I hope this post doesn’t come across as odd—it’s canine-related! Since my second local recurrence cancer diagnosis, I’ve been struggling with a variety of issues. One of them has been adopting a dog.
I absolutely adore dogs and always have. While I grew up with them as a child, I’ve never had the joy of owning one as an adult. I truly believe having a dog would work for my emotional and psychological wellbeing—not to mention, it might help me develop a healthier routine. Right now, I fear I’m teetering on the edge of becoming a full-blown hermit. And let’s be honest, that’s not exactly great for one’s emotional state!
But oh, what a struggle this has turned out to be. Who would’ve thought adopting a dog could be so complicated? Apparently, I need a garden, proximity to a forest, a home outside the inner city, and possibly a degree in advanced dog ownership. At this point, I’m starting to think it might be easier for me to get adopted by a nice dog rather than the other way around!
In desperation, I’ve even begun considering something I have always been against it and even considered it sacrilegious buying a dog from a breeder.
So, my dear breasties, I like to know what’s been your experience with having a dog? And how did you go about getting one? I’d love to hear your stories.
Like you I had never had a dog as an adult. I had been on Battersea’s list for some time (prior to cancer) but because I had cats and I wanted a small dog, my options were limited. I kept an eye out, after cancer diagnoses, on all the rescue websites and, lo and behold, a day before my birthday, last November, Zebbie appeared on the RSPCA website. I contacted them immediately (I had already composed a “why a want a dog” letter and taken pictures of my garden) and he was with me within two weeks. I live in the middle of town on the edge of an industrial estate, in a small terrace house on a busy road. Don’t give up on the rescues and focus on what you can offer the dog when speaking to rescue homes xxxxxxxx
Hi
I grew up with dogs as my mother used to breed and show them. It wasn’t a large kennel, just a hobby for her. Then I met my husband, got married and had our son. We didn’t think it fair to leave a dog on its own when we were out at work. But, I took early retirement 3 years ago and my husband 2 years ago. It now felt right to give a dog a home. We decided on a working cocker spaniel. My son has a springer spaniel ….we fell for spaniels big time. We love their personality and exuberance. I did some research and found a reputable breeder. I felt we had all the time to devote to training a puppy. We met the breeder, mum and litter mates. Louis is now just over 2. He is extremely affectionate but demands a lot of stimulation. He has been a huge source of comfort for both of us whilst I am going through this journey. We have agreed that when my treatment is over we will have another puppy, and I have already contacted the breeder. I have no experience of adopting a dog from a rescue. Many dogs are successfully homed,and rescues clearly do a wonderful job. But we wanted to be Louis biggest influence, we bought him up how we believed. Sure we have made mistakes, but we love him to bits and it is so reciprocal.
My cousin and her husband were turned down at one rescue centre - they were never really sure why and they have a big garden so it can happen . However they were later successful and have had their dog for 15 years. I would agree with @Nixi and focus on what you can give the dog . I know it’s not the nicest time of year but if you were able to get out and walk a bit to get yourself used to being able to go out in all conditions - it is hard to approach people but you could then speak to other dog owners and find out the best walks / vets / grooming places / best place to buy dog food and treats etc. locally - or speak to anyone you know who has rescued a dog. Then when you ask again you will be able to reel all this off and also say in all honesty that you are quite capable of and happy to give a dog regular exercise . If you keep trying i think you’ll be lucky at some point .
There are times when I would really love to have a dog as well but me and my partner are both so chaotic we can barely look after ourselves ! Xx
We’ve had 3 dogs since being an adult, all setters, yes we are mad. They have a mind of their own and come back when they are ready no matter how much training. It’s just their breed wandering off to flush out birds.
Between the passing of the first 2 dogs we looked into rescues but like you, it was jump through so many hoops. Wanting to know our financial situation in detail, photos of our home and garden, ensuring it had a 6 foot fence, ours is 5 feet but our previous dog never jumped it. They also wanted to know who would also have regular contact such as friends and family. In the end we felt like it was such an intrusion into our lives we went to another setter breeder and bought a puppy. Yes the breeder ask questions and like regular updates on the dogs progress. Even saying if there is an issue please go back to them first for help and guidance. It was nothing like the intrusion rescue charities do.
Our dog now was only just over a year when I was diagnosed and with 12 weekly Paclitaxel it was hard to get people to help out. He is strong and needs a firm hand out walking, most of the people we know have very small dogs and are not used to handling a large dog. Unfortunately some of his ongoing training went array as my husband had very little time with work, looking after me and the housework and just walking the dog. We have picked up the training again this year but have found since my diagnosis he’s been reactive to certain dogs. We think he’s being very protective and he’s also quite clingy as we’ve both been home for over a year since my chemo finished.
It’s such a shame that the charities make you jump through so many hoops when there are lots of good people who want to experience to wonders of having a dog and so many dogs needing a home. I get there are some unscrupulous people, there are in all walks of life. But as with most things they treat everyone as if they are not good enough.
Having a dog is a blessing. You have to go out no matter what the weather. They make you happy and show you unconditional love. They hate it when you are sad and want to comfort you.
Three years ago my husband and I tried very hard to adopt a dog but although we were experienced dog owners, living in a very small market town in the Cotswolds, had taken early retirement and were without children or cats, there was always a reason why the Dogs Trust found us lacking.
Eventually beaten but undeterred my wonderful husband surprised me with a Springer Spaniel puppy and I’ve never looked back. Stanley (the puppy) has given me so much.
His needs became my focus instead of cancer, I’ve met lots of people and made new friends. Someone will always stop and chat when you’re walking a dog.
Added to that I’m now fitter, healthier and slimmer, all thanks to my pup.
I’m sure there will be others who disagree with me but I’ve not regretted a moment with my boy x
Dogs can be so loving, and there is a lot of comfort to be had from their gestures and characters.
I have two small dogs. Tried to adopt the second, but as the others say, they make it soooo difficult and the small dogs get snapped up real quick, so resorted to buying a pup.
They are wonderful company most of the time. But when they are mischievous they are a handful, and I call them my hairy little beasts!
I did struggle immediately after my lumpectomy to give them any attention, but thankfully I have other family members in the household. Even now, 7 weeks since last surgery i sometimes get frustrated with them when I’m tired or stressed (a lot lately) because they are like small needy children.
But right now, one is on my lap and the other cuddled up alongside, a very serene sight and wouldn’t be without them.
Thank you so much for all your replies—they’ve been incredibly helpful! And I absolutely love the pictures of the doggies. Most of my neighbours have dogs, and I’ve already asked them about their experiences. Turns out, they bought their dogs because of the challenges involved in adopting one.
I live in central London in a flat, so I was hoping for a small dog—one that could travel in the cabin of a plane (not a plain! Unless it’s a very polite dog). It’s also important that they get along with cats because, well, my mum has a cat who is impressively indifferent to dogs. Ideally, I’d like the doggy to come with me when I travel to my home country.
The good news is my workplace is very dog-friendly, so bringing a furry companion to work won’t be an issue. Initially, I didn’t want a puppy, but at this point… let’s be real. I just want a DOG. Any dog. Puppy, senior, middle-aged—it doesn’t matter anymore!
I hope you’ll find a good companion. I’m also in London and I had the same problem - but with a cat as I live in a flat. After 1 year in the waiting list of Battersea Dogs & Cats, I ended up paying for one…
Hi,
Do not give up.there are so many dogs waiting to be rescued.
I have been adopting rescued greyhounds for years now. We currently have 2 and they are the best dogs ever.
For greyhounds you just need a 6ft fence around your garden and the ability to be patient and calm and obviously give up your sofa to the dogs.
I wouldnt be without mine Unconditional love, Excerise in all weathers, meeting other dog owners it is great.
Keep at it there is a dog out there waiting for you to find it.
All the best in your search.
Hi
Dogs will absolutely help your physical, mental and emotional needs
Our last 2 dogs were both rescues
The 1st a Weimaraner bitch came from a local rescue. She was handed in after her owners had an acrimonious divorce and was 2 and lived until just before her 16th birthday
Our latest is a Saluki Cross from Battersea Old Windsor. He was found on the streets, hates cats, has been abused and took about a year to trust us but is now 5 years old, confidentand flourishing
Rescues do have lots of rules and regulations because they know a forever home must be right
Get yourself registered and home checked and then keep looking…your dog will appear if you keep dreaming
Hi, have you thought about rescuing an older dog? I was brought up with a dog and have had five rescue dogs, two came back with us from the Middle East… Many Tears is a good rescue site to look at don’t be put off, they are in Wales but have dogs in foster homes in other parts of the country. Google Elderly dogs or older dogs rescue. Good Luck
Hi there, I was bought up with dogs. My first dog that belong to me I had 10 years. I was as devastated when she passed away. It took me 10 years to pluck up the courage to get another.
We got Doug, he is a small dog which is much easier than a big dog. He is nearly 13 years old now.
Last year we found a lump it was Cancer. Once again I was devastated. He had surgery and so far okay. It was 4 weeks after Doug got diagnosed I got diagnosed with breast Cancer.
I also grew up with dogs and as soon as I was diagnosed I thought I best get a dog seeing as I’d be bed bound (of course that never actually happened! ). But something that actually got me out a lot and got me enjoying being a part time dog mum was signing up to an app called Rover.
There are so many people that want help looking after their dogs whilst they’re away at work or on their holidays and you even get a bit of money for it as an added bonus!
We’ve met so many people through it and have regular dogs that we look after now . It’s actually been a good test too as once I’m through the other side of this I want to go and travel and ‘do normal things’ again without the worry of leaving a dog.
Hope this helps in some way or I at least hope you are able to adopt!
Hi
Although i’m not a dog owner, i have worked in kennels and understand the rewards they bring. as an alternative for now. Do you have any charity kennels near where you live, that you could volunteer to dog walk their residents. you are likely to get attached and taking the same dog out might work for a while. but also as the charity get to know you, you have the chance of adopting said dog. when they see your determination to regularly walk that animal, and share you life and give a good home.
I will advise that you visualise your life going forward with a dog, as the angels work in many ways, letting you dreams come true. The right dog is out there waiting to join you on your journey and they are very good listeners and help you to find the fun and love that life offers. Take care, be positive and keep me posted. Love and light Moonsox xxx
Good morning. When I was diagnosed last spring I had 3 dogs, all rescues, after a decade of rescuing/fostering. It instantly became apparent that I wouldn’t be able to manage them all, so the most gregarious one went into foster and now lives with a lovely woman 3 hours away. The remaining 2 have been my rocks thru treatment, a constant source of delight and essential execise. That said – dogs need feeding, walking, vet access occasionally, and a degree of flexibility. They can be expensive. A garden is essential so you don’t have to suit up and leave the building every time they need a wee, esp if you’re feeling unwell. You really don’t need anything else. People have dogs in New York City apartments. Training is key. Get a managably sized rescue. Don’t buy from a breeder!!! GOOD LUCK!!!
We got a dog from the Dogs Trust in Whitstable area. It was after Christmas when people start putting their unwanted dogs into kennels. The experience hasn’t be unalloyed joy as she barks like mad at everyone and has done every since we adopted her four years ago. It pre-dated my latest cancer diagnosis. I am finding it harder to control her now so use an elasticated lead to reduce her pulling, and I avoid dogs she reacts to. That’s one thing I hadn’t factored in - I am now 69 and on drugs that cause osteoporosis so I am not keen on having falls. She has dragged me over on several occasions but I haven’t broken anything yet, I would advise going for a smaller dog than we have with less energy. She’s a dalmatian springer spaniel cross and extremely strong and barky.
Seagulls
My dog has been invaluable throughout this journey. Kept me going. In fact the vet spotted a lump on his back a few days before I found mine - its still there, hopefully a lipoma as fighting fit at 8 years old. I told him we are now the lumpy twins at the time.
No help at all with adopting as Ive had him since a pup, though I would say adopting is probably better currently, especially if can miss the puppy stage. Its like having a baby and quite a lot of work initially, can be draining at a time you’ve got enough draining you. Hope you find your furry friend, failing that, maybe walk other people’s dogs to get out and about?
and wouldn’t be without them.
). But something that actually got me out a lot and got me enjoying being a part time dog mum was signing up to an app called Rover.