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Rescue Dogs Finding Unexpected Forever Homes

Rescue Dogs Finding Unexpected Forever Homes

When you think about adopting a dog, you might have an idea of the type of home they need. For many people, they believe a big house with a large garden, plenty of space, and a traditional set-up is what’s needed. But this isn’t always the case.

At Jerry Green Dog Rescue, we know that every dog is unique and has different needs. While some dogs might need a quiet, rural home with plenty of land, others thrive in busier environments. And as it turns out, some might find their happy ending on a narrowboat.

The Meet&Match® process for adopting a dog focuses on suitability rather than stereotypes. Each dog’s personality, needs, and behaviour is assessed to find out what kind of home they will thrive in. There is no one-size-fits-all approach when finding a new home for a dog, instead it’s about finding the right match.

And for Frederick, Xena, and Ebony, their perfect homes were not what you might expect. Their stories demonstrate that dogs on narrowboats can live the life they were meant to, with the right match.

A safe place for Frederick

Frederick, a large Husky Cross was looking for a new home after he was found abandoned. With sore elbows from laying on concrete and stained, yellow fur, Frederick was in need of a place where he would feel loved and secure.

Despite the cruelty he experienced, Frederick immediately charmed the team with his friendly personality. We know he would make the perfect companion for the right person.

And that person was Kev, who lived on a narrowboat.

Frederick and Kev hit it off right away. Their first meet took place on the boat, where this larger-than-life boy quickly made himself at home.

Kev’s love for exploring and Fredericks sense of adventure meant these two quickly formed a special bond. Now, life for Frederick consists of watching the world pass by on the boats deck, going for long walks, and even enjoying paddles in the river.

After a difficult start, Frederick found exactly what he needed – a safe place where he feels loved.

If you’re thinking about adopting a large rescue dog and you live on a narrowboat, let Fredericks story be a heartwarming example of the possibilities.

Find out more about Frederick's story

White Husky looking directly at camera with relaxed face and body, mouth opening in what appears to be smiling

From rescue dog to boating princess

Xena, a gorgeous German Shepherd, arrived at Jerry Green Dog Rescue looking for a new home after her owner sadly became unwell.

After patiently waiting, Xena’s found her perfect match and went off to her forever home. But not the traditional home you might expect to see a German Shepherd adopted to.

Xena was adopted by her loving family who live on a narrowboat.

Since going to her forever home, Xena has settled in and adapted to the boat life better than we could have expected. Her days are spent enjoying long walks, paddling in the canal, and watching the world pass by.

From being a rescue dog in need of a new home to now a passenger princess on her adopter’s boat, Xena has well and truly landed on her paws.

Ebony’s transformation to narrowboat figurehead

Ebony arrived at the North Lincolnshire dog rescue centre after a difficult start to life. She had been living in a shed along with her siblings and was in need of a cosy place to call her own as she learnt about everything the world has to offer.

The team spent careful time preparing Ebony for her next chapter, but I’m not sure anyone would have expected this gorgeous Belgian Malinois Cross would be trading in kennels for life on the water.

Her adopters know that settling Ebony onto the boat would take patience, preparation, and routine – just as it would for any dog going to live in a new home.

While Ebony was nervous at first, she slowly came out of her shell and began to relax. Now, she loves life on the water.

Ebony loves spending her days standing at the front of the boat like a figurehead, watching the canal bank and taking in the sights and smells around her. She’s even developed a funny habit of moving random objects from the boat to her favourite spot on the mooring, including slippers, the TV remote, and even the odd bra!

The transformation from a nervous, sheltered dog to an outgoing, cheeky family member shows that dogs aren’t always seeking a house with a large garden. But rather, people to love them, and a safe space to call their own as they being their next chapter.

What to consider when adopting a dog

Frederick, Xena, and Ebony’s happy endings are a beautiful reminder that the right home for a rescue dog can come in many forms.

If you’re interested in adopting a dog but feel concerns over not having a “traditional” home, we would like you to rest assured that your perfect match could be waiting for you. A suitable home is decided based on whether it is a match for the individual dog.

Some dogs will have stricter rehoming requirements, whereas some could thrive in a variety of environments. You can find this information by reading our dog’s rehoming profiles.

FAQs

Can dogs live on narrowboats?

Some dogs can happily live on narrowboats, as long as their needs are met. While it might not be a suitable home for some dogs, others can thrive with the calm routines and adventurous lifestyle that comes with living on a boat.

Do I need a garden to adopt a dog?

Adopting a dog without a garden depends on the dog and their needs. At Jerry Green Dog Rescue, we carefully assess each dog that enters our care to find out what they will need to thrive in a forever home. If a dog is suitable to live in a home without a garden, it will be stated on their rehoming profile.

How do I adopt a dog?

To adopt a dog from Jerry Green Dog Rescue, browse our available dogs online, complete an application form. If you’re a match, one of our rehoming teams will be in touch to discuss both yours and the dog’s needs and arrange introductions.