Adoption Information and Process

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We are often asked why there are so many Pyrs in shelters and rescue.

While traditional agricultural societies teamed shepherds with their dogs and the dogs lived in close proximity with their owners, as ranching in the U.S. became bigger and more industrialized, these dogs have often been over-bred.   This leads them to be unsocialized, underfed and neglected on large farms or with backyard breeders. They often come into rescue as adults in terrible shape, and no longer able to do their former job. The vast majority of our rescues are adopted as companion dogs who are happiest when guarding their human family and other household pets.

In order to ensure that the Great Pyrenees and other livestock guardian breed dogs in our care are given the best chance at success with their adoptive families, we have some guidelines that we require for all of our adoptive homes.

*  All our dogs require secure VISIBLE fencing.

*  All current pets in adoptive home must be spayed/neutered and up to date on vaccinations.

*  We have found that our rescue dogs do best in homes with children that are over the age of 6, so we will not consider applications from homes that have children that are under the age of 6.

* We do not adopt our Pyrs to be livestock guardian dogs (LGD's) as this is something that we cannot guarantee they would be successful doing, and many may have already failed at this task (which may be how they ended up at the shelter).

* Seniors (all dogs over 6 yrs old) have a reduced adoption fee as they are older, and may need additional care, such as joint supplements – and we want to encourage families to consider the seniors as they are usually more gentle and lower energy for those with younger kids.

* Bonded Pairs have a reduced fee because as an adopter, you would be adopting two (which we love), so ask about bonded pairs!  Most of our bonded pairs are older and make great additions to families that want double the love!

Adoption Great Pyrenees Puppies

The Great Pyrenees is one of the oldest livestock guardian dog breeds, and for hundreds of years they have been bred to think independently.

Their basic personality differs from other breeds, since most breeds were developed to take commands from people, while Pyrs were encouraged to work (and think) on their own. Their heritage as livestock guardians comes through in their personality in distinctive ways.  Because of these traits, Great Pyrs and Paws Rescue has several guidelines that we follow when working with potential adoptive homes.

OUR REQUIREMENTS FOR PUPPY ADOPTION:

  1. PUPPIES WILL ONLY BE PLACED IN HOMES THAT HAVE AT LEAST ONE MEDIUM TO LARGE YOUTHFUL, PLAYFUL RESIDENT DOG that is age 1 or older. This helps integrate the dog into your household easier by giving the pup a mentor.
  2. These puppies are not livestock dogs. They must be family pets that are allowed inside the home.
  3. In addition to the youthful playful dog, someone must also be home at least part of the day or have a clear plan to provide breaks throughout the day.  If you are gone 8+ hours a day this might not be ideal for the puppy you are applying for.
  4. We give preference to applicants with prior Great Pyrenees and other livestock guardian breed knowledge/experience.  
  5. Secure and visible fencing required.
  6. You must have a plan in place to socialize your puppy properly.
  7. When you apply for a puppy we may be working other applications that came in before yours. If so, by the time you are approved, the puppy you've applied for may no longer be available.