Single woman looking to adopt a rescue - am I suitable?
I am a 25 year old doctor living in Yorkshire in the UK. I live alone in a bungalow with a big fenced garden (3 metres high wooden fence with mature conifers all around too) and 2 minutes from open fields. I have no other pets and have never had a dog before. I have been researching into getting a dog for the past 5 years but have been waiting till the time is right. I'm a doctor and work full-time but my new job is 5 minutes up the road so I'll be able to come home at lunch time. It seems that now is finally the time to try to give a loving home to a rescue. I guess I'm just writing this to ask... do you think a rescue would let me look after an OES because I'm single and work full-time? How big a factor will this be? In all other aspects I think I'm doing my best - I've done a lot of research - especially into all the downsides. Most of my close friends from university are vets also. I'm visiting a 2 year old OES called Mya tomorrow and am taking pictures of my garden as they've requested. I'm so nervous, it's such a big interview. Anyway, any advice would bre really appreciated. Dee |
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| I don't know what a rescue would say, but I would have no problem with a single, well-employed person rescuing a dog. As long as you feel you have the time to take care of it, I believe it doesn't matter if you work full time. I work full time and have a husband who is also busy, but we spend a lot of time with Barney still.
Good luck! |
| That was my situation when I adopted Chumley. I also waited til I thought my life circumstances would enable me to care for a dog. I could not come home in the afternoons but I arranged a petsitter to take her out while I was at work. Being able to come home during the day is really lucky. Being able to afford the dog (food, toys, vet bills, grooming) is important too. Having a fenced yard is essential.
One thing that may come up is whether you are planning on having kids because many rescues do not like to place sheepies with infants, toddlers and small children. If there were an otherwise comparable household without kids, they might win out over you (if you are planning on having kids). Good luck!! |
I've recently lost weight through going for my early morning walks - about an hour before breakfast - and a cycle in the evening. I also used to play a lot of frisbee at uni and to tell the truth, the main reason for wanting to share my home with a dog is to have the companionship and security on my walks and someone to catch my frisbee  )
If I'm lucky enough to have a dog placed with me, I'm going to be sure to tyr to wear him or her out and let them sleep all day while I'm out. Does being inexperienced with Sheepies count against also do you think? Or will living in a non-child, non-pet house with a fenced garden count most favourably? |
| I don't know about frisbee catching....
but everything else seems ok, assuming your dog will be able to stay inside while you're gone, and if you have a crisis at work that someone will be able to check up on your dog for you. Perhaps a dog loving neighbor with a key...? |
I think it'll be ok if frisbee takes a sideline 
I'd definitely keep him/her inside while at work. I have already contacted two local accredited nationally approved dog walking services, and they are avaliable for emergencies and also at pretty reasonable prices if I wanted to add in a regular walk during the day. Thanks for the comments everyone. It's buoying up my confidence a bit before the 2 hour drive there tomorrow lunchtime! Dee |
| GOOD LUCK DEE!
I think the fact that you are putting so much thought into this decision shows that you'll be a wonderful dog-mom! 
If all works out, please come back and share all your new dog's adventures, and most especially PICTURES with us!  |
| I am involved with rescue in FL and you sound like a good candidate! I know that for us we try and match the dog with the person, so if you are able to get a good rescue in your area they will likely do the same. We also do home checks to meet with the family and evaluate which dog would do best in that particular situation. Sooo - good luck!!! Sounds like you'll like it a lot. I would advise you to find a sheepie in your area to get to know! |
Good luck! Please join the forum and let us know how it goes, and of course if you bring an oes home we'll want pics  |
Anonymous wrote: I think it'll be ok if frisbee takes a sideline
It doesn't have to! My Maggie loves to catch a frisbeee. She just does not want to give it back. You might have to commit to learn how to groom the dog -- or to pay for a groomer. If you groom yourself, it is a pretty good arm workout. |
| I have a very strong feeling...you will not stop at having just one sheepie Just look at everyone here, most of them started at one and grew to mutiple. This is addictive and you will enjoy your life with a sheepie so much that in a year or more (or sooner?) you will start thinking about getting a pal for your baby!
I only have a half sheepie, or a 1/3sheepie? I can already tell the difference between this sheepie mix and my other two dogs. Sheepies steal heart and hold onto it real tight
Gigi |
| I'm sure I'm not the only single person on the forum that has rescued a sheepie, but for what it's worth she was my second sheepie and was just under 2 when I got her. She came with some behavior baggage which we worked through with the help of a trainer. I was apprehensive because as a supermarket cashier my schedule changed from day to day and week to week. I found the OES are very smart and incredibly resilient to changing schedules. They do want plenty of exercise, and need a lot of grooming, but if you can stand their exuberant kisses and loving attention, you'll do all right. |
| I personally have not had success with any of my OES' catching anything in their mouths but they do love to fetch. I kick a soccer ball the whole length of our yard and our current boy, Frank will retrieve it endlessly. We do it for a 1/2 hour in the am & 1/2 hour in pm. It really keeps him trim too.
Good luck with the rescues. You certainly sound like a good candidate too! They are a wonderful breed to chose to be your companion. |
| Both of my OES catch frisbee's in mid air.
Good Luck with the rescue. I'll keep my finger's crossed for you. |
| I'm sure I'm late chiming in here, you're probably already on your way to the interviw. Still, for what it's worth, based on what you've written here, you sound like an excellent candidate to adopt an OES. I hope it works out for you and that you'll join our group and post pictures when you bring your OES home.
Don't give up hope on the frisbee, either. Genevieve loves to play frisbee. She catches much better than I throw. Like Val's Maggie, though, she doesn't like to give it back.  Silly sheepie girls. |
| I hope things work out for you.
Fozzie will catch a ball from short distances. We also play a "push" game with the squooshy sqeaky balls. I roll it to him and he will often roll it back to me when I say "push". It's very cute! |
| Good Luck Dee! Definitely make plans to get involved in training classes, and maybe even Herding or Obedience down the road. The beter trained you and your dog are, the more opportunities you'll have for getting out and socializing with other dogs and their people. |
| Just a warning, if you get one, you'll likely want another to keep each first company They are like potato chips, or what you call crisps, hard to stop with one. |
| Dee,
Let us know how your visit went! Most of us were first-time sheepdog owners at some point, and you certainly sound more prepared than I was thirty-odd years ago  .
As a newbie owner, if you do go ahead and adopt a rescue, you might want to read the sticky "Tools of the trade when fostering or adopting..." You can also query some forum members who foster or have adopted adult dogs to get some tips. Good luck! Donna S |
I was single home owner when I rescued a sheepie! I had one already, but two is a trip  . Being single and working fulltime shouldn't hinder your adoption too much!
Also Max plays frisbee with me, and brings it back, but Miller can't catch it |
| Hi everyone!
Thanks for all the responses and encouragement. I brought Mia home with me this evening. I wasn't expected the Rescue to let me have her straightaway so had nothing prepared. Anyway, the Rescue had to shave her roughly, she was so matted, and couldn't shave her completely because the clippers gave up while I was there so I have an odd looking dog at home with me now. The Rescue lady asked me to give her bath when we got home - which I tried to do but it was a bit of a disaster because I couldn't get even 50% of the mud and dirt from the farm off so she's just shaken all the muddy water off around the place all evening. I got her to do her 'business' in the back yard but she's passed urine twice (one in the hall, and once in the second bedroom). I've tried to clear up the carpet as best I can but am worried about tonight while U'm asleep. She's had some more water to drink since then and I think I might wake up with lots of dried in urine puddles through the house - any suggestions?? She's sleeping on the floor at the moment, should I wake her now and take to the yard to see if she'll pass some water? I's 10pm here in Yorkshire, and dark... what should I say to her to make her go? Or should I leave it? The Rescue says she is well houstrained so it's prob all nerves. I'm just worried about her and going to sleep. I found a local groomer who's kindly going to fit her in tomorrow morning at 9am to do a proper clipping job, cleaning and tonails and ears, and she's going to let me help and show me what to do. I'm so happy to have Mia, but am really a bit overwhelmed and stressed at the mo - I guess because I'm alone. Don' worry though guys - I think I just need some help from you! Thanks, Dee |
| Don't get angry with her for peeing in the house -- at least don't let it show. Take her out to go pee before you go to bed, even if that means waking her up, and I'd restrict the water from now until the morning.
Then you two will just need to figure each other out! Every dog (and owner) is different. CONGRATS! Please join us as a member! There are hidden benefits! (OK, Not many...) |
| Thanks Ron!
I haven't said anything negative to her and I haven't caught her in the act so there's no point saying 'no' or anything - I don't blame Mia bless her, I think I'm just getting a bit tired and upset - it's been a long day. I'm going to take her outside for a bit now and see. I'll try registering with the site in the morning. Can I do this since I'm living in the UK? I've got the next two days off so I might try and establish a routine for her. Thanks, Dee |
| Dee,
If it is any help..before I go to bed, I take Panda out for one last go....I tell her to go ''potty'' and 90% of the time she does....for the first few times, you might want to bring a treat out with you and give it to her after she goes...she will soon get the idea... take her water away from her about 2 hours before you go to bed...once she gets the hang of it, you will probably be able to keep the water down all of the time. If you can keep her in a crate or a room without carpet, that may be a good idea too.... you will soon figure each other out and things will calm down... There are several memebers from the UK, so please do register...who knows you may live close to one and be able to have playdates together....Ive yet to meet anyone on here that I didnt like!! |
Anonymous wrote: I'll try registering with the site in the morning. Can I do this since I'm living in the UK? Oh heavens yes. Some of our craziest members are in the UK. We have members around the globe.
It takes about 30 seconds if you have an email address and can type. |
Ron wrote: Some of our craziest members are in the UK.
Wow, and here I am thinking that I'm the craziest member! |
| I said neither "all" nor "single craziest" nor "most crazy".
That now said, you would have some serious competition. I know that one member did this  in court once. |
| So glad Mia has a furever home with you.
This is the best place for support and advice on what to do with your lovable clown. Welcome welcome welcome |
| Good luck with your rescue....congrats to you for doing this!
Where in Yorkshire are you? |
| Thanks all. Didn't slpee a wink for worrying - kept an ear out for her and went and petted her afew tomes through the night for reassurance. Am now officially 'up' (5.30am) to take her for a long walk.
I'm in South Yorkshire, near Doncaster. Dee |
| CONGRATULATIONS DEE AND MIA!!!!
I hope that this is the beginning of a truly BEAUTIFUL friendship for the two of you!    |
| Congratulations Dee on the adoption of Mia! How wonderful. Soon you will know the joys and laughter of owning a sheepdog.
We are here for you during your transition time, and after. Please feel free to ask any questions. Enjoy your new sheepie. |
Hey Ron!!!!! Thats not nice!!!!!:) saying we are Crazy!!! Daft yes.. but not Crazy la la la la la la lol lol 
Congratulations Dee... Sheepie Hugs to Mia...  |
| Hey Dee,
Congratulation on bringing Mia home.. I can only imagine how stressed you would be, not expecting to get a sheepie and them BAM.. you get to bring one home... and not prepared...If you are confused.. imagine what Mia is going through...it will take a few days to get settled.. I always put my boys out just before bed to do their "pee pees".. that is the word I use every time.. so now when I say go pp's.. they will do it almost on cue..if your yard is not fenced.. just get an extra long lead for those night when you have to stand out in the dark. Be sure to post some pictures of your girl so we can ooh and ahh over her and maybe you can tell us a little about her. Welcome again from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. |
| Congrats, how exciting! It might be hard for the first little while--the adjustment period...learning when she needs to go out, etc...but it should be worth it! Just take deep breaths. |
| The first week will be stressful, but stick with it. The benefits outweigh anything else! It will take some time for the two of you to get a routine. As mentioned earlier, I use the word "potty" and now Miller will almost go on command. Good luck and keep us posted! |
| Congratulations, Dee! Mia will get used to your routine in a few days. It's great that you have the next two days off to get her accustomed to you, your home and garden.
Please do join us when you get back from the groomers this morning so you can upload pictures and we can see Mia! |
| I'm so excited for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
| Congratulations Dee on your new Sheepie Mia! And Welcome to the forum. It's pretty normal to have an "adjustment period". So expect a little stress and then it won't throw you for a loop. Just be prepared that she will become the absolute love of your life! |
| Dee,
Thank you for giving a Sheepdog a second chance. Three of our four dogs are rescue, and you have given such a special gift to your girl! Sounds like you have done everything right-just know there is an adjustment period for both of you. Hang in and enjoy the ride. The love you will get in return is worth every minute. Thanks again for rescuing... Carol |
| Congratulations! I know that it will be a bit overwhelming for a while, for both you and Mia, but as you get to know and trust one another, things will settle down.
Suggestion to limit night time urine: take up her water bowl just before you take her outside for her last night pee. Unless she has medical conditions you aren't aware of, this won't be a problem. As she becomes reliable in the house, it shouldn't be necessary to continue long term. |
| Wow, I don't know how I missed the updates! Congrats! |
| Congratulations Dee and Mia, you are a lucky pair to have each other |
Congrats Dee! And Congrat Mia for finding a furever home! 
My three dogs were all rescues they all had accidents on their first night. It is very normal. Mia has got to be nervous with such a big change in her life. Things will settle down very soon. |
| Hi everyone! I am new to the oes forum. I just got my 1st oes on Valentines Day. I was looking for a rescue. It fell through, so my hubby got me a puppy. Lucy, my wonderful girl, I knew I would enjoy her b/c I researched about 2 months for the right type of dog to fit my family. I have recently passed the oes home inspection and have the opportunity to bring into the family a 3 year old male, who has been rescued. I know Lucy would love him, she loves everything. Just a little apprehensive about taking the big plunge. Read a few horror stories about rescues. But, also lots of happy endings. Are 2 easier or happier together than just one? Any advice? |
| I'm in the UK too - on my second OES rescue - Martha- former, Dame Ella was with me for 13 years - great companion, and the one before that - Nanna, was with me for 17 years - anything else you need to know! Think that's over 30 years with OES's, my God:D |
| Best wishes Dee! So happy to hear you brought Mia home.
In the beginning its a new adjustment for both of you, but soon you will establish a daily routine. As for frisbee, our first sheepie loved playing and would catch it mid air and rarely missed. He would turn the frisbee upside down( like a plate) , and place his ball on top of the frisbee. He would pick it up and run like crazy tilting his head so the ball would not fall out going around a corner.  He was a
happy go lucky guy. We still miss his silly antics.
We are here for you , if you have questions! Please register and join us! We would love to see pictures of her. Give Mia a sheepie big  for us and to you for rescuing her! |
| Congratulations, Dee and thank you so much for rescuing Mia!! Once you settle in to each other's ways, she will amaze you at how much she wiggles her way into your heart. Hope things are starting to settle down for you! |
Anonymous wrote: I don't blame Mia bless her, I think I'm just getting a bit tired and upset - it's been a long day. I'm going to take her outside for a bit now and see.
I remember that feeling! The first few weeks are exhausting. I questioned why I took it on, how I was possibly going to manage all the extra work involved -- and now it is so easy. I had that overwhelmed feeling when I adopted Chumley and then again when I adopted Maggie. Somehow, it all falls into place and it just becomes part of the routine. Congrats to you and Mia. I am looking forward to seeing pictures. |
| Dee, how are things going? |
| Yes we need an update!
I hope it's all going well |
Update on Mia?? Pictures?  |
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