Joined
·
2,520 Posts
I am hoping this will become a sort of diary thread for Rocky, and might help others who are thinking of rescuing, and give them some idea of what to expect. I have never rescued a dog before, so this is all new to me!
Yesterday, we visited the Dogs Trust centre closest to us and met Rocky, a GSD x who is around 10 months old. He was very nervous when he went in 6 weeks or so ago, but has improved a lot and is very affectionate.
![]()
![]()
Today, we took our collie x Maisy to meet him. We took her for a long run on the beach first, and then made our way there. We were told to walk down to a field just past the kennels, and we would be met there. Two of the staff brought Rocky down on a long line, as he is very boisterous and has no manners! We were in a secure field, so we took Maisy off the lead and let her greet Rocky.
After a bit of to and fro, where Rocky would try to grab Maisy's leg and Maisy told him in no uncertain terms that she just wasn't happy with that, the long line was dropped and then removed entirely. We walked around the field with them both off lead, which culminated in them playing chase - lovely to see! He is a big dog, and Maisy was fairly nervous when we got her six months ago, but they got on well. The two handlers said they had mixed well, and I got the sense that perhaps they'd tried mixing him with other prospective owners' dogs, but it hadn't worked out.
We were then allowed to take him for a walk, on lead, by ourselves. We walked down the lane outside, then back around the compound, with no issues between the two of them.
![]()
![]()
Rocky's trainer then had to take him back to his kennel as his new kennelmate was coming in shortly. We went back down to reception for a chat, and the lady we spoke to was lovely. We said that we'd like to reserve Rocky, and she explained that they could do something called a vet check. We live about half an hour away from the centre, and they're fairly short on volunteers, so she said she could speak to our vet for a reference instead of sending someone out to do a proper home check. I'm sure they would have sent someone to check, though, if they had any doubts about our intentions or abilities, I suppose it helped that we already have a dog who is obviously well cared for.
So, they will contact our vet, we will get a letter from our letting agent saying that we are allowed two dogs at our property, and all being well, we will go to pick him up at 9.30am on Friday. We just need to buy some fenceposts so we can make our garden wall higher, I think Rocky would be straight over that!
I have to say, I think the Dogs Trust have been fantastic so far. Adopting a dog from them costs £80. For that, you get a dog that has been neutered, vaccinated, comes with four weeks of pet insurance, a small bag of food, a lead, collar, tag, and microchip. They also sell harnesses and things to help them walk on the lead for £7 each, and say they are at the end of the phone to help if you have any problems. The staff are all friendly and polite, too. You also get the benefit of having an idea of the dog's temperament and size.
Apparently Rocky has a bit of a dicky stomach, but I expect that will settle down when he is in surroundings that become familiar, is being fed good food, is comfortable and exercised well. Maisy showed a few signs of being a little protective over my OH and her bag of treats, but I think that's only natural as she has always been an only dog. We will just need to keep an eye on it and ensure it doesn't get out of hand. We'll buy a new bed and toys for Rocky, hopefully that will help, instead of Maisy having to share hers.
So... roll on Friday!
Yesterday, we visited the Dogs Trust centre closest to us and met Rocky, a GSD x who is around 10 months old. He was very nervous when he went in 6 weeks or so ago, but has improved a lot and is very affectionate.
Today, we took our collie x Maisy to meet him. We took her for a long run on the beach first, and then made our way there. We were told to walk down to a field just past the kennels, and we would be met there. Two of the staff brought Rocky down on a long line, as he is very boisterous and has no manners! We were in a secure field, so we took Maisy off the lead and let her greet Rocky.
After a bit of to and fro, where Rocky would try to grab Maisy's leg and Maisy told him in no uncertain terms that she just wasn't happy with that, the long line was dropped and then removed entirely. We walked around the field with them both off lead, which culminated in them playing chase - lovely to see! He is a big dog, and Maisy was fairly nervous when we got her six months ago, but they got on well. The two handlers said they had mixed well, and I got the sense that perhaps they'd tried mixing him with other prospective owners' dogs, but it hadn't worked out.
We were then allowed to take him for a walk, on lead, by ourselves. We walked down the lane outside, then back around the compound, with no issues between the two of them.
Rocky's trainer then had to take him back to his kennel as his new kennelmate was coming in shortly. We went back down to reception for a chat, and the lady we spoke to was lovely. We said that we'd like to reserve Rocky, and she explained that they could do something called a vet check. We live about half an hour away from the centre, and they're fairly short on volunteers, so she said she could speak to our vet for a reference instead of sending someone out to do a proper home check. I'm sure they would have sent someone to check, though, if they had any doubts about our intentions or abilities, I suppose it helped that we already have a dog who is obviously well cared for.
So, they will contact our vet, we will get a letter from our letting agent saying that we are allowed two dogs at our property, and all being well, we will go to pick him up at 9.30am on Friday. We just need to buy some fenceposts so we can make our garden wall higher, I think Rocky would be straight over that!
I have to say, I think the Dogs Trust have been fantastic so far. Adopting a dog from them costs £80. For that, you get a dog that has been neutered, vaccinated, comes with four weeks of pet insurance, a small bag of food, a lead, collar, tag, and microchip. They also sell harnesses and things to help them walk on the lead for £7 each, and say they are at the end of the phone to help if you have any problems. The staff are all friendly and polite, too. You also get the benefit of having an idea of the dog's temperament and size.
Apparently Rocky has a bit of a dicky stomach, but I expect that will settle down when he is in surroundings that become familiar, is being fed good food, is comfortable and exercised well. Maisy showed a few signs of being a little protective over my OH and her bag of treats, but I think that's only natural as she has always been an only dog. We will just need to keep an eye on it and ensure it doesn't get out of hand. We'll buy a new bed and toys for Rocky, hopefully that will help, instead of Maisy having to share hers.
So... roll on Friday!
