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If you represent an animal shelter, pound, or rescue organization, AND you believe that you have a Belgian Tervuren, Belgian Tervuren Rescue, Inc. will be pleased to take it, provide any rehabilitation that is needed, and place it in a good, home.
Purpose of the Belgian Tervuren Rescue, Inc. The main goal of the Belgian Tervuren Rescue, Inc. is to protect and act on behalf of any homeless Belgian Tervuren. To attain this goal, Belgian Tervuren Rescue will remove dogs which are unwanted, impounded, neglected or abused from their unpleasant situation and place all adoptable dogs in responsible, permanent homes. Belgian Tervuren Rescue will provide temporary foster care, basic health care and temperament evaluation prior to placement to ensure an optimal match for the dog as well as the adopter. Rescue volunteers will also provide training and education to the new owners of adopted Tervuren to ensure the success of the placement. Belgian Tervuren Rescue, Inc. is committed to working in cooperation with local animal shelters to facilitate a positive outcome for all Belgian Tervuren that are impounded. As far as Belgian Tervuren Rescue is concerned, the welfare of the dog comes first - it is our responsibility to protect and care for all Tervuren, not just our own. General Appearance It is sometimes difficult for shelter personnel to distinguish between a purebred Belgian Tervuren and a mixed breed, most typically a collie/shepherd mix. The following is a brief description of some identifying physical characteristics. The Belgian Tervuren is a medium sized dog with a moderately long coat (longer than a shepherd but not as abundant as a collie). Males are usually 24-26 inches in height at the shoulder and weigh 55-70 pounds. Females are generally 22-24 inches in height weighing 40-60 pounds. The body is square rather than long like a shepherd, and well-balanced; neither spindly or leggy nor cumbersome and bulky. Body color will range from fawn to mahogany with black overlay. The face has a black mask and the ears are mostly black. The underparts of the body, tail and breeches are cream, gray or light beige. The tail typically has a darker or black tip. The head is well chiseled, skin taut, long without exaggeration. Expression is intelligent and questioning. Eyes are dark brown, medium size, not protruding. Ears are triangular in shape, erect, height equal to width at base. In temperament, the Tervuren is highly individualistic. Some dogs are lively while others might best be described as mellow. In general, they are sensitive and alert to changes in people and environment. They are typically aloof to strangers and friendly and affectionate with people that they know well. Rescue Procedures for Impounded Tervuren When a Belgian Tervuren is surrendered to a shelter, or picked up as a stray, shelter personnel are requested to inform their local Belgian Tervuren Rescue Volunteer or the President of Belgian Tervuren Rescue, Inc. The Rescue Volunteer will visit the dog as soon as possible, establish a positive working relationship with the shelter director, and determine how the dog can best be helped by Belgian Tervuren Rescue, consistent with the shelter's policies. If foster care is available and the shelter will allow it, it is usually best to remove the dog from the shelter environment. If foster care is not an immediate option and the shelter operates a quality adoption program (i.e.; spay/neuters are required, adopters are thoroughly screened, follow-up of placements are conducted) and they have the facilities to keep the dog for a reasonable length of time, Belgian Tervuren Rescue need not take possession of the dog unless it becomes at risk for euthanasia.At any time that a dog is housed within a shelter, it is imperative that the Belgian Tervuren Rescue volunteer maintain frequent communication (a minimum of 3 times per week) with the shelter director to check on the status of the dog. The shelter director needs to know that Belgian Tervuren Rescue sincerely cares about the welfare of the dog and will come to the dog’s immediate aid if necessary. It is important that the Belgian Tervuren Rescue volunteer clearly communicate to the shelter director the Belgian Tervuren Rescue, Inc. policies for rescue. Specifically, that all dogs are spayed/neutered and current on vaccinations prior to adoption, that all new adoptive homes are intensely screened and required to sign a contract specifying the required level of care, and that Belgian Tervuren Rescue, Inc. as the official rescue organization of the ABTC, financially supports this program including any fees required for release by the shelter, and necessary medical expenses for the dog. Shelter personnel should be comfortable in recognizing Belgian Tervuren Rescue, Inc. as a resource with the same goal as theirs - the welfare of the dog. |
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