Adopting A Rescue Dog From Abroad
If you're an animal lover, you need to hear this. (And even if you're not there's some cute pictures of puppies in it for you, so keep scrolling) Adopting dogs and puppies has become much more common in the UK in recent times, with breeds that people used to turn their noses up at becoming increasingly popular. Fortunately in the UK, we have some incredible animal charities - if you haven't heard of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home or Dogs Trust you literally must be an alien or something, but there are a lot of other amazing charities out there who are giving dogs a second chance in life.
This is something that is super close to my heart, because my little fur baby is a Spanish rescue. Thankfully Bailey didn't start his life in a kill shelter, but like a lot of rescue dogs his litter were found abandoned in a ditch.
After moving out I knew my number one goal was to adopt a puppy. I never wanted to buy, because my parent's dog, Mitzi, was a rescue and she is the most amazing family dog. I had expressed my interest in a number of dogs at mainstream UK charities, but sadly our circumstances didn't meet the needs of the dogs at the time.
This is often the case when adopting a dog, many rescues prefer not to rehome to people with young children, those living in flats and those with full time jobs. Of course all of this is with the best intentions at heart, but that doesn't mean people who fit those categories won't be loving and loyal pet owners.
I came across a small charity in Essex called AA Dog Rescue that my boyfriend had worked with in his news reporter job, and fell in love with a little guy called Tokyo (who became Bailey) advertised on their Facebook Page.
Bailey was currently in Spain, with his brothers and sister. He was about 12 weeks old at the time and the centre had assumed he was Podenco Cross. For anyone who doesn't know a Podenco is a Spanish breed of sight hound - and they're super cute!
My family dog is a Lurcher, also a sight hound, so I knew this little guy was the one for me. Once he was old enough Bailey came over to the UK, and as expected I was in love.
When a dog comes from overseas they come with their own Pet Passport, and they have to have all their inoculations and tests before they arrive in the UK. Your charity should talk you through the dog's medical record and make you aware of any illnesses they might have. In Bailey's case he is a perfectly healthy puppy, who just needed some love.
When he first came to us, Bailey was terrified. He'd gone from a ditch, to a shelter, had a long journey from Spain, and another from the centre. He was shaking and clung on as if his life depended on it when he was carried inside.
I think it's in his nature to be a confident and inquisitive boy, so after a a few hours he started to find his feet and explore his new home. He's a particular fan of the sofa! (Fellow Podenco owners will be able to relate)
No matter where you rescue from, your new dog is going to have some issues and separation anxiety is really common. Bailey didn't like being left much at all, even if it was just to go to the toilet.
After some training and a little help from his auntie Mitzi, he soon got over it and actually PREFERS to sleep on his own now.
When we go on walks people stop to ask about him because of his striking stormy eyes and his gigantic ears, and he laps up the attention from anyone who will give it to him. He's an absolute delight, and I adore him.
Now I know a lot of people question why adopt a dog from abroad when there are so many who need homes here in the UK. And yes, you're absolutely right! If you can adopt from the UK and your canine soul mate is there then yes, do it! I implore you! My family dog is from a UK centre, and like I said she's a dream family dog. However, adopting from overseas can make a real difference to a dogs life.
The sad reality is that animal care isn't at the same standard in some of these places as it is here in the UK. Some of the pounds overseas can be bleak and cold, not like what we see in the UK on Paul O'Grady's For The Love Of Dogs. (Love that programme by the way!)
UK Charities go to these types of pounds are rescue dogs, as well as those found in circumstances like Bailey. These dogs really are desperate for a loving home, some may never have had one before.
With Bailey I was lucky because he was so young and had grown up without the scars from his past on the street, but for other dogs this isn't the case. So please, if you are looking to adopt from overseas, consider if you have the time and dedication to put into a dog that could end up needing the extra support with housebreaking and socialisation.
Want to follow Bailey and his journey growing up?
Follow him over on Instagram - @BaileyThePod
Bailey has even featured on the Daily Mirror's Tiktok