Your Pets Daily - dog adoption

Britain’s most unwanted dog finally finds his forever home

Jessica Curtis — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 20:00:00 +0000

A dog once referred to in the media as Britain's most unwanted has finally found his forever home after spending more than 1,700 days in the care of Dogs Trust Leeds.

Lurcher Jake first arrived at Dogs Trust in 2015, aged just one. However, even at that early age, he had been passed around several homes before arriving in the care of the Dogs Trust team. The charity found him a new home, but he was returned to kennels in 2019 after a change in his new owner's circumstances, and following his return, Jake failed to attract any new owners, despite the charity receiving thousands of applications for other dogs in their care.

Jake was a firm favourite at the rehoming centre, described by the staff caring for him as one of the sweetest dogs you could ever wish to meet, with a playful and affectionate nature. However, due to his tricky start in life, Jake lacked confidence around dogs and people and had very specific rehoming requirements, meaning he was overlooked by potential adopters.

The team at Dogs Trust Leeds spent many hours working with Jake to help him overcome these issues, using their expertise in behaviour to create a bespoke training programme to build his trust with new people, and develop his social skills around other dogs.

One of the unique techniques the Dogs Trust team implemented was taking Jake for weekends away to take part in different activities including hiking on the moors, and to spend nights away from his kennel to help build his confidence in new environments, all designed to get ready for rehoming.

A video of Jake enjoying a weekend hiking in Wensleydale with one of his carers, Kevin Johnson, was spotted by Keighley couple, Veronica and Keith. They instantly felt a connection with this lovely lurcher and contacted Dogs Trust to offer him a home. The charity's assessments confirmed that their home and lifestyle were exactly what Jake needed, and work began to introduce the nervous pooch to his new owners.

As Jake was such a worried boy, Veronica and Keith worked with the rehoming centre staff to slowly build up their relationship. Initially they visited the rehoming centre weekly to spend time with Jake, gradually progressing to off-site walks. Following the success of these initial meetings, he then started spending time in Veronica and Keith's home, including some overnight stays.

After three months of successful introductions, Jake moved into his new home in February 2024. He has settled into home life perfectly, and his training and confidence has come on in leaps and bounds.

Jake's new owner Veronica says:

"I knew the moment that I saw the video of Jake on his holidays that I wanted him to come and live with us. He'd had a tough start to life and lacked in confidence, but it was clear from our first meeting that he was an affectionate and friendly dog who just needed someone to give him a chance.

"The introduction process was quite long, but it was important we moved at a pace Jake was happy with, and the staff at Dogs Trust Leeds supported us through it all.

"We love having Jake in our home. It feels like he's been with us forever, and we couldn't imagine life without him!"

Kevin Johnson, one of the team at Dogs Trust Leeds who cared for Jake, says:

"Jake is such a lovely boy, and we've loved spending time with him in the centre. But four years is too long for any dog to be with us, and we were desperate to find him his forever home.

"We were delighted when Veronica and Keith got in touch with us about Jake, and even more pleased that they understood his adoption wouldn't be a quick process. After so much upheaval in his life, and then spending so long in a rehoming centre, he needed time to adjust to a new way of living.

"Before he left the rehoming centre for the last time, all his best friends gathered in his garden for a little goodbye party, and we were joined by current and former Dogs Trust staff who had cared for Jake over the years.

"Jake literally bounced out of the car, straight into his new home and on to the sofa. I'm not ashamed to say there was quite the lump in my throat. Seeing him happily and confidently standing at his new home front door with his family as we left was so emotional!"

During his time with Dogs Trust, Jake was classed as an "Underdog", the name the charity gives to dogs that have been in its care for six months or more. The charity currently has over 400 Underdogs in its care patiently waiting for new homes. These dogs often are looking for a very specific home and usually have additional training needs or require ongoing veterinary treatment, meaning they are overlooked by many adopters. Dogs Trust supports every new owner throughout the adoption process, and for as long as they need us once the dog is in their home.

For more information on some of the Underdogs currently in the care of Dogs Trust, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/underdogs.

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Pet Adoption Simplified With New Central Database For Rescue Dogs & Cats

Katie Court — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 12:00:00 +0000

A team of animal lovers in Cambridgeshire, who are determined to make finding the right pet to adopt a great deal easier, have launched a new central database to simplify the process of finding rescue dogs and cats in need of adoption.

Recent TV and news articles confirm that there has been a dramatic rise in the number of pet owners parting with their dogs and cats. There are many reasons why a family may need to rehome a pet, but every pet is relovable and deserves a safe and loving home. The cost of living crisis has taken a huge toll on many households, leaving pet owners struggling with the cost of pet food and vet bills. Because of this, animal shelters and rescue homes have seen a 48% increase in the number of pets being taken to shelters.

Despite over 800,000 online searches being made by potential adopters every month, over 100,000 animals are simply not found and many remain in shelter for several months - even years. Sadly, in some cases, long term shelter residents can face euthanasia. The problem is clear and obvious. Potential pet adopters face the fragmented task of searching over 1,000 separate animal shelter websites to find the right dog or cat to adopt - and many give up. The fact is, no central database for animals available for re-homing exists, yet websites such as Rightmove for property or Autotrader for cars have proven to be the 'go to' websites for their industries.

Work began in 2022 to create a website and develop a community of animal shelters and people willing to adopt a dog or cat. The website aims to be of nationwide appeal, connecting animal lovers with shelters from all over the country, making the adoption process more accessible to all. The website will also provide valuable pet adopting community information and resources to help pet owners care for their new furry friends. In April 2023 the group launched the website https://www.relovablepets.co.uk

This solution was not revolutionary but evolutionary and simple. By replicating the service provided by Rightmove and Autotrader, the adopting public would have access to a single database of animals and in doing so, increase their chances of a successful adoption. The website would also deliver benefits to shelters too by providing access to a wider geographical audience, and therefore driving more enquiries directly to them.

"We are thrilled to have developed a solution that simplifies the pet adoption process and connects animal lovers with their perfect pet. We understand the challenges of searching and registering with the many shelters to find the right pet, and our goal is to make it easier for everyone," said founder Elaine Scott.

The organisation have launched a crowdfunding appeal to help cover the initial costs of digitally connecting animal shelter lists with the Relovable Pets website to create a dynamic and live central database. Their fundraising project ends on the 16th June and needs to raise £25,000 to secure the funds. More information can be found at https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/relovable-pets and all donations no matter how small are welcome.

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Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home reveal record year for number of pets seeking new homes

Katie Court — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 12:00:00 +0000

- It'll be lonely this Christmas for almost a hundred dogs and cats in Edinburgh as a record number of families have had to make the difficult decision to give up their pets this year –

With a rise in the number of households welcoming new pets to their family during Covid, coupled with the financial devastation of the cost-of-living crisis, 2023 has seen the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home taking in more pets than ever before.

So far this year, the Home has received a staggering 1,208 surrender requests (898 dogs and 479 cats). The dramatic increase in demand has left the Home unable to take in 85.8% of the requests.

Additionally, since January 2023, more than 561 enquiries, a 33% increase from last year, have been made by families struggling to make ends meet and subsequently seeking support to help keep their pets at home, and the Home's food bank service across East and Central Scotland has seen a 39.4% increase in demand from last year.

But all hope is not lost, as thanks to the hard work of its staff and volunteers, the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home team has already supported 148 dogs and 72 cats to find new loving homes for life this past year and has managed to keep over 4,500 pets with their owners through community support services such as pet food banks, educational content and training, and other outreach services.

The Home has also delivered a fantastic 85 emergency dog first aid courses and an additional 144 full dog first aid qualifications to pet owners in Edinburgh, helping to keep the city's pets safe and healthy.

Piper is one pet who came into the hands of the Home earlier this year, heavily pregnant and living outside as a stray.

Piper was brought to the Home by a couple after they had seen her around their neighborhood for a couple of months and had attempted to find her owner via Facebook and various other groups to no avail. When they noticed that Piper's belly was getting bigger, they put it down to a potential health problem and decided to bring her in – luckily just in time.

Piper gave birth to 4 healthy kittens on her very first night in the Home, without which, she would have had to try and find a safe space to give birth outside and her kittens might not have made it. The team had her settled into the Home quickly on the night she arrived and witnessed the relief she felt being able to give birth to her kittens in a safe environment. By the morning, the first of her litter had arrived.

Just a few months later, Piper has been happily rehomed with vet nurse Lauren, who fell in love with Piper when she visited Lauren's vet practice for mastitis treatment after giving birth, and then again to be spayed.

Lauren and her partner visited Piper a couple of times at the Home and enjoyed playing with her and getting to know her. From the first night they took her home, she was snuggled up on their bed, enjoying head scratches and cuddles and is slowly gaining trust to come up to them and sit on their laps.

Lauren said: "It just feels like my life wasn't complete without having a cat and she's just fitted in so well, I feel like it was meant to be. She's honestly amazing. I love her little personality, she's independent but so friendly and affectionate as well, she's the perfect cat."

Pipers kittens; Snowflake, Calico, Atreyu, Maya are are all doing well and have recently gone to their own loving homes.

Lindsay Fyffe-Jardine, CEO of Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home said: "Thanks to the hard work of our team, the support of volunteers who have donated almost 2,000 hours over the course of the past year, and the generosity of the people of Edinburgh and beyond for their kind donations, we have been able to help many pets through preventative community work and by caring for and rehoming animals who come to us. However, to help us keep on top of the unprecedented increase in demand, now more than ever we're relying on funding from public donations to enable us to support owners going through hard times to stay together with their pets, or rehabilitate and rehome pets like Piper."

The Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home finds winter an especially difficult season as higher costs drain funds while demand for their vital services increases. To help get through the winter months, the Home recently launched a Winter Appeal, seeking donations to enable the Home to cope with the increased demand, continue providing vital support to animals in need and help people to keep their beloved pets at home.

To make a donation and to read more of their life-altering stories please visit www.edch.org.uk/winterappeal OR text SURRENDER to 70560 to donate £5.

Donations of £20 can provide a cat with the vaccinations they require to be rehomed or £100 could keep a dog warm in the Home for three months.

Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message, and you'll be opting into hearing more from Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home. If you would like to donate but don't wish to hear more, text SURRENDERNOINFO instead.

The support of generous donors has kept Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home open for 140 years and given Piper and hundreds like them a safe place to recover and find love. The Home has become an important part of the city and to bring this to life Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home has photographed some of its former residents that have now been rehomed; Reggie, Truffle, Martha, and Toffee, at some of Edinburgh's other iconic locations including the Forth Bridge, Greyfriars Bobby and Edinburgh Castle.

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Exeter Ranks in Top 10 UK Areas for Dog Adoption

Your Pets Daily Editor — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 15:18:28 +0000

Overall interest in dog adoption has increased since lockdown, rising from 1,474 site visits per UK area during the first half of 2020 to 1,692 a year later.

Watford residents show the most interest in dog adoption, with 12,799 average monthly site visits to dog shelter websites.
Exeter took the seventh spot with an average site traffic volume of 5,051 visits per month.
Belfast locals show the least interest out of the top 25 locations, with only 820 monthly site visits.

New research has revealed Watford as the top spot for dog adoption, in a breakdown of the UK locations with the most visits to dog shelter websites.

Kennel manufacturer Benchmark Kennels has analysed the monthly number of visits to dog adoption websites across the 100 most populated UK towns and cities.

These findings uncovered Watford as the most popular area for dog adoption in July 2021, with 12,799 average monthly site visits.

In contrast, Belfast showed the least interest in dog adoption sites, with only 820 monthly visits on average, equating to just 0.2% of the Northern Ireland capital's population.

However, the overall interest in dog adoption has increased by 14.7% over lockdown. In the first six months of 2020, there was an average monthly number of 1,474 site visits per UK town or city visiting dog adoption sites. A year later, this figure climbed to 1,692.

Cheryl Sampson, Marketing Manager at Benchmark Kennels, says: "It's so heartening to see that there's been an increase in dog adoption, especially considering that lockdown has also spurred a rise in dog theft and abandonment.

"Adopting a dog is such a wonderful act of kindness, as it gives the pup another chance at a forever home while also bringing so much joy into the new owner's life."

Bristol came in second with an average of 11,916 visits to dog adoption sites per month. Edinburgh closely followed with 11,696 site visits.

Cardiff and Newcastle completed the list of top five UK areas popular for dog adoption, with 8,442 and 6,994 retrospective average monthly visits to dog shelter websites.

Cheryl Sampson added: "As rewarding as it is, dog adoption is a huge responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly, as you don't want to repeat the mistakes of the former owner and have to give up the pup later down the line."

Birmingham ranked in sixth place with 6,617 monthly site visits and Exeter took the seventh spot with an average site traffic volume of 5,051 visits per month.

"Before committing to this decision, consider whether you have the time to train, exercise, and care for the pooch, as well as giving them the attention they deserve," Cheryl Sampson continued. "There's also the ongoing costs involved to keep in mind."

There has been a slight decrease in the number of people looking into surrendering their dogs. From January to June in 2020, there was an average of 22 monthly visits to 'giving up your dog' pages on dog adoption, which lowered to 17 during the first six months of 2021.

Consult your local dog shelters and rescue centres for further advice and information on adopting dogs in your area.

The Top 20 UK Areas With Average Monthly Visits to Dog Adoption Websites:

1) Watford - 12,799
2) Bristol - 11,916
3) Edinburgh - 11,696
4) Cardiff - 8,442
5) Newcastle upon Tyne - 6,994
6) Birmingham - 6,617
7) Exeter - 5,051
8) Manchester - 4,829
9) Brighton and Hove - 4,283
10) Kingston upon Hull - 3,890
11) Bath - 3,398
12) Liverpool - 2,562
13) Bournemouth - 1,787
14) Doncaster - 1,694
15) Gateshead - 1,624
16) Portsmouth - 1,337
17) Central London - 1,332
18) Leeds - 1,286
19) Swansea - 1,245
20) Gloucester - 1,211

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Things You Need To Know Before Looking For A Pet Dog

Your Pets Daily Editor — Sun, 02 May 2021 07:19:58 +0000

You have every reason to consider bringing a new pet home. However, your choice of a pet can make a huge difference in your comfort levels as well as in your personal life. Did you get a chance to watch His Dark Materials? This is where everyone has an animal “demon” that represents their soul. Whatever animal you choose might be a representation of your nature, personality, or characteristics. But there’s an animal that has surpassed them all.

Dogs have for the longest time been described as man’s best friends but there’s more to a dog than meets the eyes. Dogs are loyal, friendly, and are perhaps the best companions to have. Yes, they have flaws, but no human is perfect. If you are considering bringing home a dog as your pet, then this is for you. Below are things you need to know before looking for a pet dog.

1. Let's Make It About Protecting Your Dog

Did you know that you are responsible for your dog's safety and you can get sued for neglecting such responsibilities? Well, now you know. You'll not only want to protect your dog from themselves but from external attacks. And what better way than to invest in just the right tools for it. Among them include canine harnesses and this guide from the guys at https://petsumer.com/ has all that you need to know about picking the right dog harnesses. The last thing you want is to have your dog wander off when you are out in the park. Having your dog restrained with a harness will allow you to walk them, exercise them, and while at it, have some fun with other dog owners at the dog park. Below are other benefits of investing in the best dog harness. They include:

Harnesses offer the best handling capabilities
A dog harness is about the best training tool you can have
Its safety assured with a dog harness
Unlike a dog leash, harnesses will help to boost and improve your dog's overall health by preventing neck injuries
It makes walking the dog a walk in the park

2. Dogs Are A Lifetime Investment

If you thought that dogs come cheap, then you are mistaken. There are costs that come with dog ownership. You'll need to ensure that your canine friend is fed, exercised, and protected. If you are considering bringing home a puppy or a full-grown dog, then you must be prepared to meet the costs. They have a specific diet because, and if you are aware, dogs fall under the cat family meaning that they are carnivores. Nevertheless, a dog's diet is somewhat flexible and all you need is to provide them with a rich balanced diet. Among the factors that you'll need to consider when picking the right dog foods include:

Consider the age of the dog as not all dog foods will work with just any age
Specific breeds have specific diet needs
Ensure that the food fed to the dog contains a balance ration of crucial ingredients to provide them with carbohydrates, proteins, oils, and fats
Understand your dog’s needs as some dogs will need certain nutrition requirements depending on their age and health status

3. Find A Dog Pet That's Friendly To Your Kids

This is an important consideration, most especially for anyone with kids. The thing is, you'll want a dog that’s friendly, calm, and also loyal. Some dog breeds are not as friendly as they might seem to be. Actually, various states have put regulations on the type of dog breeds you can own. Among the most dangerous dog breeds include:

Border collies - If untrained, this particular breed of dog can be dangerous around kids. You need to expose them to a kid’s environment earlier on for them to get used to your toddlers
Akitas - These were dogs bred for hunting as they have the skills for it, qualities, and a jaw capacity that will scare any baby away. That said, they are also temperamental and due to their powerful hunting nature, are best suited for their roles rather than being around kids
Rottweilers - Talk about a dog with some daddy issues! Rottweilers are among the fiercest dogs and putting them in charge of your home without the proper training will be putting your kids at a greater risk
Pit bulls - These are dog breeds that have been banned in countless states because of their fierce nature. They can be loyal, obedient, and lovely. But they just have the animal nature in them that can come out in the least expected of times. These are best kept as protectors rather than kid buddies

The above are but some ways you can be sure you've found the right pet dog. Be sure to talk to your vet before bringing home just any pet. It's also crucially important that they are vaccinated to protect them from dog ailments that can be fatal.

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