We adopted a few months ago after spending ages trying to decide between several breeds. We were thinking about an Eurasier, a Husky, or a German Shepherd.
After chatting with a neighbour who has a dog from Reunion Island (dogs have a really tough time of it over there), I started looking into different rescue charities.
And then—it was love at first sight!!!!!
She’s been with us for 7 months now and it's been pure joy. We went through a rescue charity called Sauvade, but there are plenty of others out there.
These dogs aren't very well known; they're sometimes called 'Royal Bourbons' or 'Creole Shepherds', and there’s something for everyone (all sizes, coat colours, and eye colours).
She looks like a young German Shepherd crossed with a Husky and won't get any heavier than 35 lbs (around 16kg). She’s lovely with us and the kids, incredibly sociable, obedient, and playful—in short, she’s a total dream dog.
Even though we originally wanted a pedigree, in hindsight we’re so happy because these dogs don't have health issues, you’re saving a life, and they have such a fantastic temperament.
Translated from French
The forum content is sometimes translated from another language, and posts may concern countries with different animal laws. Do your research before making any decisions.
Since the forum is translated by AI, the translations may contain errors.
Before looking into adopting from Réunion, we went to the RSPCA. I wanted a young dog (no more than 1 year old) because I was a bit worried about having an older dog with my children. I was turned down for several dogs because they prioritise families who already have a dog for young adoptions. I did think about buying one, even though I preferred the idea of adopting. Then I chatted with a neighbour who has a rescue dog from Réunion. From there, I started looking at different rescue charities. I had a long interview to see if I was a good match for the dog, and it was great because the charity wanted to be certain we were compatible. Since she needed surgery on her leg, we had to wait an extra three and a half months, and she finally joined us at eight and a half months old. The foster family was brilliant; throughout the months we waited, we had video calls to see her and talk to her. These foster families (often locals) nurse these animals—who often arrive in a bad state—back to health and socialise them. Regardless of the age they are when adopted, they aren't just "street dogs" anymore by the time they arrive... You just need a bit of patience and a gentle touch with them at first, but it’s pure joy.
Having a mate out there and having visited twice (living like a local rather than a tourist, so I got a different perspective), I really loved the friendliness and the community spirit. It’s technically France, but the social divide is sadly massive. Still, it’s an idyllic place. Back then, I was told definitely not to stroke any stray dogs, and although I saw some, I didn't really pay much attention at the time. If I’d been more aware of the situation then, I would’ve acted as a flight companion to help an animal get to its new life. Nowadays, the number of strays is spiralling, but hopefully, neutering and adoptions will help get things under control. Once that happens, attitudes and the fear of street dogs might change naturally. Because at the end of the day, if people aren't afraid anymore, there might be less animal abuse. For us, Lagoon is a huge part of our lives, and I can’t imagine having left her behind. She had a broken leg, so she wouldn't be around today if we had. These dogs deserve a life too; even if it adds another 22 lbs or so to the plane’s weight, you’re saving a life.
I reckon if anyone’s to blame for the carbon footprint, it’s more about intensive farming, big industry, and people who keep their heating on way too high… not someone who rescues a dog from the Caribbean once or twice in their life…
Thankfully it’s not just dogs on the plane; they carry passengers, parcels and everything else as well. As long as there’s space, they might as well fill it rather than flying empty.
Yes, as for the culling, people really aren’t being ‘sensible’ about it; it’s then that you realise the way dogs are viewed is so different depending on the mindset of each country.
