What about Shadow: The work behind rehoming

by Nikki Haddock, Animal Care Manager

At Ferne Animal Sanctuary, we see every side of animal rescue. The relief of bringing a dog to safety. The excitement of finding them a home. And sometimes, the heartbreak when things don’t work out the way everyone hoped they would.

Shadow the Saluki, affectionately known as Shadrack, is one of those dogs who has left a lasting impression on all of us.

Shadow had been with other rescue centres prior to coming to Ferne and was originally a welfare case after living in a car with his owner. His early life was unstable and confined, and although he was loved, it meant he missed out on many of the normal experiences that help dogs feel secure and confident in the world around them. Even now, he is still learning how to navigate everyday life beyond the four doors of the car and a kennel that he once knew as home.

Like many sighthounds, Shadow has a high prey drive and an excitable nature, but underneath that he is gentle, affectionate and a lot of fun. His quirky personality quickly made him a favourite among the team here at Ferne.

Last October, Shadow became part of our “Sleeping Ruff” campaign, where staff spent the night sleeping in kennels to raise awareness of homeless dogs and the realities many rescue animals face. It was a cold and emotional experience, but Shadow brought warmth and comfort to the team throughout the night (mostly by sharing the sleeping bag!). Shadow takes a bit of time to build trust with people but once he does, he loves to just be with you.

So, when Shadow was offered a home shortly afterwards, we were overjoyed. It felt like everything he had been waiting for.

Rehoming a pet is rarely as simple as finding a home and waving goodbye. And sadly, just weeks later, Shadow was returned to us because he did all the things we advised he would.

For anyone outside of the rescue world, a failed rehoming can look straightforward on paper. In reality, it affects everyone involved. The adopters often feel guilt and disappointment. Rescue teams question what more they could have done. And for the dog, another transition can reinforce feelings of uncertainty and stress.

In Shadow’s case, this was not the first time a placement had broken down. He has now experienced three failed rehoming attempts.

Each situation was different, but the same challenges remained. His breed traits, particularly his prey drive and excitability, required careful management, patience and structure. In one instance, introductions to new people and dogs happened too quickly, despite guidance from our team, and it became overwhelming for him.

That does not make Shadow a “bad” dog. It simply means he needs the right environment and the right expectations around him.

One of the biggest misconceptions around rescue is that love alone is enough. Love is vital, but successful rehoming also requires preparation, honesty, consistency and understanding. It means recognising that some dogs need slower introductions, calmer environments or experienced owners willing to adapt to their needs. For rescue and rehabilitation teams, that process often continues long after the rehoming papers are signed. Every single one is an individual.

Three weeks ago, I decided to try something different with Shadow. Instead of only seeing him within the sanctuary environment, I began bringing him home for nightly sleepovers to better understand how he really was in a home environment, to see if there was something we were missing.

The change in him has been remarkable. Shadow has slowly settled into a rhythm that shows just how capable he is of adapting when given time and consistency. He enjoys a gentle start to the morning, patiently waiting for his little piece of toast before heading out with me for the day. He loves jumping in the car and joining me on my routine before returning to the sanctuary.

Perhaps the biggest change has been his ability to relax. When Shadow first arrived, switching off was something he struggled with. Now, after a shorter walk and some enrichment time in the sensory garden, he is content to snooze peacefully in his kennel or curl up under the covers at home. It is in those quiet moments that you really see who he is.

He is playful, funny, affectionate and very goofy. He carries his favourite toy duck around proudly, and zooms around the house with excitement before he settles himself down happily for the evening. Sometimes he even takes himself off to bed before I do.

These may sound like small milestones, but for rescue dogs like Shadow, they matter enormously.

They remind us that rehabilitation is not just about training behaviours. It is about helping animals feel safe enough to rest, trust and exist calmly in a home environment. That takes time, patience and commitment from everyone involved.

Don’t get me wrong, there are challenges! He does engage ‘kangaroo mode’ when triggered.

Rehoming is not only about matching a dog with a person. It is about creating stability for the future, understanding the reality of that animal’s needs and being honest about whether a lifestyle is truly compatible.

Sometimes, despite everyone’s best intentions, it does not work out. That can be painful for dog owners and rescue staff alike, but returning a dog is not always a failure if it ultimately leads to a more suitable home. What matters most is ensuring the animal’s welfare remains at the centre of every decision.

Shadow is still waiting for the right person. Not a perfect owner, but someone patient, who understands his breed and is willing to give him the time he needs to settle properly and accept him for who he is.

After everything he has been through, he still greets each day with enthusiasm and hope. And for all of us at Ferne, that resilience is exactly why we never give up on dogs like him.

Giving a home to a rescue pet can be rewarding, but it isn’t for everyone. We have a team dedicated to offering guidance and support through the process. If you think you could offer the right home to one of our animals, please visit our rehoming page: www.ferneanimalsanctuary.org/rehome-an-animal/