A Question for folks in rescue....

[Corrie]

A question for other folks in rescue…we are a Westie rescue group and have taken in a 4 year old Westie into our rescue. The family has signed the surrender form.

He is grossly overweight and has skin issues that his family only treated with prednisone -from the Vet info they have provided us he has been on prednisone for well over a year.

They are now contacting us demanding the dog back. They say they miss him and now say they changed their mind.

We do not want to offend them but we need to be firm with them and let them know that he is in the right place and will not be returned to them.

Has other rescues dealt with this??? What did you say to the family???? Any suggestion would be much appreciated.

[pbpatti]

Wow what a predicament your resue is in. My ...hide the dog take it far away....no,no just kidding. I think that since the family signed a surrrender to you that they no longer have any rights to the dog. Do not worry about offending the family, tell them that they have no rights to him and that he is now being cared for by your Vets and foster family...again just my .

There should be someone along that knows more about rescues that can guide you through this.

[Digston]

I know that we dealt with that a lot at Petland. People would surrender their dog and then change their mind shortly after. If we denied them it was because we saw obvious evidence of neglect. Otherwise we treated it like any other potential adopter. If we felt they were able to provide the pet with a good home we would re-adopt the dog to them. If there was any medical costs they would be required to pay for the costs and if not, they were required to pay an adoption fee like any other person would need to. That way people didn't use us for cheap treatment or a free boarding facility.

[BenMax]

Rescues do deal with this time to time and so do shelters.
Bottom line is that the dog was not given proper vetting nor did they give a hoot. Dog was obviously in the wrong home.

You should not feel offended by telling them that this dog is no longer theirs and therefore they are not getting the dog back.

They failed the dog on 2 counts: not properly taking care of this dog health wise, and abandoning the dog. To me, it's a no brainer, and you can politely tell them that the dog is being placed in an environment where he will be loved and well cared for. End of story.

[Love4himies]

Originally Posted by BenMax

Rescues do deal with this time to time and so do shelters.
Bottom line is that the dog was not given proper vetting nor did they give a hoot. Dog was obviously in the wrong home.

You should not feel offended by telling them that this dog is no longer theirs and therefore they are not getting the dog back.

They failed the dog on 2 counts: not properly taking care of this dog health wise, and abandoning the dog. To me, it's a no brainer, and you can politely tell them that the dog is being placed in an environment where he will be loved and well cared for. End of story.

Exactly my feelings too .

Don't feel one bit guilty that they gave up their dog and now want it back

[chico2]

I agree,the former owners lost the right to this dog,when they signed him over.

[Edenca]

Send the dog to a foster home or home with a volunteer, temporarily. Tell them that the dog is no longer available. The dog is much better off now !!!