Rehome isn’t a bad word
The word “rehome” usually evokes some form of emotional response when people hear it or use it.
Most commonly, the emotional response is a negative one. Maybe you think: how tragic for the dog, or what terrible person would give up on their dog?
There is a stigma around rehoming a dog – which doesn’t prioritize needs of the individual dog.
Dogs are individuals
They are just like people. They have their own personality traits and sometimes dogs don’t fit perfectly in every environment. Dogs are just like us. Some of us love new people, sites and socializing, others prefer routine, consistency and quiet time. We don’t always become best friends with everyone we meet. Neither do dogs.
Certain dogs are shy and find peace in consistency. Certain dogs who are fearful of new environments and loud noises will not live their best life in a loud and bustling household of five people.
Putting the dog first
And that’s where the fresh new perspective comes in. We strive to find dogs, each with their individual and unique personality, a place to live their best life out, and sometimes that isn’t the first place they end up. That’s what dog rescue is all about. Putting the dog first.
The concept around the “forever” family is great in theory, and of course every dog parent should act in a committed and responsible manner. Their dog deserves long-term commitment and love.
Yet, certain dogs could be living a in an environment that is more suited to them, and there shouldn’t be shame in the desire to provide that for them. Rehoming a dog might be the best option for that dog. We need to put the dog first, and that can mean finding it a new home.
Humane Rehoming
In Central Oregon, there aren’t many options for folks looking to rehome a dog. Most people have no idea where to begin. Thankfully, one organization saw this growing need and has developed a program around removing the stigma and shame of rehoming.
The focus shifts to providing resources for pet parents and finding avenues to ensure successful placement for their pups. Humane rehoming is their coined term.
The decision to rehome a dog never comes easily or lightly for the folks who truly want the best for their dog. Many have spent sleepless nights worrying about where their dog will go, who might adopt it and what their future may hold. They want to do the right thing and yet they feel helpless.
The rehoming program through The Rawley Project gives pet parents a new and innovative approach to rehoming.
This new approach provides them with services such as biography writing, photography and exposure through various websites and social media platforms to families looking to adopt.
But the best part is: the humane rehoming program gives conflicted dog parents the peace of mind they need.
People who choose humane rehoming will receive:
- Emotional support of the organization
- The ability to choose who their dog will go home with
- All the tools that the dog needs to expose them to potential second chances
People can find themselves in need of humane rehoming for all sorts of reasons. Regardless, let’s put the dog first.
It is never the dogs fault, and everyone is going through something we have no idea about. So let’s remember to impart kindness and open-mindedness the next time you think of the word rehoming.
Author: Amanda Wheeler
Amanda was born and raised in Bend and developed a love of dogs at an early age. After attending the University of Oregon she moved south to San Diego where she became the proud parent of her first dog, Rawley. While she worked in finance for 15 years, she was an active volunteer at the San Diego Humane Society. Years later, after Rawley’s passing, she volunteered at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab Utah where she met her eldest fur child Willow. The trip to Kanab sparked a passion in Amanda that would lead her back to Bend and to the Board of Directors at the Humane Society of Central Oregon where she served as a member and Secretary for 3 years. She remains an active volunteer and you can find her there Saturday mornings facilitating adoptions. Amanda then went on to help develop and grow other local rescue organizations while in tandem exploring the world of international spay neuter work. Today, Amanda is the Executive Director and founder of The Rawley Project, a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing & rehoming dogs while also serving the local community by providing refuge for pets with humans in crisis. In the…