National Wheaten Rescue Inc. History

Where It All Started

This letter, dated November 28, 1979, was sent to Bryan & Gwynne McNamara, both then members of SCWTCA. Bryan & Gwynne forwarded to the SCWTCA Board, who got involved in placing “Shelly”. History was made as Shelly was the first purebred Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier that came to SCWTCA needing re-homed. SCWTCA is grateful for Christa Weber, the manager at the shelter in which Shelly was surrendered, as Christa recognized Shelly was a Wheaten and worked hard to be sure she made it to a good situation. Shelly found her forever home with Julia Terrill Thomas, a philanthropist who would financially support the Humane Society of Glynn County in Brunswick GA years after her death.

National Wheaten Rescue History Timeline

2021

National Wheaten Rescue, Inc. was established as a separate 501( c ) 3 by SCWTCA, Inc.

The rescue responsibility for Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers (SCWT’s) has recently changed. In 2021, National Wheaten Rescue, Inc. was established as a separate 501( c ) 3 with the primary function to rescue pure bred Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers.

We are planning to have everything up and running by late October 2021. Based on this change, your donations are tax deductible as a charity.

The same great team is still in place, headed by Ms. Nancy Butler. Wheaten Rescue has a long history of rescuing and placing this wonderful breed across the entire USA. You can expect the very best in rescue services that you may have counted on in the past. We will continue to work closely with the SCWTCA, Inc.

Please contact us regarding relinquishments and rescues for pure bred SCWT’s. Our new website is nationalwheatenrescueinc.org. Everything you need for learning about us is on the website.

1993 - 2020

SCWTCA rescued or aided the local Wheaten clubs in rescuing and rehoming 1,767 pure bred Wheaten Terriers. The national club has raised over $222,000 for the care of these dogs in need. While 100% of these Wheaten Rescues came from a source other than a reputable SCWTCA member breeder, many SCWTCA member breeders have aided in rescuing these Wheatens. This speaks volumes about our breeders.

Fall 1992

Purpose was established: “We all agree that THE BREEDER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DOGS HE/SHE BREEDS FOR THE LIFE OF THE DOG! SCWTCA Rescue was formed to help dogs whose breeders were unknown, unable or unwilling to take responsibility for their dogs”. (Wavelengths Fall 1992, pg 34)

And this holds true today.

1992

Under then SCWTCA President Emily Holden, the SCWTCA Rescue Committee was formed in response to an alarming number of Wheaten Terriers being turned into humane societies across the country. Margo Gilliland, Gwen Arthur & Beth Heckerman came up with the concept of rescuing Wheatens that needed a second chance at Beth’s kitchen table.

1979

First Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, named Shelly, was relinquished to the Humane Society of Glynn County, Inc.

1973

Wheaten Terriers gained AKC recognition and in the years to follow the breed began to gain popularity, this created a public demand for the breed that reputable breeders were not able to meet. Pet shops began to sell Wheatens. SCWTCA, Inc. Rescue Committee was created because puppy mills and back yard breeders did not support their owners or carefully place the dogs they produced.