Getting a new dog during the coronavirus pandemic can present challenges, as Andrea McHugh discovers.
DID YOU KNOW?
In research conducted by the Kennel Club, two-thirds of those surveyed said their new puppy was a ‘lifeline in lockdown’.
The coronavirus lockdown has presented many challenges, but the bond between owner and dog can be stronger than ever.
GOLDEN OLDIE
Lizzie Ford and her family, from Great Wyrley, Staffordshire, adopted Zeus, a seven-year-old Dobermann, in August 2020, following a miserable lockdown after their previous dog died suddenly.
“The whole family was so sad when we lost Zaius, our four-year-old rescue Labrador,” said Lizzie. “We’d only had him for 18 months, but he was part of the family and we loved him. Just before lockdown, Zaius was diagnosed with lymphoma. A week later he was gone, and it was so sudden that it was difficult for us to process. Without him to focus on, and the pandemic turning our lives upside down, it was tough for everyone.
“I started thinking we should adopt another dog and wondered if I could persuade the family. We’ve always had big dogs, and the more I researched Dobermanns, the more I thought they sounded perfect for us.
“I went to a lot of trouble persuading the family, even putting together a little presentation about the breed! To my delight everyone agreed, and I contacted Lincs Dobermann Rescue and filled out an adoption form.
“At the time we were looking for a younger dog, but when we got a call to ask if we might be interested in fostering seven-year-old Zeus we didn’t hesitate as he was so beautiful. Two days later the rescue brought him for a ‘meet and greet’ visit so we could get to know each other. Soon after we adopted him!
“On arrival Zeus was very overweight and had clearly not been walked on a lead much. He pulled a lot and didn’t understand stairs. Now he’s slimmed down and wears a Halti to help with the pulling, so walking is easier. Zeus doesn’t act like an older dog — he’s really quirky and funny and fits right in with our family. He’s by no means perfect, with good days and bad days, but every rescue dog is like that and we accept him for what he is. Whenever I come home from Uni he wags his stumpy little tail, and he just makes me happy. We feel so lucky to have found each other, and to have taken the plunge and adopted an older dog.”
A SECOND CHANCE
Morag Moreton, from Lincs Dobermann Rescue, which rehomes Dobies all over the country, has been instrumental in rehoming many dogs, including Zeus.
“Under Defra rules we were still allowed to rehome dogs during lockdown,” she explained. “If possible, we always place dogs into foster homes, although occasionally they go to kennels for emergency boarding, but the kennels closed during lockdown, which was our main challenge.
“Zeus is a lovely dog who was loved by his family, but their circumstances changed, and they made the difficult decision to rehome him. We assessed him and it was clear that he had a nice nature. We work hard to match our dogs with the right family, and Lizzie and her family ticked all the boxes for Zeus.
“We are now seeing the fallout of so many Dobies being bought during lockdown, with owners realising they don’t have time to exercise, socialise, or care for them. We do our best to advise people on how to work with their dogs to enable them to keep them, or we offer to rehome them. We rehome Dobermanns of all ages, but it’s lovely to see an older one like Zeus get a second chance at a happy life.”
● For further information visit www.lincsdobermannrescue.co.uk