Seeking opinions on the RSPCA and local rescues

Hi there, Some of the comments you've had to deal with are clearly not acceptable and, I think, mostly come down to the specific volunteers you happened to speak to. Having a dog in a flat is perfectly manageable as long as you take them out enough; it's the same for a garden that's been judged "too small". As for your age, that comment is completely inappropriate as being 54 is by no means "too old". Regarding dogs that aren't good with other dogs, cats, or being handled, this is unfortunately a recurring issue linked to the animals' backgrounds. Large organisations like the RSPCA take in a huge number of animals that have been mistreated in various ways. Their often complicated histories can lead to these sorts of challenging traits. Adopting a pet from a rescue centre can sometimes be very complicated—sometimes because of the volunteers, sometimes due to a lack of organisation, or sometimes, more justifiably, because they are being extremely selective about potential adopters. The volunteers and staff usually do the best they can with the resources they have, even if it does lead to certain things that could be improved. To save yourself too much travelling, you can check the website of the specific shelter you're planning to visit to see if they have any animals that match your criteria. Don't hesitate to look at other animal charities besides the RSPCA, such as smaller local rescues that also really need the support. Good luck with your search for a new companion, Laura