LET'S GO HOME
K-9 ANGELS APPEAL TO THE UK, 'ALWAYS OPT TO ADOPT'
K-9 Angels ask the UK public to ‘Adopt, Don’t Shop”, sharing the message with a stunning new video release of their single which will raise money for stray, abused & abandoned dogs.
You can view our campaign video here.
Please buy our single from iTunes or Spotify.
ALL FUNDS will help dogs in desperate need!
COMING SOON!
Exclusive limited download and merchandise package. WATCH OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR MORE DETAILS!
The K-9 Angels have relaunched their stunningly thought-provoking song, ‘Let’s Go Home’ This brand new music video features just a few of the many rescued and abandoned dogs the K-9 Angels charity have helped to save and rehome.
Featuring in the music video campaign is K-9 Angels' very own Patron Sue Barker CBE, who gave a forever home to a K-9 Angels' rescue dog Batty/Baiatu. Batty was an amazing example of how rescue dogs can make the most wonderful pets!
Also featuring is Eamonn Holmes, the winner of Best Breakfast TV Presenter Ever Award, together with his rescue dog Maggie presenting his 'adopt don’t shop' message.
Passionate animal lover and fitness guru Angie Best lends her voice as well to this very important message, and gives her support to the campaign.
Sadly every year thousands of dogs find themselves in shelters, council pounds and rescue centres across the UK and also in countries such as Romania where the conditions are simply appalling and inhumane. Most of these places are completely full to capacity. Dogs can find themselves in these places for all sorts of reasons. Some are handed over privately by individuals and other organisations and some are unclaimed stray dogs found on the streets. This is especially the case in Romania when many dogs are simply thrown out onto the streets by their owners.
This beautiful song is written & performed by K-9 Angels' co-founder Pola Pospieszalska, who wrote the song about her rescue dog Annabel. (Both pictured here)
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Adopt don’t shop
It’s easy to write off these animals in shelters as being difficult or problem dogs, however in many cases dogs end up in rescue through no fault of their own. It is sadly too true that they may have become a burden or a nuisance to their owner; they may have got old or grown out of the ‘cute puppy’ stage. In other cases, it may be because of a relationship break up, bereavement, a new baby or the dog may have been rescued from a home by an organisation due to abuse or neglect. It is worth stating here that there are plenty of families and homes where animal loving owners do not let some of the above cases become an issue for the dog, they work through the situation with the dog as a family member who really matters, and whose welfare is equally important as any other part of the household.
In the UK with the latest craze for “designer” breeds some people take on dogs almost as a fashion accessory and then discard it when it is either no longer ‘cool’ or convenient. Many of these particular “fashionable” breeds may be prone to various health problems and genetic defects, and therefore may be unwanted when they start to require costly veterinary treatment. Health, welfare and temperament should always be prioritised over appearance. Beware also of buying from a third party person or back street breeder who will have no concerns over giving you a puppy which has not been kept in the best of conditions, and whose parent will be used over and over again for breeding purposes until they are of no further use, when they are cruelly disposed of.
Making the decision
The decision to take on any dog should never ever be taken lightly. We consider that the whole family must be in agreement or in the long term it could cause problems. Dogs are incredibly perceptive, they too can suffer from anxiety, stress, depression and loneliness and they also require human companionship. Some owners do not always reciprocate this total and utter loyalty, they sometimes take on dogs without thinking through just what a commitment long term dog ownership really is. It is a lifetime commitment for ten-fifteen years and should be treated as such!
If you do have enough time to give to a dog, please ‘Adopt don’t Shop’. There are thousands of rescue dogs desperate for loving homes, the lucky ones may get their forever home but many perfectly healthy, happy dogs are put to sleep on a daily basis as the shelters struggle to cope with the sheer numbers of unwanted dogs. So please save a life rather than buying from a pet shop or back street breeder.
Considerations
One you have decided that the time is right for you to adopt a rescue dog before you even start looking, you need to take into consideration what type of dog is right for you and your family. Important things to consider are:-
Can you afford the time and expense of dog ownership
Will the dog be left for long periods on its own
What size and basic type of dog would suit your family
How much exercise can you offer your new dog
Are you prepared to walk your dog twice a day and clean up their waste
What level of dog handling experience do you have
Do you need a dog that is comfortable with other pets or children
Timing is everything!
If you have children or elderly people in your home you would not want to re-home a large boisterous dog, or a dog that is highly strung and fearful of high pitched voices and children’s somewhat unpredictable movements or behaviour. Be aware that some rescue centres in the UK and also overseas rescue organisations will not always allow their dogs to be re-homed to families with very young children under six.
Make sure it is the right time for you to take on a rescue dog too. If you are planning a holiday, house move, new baby or new job within the coming months it might be a good idea to postpone your adoption until all of these distractions are out of the way. It’s really important that when a new dog comes into your life that you are able to give them your full attention at all times. All creatures have the potential to be nervous in their new environment and a busy household with no routine can be terrifying for some dogs.
Finding a rescue dog
There are many rescue centres, shelters and groups of all shapes and sizes which can be found on the internet or via social media. Each individual rescue centre or group will have their own rehoming policy and criteria.
Some rescue charities like K-9 Angels do not have the facilities/kennels to keep dogs in the UK (unless they are in foster homes) but they accept referrals for potential adopters for dogs in Beta’s Land Shelter, or from our trusted rescuers in Romania. You can find out more about our procedures and dogs for adoption HERE
Good rescues try to match the dogs to the right home. They know if a particular dog likes children, can get along with other pets, needs lots of exercise, or is afraid of somethings in particular that you will need to help them with. They will need to check your suitability to own a dog including your home, garden and work commitments. You will be required to complete a questionnaire and undergo a home visit.
Remember, these dogs need the best of homes, and this is why good rescue organisations are very vigilant about your homecheck!
Your application and adoption donation
The rescues will do their best to find a dog whose needs suit your circumstances from the start; it may be that there may not be a suitable dog for you at your time of applying, if this is the case, although it may be disappointing, it’s far better to wait for the right dog for you instead of settling for one that is unsuitable. Never get a dog on impulse or because you feel sorry for a frightened and scared dog, you must make your decision based on what you can and can’t cope with especially if you are not an experienced and confident dog owner. There are often rescue puppies available, however they tend to find homes more readily. Remember too, that a puppy will chew, and need training for a range of behaviours including house training!
Most rescues require you to pay an adoption donation; this generally includes spaying or neutering (depending on age), microchipping, vaccinations, a vet check and also passport and transport if coming from other countries such as Romania.
Final thoughts - are you ready to change the world for one dog?
Some rescue dogs may have been in kennels for some time and this can have an effect on them, or they may come with their own quirks and behaviour problems. Many may have been abruptly uprooted from a family home through no fault of their own, and some will have been abused or neglected and will need lots of patient, tender loving care in order to overcome the trauma they have suffered in their life. There is not always any background information on the dogs original name, age or even what crossbreed it actually is, as many will be have been found wandering the streets cold and hungry.
With some forward planning and preparation, plenty of patience and kindness, a rescue dog is every bit as rewarding as any other dog, if not more so! Adopting a rescue dog may come with some additional challenges but you are saving the life of an animal that depends on you for food, love, care and shelter. Dogs are unmatched in their devotion, loyalty and friendship to humans. Owning a dog is not just a privilege but an enormous responsibility.
Please think carefully about giving a dog a home, this should be a FOREVER home for the LIFETIME of the dog!
If you decide to get a dog, please consider adopting a dog from a rescue centre, sanctuary or shelter, those are the ones in need!
Adopt don’t shop!
Special thanks go to Nutriment for sponsoring our music video
