Our furry friends all deserve a second chance in life.
Dogs continue to be the most commonly abandoned animal, according to the RSPCA data. With over 8,305 dogs abandoned in 2022 alone, it’s no wonder rescue shelters are screaming out for their pooches to be re-homed and in a safe environment.
Emma from Southend-on-sea is one of the many people who has rescued dogs and given them a new lease of life!
EMMA, CAN YOU TELL US WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO RESCUE A DOG?
We rescued our previous dog from a rescue centre so when the time was right to bring a dog into our lives again, we went back to the same centre. They had the breed we were looking for and even though he had some medical issues, we wanted to give him a home instead of going to a breeder. We had such a good experience previously with the centre, that we decided to visit them again.
TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT FRANK AND HOW HE CHANGED OR SHAPED YOUR LIVES?
Our first rescue dog was Harry, a Boxer. Our daughter came into our lives shortly after we had Harry. He was so good with her from a baby, and they became best mates.
When we sadly lost Harry at the age of 9, it was extremely hard, like losing a member of the family.
We waited 3 years before deciding to get another dog. We re-visited the same rescue centre in London and that’s where we met Frank, another boxer.
This time, the dog came with some health issues, along with an underbite but despite this, we loved him all the same. Frank was a totally different dog to Harry and even through the same breed, Frank was not so affectionate, but as long as he was fed and had a bed to lay on, he was happy.
He slowly started to build a great bond with my now 11yr old daughter and with her being an only child, it was great for both of them. They would play ball together and every night, he would sleep at the bottom of her bed. I also believe that Frank helped the whole family in terms of when COVID struck. Walking Frank regularly was a God send during the dark times.
WHAT WERE SOME OF HIS QUIRKS?
Frank had arthritis and had pain in his back legs when he over did it, so when he came to sit on us, he would swing his legs out to the side and look hilarious. He also liked to sit on me whilst I was in the middle of exercising!
Due to his overbite, his tongue would constantly stick out!
IT’S A MYTH THAT DOGS THAT ARE RESCUE DOGS ARE NOT TRAINABLE. DID YOU HAVE ANY ISSUES TRAINING HIM WHEN YOU BROUGHT HIM HOME?
Both our rescue dogs were a dream. They were very careful at the rescue centre to make sure they placed both dogs in the correct home and environment. Of course, we had to train them, where to go to the toilet and where the food and water was but all dogs in this case are in a strange environment and need time to adjust.
HOW DID FRANK BEHAVE WHEN YOU BROUGHT HIM HOME TO YOUR DAUGHTER?
Our daughter was older the second time round and has some experience with having a rescue dog. Frank was a gentle giant and so with time, they both trusted each other (she was the one who dished out the treats).
They became best friends and inseparable. It is important to remember that any dog you get is an animal and you never truly know how they will act but I think with guidance, training, and affection, you can have a best friend for life.
HOW DID YOU FIND THE INTERVIEW PROCESS?
The interview was ok. You are asked to fill in an application form online which they then review and call you.
If they believe you and the dog could be a match, they then invite you in to meet the dog.
On this occasion, when we go to the rescue centre, they brought Frank out for a meet and greet and they then let us take him for a walk. Once we made our decision, the rescue centre gave Frank an overall checkup and we went back the following week to collect him.
They will do home checks to make sure your home is suitable and then once you get them home, they tend to do a 6-month phone call to make sure everything is ok.
WOULD YOU RESCUE ANOTHER DOG?
Yes, 100%. I would rescue another dog! If you do your research and make sure the time is right.
I don’t believe you can rush into rescuing a dog. You may have to wait for the right match but when it does, it will be worth it.
You won’t get your sofa back 😊
