The Scotties that enter our Rescue Program come to us in a variety of ways. Many are abandoned by their owners or are turned into the pound or animal shelter. Some are picked up as strays and never claimed. Occasionally, owners must give up their dogs because of medical problems, moving into retirement homes, divorce, new baby, etc. Some become homeless because they outlive their owners. Many of the dogs that we get into our program have had little time or attention paid to them and they may not be housebroken. Some are grieving for a lost loved one. We have found that when they get into a good home where they are wanted and loved, they return that love many times over.

We know that Scotties are not the breed for everyone, so we try to make sure that you know something about this breed before you make the long-term commitment to care for and love each other. They do need to be primarily inside dogs and we will not place dogs that will be left outside for extended periods. They do need to be professionally groomed on a regular basis (6-8 weeks) and brushed and combed at least once a week and, of course, kept free of fleas.

If you like an immaculate, pristine house, perhaps you should consider a ceramic dog because dogs can, and do, make a mess. Scotties track in dirt from outside and carry in leaves, and other interesting things they wish to share with you. They are diggers and can rearrange your beautiful landscaping.

The decision to add a Scottie to your life is not one to be made lightly or on impulse. You must first evaluate your needs, the needs of your family, what you want in a dog and whether this breed is the one for you. Adopting a dog - any dog - is a long-term commitment; with proper care, many Scotties can live 12 or more years. Before you make any decision, make sure you know exactly how a Scottie will affect your life. Dogs require a substantial time commitment from you. A Scottie will need to spend time with you; after all, you are getting a dog for companionship, aren't you? And that takes time to develop and nurture. Your Scottie will also require grooming, training play times and exercise. All of these things take time. Small things that need to be done daily take time, too. Dogs need to be walked, and their feces need to be picked up and disposed of. The dog's water needs to be changed regularly and, of course, the dog must be fed. He needs regular grooming, which should include bathing, teeth brushing, ear cleaning and toenail trimming. (The more you walk, the fewer toenail trimmings are required.) Dogs need to be part of a pack and if you are to be this Scottie's pack, he needs to be part of your life. If some of the family members are less than pleased at the prospect of adding a dog, the dog will sense it and suffer for it. One person's animosity, lack of caring, anger, neglect or abuse could severely traumatize the dog. Everyone must agree to adopt a dog and that the Scottie is the right dog.

Our primary goal in the Rescue Program is for the dog to be placed in a good, loving permanent home. If you adopt a stray, mistreated, or abandoned Scottish Terrier through a Scottie Rescue Program, and give it your affection, it will reward you with eternal love and gratitude.

The Scottish Terrier
The Scottish Terrier's character and personality reflect the bleak and lonely moors of his origin. He is no hail-fellow well met. Life to him is serious, to be met with dignity, reserve and stout heart. He is by nature aloof, accepting few friends outside the family circle, but to the accepted few his devotion is deep and life long. A secure place in his home, the understanding and companionship of his folks are essential to his happiness. Banish him to outdoor loneliness and his temperament and health will surely suffer. He is extremely sensitive to praise and blame and adapts to your moods, quiet when the household is quiet, ready for activity when that is the program. Properly trained, he is a gentleman on the street, tolerant of admiring strangers, but indifferent to their blandishments, heedless of yappy street dogs unless attacked, when he will fight to his last breath regardless of the odds against him.

Brought up with children who respect his independent nature and his rights as a living personality, he will adjust to their activities and even appoint himself their guardian. However, his dignity makes him tend to shun rough and tumble games. He likes a purpose in all he does. He is not given to the aimless gamboling of more light-hearted breeds. His favorite games are those which appeal to his hunting instincts; the ball to be pursued, the squeak toy to be demolished, rambles to be enjoyed in fields or even on city streets. The Scottie is no doormat of a dog. His independent spirit may try your patience at times, yet his strong desire for approval will win compliance with your wishes where harsh words and punishment will fail. To those who appreciate his unique character, the Scottish Terrier is a friend and companion, second to none.

Need to find a coordinator in your area? Most of the Regional STCs have their own rescue program staffed by volunteer club members. Check our list of local clubs and Scottie friends that are helping in the rescue effort!  Click Here.

Interested in adopting a Scottie Rescue dog? Fill out our On-Line Application Form and the information will be automatically submitted to the local Rescue Coordinator in your area. On-Line Application.

DONATIONS TO SCOTTISH TERRIER RESCUE
Donations to assist needy Scotties are always welcome. Checks should be made out to STCA Rescue Trust and mailed to:

Erica Cerny, Treasurer
STCA Rescue Trust
94 Frogtown Rd.
Rockaway, NJ 07866

For more information, please contact Erica at:
Phone: 973-361-6790 or
Email: Ecerny@optonline.net

We are very proud that the The Rescue Trust Fund of the Scottish Terrier Club of America is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization supported by the membership of STCA and the general public. Your donations may be tax deductible.

Have you ever come across a dog and couldn't tell for sure if it was a Scottie or another breed? The process of identifying a Scottie, especially an ungroomed dog can be rather difficult. The Rescue Coordinators have prepared a guide which can be used by potential adopters, rescue assistants and shelter workers to help with the identification process. Titled Identifying A Scottie (or Finding a Scottie in the Rough), the write-up is illustrated with pictures of both Scotties and several other breeds that are often confused with them.

Potential rescue adopters often have questions about the breed. Again, the rescue team has collected a list of the most frequently asked questions and developed a list of answers. If you have a question about the breed, check here first to see if it is among the FAQs asked by others. Click HERE!

Please [Click HERE] if you would like to learn more about how to join the STCA Scottie Rescue team.

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