Let’s talk about a ‘taboo’ subject – surrendering your pets.
We believe that dogs are for life; and if you’re reading
this website, you probably do too. The idea of surrendering your beloved pet to
a shelter horrifies you!
In an ideal world, this would always be a black and white issue.
But we don’t live in a perfect world, and sometimes dogs are surrendered to
shelters or rescue organisations to be re homed.
Who would do that?
Why do people give
away their pets?
The answers are many and varied.
Firstly, situations do change. While some pet owners may be
guilty of a lack of foresight and/or poor planning, many people are affected by
unforeseen and sudden changes. As rescuers, we need to empathise with and
understand the people as well as the dogs.
At Moving Paws Inc, many of the dogs that we rehome come
from elderly owners who are no longer able to care for them. Their humans may
have become unwell or moved into a retirement home where they are unable to
take their much-loved pets. This can be a very sad situation for pets and
people. Worse still, the owners may have passed away; and family members are
unable or unwilling to take on their animals.
Another common reason for surrender is separation and
divorce. One or both partners can suddenly go from living in a secure household
to looking for accommodation at very short notice - with children and pets in
tow. Landlords are not often known for being pet-friendly. Large dogs and
multiple pets can pose a particular problem for house hunters. Sometimes,
there’s a happy ending for all; but sometimes it’s just not possible to work
things out in the available time frame. It’s a brave decision to put your pet’s
welfare ahead of your own attachment.
Housing issues are another frequent cause of pets being
given up. A secure lease can become insecure after a change in landlord or the
loss of a job. Anyone who has rented will know that pet-friendly rentals are
increasingly rare. Of course, we would love to see more flexible options for
pet accommodation, including rental properties and at shelters for the homeless
and victims of domestic violence.
Children and babies can lead to pets being rehomed. While
many dogs are great with children, and can be perfectly safe with supervised
play time, one snap can be enough to create doubts. Not everyone has the
resources to consult a behavioural expert to resolve the situation. Even with
help, the family and dog may have lost confidence in one another.
Lastly, there can be situations where a pet is just not
suited to its family and vice versa. This can be the case with newly adopted dogs.
All dogs are individuals and they may have fears or quirks that need to be
dealt with. Despite everyone’s best efforts, the pet may need to be taken out
of the situation and rehomed in a more suitable environment for his or her
needs. Factors can include incompatibility between the dog and family’s energy
levels, work commitments, or housing arrangements. Together, these can lead to
the dog and family both being unhappy.
Rehabilitation can be a complex issue. A dog can behave differently
in the foster care environment compared to the adoptive family’s home. The
challenges can sometimes turn out to be much greater than first thought.
Responsible rescuers offer ongoing support to their adopters and strive to
overcome challenges. It takes courage (from all sides) to admit that a
placement is not working out and that a dog may be better placed with another
family.
Dogs are adaptable to new situations. Naturally, there may
be some distress early on as they adjust to their new environment. With the
right family, and love and support, they will flourish.
Very few people give up their pets on a whim. The decision
is reached after serious soul-searching and it is sometimes the only mature
option. It is often a very distressing time for the owners who may feel that
they have let their much-loved pets down.
The bottom line is that, sometimes, the decision to
surrender a pet to a responsible organisation can be the most selfless and
compassionate one.
As the saying goes – it’s impossible to judge others unless
you have walked a mile in their shoes. One day, you may find yourself faced
with a very difficult decision too.
It is best to approach this situation in a cooperative and
understanding way. For example, it is extremely useful for a rescue
organisation to be able to obtain a full and honest history of the pet they are
rehoming, in order to set them up for success in their new home. This includes
medical history and any behavioural issues that may need to be addressed. This
knowledge gives the dog the best chance of being rehomed with the right family
for their needs.
Dogs do adjust, they don’t hold grudges, they don’t judge, and
they don’t look back. Pet rescuers are most effective when we have the same
attitude.
Thank you for reading! Please share our blog, browse our website and check out Moving Paws Inc on Facebook and instagram
Regards, Debbie - Founder - Moving Paws Inc.
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