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About 3.9 million dogs are abandoned or surrendered to a shelter or rescue each year.
American Brittany Rescue places hundreds of dogs each year into their forever homes. It takes dedication, time, and volunteers to make a dog’s dream come true. Illinois State Coordinator Deb Giesler shares how the owner surrender process works.
Why do owners surrender their Brittany?
60% of the time owners surrender their dog because of a lifestyle change in the household. The owners might have a change in work hours. Some owners are unprepared to handle their dog’s high energy level or the dog does not hunt anymore. Empty nesters might want to travel, or they become too old to care for their dog. People have found that once they are not around to give their dogs the attention they need, the separation anxiety becomes unmanageable with escaping, chewing and destroying the home.
In one heartbreaking story, a couple with a Brittany adopted a child with special needs. The child became a danger to the dog. It was a hard decision for the owners, but they could not trust their child to not harm the dog. They had to surrender their dog.
The other 40% of Brittanys needing homes are found on the internet, on the streets or through shelters. Each state has volunteers to review websites such as Craigslist, Petfinder, RescueMe, or DogtheLove looking for Brittanys. Once a Brittany is found, the state coordinator is notified.
What is the typical age of a surrendered Brittany?
There are two main age groups of surrendered dogs. One is 18 months to 3 years old. Owners find behavioral issues, Brittany temperament and high energy daunting. The other group is 8 years old and up. Older dogs are mostly surrendered because the household has changed or the owner’s lifestyle or medical issues are not conducive to keeping their dog.
What is the surrender process?
The first step is for the owner to fill out the Owner Surrender Application. A state coordinator reviews the form and talks with the owner. Gaps in the dog’s history or shot records are discussed. The state coordinator will also call the veterinarian to verify the medical history. Vets cannot give out information beyond what is on the medical history, but they can help the coordinator understand any gaps in the shot history. Some Brittanys come into ABR with an incomplete medical history or no paperwork at all. They may need to start all over with their shots and most importantly have a heartworm check 6 months after the first heartworm check to be sure that they are negative.
If the dog has any medical issues, it is better for ABR to know up front. Some owners are afraid to tell the truth, but it saves ABR time and money if medical issues are known, and a more complete history of the dog makes it easier to find the best foster home. The goal is to have a good placement with a transition that is smooth and the least traumatic for the dog.
Do the owners pay to surrender their dog?
ABR asks for a donation to help with the costs associated with getting a dog adopted. Some owners help transport their dog to a pick-up, give a cash donation, or donate the dog’s bedding, bowls, collar and toys. One owner gave all of the above and drove 3 ½ hours to drop the dog off just so that they could meet the foster family. The dog was 9 years old and there was a change in the owner’s work schedule. The owner knew that the dog’s physical needs were being met, but not the emotional ones. They loved their dog so much that they knew it would be better off in a home where it could be cared for and all the dog’s needs would be met. Some owners keep in contact with ABR to check in from time to time to see how their dog has adjusted.
Working with shelters and breeders
Some shelters that work with ABR will call if a Brittany comes into their shelter. Pictures will be sent to try to confirm that the dog is in fact a Brittany. (People often confuse Springer Spaniels with Brittanys!)
Sometimes a coordinator can work with owners to return their Brittany to the breeder. One older couple bought a Brittany puppy from a breeder. After a few months, they realized with their age, a puppy was not a good fit. The coordinator was able to convince the couple to talk with the breeder who accepted the dog back.
Of course sometimes there are stories that make coordinators shake their heads. In one example, a man surrendered his Brittany due to his economical and medical issues. Later, he bought another Brittany from the breeder and proceeded to surrender this Brittany shortly thereafter. When he got his third Brittany and decided to surrender that dog, the coordinator was able to talk with the man to discuss calling the breeder. She explained that any reputable breeder would work with the owner and usually take the dog back. He was embarrassed about how things had worked out with the other dogs and did not want to contact the breeder. He gave permission for the coordinator to contact the breeder and the dog was returned.
Dogs that will never be adopted
There are times when ABR takes a Brittany that has behavioral issues and is placed with an experienced foster. Despite the foster parent’s training and working with professional behaviorists, the dog is deemed a danger to themselves or others. At that point it comes time for the decision to let them go.
Volunteers are vital
Each state has a coordinator to review the owner surrender intake form. Their goal is to keep a dog safe and help to move it on to the next chapter of its life as soon as possible. When Illinois State Coordinator Deb Giesler is notified about a dog midweek, she likes to have it placed by the weekend. She has to be quick but also very thorough. To reduce the trauma for our sensitive Brittanys, the goal is to minimize the amount of moving from home to home. Deb has been known to use her ‘guilt stick’ when there is a new dog coming into the system and she needs to find a spot among the foster homes. She prides herself on working with her network of volunteers to make this experience for the dogs as smooth and calm as possible.
Without the network of volunteers, ABR would not be able to rescue dogs and place them into their forever homes. If you are interested in being a part of this process, there are many ways to volunteer. There is a pressing need for foster homes where a dog can be evaluated and feel safe. You can be a part of the Brittany Express, transporting dogs from their original home to the foster home. Volunteers are also needed to pull dogs from shelters and perform home visits. Our Outreach Group volunteers are also vital in getting the word out about ABR so shelters, vets, and dog owners know that we are here to help.
Take the first step in helping a Brittany in need by submitting a volunteer application today!
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