Surrender.
Surrender a GSP
Ideally, all dogs live in one loving home from puppy-hood until death. Realistically, however, this isn't always possible. People become ill, die, divorce, move overseas, develop allergies, lose their jobs, lose their homes, etc. Any of these situations, among others can be a reason for a dog coming into rescue.
All Points West GSP Rescue currently supports Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Wyoming, Arizona, North and South Dakota. If you are outside of our area, we recommend contacting your local GSP rescue. If you are unsure about who that is, feel free to email us so that we can direct you to the appropriate contact(s) as many rescues network with one another to assure we can rescue as many dogs in need as possible.
APWGSPR does not guarantee the acceptance of every owner surrender into Rescue. During the initial interview, our Director or Representative will evaluate your situation to determine whether to proceed to the next step in the surrender process. Please rest assured, we are a rescue and we will do our absolute best to assist you and your Shorthair.
We realize that this is often a very difficult decision. Here is what you can expect of us.
We have experience and knowledge with this breed and will work with you in an effort to help you with solvable issues/ problems. If this isn't possible, we will discuss your dog and the possibility of accepting him/her into rescue.
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If your dog is accepted into our program, they will be placed in a carefully screened foster home for whatever length of time is necessary to assess his/ her medical, behavioral and social needs. We will then re-home them with a family that has been carefully screened. You should be aware that older dogs and dogs with medical problems may take longer to place. These dogs are given the best care possible to make them feel comfortable while they await their new homes. Dogs that are surrendered together will not likely be placed in a foster home together as the likelihood of them being adopted together is small. While in foster care, we spend time assessing the dog prior to their arrival through our intake process. This is where we learn about the dog's likes and dislikes, and personality. By being as honest as possible with us, you can help us place the dog successfully. It is vitally important that we have a completed medical history on the dog.
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Here’s what we ask of you.
Contact your vet and get a copy of your dog's medical records, including vaccinations, most recent rabies certificate and microchip registration/information, if applicable. ​
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This will save them from being unnecessarily re-vaccinated. If your dog is not spayed/neutered, needs vaccines heartworm testing, or a dental cleaning, please do your dog one last favor and take care of these veterinary needs. APWGSPR dogs are vetted, micro-chipped, spayed/neutered, brought up to date on vaccinations (as necessary) before being placed for adoption. By taking responsibility for these veterinary necessities for your own dog, it will allow us to place your dog sooner. It will also ensure the rescue is channeling funds to the truly neglected dogs that may be in need of extensive medical treatment.
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If you are unable to get your dog up-to-date on vaccinations and spayed/ neutered, please consider a monetary donation upon surrendering your dog to help cover part of these costs. We sincerely appreciate receiving a monetary donation from the dog's owner whenever it's financially possible. Our suggested minimum donation fee is $50 and can be made here.
Please complete the owner surrender form that can be found at the bottom of this page or it will be sent to you to complete. Please be as thorough and accurate as possible. This form lets us know about your dog's likes, dislikes, fears, favorite activities, toys, treats, activity level, habits etc. If you are surrendering more than one dog, please fill out a separate form for each dog. If you dog is accepted into rescue, this form grants full legal and ethical ownership and responsibility for your dog to the rescue.
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Please understand that we are an all volunteer organization and that it may take us up to 48 hours to get back to you regarding your inquiry. In addition, once we decide to take a dog in it takes time to find a foster home and arrange transport. Typically, it is not a quick process so be prepared for a wait period before we can accept your GSP.
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Intake Process
When possible, you'll be asked to bring your dog to a designated intake place, or to transport at least part of the way if you are a long distance from the rescue representative or foster home. Make sure your dog is wearing a collar and ID tags for the trip.
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Determine which of your dog's belongings you can send with him/her. Having their own crate, bed, toys, jacket etc., not only keeps the dog more comfortable by being around familiar objects, but relieves rescue of having to purchase so many of these items for your dog. Please send food that your dog is used to, and pack up medications or supplements your dog needs, along with instructions for administration of them.
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All of our dogs are placed first in pre-approved foster homes. Except in the case of strays or dog coming from shelters where contagious illnesses might threaten the pets of our foster families, we do not board our dogs at kennels, veterinarian's offices, groomers, etc. Our prescreened and well educated foster families are provided with support from other volunteers and foster families as well as trainers and veterinarians when appropriate.