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Are there times in a dog owner’s life when circumstances dictate they give away a dog? Sadly, the answer to this question is yes even though the owner would prefer not doing so. One breed often found in rescue shelters is the lovable Scottish Terrier. This is often due to the fact this breed makes a great house dog for elderly people and all who wish a small dog suitable for keeping in a home.
Some of the understandable reasons why people give away a dog would be due to illness when they can no longer care for their dog, death of the dog’s owner, divorce, relocating to another living situation where dogs are not allowed, a new baby in the family, allergies, and moving to a nursing or retirement home. Other times can include the dog is mean, the owner is unable to housebreak the dog, and neighbors complaining about the constant barking.
Whatever the reason many well trained, mild mannered and lovable Scotties do end up in rescue shelters but fortunately there are people who work at these facilities who do all they can to place the dogs with a new family able to provide the care and love all dogs thrive on. For anyone who would like to help at these rescue shelters it is important they understand the needs of a Scotty and other breeds before allow the dog to go to a new owner.
The new owners should fill out a form covering their abilities and experience with taking in a dog that is most likely grieving over the loss of their previous owners. Yes, a dog does go through a period of grieving over the disappearance of their owner. The dog does not know why the person who cared for them is no longer there. With this in mind it is very important any home one of these dogs is placed in be a home with new owners who are understanding and patient with their new dog.
For anyone who wishes to locate and adopt one of these dogs a great place to start is speaking with your local veterinarians who will know of the rescue shelters and organizations capable of helping you find such a dog. Once you have this information call and inquire if they have any Scotties. If so go for a visit and spend some time with the dog. Ask how the previous owner came to the decision to give away a dog.
If all goes well you can expect to pay an adoption fee and will end up with a wonderful dog full of love and a delight to be around. It is not an easy decision to give away a dog but if the dog ends up in a new home with loving owners all will be well.
Have you had to give away you dog? Please relate your experiences and any advice below.
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Brett
says:Wow… While I don’t necessarily agree with some of the reasons you listed as great reasons to give up a dog like not being potty trained or moving to a place that doesn’t accept pets (unless you’re entering the army or working on an oil rig, there are tons of places that allow pets), I think the previous commenters just illustrate the narrow mindedness and judgmental nature of most animal rescue organizations. Granted, while I would hope one who must give up their pet would try no-kill shelters and advertisements (via Craigslist or classifieds) first, unfortunately these shelters are already at full capacity and many people don’t respond to ads.
Personally, I made the hard decision to return my 110 pound mastiff mix to the no-kill shelter I adopted him from. For the first couple of months I owned him, I was living on the third floor of my apartment complex. I moved to a different apartment where I lived on the first floor. One day, while I was away at work he jumped through my apartment’s window and attacked another dog. Since it was clear I could no longer safely keep him in my apartment, and because I could not break my lease, I made the hard choice to return him.
I truly believe that sometimes there are extenuating circumstances and valid reasons to give up a dog. Unfortunately, most rescues tend to operate under the belief that every reason for giving up a dog is horrible and wrong.
Amanda
says:The people who would give up their pets to a shelter are not the type of people who would come to this website, so I am not sure who your audience is. Also, it comes off as an advertisement for Scotties more than an objective article about legitimate situations where a pet would enter shelters.
Lisa
says:Ron Miller, your article is shockingly objectifying. You talk about dogs the way a slave owner would talk about a slave. Shame on you!
NOT all legit reasons to give up a pet in this article. And certainly the owners can make provisions to re-home the pet. If something were to happen to me…the people in my life would know Remy does NOT, by any stretch of the imagination, go to a shelter.
I can’t think of an acceptable reason to put a pet in a shelter. I can’t. Contact a rescue group instead of the cowardly, heartless, easy dump at a kill shelter. I have no sympathy for the “situation”…there is ALWAYS a better alternative than the shelter.
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Laura
says:How in the world can you say “understandable reasons” to give up your dog?
Having a baby? If they can’t keep a dog with a baby maybe they should have the baby either. A place that doesn’t allow dogs? Then find a place that does. Divorce? I would fight for custody of my dogs? The dog is mean, not housebroken, and neighbors complain about barking and who’s fault is that? The owners not the dog’s. Go to obedience classes or contact a behaviorist.
DOGS ARE NOT DISPOSABLE that when you no longer want them you can just dump them off at a shelter and/or take them to the vet to end their life.