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Westie ReHoming is a charity established in 2002, dedicated to the welfare and rehoming of the West Highland White Terrier. We take in westies needing a new start in life for whatever reason and place them into a suitable home where they will be loved and have their needs met.

We have a holistic approach to rehoming, encompassing many perspectives, although the westies’ needs always come first.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT - To ensure that all Westies in need (whatever their pedigree/disability), receive the care most appropriate to their circumstances and to raise awareness of West Highland White Terrier welfare.

Unless otherwise stated, we always use images of dogs rehomed through Westie ReHoming on this website.

These images are the property of Westie ReHoming and are subject to copyright rules

NO PART OF THIS WEBSITE OR ANY OF ITS CONTENTS MAY BE

REPRODUCED, COPIED, MODIFIED OR ADAPTED, WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE AUTHOR.

UPDATE – June 8th

With the lifting of more restrictions, many people will assume that rehoming is more or less back to normal. However, we must accept that this is now the new normality, and things will never be back to how they were before the pandemic.

Whilst many procedures are now possible, we must all use common sense and keep safety uppermost in our minds. We are all still at varying degrees of risk, new variants pop up and volunteers and applicants are responsible for their own safety, some being particularly vulnerable and at risk. We must all respect that.

Permitted or not, home-checks, dog assessments etc held indoors over a cup of tea are unlikely to be the norm now, sad as it is. Outdoor meetings and introductions will be safer with people from different areas mixing. We would never expect our volunteers or applicants to be in a situation in which they don’t feel comfortable.

We are beginning to see the impact of the effects of the pandemic on the lockdown puppies that we have taken in. These dogs really do need to go to people with experience and a great deal of understanding as most have significant problems.

These are testing times for them too. They have not been used to visitors coming into their homes or adequate socialisation. A great deal of focus has been on people’s mental health and how they have coped in the absence of family and friends and in isolation. Dogs are very much social animals too who thrive on company, but who will consider their anxieties now that their ‘pack’ will be spending time away from home, leaving them alone? They must be gently worked with. It isn’t just a matter of giving them lots of love, they have usually had that, but love alone doesn’t prepare them for living in the outside world or teach them some social graces. We are totally committed to doing the very best for all of the dogs we take in, and ensuring that their next home has the same level of commitment.

However, there are reasons to be more optimistic about rehoming at the moment, although there may be a higher percentage of dogs given up for behavioural reasons, and so they may not meet your expectations. – As always, we can say that the right dog is always worth waiting for.

Stay safe everyone, there are still challenging times ahead

"When I was looking for a westie I was recommended to go to Westie ReHoming. They asked me to fill in a form which gave them an idea of my lifestyle and then they suggested a lovely little dog, not exactly the kind of westie I was looking for originally, but their judgement proved to be spot on. Hamish is the most perfect little dog for me and we love each other to bits. I wish his first mum and dad could see how happy he is with me now, it must have been so hard for them to have to give him up. I could so easily have made a mistake without the guidance and experience of Westie ReHoming, and I would highly recommend anyone wanting to adopt a westie to give them a call first. I'm sure they won't regret it, Hamish and I certainly didn't"

Audrey & HamishWiltshire

"I was so pleased to find that Westie ReHoming covered Scotland as I especially wanted a Westie, having grown up with one. They found us Angus who is the light of our lives. Everyone was really helpful to us and the couple who fostered him were really lovely. She brought him to us so that she could be sure that he'd settle into our home. No problems there! We really could not have wished for better service and still keep in touch with Jacqui and Robert who call in when they are up here.

Moira & AngusPerth

"The day we adopted our little Heather was the happiest day of our lives. Westie ReHoming got it exactly right when they chose her for us, she fitted in straight away. We love our little girl so much and can't imagine life without her"

Ray, Janice & HeatherOxfordshire

"After getting in touch with Westie ReHoming I waited a bit for the right dog and now I have Timmy. They definitely picked the right dog for me, I love him to bits!"

Fiona & TimmyAngus

"I admire you for the job you’re doing, and doing so excellently! It’s clear to see that you’ve had many years of experience and therefore doing it so well, and being so very thorough".

Anne & DaisyBath

"It was a long process from the time I first applied to Westie Rehoming to getting my beautiful Hattie. But that's what is special about this particular rescue organisation. The dogs are the most important thing, which is how it should be , and Jacqui takes time and trouble to ensure her dogs find the right home to suit them. When Hattie came to WR she was suffering badly from skin problems but with 7 months love and care Jacqui restored her health to a manageable level and a beautiful coat. I have had 4 rescue dogs over the years and all from different organisations.WR stands out above the rest in the care given to the dogs that come to them."

Linda & HattieDorset