Dogs adapt. Readily. Dogs as a species are highly adaptable to different environments, climates and certainly different families and homes. Dogs have evolved 15,000 years specifically to be with people and they are not especially picky about whom – an endearing quality in our Fido friends.
So long as basic needs for security, quality human companionship, shelter, food and exercise are being met – most dogs are happy to be anywhere, with most anybody.
Not so long ago Buzz and Bogey were delightful foster dogs both in my home (at different times). For 6+ months each, we played together, traveled together and spent long and happy days together – their every basic needs met, and more. Over time both of these cautious fellas began to shed their fears and mistrust, and gained their own confidence while in my care. Surely I had made a significant, positive impact in their lives that they would never forget!?
Many months after their adoptions though, follow-up visits to their new homes adjusted my thinking – in each case these two Fido friends were now happily thriving with their new families, in their new homes. They barely even noticed my presence! My heartfelt connection to these dogs was mine alone, they did not reciprocate. Buzz and Bogey had each moved on, now ‘living in the moment’ with their new people, just as naturally as if they had been with them all of their lives.
When a dog’s needs cannot be met within his current home, a great new home often can bring more time and attention from his people, more exercise or play time than he’s had before, maybe even a big backyard, daily walks, another Fido friend or even a quieter household more suitable to his needs. For a dog who’s needs are not being met, responsible rehoming into a great new home can literally be a life changing.
Fido Love does not advocate for people to rehome their dog at any inconvenient bump on the road. There is now a wealth of available resources to keep your dog and meet Fido’s needs, so that often rehoming isn’t necessary.
We do however, recognize that life happens, and sometime’s your pet’s basic needs cannot always be met no matter how many resources are available. Let’s acknowledge this and work our hardest to find our Fido friends great new homes where they can thrive.
