I'M sick of hearing all the animal charities whingeing about "victims of the recession" and how they are struggling. Half the time they have no desire to rehome their animals.

We had a lovely dog from the Bristol Dogs' Home back in 1988. He lived to 14.5 years. Another dog we had was on the waiting list to go to the dogs' home when we intervened. Sadly, he died last October, hence our latest search.

Several years ago we went to Holly Hedge (animal sanctuary) and met a dog, returned twice with our dog and children, spent hours with him and walked him, etc, etc. We were then told, right at the last minute we could not have him because: a) I intended to crate train him until he was settled in the new home, and; b) I intended to feed a complete dry diet – they even told me I should advise my vet that dogs need meat.

More recently we visited Bristol Dogs' Home where we met a beautiful collie/German shepherd cross with hip dysplasia (a condition we were familiar with having recently lost a German shepherd/Labrador who had this condition. We knew our fences were inadequate but offered to have this sorted if we could adopt the dog called Milly.

We were told this would have to be done before she could be put on reserve. I organised three quotes in two days, and selected one to undertake the work as soon as we were sure of receiving Milly. However, they would not let us proceed with the remainder of the adoption process until the fence was in situ. This led to a Catch 22 situation where we would not invest £400 on a fence we would not need if the adoption failed – and they would not process us without the fence.

I also had to get copy vaccination certificates for my other dog and cat as there was such urgency to reserve her (we didn't want anyone else to have her) that I got copies as I could not immediately put my hand on the originals. I would like to know why, when I had evidence of written quotes and the phone number of the intended contractor with whom they could confirm arrangements, they still refused to reserve the dog? I emailed them twice (I can provide copies) and rang as well but received no explanation and no replies.

However, I want to make it quite clear that while the dogs' home is affiliated to the RSPCA, no connection should be made to the RSPCA veterinary clinic next door who have helped us many times and whose attitude and support have always been exemplary. They even advised us to try different shelters as they have no objection to us having another dog.

They were even happy for us to take this dog on knowing it had hip dysplasia, so long as we understood all the issues, while the dogs' home queried whether we should have a second dog if we need to use the RSPCA anyway. In fact, I am a full-time carer and home all day, so in many ways an ideal dog owner. They have 24-hour company and stimulation.

Seeing Terry the terrier in the Post (March 27) made me see red. He looks lovely, but sadly, the over-zealous bureaucracy of the dogs' home means he will probably be in kennels a long, long time.

Sorry, for £400 I could pick my pup and get pedigree papers, etc. Is it any wonder that I have no intention of ever going to a shelter again? It's heartbreaking to be rejected for reasons that don't appear to have a basis. Heartbreaking, in fact, and in future, to avoid that pain, I'll find a breeder.

Name and email address supplied.