REHOMED 3 yr. old male Finley

Hoekema Family
Nov 16
3 min read

Why Do People Rehome Their Dogs? - A Compassionate Look Behind the Choice

Rehoming a dog is one of the most emotional and misunderstood decisions a family can face. From the outside, it can look like failure , abandonment or even cruel—but in reality, most rehoming stories come from a place of true love, reflection, compassion, and a desire to do what’s truly best for the dog. When we step into these families’ shoes, we often find far more complexity and heart than judgment allows.

1. Life Circumstances Change Suddenly

Life has a way of shifting beneath our feet..all the time. A new baby or grandbaby, a job change, a move, the loss of a partner or family member, or a significant medical diagnosis or surgery can reshape a family’s ability to meet a dog’s needs. Even the most dedicated dog lovers can find themselves overwhelmed by a change they didn’t see coming.

2. A Mismatch in Energy or Temperament

Sometimes a dog’s energy level or/and personality simply doesn’t align with the home they landed in. A higher energy dog may feel stifled in a slow-paced household. A sensitive dog may struggle in a busy, noisy home. Sometimes dogs simply need a different environment to thrive in.

3. Behavioral Needs Beyond the Family’s Capacity

Behavioral challenges such as reactivity, resource guarding, separation anxiety, or fearfulness can become overwhelming without proper support. Not all families have access to trainers, resources, or the emotional bandwidth to work through these issues, especially if the behavior puts children or other pets at risk.

4. Financial Strain

Veterinary care, grooming, training, quality food, and emergency expenses add up quickly. Some families find themselves in a financial position they never anticipated, and choosing to rehome is sometimes the only way to ensure the dog receives the consistent care they deserve.

5. The Dog’s Needs Outgrow the Home

Puppies become adolescents, adolescents become adults, and their needs change along the way. Some dogs grow larger, more active, or more demanding than expected. Others require more training, more structure, or more stimulation than their families can sustainably provide.

6. Allergy or Health Concerns

New allergies, asthma, or immunocompromised conditions can force heartbreaking decisions. These families often agonize over the choice long before they reach out for help.

7. Relationship Changes

Divorces, separations, or partner disagreements can shift a dog’s entire world. When no one is able to fully commit, rehoming becomes an act of ensuring the dog doesn’t get lost in the chaos.

Rehoming Isn’t Failure—It’s Responsibility

At the core of every rehoming decision is a simple truth: most people love their dogs deeply. They cry, they question themselves, they carry guilt, and they wonder if they’re doing the right thing. But choosing a home where a dog can thrive, grow, and be understood is one of the most selfless acts a family can make.

And when rehoming is done responsibly—with support, honesty, and care—the outcome can be a fresh start for a dog and a breath of relief for the family who made the difficult choice.

Rehoming isn’t a story of giving up.

It’s a story of choosing the best possible future for a dog who deserves exactly that.

Having said all of that, I have just recently had a dog surrendered back to me that I am looking for a new forever home for.

He has come back to me for multiple reasons, many of which I just listed.

Every story is different, personal, heart wrenching but yes, very misunderstood.

Meet Finley

He is a Reindeer pup (Vixen) from my Meiko/Silas litter almost 3 yrs. Ago.

DOB 12-8-22

Neutered

Very fluffy gorgeous coat

Up to date on everything

Sleeps contently and safely out of a crate.

Has gone through training through DOG SIT.

Walks off leash perfectly 2.5 miles morning and night.

Finley has lived with a couple and has truly thrived in many ways. They call him an 'exceptional' dog.

“He has been a wonderful companion, loyal, adventurous, intelligent, very eager to please, very active and full of personality”

More photos of wee Finley as a baby Reindeer

He is a stunning young dog, already neutered, training under his belt and an overall balanced happy dog. He is from exceptional lineage and bred with love and careful thought.