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.
As for culling, I don’t think that’s the answer either. Neutering is free for those on low incomes, and any strays that are picked up get neutered. But there is already a huge amount of euthanasia happening as it is.
I’ve just checked the website of the rescue where we adopted Lagoon, and it says:
- In the islands generally, and specifically in Réunion, pets are often free-roaming and left to fend for themselves; they aren't microchipped, vaccinated, or neutered. Many of them are also abandoned once they reach adulthood (as soon as they come into their first heat) or when owners move back to the mainland.
- On a simple phone call, the pound rounds up these animals, who are often terrified, including females and their litters. 90% of captured animals are put down within 4 days if they aren't microchipped, or 8 days if they are.
- In Réunion, around 10,000 animals are euthanised every year.
Regarding the post about the carbon footprint, Reunion Island is French and plenty of people fly between there and the mainland anyway. Rescue organisations like Sauvade look for flight volunteers to bring a dog or cat back with them, so they’re just joining a trip that’s already happening. Usually, a plane will be transporting several animals at once. Plus, these groups also work with animal shelters on the mainland where you can adopt them directly. Lagoon’s sister, for instance, was at a rehoming centre in Aix-en-Provence. There are quite a few in the Paris area as well.
They have huge neutering campaigns over there, but there are just so many of them that getting them on those flights is quite literally saving their lives.
Gigi, I’m not giving up; I’m trying to get a dialogue going with the owner, but the trouble is he’s a bit ‘dim’ and gets advice from ‘pros’—basically the local drunk who thinks he’s an expert on everything (you know the type, it’s almost a cliché here in Belgium, sadly). He’s been told that a dog like that needs ‘breaking’ (he’s a Staffie, I think); the poor thing barks his head off whenever he sees another dog. I managed to get close and give him a pat—he was so happy for the attention that he gave me a bit of a nip while licking me, he was just so over-excited. The poor dog only gets five-minute walks on the lead four or five times a day. I’m hoping that by getting to know the owner better, I might be able to steer him in a different direction.
Rinrin, I’m really moved by your determination to help this dog. I’m right behind you and I hope you can get through to that ‘brute of an owner’ to improve the poor lad's quality of life 😞
Thank you, but it’s nothing special; it’s only right to help those who are more vulnerable. Well, the rescue centre turned me down for the adoption because of the time I’m away (8 hours a night, 4 days a week). I’m disappointed, but I don’t hold it against them.
Gigi, I’m not giving up; I’m trying to build a bit of a rapport with the owner. The trouble is, he’s a bit ‘thick’ and listens to ‘pros’ – basically the local drunk who thinks he knows everything (you know the type, it’s a bit of a cliché here in Belgium, sadly). He’s been told that with a dog like that, you have to ‘break’ them (he’s a Staffie, I think). He screams his head off whenever he sees another dog. I managed to get close and give him a bit of a fuss – he was so happy to have some contact that he gave me a nasty little nip while he was licking me; he was just way too excited. The poor thing only goes out on the lead for five minutes, four or five times a day. I’m thinking if I can get through to the owner, I might be able to point him in a better direction.
Rinrin, I’m really moved by how determined you are to help this dog. I’m 100% behind you and I really hope you can get through to that oaf of an owner to improve things for the poor dog. 😞
Staffies are absolutely adorable! The first time I saw the name was on a pet site; I didn't even realise it was an actual breed. I just thought it was a poster giving their Staff a cute nickname, the same way I might call mine a 'Staffy-waffy' or a 'Rottie-poo' 😂
