As with any addition to the family, adopting a dog from overseas is a life-changing decision.

 

In many cases, overseas adoptions work out wonderfully for the dog and humans involved. And I have been lucky enough to be part of some of these stories, in both a personal and professional capacity. 

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I deeply believe that every dog in the rescue system deserves the chance to experience life in a home. But this does not mean that every dog is well-suited to every person. 

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It is often said that adopting from a UK based rescue is "too difficult". There are too many requirements on physical space, time, working hours, resident pets and so on. The reality is that if a UK-based adoption seems stringent, overseas adoption should seem even harder.

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These dogs are travelling thousands of miles, across different countries, to homes and family set-ups they didn't choose. It is up to us humans to appreciate that we are the ones who chose to take a dog into our lives, never having met them, prepared to take on everything that this could mean for our future lives together. 

 

Adopting from abroad requires a huge deal of empathy, patience, kindness and determination. It requires trust in the organisation you choose to collaborate with, in the settling in process, in yourself and in every family member involved. 

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With the right attitude, set-up and support, I have seen overseas adoptions change lives in the best possible way. But please do not go into this if you feel it is the "easier option". 

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Taking on a whole other life should never feel simple. And while you may have visions of you and your dog on walks with friends, strolling around shops or visiting the pub on the weekend, it's important to remember that this may not be who your dog is or what they feel ready for for many years to come. 

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They did not have a choice in any of this. They are complex, emotional, sentient beings, who will do their best to adapt to a life that may be completely different from anything they have known before.

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And while we can do everything possible to help them feel safe, build trust and find their place in our lives, we also need to be prepared to adapt our lives to them. That might mean changing our expectations, adjusting our routines or accepting that some of the things we imagined doing together may never be things our dog enjoys.

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The dogs in the photographs each have their own remarkable adoption story. They have also all had their own challenges, with difficult moments along the way. Helping them settle and thrive has taken a lot of time, understanding and work from those who chose to welcome them into their lives.