centres have the same approach to rescuing and rehoming dogs it must be said, so after my friends personal recommendations I contacted the centre with the intention of adopting a staffy. After discussions with the centre manager and the non-availability/suitability of any staffies at that time we arranged

an appointment for me to meet Koda.

Well, the rest is history as they say and 2 years later we’re both living

our best lives again.

I was so impressed by the professionalism and helpfulness I encountered whilst going through the process of adopting Koda, that I became a trustee of the Northumberland Dog Rescue Charity

Please check back again soon for the next article all about the role, the responsibilities, and the needs the rescue centre faces with every re-homing request, it’s quite an eye opener.

Lee Fraser (Koda's Dad)