INFORMATION ABOUT THE NEW HOME WHEN YOU SURRENDER YOUR DOG

Dear Jubilee,

We returned Lady, our 15 month-old Airedale to her breeder late last year. I have emailed the breeder trying to get information on how the dog is doing, whether he kept her or placed her somewhere, and info on her general health. It’s been six months, and the breeder has not responded to any of my emails. How can we find out how Lady is doing? We miss her and hope that she is with a bunch of dogs that she can run and play with to her hearts content.

Grieving

Dear Grieving,
Fortunately, you were working with a very reputable breeder who has a deep love of all dogs, especially those he has bred. I can assure you that after taking Lady back, the breeder evaluated her and found her the perfect home for her temperament and age.

I also know that breeders do not give a lot of information about the specific home to the first owners, just as rescue does not keep the home that surrenders an Airedale informed of the new home. There is no need to do this when you are dealing with a reputable breeder: they know better than anyone else what home will work for the specific dog, and to keep forwarding information to the old home is not in the best interest of the dog. I don't mean to be insensitive, but Lady is no longer your dog: she is someone else's dog.

It is best to trust your breeder, rely on his knowledge of his dogs and of the homes that approach him, and assume that Lady is as happy as a clam. Tell your children that Lady is very happy and very busy, and that she is thankful that you all made the difficult decision to put her where she could do the things that she likes to do. And take heart in what you tell the children. It is all true, and it is all good.

Jubilee