Euthanasia

[CaptainLeroy]

Hello Everyone!

I'm brand new here, so I'm not sure if I'm posting in the right place.

Some rescue groups have surrender contracts that state (in various wording) that if a surrendered dog is found to be unsuitable for placement, due to physical or mental conditions, that dog may be euthanized.

Does anyone have any experience or first hand knowledge of this stipulation being carried out? And how much rehabilitation time the agency would invest in the dog before making such a decision?

Thanks,

[yorkietalkjilly]

I know once of the rescue shelters my son works with just placed an aggressive/dominant/fearful dog that would not stand to have people approach his cage or him at all and they kept him over 2 years until my son took him on and rehabbed him to the point where he could be placed with a single owner with experience with dogs with this history. So some of them go far to save a dog.

[BonBon]

So much depends on the individual group - how big they are, what funds and other resources are available to them, etc.

Can you tell more about why you're asking? Does this have to do with a mental issue (aggression for example) or is there a health problem involved?

[AlicetheYorkie]

Hi, welcome to Yorkie Talk

I don't have first hand knowledge, but as far as I know, when you're talking about a good rescue, they usually do everything possible before resorting to euthanasia.

We all know there are times when a dog's health is past the point of being able to do anything to give that dog any kind of a quality of life no matter what resources are available, so I'd imagine rescues only make that desision at the recommendation of a vet who understands that the condition is beyond help.

As far as mental illness, working as a vet tech, I have seen 2 cases where there was just something wrong psychologically (possibly from bad breeding) to the point that the dog was a danger to others no matter what training method was used (one Boston Terrier comes to mind that was actually tested for rabies after euthenasia he was so crazy, owners tried EVERYTHING, the dog was just practically rabid (test was negative) and was biting people left and right for no reason at all even after extensive training).

Even though it's sad, I think rescues have to do what's best in the long run, just like owners do. I'm sure they do everything possible first though (some humane societies and SPCAs are a different story though, they don't have the same finances and resources and the volume of homeless animals is too large for them to go to help each one). They have to have that "disclaimer" in there just in case, although I doubt it's used except for in extreme or terminal cases.

[CaptainLeroy]

Thanks for replying - I feel a bit better already.

I ask because I recently surrendered my babies to YTNR. They both had emotional issues due to their first almost year of life in a puppy mill. The ONLY reason I gave them up was because they were so very afraid of my spouse - no abusive issues, just afraid from day one. They submissively peed and pooped any time my spouse was around. I could deal with the frequent accidents around the house and the barking, but after a year with us, I decided they would never be completely happy until they could feel completely safe, and that just was not going to happen in my house.

The day I signed them over was the worst day of my life. I know YTNR is a highly respected agency, and I KNOW they have my dogs' best interests at heart, but in the week I had been communicating with them, I was never once told about a contract, an irrevocable decision, losing all my rights and interests to my dogs, and certainly NEVER about the possibility that they may be euthanized! When I was handed the contract, I couldn't even read it, beyond IRREVOCABLE DECISION, because that's when my eyes clouded so with tears, I really don't even know what my own signature looks like on that contract. When I was finally able to read it later, I couldn't believe I had signed it.

I remembered later a couple of things I had forgotten to tell YTNR, so I contacted the foster mom and asked how my babies were doing. Specifically, I asked if they were afraid of anyone in the (foster) home. That question was left unanswered, but I was informed that my dogs were going to be moved out of state to another foster home! This only a few days after surrender, and after the assurance that YTNR tries everything within their powers to keep dogs in their home states! That leads me to believe that my dogs are fearful of someone in the foster home's family, and that leads me fear that they may be deemed "inappropriate for placement due to emotional issues."

I don't think I could live with myself if I found out that I had given my babies away only to face death in the arms of a stranger.

[AlicetheYorkie]

Originally Posted by CaptainLeroy

Thanks for replying - I feel a bit better already.

I ask because I recently surrendered my babies to YTNR. They both had emotional issues due to their first almost year of life in a puppy mill. The ONLY reason I gave them up was because they were so very afraid of my spouse - no abusive issues, just afraid from day one. They submissively peed and pooped any time my spouse was around. I could deal with the frequent accidents around the house and the barking, but after a year with us, I decided they would never be completely happy until they could feel completely safe, and that just was not going to happen in my house.

The day I signed them over was the worst day of my life. I know YTNR is a highly respected agency, and I KNOW they have my dogs' best interests at heart, but in the week I had been communicating with them, I was never once told about a contract, an irrevocable decision, losing all my rights and interests to my dogs, and certainly NEVER about the possibility that they may be euthanized! When I was handed the contract, I couldn't even read it, beyond IRREVOCABLE DECISION, because that's when my eyes clouded so with tears, I really don't even know what my own signature looks like on that contract. When I was finally able to read it later, I couldn't believe I had signed it.

I remembered later a couple of things I had forgotten to tell YTNR, so I contacted the foster mom and asked how my babies were doing. Specifically, I asked if they were afraid of anyone in the (foster) home. That question was left unanswered, but I was informed that my dogs were going to be moved out of state to another foster home! This only a few days after surrender, and after the assurance that YTNR tries everything within their powers to keep dogs in their home states! That leads me to believe that my dogs are fearful of someone in the foster home's family, and that leads me fear that they may be deemed "inappropriate for placement due to emotional issues."

I don't think I could live with myself if I found out that I had given my babies away only to face death in the arms of a stranger.

That's a tough situation to be in, I feel for you. I have no knowledge or experience with that rescue, but it sounds like a reasonable contract. Their goal is to protect and do what's best for the dogs and remember that some people (NOT you) surrender dogs to rescues for very different reasons and sometimes they are coming from a home that was possibly neglectfull, so the rescue has to "cover their butts" and get 100% legal ownership if the dog.

I wouldn't worry too much though, they're probably placing them in a foster home with maybe only one person or maybe to someone who is good at rehabilitating dogs with emotional issues. I do know that when a dog has an unsolvable "issue" (such as bad with kids or cats or men), they try to find them an appropriate home taking those things into account, so that's most likely the situation with your dogs. I personaly think you made a sound, responsible decission to do what was best for your dogs so they can be in the right home for them and be happy A good rescue won't foster or adopt a dog out to just anyone, they usually are very very strict about it, following up with home visits etc. I know you want to make sure they're ok, but I think at this point you should relax and let the rescue do their job. They know what they're doing it just sometimes takes trial and error to find the right foster home to help the dogs get ready for the right forever home.

[DvlshAngel985]

Originally Posted by AlicetheYorkie

I wouldn't worry too much though, they're probably placing them in a foster home with maybe only one person or maybe to someone who is good at rehabilitating dogs with emotional issues.

OP Welcome to YT! I'm sorry it had to be under such sad circumstances. There are plenty of Foster Moms from YTNR on this site, and I'm sure they can answer your questions a lot better than a few people who are speculating about the issue.

I agree with AlicetheYorkie, such a drastic move would only be done with the pups in mind. I know YTNR (at least in CA) is short on foster homes. Having a fearful dog as well, it takes a special person to work with them. I've had my pup for almost 2 years, and we still have accidents when I approach him sometimes.

[yorkietalkjilly]

I think I've heard it said that the fear issue in dogs is the hardest thing to try to rehab, way harder than aggression, biting, etc., so the dogs probably had to go to a special person who had the knowledge, love, time, and patience to help them.

[LDMomma]

I would think that if you checked their website you could see if they are listed as available. If not, maybe call and ask if they got a home or what is going on with them. For peace of mind.

[Sugar's Mom]

Originally Posted by CaptainLeroy

Thanks for replying - I feel a bit better already.

I ask because I recently surrendered my babies to YTNR. They both had emotional issues due to their first almost year of life in a puppy mill. The ONLY reason I gave them up was because they were so very afraid of my spouse - no abusive issues, just afraid from day one. They submissively peed and pooped any time my spouse was around. I could deal with the frequent accidents around the house and the barking, but after a year with us, I decided they would never be completely happy until they could feel completely safe, and that just was not going to happen in my house.

The day I signed them over was the worst day of my life. I know YTNR is a highly respected agency, and I KNOW they have my dogs' best interests at heart, but in the week I had been communicating with them, I was never once told about a contract, an irrevocable decision, losing all my rights and interests to my dogs, and certainly NEVER about the possibility that they may be euthanized! When I was handed the contract, I couldn't even read it, beyond IRREVOCABLE DECISION, because that's when my eyes clouded so with tears, I really don't even know what my own signature looks like on that contract. When I was finally able to read it later, I couldn't believe I had signed it.

I remembered later a couple of things I had forgotten to tell YTNR, so I contacted the foster mom and asked how my babies were doing. Specifically, I asked if they were afraid of anyone in the (foster) home. That question was left unanswered, but I was informed that my dogs were going to be moved out of state to another foster home! This only a few days after surrender, and after the assurance that YTNR tries everything within their powers to keep dogs in their home states! That leads me to believe that my dogs are fearful of someone in the foster home's family, and that leads me fear that they may be deemed "inappropriate for placement due to emotional issues."

I don't think I could live with myself if I found out that I had given my babies away only to face death in the arms of a stranger.

I'm sorry this has happened to you and your babies.

[deonk1]

I'm sorry you have to go through this. I have a story I want to share with you that may give you peace of mind. I'm sure they have just found a peaceful happy home for you babies who are probably very scared. They need more than just a regular home, they need dedicated love.

My mom and I rescued this little pony a few years ago. We weren't going to take her, but she stole our heart. She had been severely beaten by a man, and put continuously on a cart and beaten if she wouldn't haul the cart. Because she was little a large man could over power her.

When she arrived in our barn we were told that her halter was to be left on, it took all day to get it on her to catch her, and were told to handle at our own risk. She was beautiful, and had blue eyes! Her name was Magenta.
My mom decided she was staying, she wasn't the first rescue we did, and probably wont be the last that goes through mom's barn. She was NOT dangerous. We spent almost a year with her, knowing she would never be rideable, hoping we could just use her to teach children how to groom. After a year I still could not go anywhere near her back end without her swinging a leg at me (I was the trainer in the barn), we still could not take her halter off without a huge fight to get it back on, and men still scared her.

We decided to sell her. We put her up online for what we spent to save her, and found a nice couple who wanted a pony as a pet in the backyard. My mom was so sad to see her go. I got a call two WEEKS later, the woman could put her halter on in less than five minutes, she could lead her near the road, and she could almost touch her back legs. Magenta was beautiful, and special. BUT she was not meant to be in our barn. There was too much commotion, too much stress, and men. She was dangerous to children, because they could not handle her properly. In two weeks that woman did more than we did in a year. We got an update at six months and were told she was in love with Magenta and that she had found a forever home. She may even be able to be ridden some day.

Your babies will find someone like this, just trust in the people who have her now, it's their job.

Hugs and prayers are with you, it is not an easy decision to make, but know your babies will find peace and happiness.

[CaptainLeroy]

Thank you so much. Deonk1, your story makes me hopeful that my dogs will find happiness in the right situation, and fear will no longer be a part of their lives. LDMomma, I check the website several times every day, and they're listed as adoptable. I really don't know how I'll feel when they're listed as "adopted." I pray that they'll both be adopted by the same person, as they are extremely devoted to each other, but their adoption fee is so high, I have grave doubts they'll go to the same home.

[Sugar's Mom]

Originally Posted by CaptainLeroy

Thank you so much. Deonk1, your story makes me hopeful that my dogs will find happiness in the right situation, and fear will no longer be a part of their lives. LDMomma, I check the website several times every day, and they're listed as adoptable. I really don't know how I'll feel when they're listed as "adopted." I pray that they'll both be adopted by the same person, as they are extremely devoted to each other, but their adoption fee is so high, I have grave doubts they'll go to the same home.

you know they say hindsight is 20/20. There are rescues that will keep you in the loop every step of the way. nothing is done unless you allow it and they will also place your babies together if that is what you want. if you ever have need of a reputable rescue again, please contact Yorkies, Inc. They are top of the line. But I am hoping your babies will be fine and be together. this is such a hard situation on you and the babies both and you were under so much stress at the time so I hope you are feeling better today.

[DvlshAngel985]

Originally Posted by Sugar's Mom

you know they say hindsight is 20/20. There are rescues that will keep you in the loop every step of the way. nothing is done unless you allow it and they will also place your babies together if that is what you want. if you ever have need of a reputable rescue again, please contact Yorkies, Inc. They are top of the line. But I am hoping your babies will be fine and be together. this is such a hard situation on you and the babies both and you were under so much stress at the time so I hope you are feeling better today.

I'm sure if she asks they will give her the email address of the foster mom so she can get updates. It doesn't hurt to ask.

[Lizzie07]

I would like to put some of your fears to rest, also. With an organization like YTNR, I feel sure, although I have no actual experience with them, that they have quite a bit of experience with puppymill dogs. In fact, they probably moved the dogs to a foster home that can work with them.

Also, everyone who fosters for YTNR are volunteers, and they are doing it for the love of the dogs. As such, the last, the very last thing they want to do is euthanize a dog. Also, they are in the best position to find homes that will over look many problems a dog may have or who would be a good match for a dog with a problem that is slow to resolve.

I have fostered for the Italian Greyhound Club of America Rescue and I got a male dog, Monty about twelve years ago and he still lives with me. I didn't think he was placeable and just made the decision to adopt him myself. Another dog, from an 86 yr old woman came to me about two years ago. Twice when I tried to pick her up to make her go out, she bit me, and I mean bit me, really nailed me. Again, I just decided to keep her rather than have anything happen to her. I could manage her and she was sweet otherwise, got along with my dogs. I did place her after about a year, and she celebrated her first year in her forever home in January.

I honestly don't think you need to agonize over your decision. Your babies are in good hands, I am sure.