Read My Q&A Interview With The Welsh Corgi Rescue Service

The chance to rescue a Corgi can be incredibly rewarding, and giving a dog a second chance at having a home is a great kindness. I’ve interviewed Lynne Creech from Welsh Corgi Rescue about her best rescue stories and advice. 

Everyone deserves the chance to be loved by a Corgi. Just like every Corgi deserves to be loved and cared for by a family who adores them. That’s why rescuing can be a great option, especially if you’d rather have an older dog than a puppy. We all know how much work pups can be and the amount of training they need). 

I’m a huge advocate for rescuing, and I have my own rescue story that you might have seen already. I recently interviewed Lynne Creech from the Welsh Corgi Rescue Service, which is where I got my sweet Winston. I asked her about some of her best rescue stories and advice about rehoming these smart little dogs. 

I’m here to share some of the positives about choosing a rescue Corgi, a little more information about the Welsh Corgi Rescue Center, and the Q&A I shared with Lynne. 

Key Takeaways:

  • Choosing to rescue a Corgi can be an exceptionally rewarding experience
  • Rehoming an adult or senior Corgi is a wonderful way to give them a second chance
  • The Welsh Corgi Rescue Service is one of the leading rescues in the UK
  • Secretary Lynne Creech shares some of her rescue stories and opinions 
A photo of the Corgi I was about to rehome
The first photo I ever saw of Winston

Why Choose a Rescue Corgi? 

Rescuing a Corgi means you’re giving them a new lease on life and a second chance to be with a family who loves them. When you take an adult in, they are usually housetrained and at least able to perform basic commands. Of course, they might have their own issues they need help with. But that’s something a rescue will talk to you about first. 

One of the biggest benefits of rescuing a Corgi is that they will come fully vet-checked and vaccinated. They will also be spayed or neutered before you take them in. For some rescues, including the Welsh Corgi Rescue Service, senior dogs (aged seven or older) will have their vet bills covered for serious or ongoing conditions

Since Corgis are always tested for temperament and training levels, you always know what you’re going to get with a rescue. Puppies are wonderful, but so much of the way they turn out depends on experiences and the way they are trained and socialized as youngsters. With a rescue, everything is clearly listed for you so you know if they’re the right fit. 

The best part of getting an adult rescue Corgi? They’re already past the chewing phase. This means you don’t have to worry about them causing needless destruction in your home and being general chaos demons. I love puppies, but there are certain phases of puppyhood I’m glad I missed!

The corgi I rehomed
Taking Winston to a coffee shop for the first time

What is the Welsh Corgi Rescue Service?  

The Welsh Corgi Rescue Service has been around since 1972. They have dedicated decades to ensuring Corgis are matched with their perfect forever homes. It became an official charity in 1978, allowing it to help more dogs and owners than ever. Based in Wales, this UK charity works closely with other rescues to ensure the well-being of Corgis across the country.

How long do corgis live for
Winston and his brother, Duke, who was also rehomed

A Q&A with Lynne Creech

I had a fantastic Q&A with Lynne Creech, Secretary of the Welsh Corgi Rescue Service. This should help you get to know more about her and the wonderful work the rescue center does. Not to mention introduce you to this silly, smart breed!

What is your role in The Welsh Corgi Rescue Service, and how did you get it? 

My role is Secretary, and I have been in this role for around 5 years. I was recommended for the position.

When and how did your love for corgis begin? 

I have had dogs since I was a child, but fell in love with the corgi around 20 years ago, since then there has been no other breed that has come close to the corgi.

What’s the best thing about your job? 

I don’t class this as a job – it is a position that is voluntary and I get paid an honorarium. The best thing is helping people, finding lovely homes for these great dogs, and taking them out of situations that are, in many cases, desperate – for many reasons.

What are some of the challenges facing The Welsh Corgi Rescue Service? 

Potentially, as in many charities, running out of money, as we provide a continuing service to these dogs.

What has changed since you started your role at The Welsh Corgi Rescue Service? 

For example, the kind of person signing up/the kind of corgi people want/demand for corgis We have a huge list of people wanting corgis, but very often, the corgis that come into Rescue have behavior problems, in most cases resulting from the Covid time when dogs were not socialized. 

Dominance is also a problem that dogs come into Rescue. Not that many people waiting have the expertise or time to deal with these cases. Be prepared to travel; it doesn’t mean that you will get a corgi from the next town or village; it may take 3-4 hours to drive to rescue.

What do you wish more people knew about owning (or rehoming) a corgi? 

Corgis can be feisty and spirited especially if there is more than one in the household. I have rehomed several lately from people who have had one corgi and thought that it needed a friend and bought another. 

When this puppy has reached about 18 months/2 years, they have started to test the boundaries, and this is when the trouble starts if the owner doesn’t deal with it. Then one has to be rehomed. Corgis are very happy as a singular dog. They love the company of their owners and family, and they are not needy for another corgi.

Can you share one of your favorite rescue stories with us? 

One of my early rescue dogs was from a very elderly gentleman who lived in the South. The dog was fed a lot of cake, titbits and biscuits; very sadly, this gentleman was admitted to hospital, and I was asked to find a home for Revel. At this point he weighed in at 27.4kg (that’s like two corgis in one dog!) Revel went to live with Rev Joe, a young priest in Croydon Minster. 

Joe kept me posted during the summer of his exercise and diet routine, and by the following spring he had lost 10kg. Joe moved to a new Parish in London and was taking Revel with him whilst doing his pastoral work. They travelled by foot, trains and buses, and he found that Revel was much admired when he met people. A good ‘conversation starter.’ 

Revel had to have two major dental procedures because of his earlier poor diet, but to date, Autumn 2023, his weight is now at 12.6kg. he is healthier, energetic and doing a great job with Rev Joe.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about rehoming a corgi? 

Make sure you have the time to take on a rescue corgi, corgis have to adjust to their new homes and routine. Be prepared to take an older dog, too. If a corgi is 7 years or older, they are a ‘golden oldie,’ which means that if they have any health issues, such as skin, liver, cancer, dental etc, Corgi Rescue will pay the veterinary fees.

Pet travel companies for jet-setting Corgis
Winston moving with us to live in Porto for 3 months in 2022!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Corgis Difficult Dogs to Own?

No, Corgis are not difficult dogs to own. However, they can be very stubborn which can make them difficult to train if you aren’t consistent. Since they are highly intelligent dogs, they need a solid training regime if you want them to listen and pick up the commands. It is recommended that you work with a professional trainer to help you get the hang of things. 

Do Corgis Pick One Person to Bond With?

Yes, Corgis do often bond with one person in a household more than the others. It is a common breed trait. And while the bond with that person will be stronger, that doesn’t mean they won’t love everyone else. They are affectionate and sweet dogs with a lot of love to give to the whole family. 

Are Male or Female Corgis More Affectionate?

Typically, experts say that female Corgis are more affectionate than males. But I have not always found this to be true. I think the personality of the individual dogs matters most. My friend’s female Corgis have always been very independent characters (who I love). 

Final Thoughts 

Rescuing a Corgi could be the best decision you ever make. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of giving a dog a second chance, and these fluffy little guys deserve all the love they can get. Rescuing can feel a little overwhelming at first, and it’s normal to be nervous, but it’s so worth it for the love they bring to your home. 

Welsh Corgi Rescue Service is one of the best I have ever come across, and you can read my own adoption story if you want to know what my journey was like. Never be afraid to ask questions and voice concerns – rescue centers want to help you find the perfect pup for your household, and they’ll be able to guide you. 

2 Comments

  1. Hi Bella,
    You have sure nailed the Rescue adoption experience!
    My Rescue Patrick is truly one of the best decisions I ever made! I’ve been blessed to have many breeds in my life. Each time I lost one, I couldn’t imagine another one of that breed “until” Corgis! Now I can’t imagine my life without a Corgi. I lost my Girl in 2020 & her brother in 2023. I planned to “Rescue” & had been “looking” locally since Callie passed but knew I needed to wait until Cooper passed as he wasn’t fond of other dogs. And our time was just that “our time”. Imagine my surprise to find Patrick within days of Cooper’s passing & within 30 miles from us which was unheard of. The topper was having a dream of Callie & Cooper “together” the very morning we were to meet Patrick. I hadn’t dreamed of Callie the whole time she had been gone. I had always hoped & prayed she would be there to help Cooper cross over & be together again. I could not have wished for better validation. The timing for Patrick was truly meant to be. He was older where Callie & Cooper were puppies but oh my our love was immediate! I’m not sure I’ve ever had a more loving dog! It’s like as a Rescue he just “knows”. Callie was my heart. Cooper was my soul & Patrick is truly my joy.
    On goes Corgi Life & Love.

    1. Oh Lori this is just lovely ? We’re so very lucky to have them and I have no doubt that Patrick was meant to be. I don’t know how I’ll cope when Winston passes, but reading your story brings me some comfort. They’re always with us xx

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