When we are asked to find a new home for a Rescue, our Co-ordinator arranges for the Rescue to be placed in a temporary foster home. We sometimes have to collect the dogs, often at very short notice.
We do not have kennels and prefer that our dogs are assessed in a home environment.
The dogs are often filthy and their coats matted. Once the dogs are cleaned and groomed they are then vet checked as soon as possible, and any necessary vaccinations are given. Many of the dogs we receive are in need of treatment and this is paid out of rescue funds. Most vets are sympathetic and some give us a substantial discount, but our vets bills still run into many thousands of pounds each year.
Assessment is then made and they are usually ready to go to their new homes. Any information with regard to physical/temperament problems are passed to our Rescue Co-ordinator, who selects the appropriate placement.
The rescue is run entirely by volunteers who take no payment. We are always looking for caring people able to help with this temporary accommodation, or with collection of dogs. Could you possibly help?
How the dogs are rehomed
Potential New Keepers are asked to fill in an online application form. If you require a paper application, please contact our Home Assessment officer, contact details are listed under Trustees and they will be happy to post one out to you.
Once this has been completed and returned, a home visit is arranged with a home checker to make sure they are able to offer a Rescue Shih Tzu a suitable home. The potential New Keeper is able to ask any questions that are not covered in the original Questionnaire.
The Rescue does not have a waiting list as such. We try to rehome our Rescue’s within a 50 to 70 mile radius of where the potential New Keeper lives. This is so that our transport costs are kept to a minimum and is less trauma to the animal. However, if transport is required, the new keeper will be required to cover the cost of mileage.
Anyone adopting one of our dogs has to agree to certain conditions, including not to pass the dog on as all our dogs have rescue back-up for life.
Ongoing help and advice is, of course freely available to all New Keepers. Indeed many keep in close touch, often sending photos. It is lovely to see the dogs settled happily in their new homes.