Years and years ago, before I got hooked on obedience and agility, I was looking for a rescue dog as company for me and my other rescued collie. I tried every rescue centre going, from the R.S.P.C.A. to the Dog's Trust, and so on. All I got from them was negative responses because I worked full time and didn't have an enormous garden. I pointed out that my mum worked shifts and was often around when I wasn't, and that the amount of physical and mental stimulation I provided, the small garden was unimportant. They weren't interested. Yesterday, a new member of the agility club I go to was telling me about how he got his dog from the R.S.P.C.A. and how he feeds him cat food, one tin morning and another evening. He didn't know dogs were omnivores, how what he ate would affect his behaviour (he's completely hyperactive) and basically has no idea what he is doing. But he has a large garden and takes the dog to work with him. Is it me or do Rescue centres need to rethink their rehoming policies? This guy is lovely to his dog, but has no idea of basic dog care. Opinions please.

I tried to rehome a dalmatian from a dalmatian rescue centre and got refused because I rent from the council and the councils policy is 1 dog. I agree that they have to stick to rules etc but the same people put me onto a local kennels who they knew had a dalmatian in.
To cut a long story short I went to see this dalmatian and wasn't asked any questions about feeding, exercise, if anyone would be at home etc. It wasn't until I'd been there talking to the girl about the dog that I mentioned I had another dog. I got the impression I was taking up the girls time asking as much as I could but this was a very important long thought out decision for me.
I was asked to make a donation of £20.00.
This girl at the kennels knew nothing about me, whether or not my home or myself were suitable for a boisterous dalmatian.
I feel £20.00 donation is not enough, I think it should be at least £100.00. (People deciding to get a dog on a whim might think twice)
I think home checks should be made for every rescue dog although I realise this isn't always possible.
This dog was rehomed to me and they knew it had problems with possessiveness (sp?)
No help or advice was given. Luckily I've read up as much as I can and asked lots of questions on here so I think I'm now on the right track with him.
A neighbour of mine a few weeks ago got a puppy from the local cat & dog shelter, paid £70.00 didn't have a clue what she was doing about feeding, toilet training etc.
3 weeks later she went to take it back because she couldn't cope with the mess it was making and pulled up outside the shelter and passed it over to someone who was also in the car park just about to go in looking for a puppy.
I think a lot of questions should be asked to see if people are suitable before these poor animals are being passed all over the place.
My dog had been sent out on two occassions from the kennels and returned because they couldn't cope with him, if they had looked into the potential owners first this mighn't have happened.
Kennels are not ideal places for dogs but I believe some are better off in them than some of the homes they are placed in with people who haven't got a clue what they are doing or taking on.

Spotty dog,
I have got 2 rescue dogs from the Dog Trust in Snetterton, and I can not praise them or the facilities there enough. On both occaisions (as we got the dogs 6mths apart from each other), we had to fill in a questionaire that was checked before we even passed through the doors to veiw the dogs up for rehoming. We had to visit with all the members of the family that live in our house at least 3 times and we were observed to see how we and our children interacted with the dogs in questions. The first rehoming followed only after a home check had been carried out (this wasn't required for the second dog as we were still at the same address), with regards to getting the second dog, we had to take our first dog to meet him on the 3 occaisions. We were able to attend a meeting given to all rehoming families about the potential hazzards that come with rehoming puppies/dogs. And should anything untoward happen their behaviourist has always been on hand to offer help or advice. I am afraid that I feel very strongly that the more questions and obstecales put in the way of rehoming puppies/dogs can only be a good thing, so as the decision to undertake owning a puppy/dog is never done so quickly, spur of the moment job, ultimatly resulting in more unwanted and abandoned puppies/dogs. And really that goes for all animals and not just puppies/dogs. There endeth my sermen.

Claire, at least the guy is at a class where he can learn how to care for his dog, and Im sure hell learn from you ( mind you there are books!). I know a woman who has just bought a Doberpup and all her family are out at work most of the day - the dogs are left from 7.30 - 4pm when kids come home from school. How did they obtain a pup? By er being positive about their circumstances. No matter how careful rescues and breeders are, the crafty and determined will manipulate the system

Lorelei,
I rest my case! Even more reason for the rehomming centres to have all their rules and regulations.