In a post-Covid-19 world, dog kennels all around Kent are in need of more attention; we must remember that dogs will continue needing new homes, and that this problem, unfortunately, ceases to disappear. Among the myriad of difficulties experienced as a result of the pandemic, one of the most taxing was that several rehoming centres had to temporarily close, affecting their ability to rehome animals, as well as staff morale.

I’ve been to two animal rehoming centres, and a huge positive is that those who volunteer possess an immense compassion for both the dogs and dog owners, with them constantly looking for what is in the best interest of the rescued animals. A persistent effort is made online, such as on websites or social media, to draw attention to the several animals that need looking after.

Rehoming a dog is an exciting, happy prospect - although it is still important for us to remember how we are often more familiar with the romanticised version of rehoming where you adopt a dog, and then that dog is your “dog for life”.

Dogs Trust made that slogan to urge the public not to buy dogs thoughtlessly, for example as a Christmas present. In spite of that phrase, after affiliating closely with nature in the midst of the pandemic, many families eagerly and impulsively adopted dogs only to then realise, once everything had settled, that this process was too much of a commitment.

The fundamental message to gain from this is that rehoming a dog takes huge consideration, but when done in the right circumstances, forms a hugely pleasing outcome for both you and your dog. What’s gratifying is that you improve a dog’s life, and can watch this happen as you notice enormous increases in their confidence and happiness.

My family adopted Rose, a greyhound, from a greyhound rehoming centre about three years ago and since then, we have seen her flourish into a completely different, much happier, version of herself that I fear would not have ever been revealed had she not been rehomed.

The process was so easy, and the outcome of it beyond satisfying. Adopting a dog should be (carefully) considered more by those who are looking for a pet since it is rewarding in so many ways, as well as it also helping charities that have done so much for animals in the past, and continue to do so today.

Where you can donate:

https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/support-us/donation

https://www.kentgreyhoundrescue.com/donations-and-fundraising/donating-to-kent-greyhound-rescue/