We are actually thinking of bringing my wifes cat over from US (he is now very happily staying with her parents, who are spoiling him terribly) once we move out of here and have a house with a garden. A Main Coone cat cannot live in an apartment, that would be animal cruelty. I was surprised about how simple the procedure would actually be.
Just to let you know, I have adopted dogs from the SPA Fribourg and Tierschuzbund Basel - neither had any problem with the fact that I was an expat. I made sure that both were aware that although the possibility of my leaving Switzerland is always in the background, the dogs' welfare will always be first priority.
As long as you show that you have thought the matter through, that you understand the complexities of relocating with pets, and are unquestioningly committed to your pets, come what may - most shelters are then happy to home to expats. If necessary, references from vets, trainers, or other rescue groups in your home country can help.
Dylan really is the happiest, gentlest and most loving dog. Adopting him was the best thing we have done for a long time..... to promote the idea of adopting, I thought I would share this video of him taken this week with his new best friend Teckla who we are looking after for a while - most of you will know why. There are thousands of dogs like him just needing some love and attention.
Teckla is a lucky dog to have a new home for now and looks like she has a new best friend. You've done a wonderful thing taking her in. All our dogs are adopted. I think many members here have adopted animals as well. I just love the video. It's funny they are not barking. Sometimes ours play quietly too, seems they know the "quiet times" here.
Forgive me for posting this, it really is far too soppy of me, but it was sent on to us by someone at a homing centre in Germany from who we will be adopting another dog next month. This next one will be a lot of work, but if anyone deserves a chance it is him. I'll post details later when he arrives.
If you have adopted a dog (or other animal) the words will hit a chord.
I sometimes check shelter websites as the "have found homes!" link always cheers me up. But I really really shouldn't. Because 5 pets that I already have is more than enough, right?
But look at those two, just 1,5 years old in Mulhouse tierheim:
just in case anybody is thinking about getting a dog or two..
at my rents home we got 3 dogs now and then I got another one.
3 of them are rescues, 2 of those rescues live with my parents and it is so funny how my parents went from having pedigree dogs to loving the muds. It is unbelievable the love and affection you get from a rescue dog.
Im forbidden to get anymore tho as my rents have had enough and the newest one is a handful that is having issues quitting his bad habits (climbing over fences, eating everything he can etc etc)
Xanax=pedigree
Pablo=USA (brought him after living there)
Tank= CH (Got him after a year in Ch)
Ouzo= Greece (had to adopt him after a drunken holiday in Santorini)
Good on you for taking on another lost soul - if anyone can help a dog recover from the shadows of the past it's you and your wonderful menagerie up there on the mountain top.
Do keep us updated; we'll keep all paws crossed for your new family member.
It's heartbreaking how many dogs are waiting for homes - and more and more are being abandoned every single day. (Keeping our paws crossed for the two lovelies in Mulouse, Ullainga - here's hoping they find their forever family.)
How's your pup you rescued from Greece doing, Anthony?
It's killing me that I cannot add to the family, thanks to the neighbors - and one of the driving reasons I'm leaving Switzerland once we are able to travel. I have room for more, plenty of experience with behavior rehab and a home set up for elderly or handicapped dogs - everytime I see 'my' kind of collie - the ones that will be hard to home - it breaks my heart that I cannot do more while we are stuck here. (D*mn dog-hating neighbors, and society's attitudes that condone mobbing...)
Thanks for posting the '10 Commandments', M.Ploymi - how I wish every person thinking of getting a puppy would be required read these, and take them to heart. If people truly understood the scope of the commitment a dog requires, if people did some basic research and soul-searching, if society would stop validating the 'disposable' lifestyle - we would not be in this predicament.
We need education, educaton, education - and a reset of our society's moral compass.
Heartfelt thanks to all who are working - in whatever way one can - to help and to bring about change.
All of our dogs have been rescues, the first was found as a stray and was scared stiff of water, we assume he had been thrown into the river near where he was found, the second (our GSD) had been handed in to the centre because she supposedly fought with the owners other dogs, she is the gentlest dog ever and has never even tried to attack another dog in the 7 years we have had her, but has been attacked by other dogs on numerous occasions and the third (the bull terrier) we adopted this year after her old owners were no longer able to look after her.
The change in all of them once they had settled in was astounding, the pleasure you get seeing them come out of their shells and start to enjoy life can't be beaten. Our GSD was scared stiff of men when we first got her, it took her months to realise that men weren't going to hurt her and now she will happily go up to anyone and absolutely adores men, a complete change to when we first got her.
Do so hope that all goes well with the adoption Grumpy, and looking very much forward to hearing more about the new addition to your family. Fingers and paws crossed firmly!
That's King Nelson. It looks like he will be joining us later this month. He has some very special needs and if all goes well I'll introduce him formally when he is here.
Well, he is a handsome devil and looks like he has the softest ears... I'm sure you will do a stellar job and where there is a lot of space, there is also more room for a dog to be special. I don't know if you believe in that sort of thing but my sister's dog had a few issues and so my sister got in touch with this lady who somehow enters into contact with the animal to find out what's wrong - she was not only totally accurate but the dog is much happier now too. If you like, I could ask here what exactly this was all about, just in case you need to try something different.