Rehoming a Pet: Rethinking the “Forever Home” Concept
Although here at West Coast this is what we dream of for our puppies and hope for, sometimes it just isn’t forever with one person, and there should be no shame in that. As breeders we trust that our adoptive families come with the very best intentions for their new puppies, as good as we are at screening clients, sometimes even that doesn’t matter because wonderful, well-intended people are still affected by life like the rest of us, and dogs are also individuals, and like people, not everyone gets along or fits into every environment, and life throws us curveballs all the time.
When people hear the word “rehome,” it often triggers a strong emotional response, typically negative. For many, it conjures images of a tragic situation, where a pet is being abandoned or given up by a heartless owner. However, this stigma surrounding rehoming is not only misplaced; it can also hinder the best interests of the pets involved.
Pets Are Individuals…And just like humans, pets have their own personalities, needs, and preferences. Some animals thrive in lively environments, full of interaction and stimulation, while others prefer peace, quiet, and consistency. These traits can determine how well they fit into a particular household. A dog who craves stability and predictability may struggle in a chaotic home with young children, while a high-energy dog might become bored and destructive in a quiet household.
This is why it’s essential to recognize that not every pet will fit perfectly into every home. Just as we don’t expect every person to become best friends with everyone they meet, we shouldn’t expect every pet to adapt seamlessly to any environment.
The True Meaning of “Forever Home”
The idea of a “forever home” is a beautiful concept—one that envisions a lifelong bond between a pet and its owner. Every pet deserves a committed and loving home. However, there are situations where a pet might be better suited to a different environment, one that can better meet their specific needs. In these cases, rehoming can be a responsible and compassionate decision and we are here to help.
Rehoming Without Shame
People find themselves in need of rehoming their pets for various reasons—financial hardship, life changes, or a simple mismatch between the pet and the household environment. It’s crucial to remember that rehoming is not about giving up; it’s about doing what’s best for the pet. By approaching rehoming with compassion and understanding, we can ensure that every pet finds a home where they can thrive.
In the end, rehoming is not a failure—it’s a chance for a pet to find the environment that best suits them. Let’s shift the conversation around rehoming from one of judgment to one of kindness and open-mindedness, always putting the pet’s well-being first. Let’s work together to make their lives better and our lives better for having had them in it.
Barbara DiBernardo - West Coast German Shepherds
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Our West Coast “Forever Home” Policy
If you ever have to give up your dog that came from us for any reason our door is open and we will take them in and spend the time necessary to find them another loving family to call their own when that is possible. However, as years have passed we have gathered retirees of our own dogs that can sometimes create limited space and we cannot always take in another dog at that time. So we ask that if possible the dog remains in their home as we search for a new home for them. We also trust that prior to taking the step to rehoming your dog that every step has been taken to be able to keep the dog in its original home, training (personal and/or group), reconfiguration of the dog's housing, routine, exercise, etc. We trust that it is not a hastily made decision and therefore everything was done and considered in order to try to avoid the dog losing its place in your family. When taking in your dog ourselves we do not ask for financial donations when someone is giving up their dog, however, it is welcomed as it can be quite costly for us to care for, rehab in some cases, and house, sometimes for long periods, your dog until the perfect situation comes along for them. And in cases where a dog has any issue that prevents rehoming, we are now financially responsible for this dog until the end of its life. So every bit helps in these cases when a family is able. We also ask that the dog come with the things it’s familiar with, such as a crate, dog bed, toys, etc. This also helps us out when we don’t have to purchase these things for an additional dog.
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