I've had some friends fall on hard times lately, some family members realize that they're just not the right home for a dog that they love enough to give up. It's hard, so hard, to realize that you're not right for a dog. Sometimes, the most selfless thing we can do is to let a dog go to a new home.
The only problem I have with that is that so many people go about it in entirely the wrong way. You can't just post on craigslist "free to a good home" because, let's face facts now, there are assholes out there that will use your dog as a bait dog in a fighting ring, to breed, and for all sorts of sick shit that you couldn't even begin to wrap your head around. Puppy mills, fighting rings, labs, they're all places that will take a dog off of Craigslist, Freecycle, or your local "buy, sell, trade" group and use them for evil. You don't want that for your dog, even if he or she didn't fit into your home, or you became financially unstable overnight (it happens, trust me.) or you got sick out of the blue, you want your dog to go to a good, safe, loving home. If you want to know how to make that happen, keep reading. This isn't going to be my usual joke post. It's not going to be silly or full of nonsense - this is absolutely as serious as you will find me, folks.
1) When you're rehoming a dog, do a home check. That doesn't mean drive up to the house, look and see that it's nice out front, and leave your dog there. No. Go in, look around, see if the other pets there (if there are any) look happy and healthy, make sure you don't see anything suspicious around. I'm not talking guns and marijuana plants - more power to them as far as I'm concerned. I'm talking fighting paraphernalia (there's an article here: https://www.aspca.org/fight-cruelty/dog-fighting/pit-bull-cruelty)
2) Ask for professional references. The potential owner's current or former veterinarian should be able to provide you with their opinion on weather or not the person is a good home.A groomer can be a good source that lets you know that their current or former dogs are not neglected.
3) Ask for personal references. A person who has never had a pet before won't have anything I'm asking for in number two, but everyone has friends or family, or even just neighbors.
4) Make yourself a questionnaire - if you can't think of questions to ask, download and print one (like this one:http://www.farescue.org/pdf_files/questionnaire_canine.pdf)
5) Be prepared for the transition to not work out. Sometimes dogs just don't fit, and like any rescue organization, you should have a plan in case the new home doesn't mesh with your fur friend. A trial period is a great idea for someone trying to rehome their dogs. This is another great reason to do a home visit - take your dog along and make sure he gets along with everyone in the house (including children and other animals!)
6) Ask a small rehoming fee. Keep in mind that you can waive this fee for the right home (this is a great way to keep fighters, back yard breeders, and other creeps away. Many of them aren't willing to pay for what they consider a disposable animal).
7) Know that the first home isn't always the perfect home... and it's ok to say "no" and keep looking. Just because someone wants your dog doesn't mean that they're right for them... You, as the dog's current owner, should know your dog well enough to have an idea if a new home will work. For example: you're rehoming your border collie, and a potential home calls. She tells you she lives in a studio apartment and doesn't get out much - you know this is clearly not the right home, and it's OK to tell her so.
8) Be honest. Don't tell a potential home that he or she is potty trained if he or she isn't. Don't tell them that he or she is vaccinated if he or she isn't. Plain and simple: don't be a fucking douche.
9) Spay or neuter your dog before you rehome. Seriously. Unless it's against your breeder's contract (and your breeder damn well better know that you're rehoming, and have better offered to help or take the dog back, or your breeder is a shithead and shouldn't be breeding) whack that shit off. YOU may be responsible enough to prevent unwanted litters, no matter how much you like the person you choose to take your dog, you shouldn't trust them to not be an idiot.
10) Finally (though I'm sure there are plenty more tips out there) Know for sure you need to do this. Don't make the decision lightly, because it's not a light decision to make. Think long and hard, and know that what you're doing benefits the dog and you as much as possible... and then don't get another dog, until things are more stable for you. Please, for the love of all that is good and holy, if you rehome a dog because you can't care for it physically or financially, don't get another damn dog.
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