When You Surrender A Dog

I came across the paperwork I had on my precious, little Melody.  As I worked with some timid dogs at the local shelter to help them be adoptable, I met a not-so-happy Yorkie who had been surrendered.  She had been a breeder at a puppy mill.  This is the statement of surrender the woman had to sign in order for this no-kill shelter to take responsibility for her.

STATEMENT OF SURRENDER

I, the undersigned, do hereby unconditionally donate to the Morongo Basin Humane Society, my animal to dispose of as it sees fit, relinquishing all my rights, title and interest in said animal.  I further represent that I am the owner thereof, or the agent for the animal.  I understand that any animal may be euthanized.

I read and re-read the above paragraph.  Knowing Melody as I do now, it’s hard to imagine anyone being able to sign such an agreement.  I am in no way faulting the shelter.  This is what they have to do and this shelter is great and does so much for so many.  I was fortunate enough to bring Melody home to help her trust human touch, and the rest is history.

If you or anyone you know, needs to re-home a dog, please do your best to find a home without surrendering to the already over-crowded shelters.  It is traumatic for a dog to go from a loving home environment to a shelter.  If I can be of assistance in any way, please let me know.