NWR advocates around the country actually help NWR remove Wheatens from shelters because of the inherent limitations in the services dogs are able to receive there – and the potentially problematic position that can put new owners in if they adopt a dog with very limited information about what that dog’s behavior and other challenges might be.
NWR uses its resources to provide a variety of services prior to placing a dog in a new adoptive home. These resources can be as simple as an in-home evaluation to understand the dog’s history and behavior patterns, or they can involve consultation with Wheaten behavior or training specialists or temporary placement in a foster home for further evaluation. Those services also often include funding of needed veterinary care.
Especially important to many adoptive families, NWR is also available to offer post-adoption guidance or resource referrals to families who adopt rescued Wheatens.