RosieB

A photo of Eleven can be seen on this link:

Dogs For Adoption

Eleven is the first photo to come up. He is a 12 month old Staffie X who has been stuck in Leigh Cats and Dogs Home since MAY 2012!

I went to visit the home today and nearly took Eleven. He met my son and our 3 dogs however I was concerned he was a bit too bouncy around my 18 month old baby.

I am absolutely gutted I cannot take Eleven, he was a really friendly chap and deserves a forever home.

Perhaps I am being too over-cautious and should have taken him myself, but with 3 dogs and a baby not sure I could cope.

Am tempted to go back and take him on anyhow-we get a 4 week trial and would only lose £120 if he is not suitable.

I would welcome any advice, please share about Eleven on facebook-hopefully someone will give him a loving home :

RosieB

I would really appreciate some advice on this one. I am tempted to give him a chance and pick him up Monday. I just do not know what to do for the best. I know Shauny, one of our dogs, will be very unhappy. She hated it when Emma joined the family and has only just accepted her.

Ama

He is adorable. Is the shelter he is at no-kill?

If so, that gives him a higher chance of finding the right home. It will come in time. I've known a dog that has been with a rescue for three years-he finally got adopted and found the right home for him. For some dogs it takes time to find that right home, if they aren't limited on time-it isn't a rush. I mean, yes it would be great for a dog to get out of a shelter and into it's own home but it's finding the right home that is tricky.

You could foster him, if you'd like and see if the shelter will do this, if so you can see whether the dog will adjust to your home/settle down with your toddler and also see if your dog's can adjust to him{and then you can adopt him}. If not, it will give you peace of mind that he is out of the shelter environment while searching for his forever home.

RosieB

Fortunately it is a no-kill home. Most homes in the UK only put dogs down for severe health problems or aggression so bad the dog is unsafe to adopt.

I wanted to foster him, but the home do not have a foster scheme. What they do have is a 4 week trial period where they would take him back, but I would lose £120. Not too worried about the cash. I just want to do what is best for Eleven.

I have been sharing his details on a few UK Facebook dog pages so hopefully that may help.

Do you think I should just give him a chance?

DeeLind7

Rosie, I think you need to ask yourself if you can handle a fourth dog. You have three and a small child. He is a real beauty, but maybe you should give yourself some time to think about it.

RosieB

Thats the problem. I really do not think I could cope with another and I think Shauny would be devastated if another dog came to our home. My other concern is Leigh dogs home is a bit dodgy. They adopted out to me a very disturbed and vicious Weimaraner which put me in hospital. It was only later on I found out they KNEW she was dangerous. I could have sued for my injuries but did not want to as they are a charity. I was told someone else returned Eleven but they would not tell me why. With a young baby that scares me.

techie

I had to quit looking at the pictures. I want them all! I feel so sad when I see pets in a shelter.
techie

__________________
I HAVE BEEN KISSED!! by sheplovr
Dogs rule!
"I've got the do: you?"
A dog's love is pure!
Lucy 1999 - Oct.6,2012.
Always in my heart.
Now owned by a female beagle, Rascal

Kaos

Honestly I am surprised you are even contemplating dealing with that rescue after your previous experience. Unfortunately knowingly adopting out dangerous dogs has a huge impact on reputation and damages the chances of future dogs from finding good homes.

Three dogs and a small child sounds like a lot to deal with to me. Ask yourself how you will be able to manage walking them all along with a pushchair. Will you have time to devote to training the new dog? How will you manage space if they need to be separated at times?

If you decide you really are ready for another dog, then you have to ask whether this dog is a good fit for your household and circumstances. Bouncy wouldn't overly deter me, given that training, management and appropriate exercise can deal with that. However, given that you have doubts about that rescues assessments of the dogs, I would recommend hiring a good training familiar with behaviour assessments to independently assess the dog before you make a decision.

RosieB

I agree I was a fool going to that rescue, but it just happened to be on the way home from one of our dog walks.
Logically I know I cannot take the dog-we are only just managing with 3, especially as our senior dog seems to be getting more confused. It is just it has broken my heart a dog being in a shelter for so long.

DeeLind7

Rosie, that's why I stopped going to our local SPCA. My heart just broke seeing all the dogs looking for homes. The sad truth is, not every dog can be saved, or find a forever home.