Thank you for your interest in offering a home to a rescue Rhodesian Ridgeback.   In many ways, taking on an adult dog can be as demanding as taking on a puppy. The main purpose of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Welfare Trust is to find caring, permanent homes for dogs that need them for a variety of reasons. With careful homechecking and dog assessment procedures, our aim is to place each individual dog in an appropriate and loving home for the rest of its life.

Some are simply victims of circumstance, perhaps a bereavement, break up of a relationship, loss of job or home, or a family move overseas. These dogs are usually trouble free and settle easily into a new environment. Others come from unsuitable homes where they may have been mistreated or allowed to develop bad habits which will need to be corrected. In our experience, very few Ridgebacks are untrainable and will not respond to kindness and affection, accompanied by firm but sensitive handling. Having won their confidence, a rescue Ridgeback will reward you with loyalty, affection and a great deal of enjoyment.

Wherever possible we will pass on a dog's history (but not its papers, other than vaccination and/or insurance certificates). Occasionally the history will not be known if, for example, the dog has come from the RSPCA or other sanctuary or has been abandoned. We take great care to match the requirements and characteristics of each dog with the potential new home. We will not place a dog in a home with children unless it can be shown to have lived happily with children. We prefer not to place male dogs in a home where there are existing male dogs to avoid possible problems of jealousy and fighting.

Exercise is an important consideration. Ridgebacks are hounds and so need a great deal of exercise - at least an hour and a half a day with the opportunity to run free safely.   A small local park is unlikely to be appropriate. Being hunting dogs, Ridgebacks are likely to chase anything that runs away from them - as most things do, careful consideration should be given to where the dog will be exercised.

If, after careful thought and consideration, you decide that you will be able to offer a special home to a deserving adult Ridgeback whose world has fallen apart, you can be assured that you will not be on your own. The Trust is only a phone call away and help and support will always be available.

PLEASE NOTE THAT NO RESCUED RHODESIAN RIDGEBACK MAY BE USED FOR BREEDING

To take the next step, please telephone BARRIE or CAROL DAVIES on 0207 485 0691 or mail them at: ridgebackwelfare@rrwt.org

If you are new to the breed, we can usually find someone close to you who would be happy for you to talk to them and meet their Ridgebacks, or recommended reading is "The Guide to the Rhodesian Ridgeback', which is published by the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of Great Britain. It is available by post (UK only) at a price of £11.00, including post and packing, from:

Mrs. Doreen Spence, Bardon Manor Farm, Quarry Lane, Mancetter, Atherstone, Warwickshire, CV9 2RA.

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