A few weeks ago, we welcomed a new family member, Ember. After losing our 14-year-old boy, the house felt incredibly quiet, even though he mostly slept the days away. More importantly, our Jack Russell, Abbey, clearly missed having another dog around and didn’t enjoy being left alone. Since we had adopted our old boy from Animal Welfare when he was three, it felt only right to honour him by adopting an Irish rescue dog. The number of dogs in Ireland searching for a loving home made our decision even easier.
Meet Ember
Before diving into what every new dog parent should know about adopting an Irish rescue dog, let me introduce Ember. She is an English Springer Spaniel and absolutely gorgeous. Despite being just one year old, she has already been through a lot. She was found as a stray: skinny, covered in fleas, and without a chip, collar, or owners. Because she was very anxious around people, she spent a few months in the kennel before we met and adopted her.
Is Everyone in Your Home Ready to Adopt an Irish Rescue Dog?
If even one person in the household isn’t on board with adopting an Irish rescue dog, it may not be the right time. Dogs are a long-term commitment and need daily care, love, and structure. For us, there was no doubt that we wanted to adopt again. From the moment our old boy died, Facebook started showing me endless posts from Irish rescue centres. If I could, I would have saved them all, but I only applied for dogs that truly suited our family and lifestyle.
Are You Prepared to Put in the Time and Work?
Adopting an Irish rescue dog can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s not without its challenges. All dogs need time and money, but rescues may require extra patience, training, and emotional support.
This has been especially true for Ember. She needs time to build trust, get used to new situations, and feel safe. That means daily training, extra enrichment, and sessions with a dog trainer. For support, we chose Clonakilty Dog Academy.
Have You Considered the Costs?
We’ve had dogs for many years, but going from two 5kg terriers to a 20kg Springer Spaniel took some adjusting! And I’m not just talking about the cuddles.
Here are a few costs to plan for when adopting an Irish rescue dog:
- A bigger bed (or several)
- Larger bags of food
- Stronger toys
- A new collar, harness and leads
- Endless supplies of sturdy chew bones
- Regular vet visits
- Training sessions
- A professional photoshoot once they’re settled
The adoption fee helps cover veterinary care, microchipping, and vaccinations.
The Process of Adopting an Irish Rescue Dog
As soon as we said goodbye to our old boy, Irish rescue posts started popping up all over my feed. I had a clear idea of the kind of dog that would suit our family, so I only replied to dogs that truly fit. In two cases, the rescue organisations reached out to me.
Ember came from Galway SPCA. When they first contacted me, I was surprised as I hadn’t expected a reply. They told me more about Ember and asked about our family and situation. We were then invited to meet her.
Before adopting an Irish rescue dog, your home must be ready. Most organisations will want:
- Proof of a secure garden
- An idea of where the dog will live and sleep
- Information about other pets
When we met Ember, we first greeted her alone and then introduced Abbey. The two hit it off right away, and we knew she was the right match. After some quiet time together, we made our decision.
Does the Dog Suit Your Family and Lifestyle?
I knew what kind of dog I wanted: a younger dog who would get along with Abbey and enjoy our active outdoor lifestyle. But everyone’s needs are different.
Before adopting an Irish rescue dog, think about:
- Energy level: Active or low-key?
- Age: Puppy, adult, or senior?
- Size: Small lap dog or large companion?
- Personality: Confident, shy, playful, chilled?
- Lifestyle: Hikes, beaches, short walks, or cosy evenings?
Choosing a dog that suits your home and routine means a much smoother transition.
The First Days at Home: Take It Slow
We were told about the 3-3-3 rule when adopting an Irish rescue dog:
- 3 days to recover from the shock of a new environment
- 3 weeks to begin to settle and relax
- 3 months to feel truly at home
So far, this has been spot on. Take things slowly. Don’t overwhelm them with new people or environments. They’ll likely need you nearby most of the time at the beginning.
Ember claimed the sofa the moment she walked in and barely left it for the first few days. It became her safe space, and we let her have that comfort. Thankfully, she was more than happy to share it with us.
Have You Just Adopted an Irish Rescue Dog?
If you’ve recently welcomed your new best friend and would love to capture those first precious months together, I offer a 10% discount on photoshoots during the first year after adoption. Just mention it when you book!
