For a happy life, give a dog a home
AS THE owner of four rescue dogs, I was saddened to read of Tom Utley’s struggle over the past 16 months to find a family dog (Mail). Two of my dogs had been rehomed, but were returned to the charity after a few days because their adopters could not cope. They were certainly a challenge and required much time and patience. I will never know their past trauma, but today they are happy dogs who are unrecognisable from the trembling animals, with tails between their legs, that I brought home. In defence of all the great charities out there which are trying to do the difficult job of matching dogs or cats with a new owner, they have to be thorough with vetting. After all, it’s a lifelong commitment and the welfare of the dog is their primary concern. Lots of people have their mind set on a puppy, but I recommend adopting an older pet. I took on my golden retriever when she was eight years old, as her owner had dementia. She died last year at 16 — a joyous eight years for us both.
MOIRA FOOT, Pulborough, W. Sussex. HOW I felt for Tom Utley and his wife. We lost our lovely border collie last year and decided to get a rescue dog. We tried at least six rescue places, including the famous Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, but there were none suitable for a home where small grandchildren visit. My oldest granddaughter suggested a Romanian rescue dog and a few weeks ago Milo arrived. He is lovely in so many ways, but does not like visitors and we could not risk him with the children. Luckily, he has been rehomed with a single chap. Where do we go from here?
ROSEMARY NORRIS, Orpington, Kent. I SYMPATHISE with Tom, who has tried to get into Mrs Utley’s good books by finding a family dog. He has not been alone. I have been unsuccessful in my efforts to find a small canine friend for my elderly mother who recently lost her dog. We were turned down because the fence around Mum’s garden is 4ft high. Apparently, the small terrier we wished to give a home to requires a 5ft fence. I assume that the pooch comes with its own ladder. B. NOTT, Buckland Monachorum, Devon.