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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 – JULY 19th.
Today in England is rather ironically being called ‘Freedom Day’ by some people, when most Covid restrictions are lifted – at least until we are forced again into some other kind of lockdown! Many people will therefore assume that rehoming is pretty much back to normal. However, we must accept that it is far from what we have ever been used to and that this is now the new normality. Things will never be back to how they were before the pandemic.
This weekend has been our busiest since lockdown, and extremely difficult in the intense heat. We rehomed 5 dogs during Saturday and Sunday both sides of the border, and their safety and comfort had to be uppermost. The dogs are all doing really well, but the humans involved in the transport and rehoming are feeling pretty melted this evening. This may be the start of more dogs coming in at least for a while. Whilst many procedures are now possible, we can’t be reckless and must keep safety uppermost in our minds. We are all still at varying degrees of risk, and volunteers and applicants are responsible for their own safety, some being particularly vulnerable and at risk. We must all respect that. All ‘meet and greets’ and rehomings at WRH HQ will be conducted out of doors for the foreseeable future, and we expect that most other volunteers will do likewise.
If you sent in your application during the pandemic please be assured that we will still have it. There would have been no point in destroying it as we couldn’t rehome any dogs, and had very few coming in.
We choose the most suitable home for every dog and so are still taking in applications so that we won’t miss an ideal home for a maybe more challenging dog. We have taken in ‘lockdown puppies’, young dogs with their predictable problems which needed working with. We have also rehomed some senior dogs, and pairs where one of the dogs may not be a westie, to avoid separating the dogs if they are bonded. These dogs are outside the criteria of most of the applicants who have specific preferences. We give every dog that comes to us the same chance of a loving home, and so please understand that we don’t have the luxury of choice. We prefer to think that the main criteria for adoption is what you can offer the dog rather than what the dog can do for you, which hopefully is what brings most people to a ‘rescue’.
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 still 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.
These are testing times for dogs too. For around 16 months they have not been used to visitors coming into their homes or 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 not everyone will consider their anxieties now that their ‘pack’ will be spending time away from home, leaving them alone. They must be gently worked with. So many changes for them too.
Stay safe everyone, there are still some very 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 
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