How to Adopt...

If any of the dogs on our 'Needing a Home' page catch your eye, please contact us on the below telephone numbers. We will then arrange to meet you at the kennels where you will be able to view the dogs and get to know them.

We will ask a number of questions to ensure your circumstances will match the dog you are interested in.  We will then perform a home check to ensure you have such things as a secure garden etc and once passed, an adoption fee of £130 is payable.

All dogs will be neutered, microchipped, flead and wormed before adoption and this is all included in the adoption fee. They will also come with 4 weeks free insurance.

Full support is given after adoption, so don't be afraid to call us about anything at anytime.

Telephone: Julie - 07583 616972 or Sarah - 07583 616911

Things to think about when taking on a rescue dog...

Giving a home to a rescue dog can be an immensely rewarding experience as long as you are prepared to put in extra work if it is needed. Here are a few tips.

* If your time is limited, choose a dog that needs little grooming, minimal training, and only moderate exercise.

* If your budget is tight, choose a small-to-medium dog that needs less grooming and less food.

* If you are an inexperienced dog owner, do not choose a large, dominant dog or a dog with a high energy level unless you are committed to six months of patient, consistent training and a dozen years of daily walks of a mile or more.

* If you have children or elderly people in your home, do not choose a large, dominant dog that needs lots of training and exercise, or a highly-strung dog tha

t is fearful of high-pitched voices and childish behaviour.

*Be prepared to walk the dog at least twice a day and to clean up his/her waste.

*We may not have any background information on the dog. Therefore, there are a few principles and rules you should adhere to:

* Do your homework: decide on a type of breed or breeds before you even start looking. Look at your working and time commitments.

* Never adopt on impulse or because you feel sorry for a frightened and timid dog, especially if you are not an experienced and confident dog owner.

* Discuss what you want in a dog (e.g. an active dog that will play willingly, happily go on long walks, or a homely, laid back dog that will be happy to sit for hours by the fire, and only requires gentle exercise).

* Check with the rehoming staff with regards to requirements and possible problems, and then discuss the positives and negatives of that dog with the rescue staff.

* Once you have decided that you are going to re-home a dog then prepare your home and garden well before the arrival. Remember, your new dog may be ‘stressed', worried and uncertain of you, your family and the new surroundings/environment. He/she must have time to adjust. By taking on a rescued dog, you will be taking on his/her past too, and this could be an unhappy past.

It is worth remembering that most rescue dogs have had at least one home, they may come with behavioural ‘baggage’ and some problems due to the fact that they may have been rejected at least once and, in some cases, a number of times. Rest assured we are always on the other end of the phone and can help you with any question or problem you may have. All volunteers of Willow own rescue dogs!

Rescued dogs are usually more than six months old, are house-trained, and mainly past the ‘chewing-everything’ stage, they are normally happy to be placed in a loving home. Many have been precipitously uprooted from a loving family by some misfortune, and some have been abused or neglected and need lots of patience and care, to get past the trauma in their short lives.

The initial adjustment can be difficult as the dog may need to learn to trust again or even for the first time. Separation anxiety, fear of noises, and attempts to run away are common. But once past the first few months, when the dog learns to depend on the kindness of his new owners, then the bond is forged.

* Remember to act on specific advice given by the rescue organisation about your dog.

* Make sure you get a new collar tag for your dog with your new details.

* Introduce your new dog gradually to your neighbours, postman and any other regular callers.

* Do not forget to find out more about dog training. Ask the volunteers of Willow as many of us have used local dog trainers.

* And most importantly....enjoy your new companion!

(The Kennel Club)

Fletcher (retired racing Greyhound) enjoying a well deserved rest