[Teresa Ford]

Why do Dogs become rehomes ? Reason # 1 Many dogs become homeless because they are not well trained, housebroken, bark excessively, or have other behavior issues. People buy a cute ball of puppy cuteness, without a clue about how to train a dog. They just expect the dog 'to be good'. Dogs have to be taught what is acceptable in their family and what is not. Reason #2 Life Changes, this includes job loss, home loss, moving, divorce, new baby, death in the family, going away to school, and other reasons, even getting a new pet. I am not judging here, just repeating things I have been told by people who surrender their dogs. An example was when I rescued (off CL) a 'breeding pair' of AKC Yorkies. The owner was elderly and broke a hip. She went to a nursing home. Her daughter didn't want the dogs. The female was pregnant. and had 4 puppies. I found homes for all six dogs. They were rehomed. Reason # 3 Breeder rehome this is a wonderful way to get a Yorkie. Some of the reasons are retiring a breeder bitch or stud. An older pup that was held back as a potential breeder or show dog who has some minor fault, too big, too small, wrong bite, set or size of ears. Slightly wrong coat color or type for show, undescended testicle, white toenails, and yes,the wrong personality. Some Yorkies hate being a show dog, so they need to a calmer family style life to thrive.
Reason # 4 Health Issues. Sometimes a dog is truly loved and wanted, but some health issue happens and the owner can not afford the cost of the care. I have seen this happen when a great paying job is lost. This is tragic to me. For me it would be almost be like giving up a child because I couldn't afford an expensive surgery. Very few rescues help people with medical costs and allow them to keep their dog. It is even more rare to find a sponsor that will give or loan money to an pet owner. What choice do they really have ? let the dog suffer, put the dog to sleep or rehome with a rescue. Another reason is some people can not deal emotionally with the sick dog.
Reason # 5 Dogs that fight or bite. Sometimes people bring home a new dog and they just can't make it work. One example was a wonderful family that had a very elderly dog. The new dog attacked the old dog repeatedly. The family thought it was best to rehome the new dog, so they did.
Reason # 6 Fill in the Blank __________________________. I include this because some people rehome for terrible reasons. They are too selfish or lazy to take care of a dog. I have heard some unbelievable reasons. Here are a few. Not cute any more, no time for the dog, spouse or boy friend doesn't like dogs, peed on the bed, want to go on vacation, need the money, want the money, breath stinks, the dog is pregnant, neighbors complained and OMG the dog is too fat !