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.
I hope you get a wonderul dog soon 
