Our journey to dog adoption began with the desire to give a dog from animal welfare a home – and led us to Bailey, who has enriched our lives in ways we never thought possible.

In this post, we’ll tell you how our journey to adopting a dog began, the challenges we overcame and how Bailey has enriched our lives in unforgettable ways.

The Dream of Owning a Dog

Let me tell you our dog adoptions story 😋. For a long time, we had the desire to adopt a dog. However, our previous lifestyle just didn’t fit with this dream. A small city apartment, two full-time jobs with overtime – all of that made us hesitate. But then, everything changed: A move to our own house with a garden, a new job with fixed working hours, and the pandemic that sent us into home office mode. Suddenly, the right time seemed to have arrived!

 

Why Adopt a Dog from Rescue?

Although we had little personal experience with dog training, we had grown up around dogs. For us, it was clear: no expensive purebred dog, but a dog from a shelter or a rescue organization was the right choice. So, we began our search for the perfect four-legged friend.

 

The First Encounter with Bailey

One day, we came across an ad from a rescue organization. Although the dog was already adopted, the dedicated animal rescuer showed us other animals in need. When we saw the picture of our little Bailey, it was love at first sight! Without even meeting her in person, we knew: She’s the one!

 

Adoption During the Pandemic

Under normal circumstances, animal rescue organizations would meet potential adopters in person to get to know them and their living situation. However, during the pandemic, everything took place digitally: phone calls, messenger messages, a video of us and our apartment. After filling out the adoption application form and signing the adoption contract, it was time. The hardest part? The name! But in the end, we chose Bailey, inspired by her creamy-colored coat.

 

Bailey’s Journey to Us

Our little Bailey had a tough time: She spent over five months living on the streets and eventually ended up in a kill shelter in Romania. Thanks to the rescue organization, she received veterinary care and got her EU pet passport. Then, her journey to us began – and we’ve never regretted it!

 

Considerations Before Adoption

◉ Evaluating Lifestyle and Needs Consider whether a dog fits your lifestyle. Do you have enough time and are you fit enough for regular walks in all kinds of weather, as well as for grooming and training? A dog is not a Christmas or birthday gift, but a companion that will stand by your side in all aspects of life – for 15 years or more. Are you ready to take responsibility for a living being?

Is it okay for you if your dog creates chaos and mess in your home? Especially with puppies who are not yet house trained, there may be some accidents. Puppies also explore their world with their noses, which means they love chewing on objects and sniffing around. Your dog will, depending on the breed, shed more or less and bring dirt from outside into your home.

If you can answer „YES“ to these questions, find out if you are allowed to have a dog in your apartment. Also, check if there are enough green spaces nearby for relaxing walks.

◉ Vacation Planning: Analyze your own vacation habits. If you travel frequently, check whether your dog can accompany you. Are you willing to adjust your travel destinations according to your dog’s needs? Vacation with a dog also means that planning becomes more extensive. For example, you should research a vet or animal clinic for emergencies, check the entry requirements for your vacation country, and clarify which vaccinations are necessary or recommended. Also, keep in mind that a party vacation is definitely not a suitable place for a dog.

◉ Work, Illness or Vacation Without a Dog Check if you have the possibility to have your dog cared for by your family, relatives, or friends in case of illness, extended business trips (such as training), overtime, or a vacation in South Africa. Of course, there are also pet boarding facilities or dog sitters, but your dog will thank you if it can stay in its familiar environment – if it has to be without you for a while.

◉ Puppies A puppy means round-the-clock responsibility. It needs to be house trained, learn basic commands, get used to walking and feeding times, build a bond with you, and generally require a lot of attention. Additionally, you need to be aware of dangers in the human world, as puppies explore their world with their noses. This includes toxic plants, electrical cords, biocides, and much more.

◉ Allergies Find out if anyone in your household or family has a dog hair allergy. This allergy is not a reaction to the dog hair itself but to proteins found in the skin cells, saliva, or urine of the dog. There are also dog breeds that are better suited for allergy sufferers. However, this should be thoroughly checked before adopting or purchasing a dog.

◉ Finances Consider the overall costs, including the adoption fee or purchase price, taxes, training, potential care, medications, initial supplies, vet costs, food, grooming products, and possibly insurance.

◉ Shelter, Rescue or Breeder The choice between adopting a dog from a shelter/rescue or buying one from a breeder depends on your personal priorities and living situation. When you adopt a dog, you help save a life and contribute to reducing overpopulation. On the other hand, a dog from a breeder can offer more certainty regarding its origin and health. In both cases, it is important to research thoroughly and ensure that the decision is made in the best interest of the animal and your living situation.

◉ Breed and Type of Dog Research different dog breeds and choose one that fits you, including size, temperament, and energy level. Or you can do it like we did and take a chance on a surprise!

 

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Conclusion

Adopting a dog is a big decision, but also one of the most rewarding. For us, Bailey was the best choice. She has enriched our lives and showed us how much love a rescued dog can give.

If you’re also considering giving a dog from a shelter a home, make sure to inform yourself thoroughly and be aware of the responsibility involved. Trust us – it’s worth it! Enjoy the process of thinking and planning.

Happy dogs, happy life – share this post with your friends, leave your experiences in the comments, and stay tuned for more tips on how to live a happy life with your dog!

Yours, Bailey and her humans.