dog rescue/adoption

[marion lane]

Does anyone know where we could rescue or adopt a small adult dog for my mother. My father died 2 years ago and mum is lonely and would like a dog for companionship. She lives in the Watford, Herts area, she cannot afford to pay very much and would like a small adult dog who is good with children and likes lots of cuddles. Any info would be much appreciated!

[Chrysaor]

Do a search for 'Dogs Trust rehoming centres' and there might be one near. Also, sometimes kennels get animals abandoned or handed in for rehoming: Vardalu kennels on the Watford Road might have something or point you in the right direction.

[The Reporter]

There must be a dogs rescue centre in Watford - they won't cost much (possibly just the cost of having the dog neutered or spayed), wormed etc. You mum would be most welcomed by any dog rescue centre - not many people want an adult dog (they all seem to want puppies) so the gorgeous loving adults in the homes get left behind....

[blackcat77]

If she has an idea of what she might like, try

www.dogpages.org.uk

as they list breeds and areas

Hope that she finds something that she likes. Good luck!

[kita1]

If she cannot afford to pay very much for the dog then please, please make sure that the dog is insured for sickness etc. Vet bills can be VERY expensive and when dogs come from rescue remember they are in there for a reason! Some have ongoing medical conditions that can cost an absolute fortune, others have behavioural problems that are only obvious once the dog has settled into its new home. Only go to a reputable rescue like Dogs Trust etc. where the dogs are really checked out before being rehomed. Whatever you do DON'T go to a rescue centre that has a destruction policy - they could well offload a dog on to you that is totally unsuitable, simply because it is due to be put to sleep otherwise.

[kita1]

This is your local Blue Cross centre, they are very good:

http://www.bluecross.org.uk/web/site/Centres/H ertfordshire.asp

[lankeela]

Why not consider a retired greyhound? Some of the bitches are very small, not much bigger than a whippet, and they have no problems you can get with other rescues, they walk well on a lead, they do not need a lot of exercise or training, they are not likely to be aggressive or chew things, and they will settle into a new home straight away.

[Jules001]

There is the National Animal Welfare Trust along the A41 in Watford. There is a Dogs Trust in Harefield Herts and the nearest Blue Cross Centre is in North Hitchin which is a little way further out from Watford. I hope you find a dog suitable for your Mum, we have just rehomed an adorable little fella from The Blue Cross, we will have had him a week on Wednesday and already he has settled in, apart from at nights when he doesn't like being away from us.

[lollyhemel]

My mum rescued a lovely little dog from Hula Dog rescue Centre, Sawford Road, Apsley Guise, Milton Keynes 01908 584000. They are lovely people over there and regularly hold open days and fetes so you can return and they always recognise every dog that they have cared for. Highly recommended.