Give a dog a home.
In an earlier blog post I mentioned that we have recently moved, and one of the major positives for us was that for the first time we were allowed to have a pet. 
Matt has always wanted another dog as he had a gorgeous honey coloured golden retriever when he was a child. My sister and I had a couple of Netherland dwarf rabbits, budgies and fish as pets when we were growing up.
So a big decision had to be made, what pet would we get. After much discussion we decided to look at getting a dog… but with so many breeds available today, which breed was right for us?
I spent a long time researching the breed that would be suitable for our lifestyle; the internet as always provides a wealth of information, the Kennel Club, provides a helpful questionnaire, to help you decide which breed of dog is for you – Which dog is right for you
It is easy to get caught up with the ‘aren’t they adorable I must have one’ thought, without really thinking about the dogs needs and yours, for example here is a list of considerations to think about –
- What type of home do you have? How large is it?
- What are your working hours?
- Do you work from home?
- Do you have children? If yes how old are they?
- Do you or someone in your family have any allergies?
- How mobile are you?
- Do you have a garden? If yes, what size is it?
The other considerations are –
- Puppy
- Adult
- Rescue
We considered rescue dogs from the beginning, but as I would be a first time dog owner and would spend most of the time with him/her as I work at home, I wasn’t sure if this would be a wise decision.
The Dogs Trust has an excellent website, which provides so much valuable information that I recommend it to everyone considering getting a dog.
We signed up to the Dogs Trust newsletter and went through the online questionnaire, in case there was a dog suitable for us. We also looked at local dog and animal rescue centres and followed them all on Twitter and Facebook.
There is much debate on whether to get a puppy or not, and through our research we realised that pet shops were not really an option. We learned the importance of seeing a puppy’s parents and home environment and to find out the puppy’s family health background etc…
With so many dog charities, overcrowded with dogs who have been neglected, or the owner can no longer look after them etc… you can see the importance of looking to help re-home a dog rather than getting a puppy.
All of these issues were important in our decision to add a dog to our family.
After reading advice online from dog owners on various forums, and breeder websites, as well as the Dogs Trust and PDSA, we thought we would look further into the Maltese breed.
We kept an eye on available dogs in our area and also looked at the Kennel Club’s website that has a list of reputable dog breeders.
We found a local lady who specialised in the Maltese breed and went to visit her, to learn more about this small dog breed. We spent around three hours there, with our list of questions and spending time with the dogs and looking at the available puppy. Near the end of our time the lady brought in some of her other dogs, one dog in particular, a Havanese dog, walked in shyly and wandered over to Matt, climbed on his lap and sat down as he looked at me.
With all the other dogs I couldn’t help but notice something rather special about this one. He climbed down from Matt, came across to me and did exactly the same thing, but this time, he put his head down on my lap making a little happy sigh, and made it clear that he wasn’t going to move without protest. The lady started to tell us his story about how she rescued him a couple of years back when he needed care straight away and even though she adored him she was looking for the home he has always needed and deserved, as he needed one to one care which was difficult with her large family of dogs.
Matt and I had never heard of the Havanese dog breed and listened intently as we heard about his story and learnt about this lovely dog breed.
We have always had a particular heart for those who have been through a difficult time and this little dog had a tough life and was only just coming up to being 5 years old.
After our visit we went home and talked through our options, it was very quickly apparent that we both felt the same for the little Havanese dog and decided he would be a perfect fit. We looked more into the breed to make sure he would be happy in our home.
If you haven’t heard about the Havanese, here is a fun video about them – Looking at the Havanese dog breed. The Havanese is native to Cuba, which many are surprised to hear when they meet Brinkley, as he has a glorious long coat.
Brinkley’s original name is Enrique (this is shortened) not particularly Danish, where he was born. He was also known as Rikki. We decided on a new name of Brinkley because one of my favourite films is ‘You’ve Got Mail,’ and Tom Hank’s character in the film has a dog called Brinkley. With the name Rikki all I had in my head was Bianca from Eastenders calling Ricky! And just couldn’t bear it! LOL 
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Bringing Brinkley home
Before we brought him home, we visited him a few more times, to build up the contact with him and took him for some walks, to help lessen the stress of moving to another new home as he has had 5 homes before he came to be with us.
Brinkley is a real joy and we just love him more everyday. We have had him now for only 6 weeks, but it has felt like we have known him forever. He is a real gift and I am so pleased that we have found him.
So in our little adventure we have learnt more about the wonderful dog and animal charities and sanctuaries, it has opened our eyes to the huge issues concerning dog care, or lack of it in a lot of cases, and discovered a lovely little dog, who loves to be cuddled, stroked and follows us everywhere we go. We make new friends on every trip out as everyone falls in love with him and wants to know more about him.
If you are looking to add a pet to your family I encourage you to do as much research as you can before getting one, as like the Dogs Trust says –
‘A dog is for life, not just for Christmas!’
About Anita HuntAnita Hunt specialises in botanical photography, and is the creator of beautiful, luxury greeting cards and gifts, inspired by the beauty of nature. You can join her on Twitter @NitaJoyDesigns and facebook. She is also a children's author and anti-bullying campaigner Are You Being Bullied?
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15 Responses to Give a dog a home.
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I’m so pleased you decided to rehome a rescue dog in the end, Anita! With appropriate guidance an adult dog is an ideal first pet, because believe me puppies can be very challenging and a lot of hard work. I’ve had rescue (or private rehomer) dogs and cats for years now and wouldn’t dream of paying out hundreds of pounds for a pedigree puppy when there are so many dogs, as you discovered, in need of a good home – for a much smaller charitable contribution.
My current “kennel” consists of a 15 year-old Cocker Spaniel / Border Collie cross we got from the RSPCA as a puppy … a Springer Spaniel / longhaired Jack Russell Terrier cross who arrived at a rescue centre with the Dog Warden and that’s all we know about him … plus a gorgeous Gordon Setter who previously belonged to our very own Nikki Pilkington (the BOTB internet marketing and SEO expert) who sadly could no longer keep her. Also there are three black and white cats – two from a local animal shelter and one little orphan whom a friend found wandering around on a main road – he was only a tiny kitten, about 3 weeks old.
And on my Facebook Profile Page you’ll see a picture of me with a gorgeous rescued greyhound called Langstroth – he and his fellow rescue pal, Wonky, belong to some good friends of mine. Actually retired and/or rescued greyhounds make excellent, docile, affectionate and undemanding pets. However they do have their pecularities, one of which is a tendency to chase and kill small furry creatures that run before them – e.g. cats, which is why I don’t have any greyhounds of my own…
All the best with Brinkley and let us know how you get on with him!
Twitter: SuzeStMWrites
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Thank you, Anita – this is really useful stuff, especially for me as I consider offering a home to a dog who perhaps needs somewhere to settle down. I’ve not been sure before but since looking after my neighbours’ dogs recently, one quite elderly and the other wanting a bit more attention and exercise, I realised that even with our minimal garden (though good outdoor space) we could offer a home to a dog – not a puppy but older and calmer.
Having moved here with just the one cat early last year, we so far have incorporated a kitten, several dozen fish, several hundred snails, a hamster (sadly demised) and are looking forward to guinea pigs and more. I love having animals about the place, and adding a dog would work too – as you say, there are so many needing homes.
Brinkley looks wonderful and I’m sure you’ll all be very happy. I’d love a Malumet or similarly husky type dog, but they perhaps need more than I can give one.
Hi Suzan
Thanks for your lovely comment. It sounds like you have a lovely furry family 
I also absolutely love the name Langstroth!
A agree totally with your comment, it has certainly been an interesting journey and one I am so glad we made
Twitter: NitaJoyDesigns
Hi Barbara,
I’m so pleased you enjoyed the post
We are glad we took the time to research before taking the leap, so to speak. We have learnt loads in the process. A Malumet would be lovely 
I think looking after a dog for a bit, can really open our eyes, and can make a big difference to the decisions we make.
I always thought you needed a garden, but after looking at the thousands of breeds out there, we realised that not having one doesn’t necessarily mean that it prevents you from having a dog, for example the Maltese breed. Though an outdoor space is always a big plus.
There seems to be a breed to suit most circumstances, so I hope you find a lovely dog that is perfect or you and your family
Twitter: NitaJoyDesigns
I have to say, my boys would love to have a dog, but I have always resisted until now. Partly because they are at boarding school and partly because – even if they weren’t – I’d be the one doing all the work, and I wasn’t ready to.
However, now that my life has changed and I won’t be able to drive for at least a year, plus I’ve sold both businesses, I’m coming round to the view that having a dog round the house would be a lovely idea. I shall just get over my operation first and then look into it. Thank you so much for giving all the details on how to research this.
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I recall following the story of Brinkley through twitter and Facebook – it’s lovely to read it all in one go and see some more pics of him. I agree with the name change, I always wanted a daughter called Rikki until Bianca first hollered…. “Rick—eeeee” at the top of her lungs, then the name died for me!
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Hi Morag, many thanks for your comment.
I am so pleased that you found this blog helpful
Yes, there is definitely a lot to consider when thinking about getting a pet, especially a dog.
I have really benefited from having Brinkley around, he seems to instinctively know when I am unwell, it’s been really interesting to watch. For example he knows when my hands are bad and licks the inflamed joints, and over this weekend he has been sitting near my left hip, either patting me gently, giving a lick every now and then, and wouldn’t go for a walk as he wanted to stay near me. This has all really surprised me, but a lovely offering of his love and care.
I do hope your recovery from the operation goes well, and that when it’s the right time for you, that you will find your perfect furry friend
Twitter: NitaJoyDesigns
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for your comment
thanks for the suggestion 
really pleased that you have enjoyed reading about the amazing Brinkley 
Twitter: NitaJoyDesigns
My guess is that Brinkley is one of the happiest dogs on the planet – how well you have prepared for him! He certaily looks happy:) I’ve been thinking about getting a rescue dog for a while, but I’m not sure about whether I would have enough time, so haven’t yet made the move. This post has certainly been very useful for me though. In the meantime, I have sponsored a rescue dog (called Digby) through the Dogs Trust, which is a nice way to offer support if you are unable to make a full commitent.
I think your post brings home (to me anyway) that the best outcome is always going to be when the animal chooses the human: I believe they do so instinctively – and their instincts haven’t been blunted by years of convention, perceived wisdom or any other twaddle.
It’s almost like they size you up and go; “Yup – this one’s for me…”
Twitter: Linda_Mattacks
Hi Elaine
Thanks for your lovely comment.
I think sponsoring a dog through the Dogs Trust is fab! Digby is a great name too!
Twitter: NitaJoyDesigns
Hi Linda
Thanks for your great comment. I know exactly where you are coming from! We felt this strongly with Brinkley – we are privileged that he chose us
Twitter: NitaJoyDesigns