Although we frequently use the term ‘rescue’ when referring to our organisation there is a good reason why, after much deliberation, it was not included in our title.  There is a popular misconception that most of the dogs that come into our care are neglected, unloved, unwanted or abused in some way, and we would like to dispel the myth here and now.  Most of the dogs that come to us do so because their owners realise that they can no longer give them the quality of life that they deserve.  This involves tremendous sacrifice and heartache on the owner’s part and one can only feel respect and admiration that they choose to put the dog’s needs before their own.

We have had some deeply distressing handovers which our volunteers have found traumatic and very difficult.  Giving up a dog can be like a bereavement and we like to support the previous owner through this difficult time, which is generally more easily coped with by the dogs than the humans.  Our volunteers are chosen for their compassion as well as their capabilities, and Jacqui’s training as a Pet Bereavement Counsellor is an obvious asset in such situations.

Family circumstances change all too often, moving house, new baby, domestic break-up, work commitments, going into care, or indeed any one of a multitude of reasons why the dog can no longer receive the company, exercise or time which it deserves.  It is a great act of selflessness to give up what may be your only real friend during a particular crisis in your own life, we never underestimate this fact and want to make the process go as smoothly as possible for you.

For obvious reasons we very rarely put previous owners and new in touch with each other, and then, only with the express permission of both parties.  However, we are always very willing to act as ‘middle man’ to pass on letters, photos etc.  This has always worked very satisfactorily in the past. If you are handing in a dog, please be assured that we always welcome calls from you if you need to know how it is getting on and need reassurance that it is happy in its new environment - and we always tell the truth.  There is no danger that the new owner can sell the dog, or pass it on in any way as once a dog is signed over to us it always remains our property, the person taking on the dog having signed a legal agreement that if for any reason they cannot care for it any longer it comes back to us and we once again become responsible for its welfare.

We would like to assure you here and now that we always focus on the needs of the dog first and foremost and whilst we do our very best to find potential adopters the kind of dog that they would like, their needs essentially come second to any dog coming into our care.  We take every consideration towards finding the dog a home most suitable to its needs to minimise any risk of it coming back into ‘rescue’.  If you are thinking of putting your dog into our care we ask that you are totally honest about its faults and habits for the dog’s sake.  We need to know as much as possible, ‘warts and all’.  If it has behavioural problems we need to know, so that we can arrange for a programme of behavioural modification to give it the best possible chance of successful rehabilitation in a new home.  It does not mean that we will refuse to take it in, but at least our fosterers will be prepared which is only fair to both them and the dog.  We will not place a dog in a home unless we are as confident as we can be that it will be a successful rehoming and that the dog will settle well.  We can only have confidence in our choice of home if we have the necessary background information on your dog.

Before you hand your dog over you will be asked to fill in a Dog Profile Questionnaire, with many questions about the dog’s early development.  We make no apologies for the length of this questionnaire, as should any problems develop in the future it will help us to put a finger on the probable explanation for its changed behaviour.  Many of the questions may seem irrelevant when you first read the form, but anyone familiar with dog behaviour will recognise the usefulness of the answers not only when problem solving, but in finding the most appropriate home.  Of course, if you are rehoming the dog for someone else, or have not owned it since a puppy there will be a large number of questions that you cannot answer, we then ask that you give us as much information as you are able to provide.

Behavioural problems or changes are a frequent reason for an owner feeling that there is no alternative but to rehome their dog, but this is not always necessary.  There have been occasions when an in-depth discussion on the telephone (or a home visit if close enough) have helped enough to be able to prevent the dog coming into ‘rescue’ by the owner learning how the behaviour can be modified.  This is always particularly satisfying, as of course it is a better solution all round if the dog can remain with its owner.  If you feel that we may be able to help please do ring 0844 879 4260 [INFO] for a discussion and we will talk it through with you and see if we can offer suggestions for remedial training.

If you are giving up more than one dog and the dogs are bonded we will not separate them, but will find a home together.  It would put added stress on the dogs to lose each other at this time and make rehabilitation more difficult.  This makes no difference if the Westie’s pal is not of the same breed.

It is always nice if familiar possessions can accompany your dog, particularly its bed or blanket, a familiar toy and of course details of what it has been fed most recently.  We will need its vaccination record and any other medical history and details of medication that it may be taking.  If microchipped please sign the reverse of the microchip certificate so that the details can be amended at a later date.

We want the rehoming to go as smoothly as possible for everyone concerned and if you are at all worried or have any questions would prefer you to ring and discuss your concerns with us.  Please do not think that it is too much trouble.  One last request though - if you have a last minute change of heart or have made other arrangements for your dog’s rehoming, please, please, please let us know as soon as possible!  This is MOST important!  Please remember that someone, somewhere is excited at the prospect of having your dog moving in with them and has probably done a great deal of preparation and possibly shopping in readiness.  We do not like to disappoint them at the very last moment if it is at all avoidable, and informing us sooner rather than later can save us a lot in terms of both cost and effort too.

If you feel that you can no longer do the best for your dog, we hope that you will not see handing him/her into Westie ReHoming as a failure on your part.  In fact, it is quite the opposite and we are here to support you through the process.

Please _^Email: if you wish to discuss any problems you might have in being able to keep your Westie.

Or you can telephone 0844 879 4260 [INFO].  Or write to:

Westie ReHoming
PO Box 2868
SWINDON, Wiltshire
SN4 0WU.

enclosing an SAE if you need a reply.