Ask the Parents — MossMania Dog Rescue

Straight from the adopters

A few words from parents who know

Every dog is different, so take these as personal experiences rather than rules for every rescue. If you’re unsure about something, ask the MossMania team for advice about your own dog.

Derek

Alfie

“Your furbaby may be a bit pongy when getting off the happy bus! Alfie really did smell. The following morning we gave him a very quick bath with some dog shampoo to take away the strong odour as it made the house smell. Because we didn’t want to traumatise him anymore that’s why we did a quick wash, shampoo and towel dry. Luckily he was very cuddly anyway, so we sat and gave him a lovely long cuddle which he loved. He doesn’t like having a bath though. Just be prepared yours might be a bit pongy after that long trip. They do feed, water and wash down their cages but it is a long trip so inevitably will have accidents. Also you must have a slip lead to accept the dog off the happy bus. They will have an upset tummy for about a month so expect that, don’t worry they are not ill. We’ve got Alfie on a special dried mix from the vet for sensitive tummy’s and Winalot in jelly. Little meals to start with. We had Alfie on chicken and rice for about a week, then started introducing the new food. Put down some puppy pads by a front and back door just in case any accidents happen. We didn’t have any accidents from Alfie, he has been brilliant. We just let him in the garden 6 times a day for the first week, with a lead on so he got use to a lead. Then when you start walking the pup, we do 3 times a day now.”

Elly

A tip for the first few days

“If your dog is a bit stinky but it’s too early to bath him/her, you can brush some bicarbonate of soda gently through the fur. This neutralises the smells and is a nice way to bond with your pooch.”

Frances

A safe journey home

“Buy a slip lead for when you collect the dog to ensure they don’t get frightened and bolt before you can get them safely home”

Steph

Helping a puppy settle

“Especially if getting a pup look on Amazon for lamby dog toy: it’s a cuddly lamb with a heart beat (you can get it with a heat pad too). It helps your pup sleep at night like it’s with its litter mates”

Life after adoption

Happy tails from MossMania families

A few lovely updates from adopters about finding their feet, making friends and becoming part of the family.

Jason, formerly Neptune

“Neptune, who we have now named Jason, is such a loving and affectionate boy. He loves a cuddle and is settling in really well. He's such a smart boy and he's learning basic commands so quickly. We absolutely love him and we're so lucky to have him part of our family.”

Archie, formerly Dante

“Archie, was Dante, was put back together again by the amazing MossMania team when he was found on a busy road. He’d been hit by a car and left there to die with a broken back. 💔 He arrived in early February a bit fur-less from his operation, his back was understandably a bit tender and he just sat next to me and didn’t bark for a fortnight. Boy has he made up for it now! He’s absolutely thriving and he makes sure he barks at anyone who has the nerve to walk past his house. He’s just the most loving and loyal boy who asks for nothing than to be cuddled (although he’s keen on a treat too). We love him dearly and he’s settled in so well with his MossMania friends, Red, Poppy and Peanut.”

Daisy

“We adopted Daisy almost a week ago and we can’t believe how quickly she has settled in and become one of the family. She loves her walks and finding the sunniest place in the garden to sit. One of her hobbies appears to be rearranging her bed and her toys. She is so chilled and loves a good belly rub. We feel so lucky to have her in our family and want to say a huge thank you to her Foster mum and MossMania for all the help, support and information they gave us and for all the amazing work they do.”

Peanut and Poppy

“Peanut and Poppy were adopted from MossMania in February 2023. They are a bonded pair, Peanut was going to be left behind by himself as only Poppy could be homed.”

Red

“Red was a street dog, I think he may have been an abandoned pet as he is very loving and was housetrained immediately. He settled in great but has always been a bit of a resource guarder and is a complete escape risk. Red has just slotted into our family. He plays with his big Labrador brother and tries with varying degrees of success to play with his cat brothers and sisters (some cats less keen on him than others lol).”

Roxy

“Thank you so much, MossMania, for all the work you do and especially for bringing Roxy into our life's. I thought I was happy before, but I was wrong she completes our family, thank you for the excellent after care and ongoing support.”

Rosie

“We got Rosie in August 2021 from MossMania as a foster. It wasn't long before we adopted her. It took her a couple of weeks to settle in but since then she has been a ball of energy, always on the go. She loves to play with the foster dogs we take and with our kittens.”

Every rescue journey is different

These tips come from adopters sharing their own experiences. Your dog may need something different, and that’s okay. Give them time, keep things gentle, and reach out to MossMania if you need a hand.