Resources
Options to Consider
Lizzy's typically does not bring in pups from individuals or other rescues since our mission is helping those in kill shelters, but if you are needing to rehome your pup, there are other options besides a shelter. Most shelters consider seniors “unadoptable" and will dispose of them quickly (including “no kill" shelters since the exceptions allow this). There are rescues that have facilities and are NOT city/county funded/run shelters that are a better choice, also. You just need to educate yourself on what “no kill” really means.
LOCAL RESCUES: There is a rescue for practically every pure breed and mixed breed pup. Most breed specific rescues now take in older pups. There are rescues specifically for senior pups and websites that will courtesy post the pup you are trying to rehome. All of these rescues can be found through Internet searches.
CRAIGSLIST: Always require an adoption application, do a home visit before considering placing the pup, and require at least a $100 adoption fee. If they are not agreeable to all of these things, move on to the next family.
CAUTION: If your pup has behavior issues due to illness and/or age or personality, be sure the new family is aware of the issues and it is mentioned in the adoption contract. If you do not tell them (or if you do not get it in writing that they understand the behavior issues), the liability will be yours if anything happens - and you could be sued, including if having a seizure s/he bites someone trying to help. Think twice about rehoming a pup with severe behavior issues.
HUMANE ENDING:This is always an option, but if the pup seems to be healthy or young, a vet may not accommodate your request - it is their discretion. If you run into that, call the next vet on the list. If you choose this option, please:
Stay with them until the very end, even if that dog has behavior issues or has made you mad for some reason. If you are the one who says “I already said my good byes, so I just took him to the vet and dropped him off because it would be so sad and he will be fine," please reconsider since it is not about you. It is about your dog, how s/he devoted their life to you, and you being with them at the end is what s/he needs from you, and what they deserve.
Remember to be act calm and positive during this process because if you're nervous, they'll be nervous. It is typically a very peaceful experience.
Euthanasia can be performed in your home or in your vet's office. If your vet refuses to do a euthanasia (which is a very humane ending) without more tests beforehand or refuses outright, call around to other veterinarians. It is not fair for the vet to not help you when you have made a very difficult decision and have come to terms with what is best.