Have been looking for a (first) dog for some time and starting to seriously consider an overseas rescue as I'd rather take a rescue but the local rescues have breeds that wouldn't be right or dogs that needs adults only or a more experienced owner. I approached a rescue organisation when I spotted a dog I that looked promising on their website which had, it turned out, already found a home but I'm due to have a home check and they have sent me the details of a couple of other dogs that might fit the bill.
I was starting to get a bit unsure about the organisation as I still haven't understood what the arrangements are for meeting the dog (I'm starting to wonder if they might be expecting me to make a commitment to take a dog I haven't met?). The most recent one they've told me has a blood count for leish that's too high and she requires medication but that it's no big deal (they compared it to having high cholesterol in humans).
A quick Google has suggested that it's incurable in dogs, requires medication for life and is difficult and expensive to treat when the dog relapses as they usually do and likely to shorten the dog's lifespan. As it's a pre-existing condition wouldn't be covered by pet insurance. Another rescue that imports dogs says on their website that they don't rehome dogs that have it unless the prospective owner insists.
Is this an organisation I should just walk quietly away from? Or is the other information out of date? To be fair, at least they've been upfront about her having it, though I suppose they couldn't have hidden it if she needs meds every day. How do good rescues usually arrange for imported dogs/ prospective owners to meet, or is it usual to have to make a decision without meeting the dog? This particular group has only recently started to import.
If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.
The doghouse
Leishmaniasis in an imported rescue?
YakkaSkink · 18/06/2012 09:50
Hi Yakka, assuming you are in the UK, I'm genuinely baffled that you can't find a rescue dog that's UK based. Pretty much every single pedigree breed has its own breed rescue, most of these are national. There are scores of greyhound rescues. All breed rescues have a dizzying variety of gorgeous dogs, many fostered with families and suitable for adoption if you have DC. Approximately 10% of all stray dogs in the UK end up facing the needle - 400 approx in Wales last year. You are absolutely helping to save a life if you adopt a UK dog. If you'd like to indicate roughly where in the UK you are, or what sort of dog you'd like, either I or many of the other rescue volunteers here would be delighted to suggest some good rescues to work with.
On the broader issue of adopting a dog with a pre existing health condition, this is a very personal decision, and there will be many factors including your own finances, commitment etc. Some people do adopt dogs with health or other problems, or much older dogs - it can work beautifully provided adopters are thoroughly informed and understand implications. Where dogs have serious long term conditions, sometimes rescues effectively place them into long term foster care - realistically the dog will never be re-adopted and the rescue contributes to the veterinary ongoing costs for that condition (especially as a pre existing condition will be uninsurable). This may be something you may wish to discuss with the rescue as a possible option.
As far as adopting a dog you haven't met, this would definitely ring alarm bells (whether imported or not) and a good rescue will do its best to explain its adoption procedure to you either on its website or when you talk to its volunteers/staff - this is basic information they should get right, including timescales, homecheck, how you are matched to a dog etc. Many rescues including one I volunteer for will begin matching after the homecheck - the homecheck will explore what sort of dog would suit you and your families particular requirements, your experience, expectations etc. Homechecker can then liaise with other charity volunteers and a suggested list of potential dogs can then be arranged for you to meet to see how you get on (or not), especially where there are existing pets to consider as well. From this short list it is usually possible to make a good match suited in temperament that both sides will be happy with.
There are many, many good rescues and many, many lovely dogs needing homes, so if you are unhappy or worried, it's better to walk away.
Good luck. 
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