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Rescue is not always about home visits, assessing people, dogs and environments. It is more often than not simply about communication. The majority of my rescue work is done on the telephone. Most commonly people enquiring if we have any dogs in our system for re-homing. Thankfully at present rescue seems to be reasonably quiet.

My objective is then to listen to what these people have to say, often just by letting a person talk about themselves and their lives you can learn so much more than direct questioning. I then also ask quite a lot of personal questions, which I make no apologies for. Within ten minutes usually you get a gut instinct as to whether a person is suitable enough to be considered. Sometimes it is just a small comment that can set your alarm bells ringing. Other conversations can last for hours, warm, friendly folk who are naturally dog lovers and I can take great delight sharing experiences with them.

Anyone I feel who is suitable is noted on my list with their details, do they want a dog or bitch. Older or a youngster, do they have other animals in the household to consider, do they have children etc. Occasionally it can be a concerned owner who is experiencing a few teething problems and often all that is needed is a reassuring voice who understands and can give positive advice to their problem.

On many occasions I get calls from all over the UK and my Kennel Club Rescue Directory is then my bible. I can give them local contact numbers problem solved hopefully. This directory contains hundreds of contacts for many listed breeds and on two occasions recently has been exceedingly useful.

Local residents see me walking my Afghan on a daily basis; one couple stopped me to convey their sad loss of their 17 year old Westie. Did I know of any one who needed a dog re-homing, that day I took them the local Westie rescue contact numbers. Within a week they had a young male who had belonged to a busy family who found it extremely difficult to fit in regular walks and give the required attention. He now has three walks a day, constant company and a Yorkie as a companion.

Another morning a car stopped alongside of Gypsy and me, the lady asked if I knew of anyone who would be willing to take on a young active Border Collie. Drastically changed circumstances, long working hours, three children and a lonely young dog was getting to her conscience. Again I took to her house Border Collie rescue contact numbers and within two weeks their dog was living on a working farm, a happy end for all.

Contentment, job satisfaction, fulfilment are words that come to mind. First and fore-most every time is my commitment to an animal’s quality of life and well-being. I derive a huge amount of pleasure when an animal is successfully re-homed, hopefully for life.
 
Carol Humphries.