Toller Rescue Program
Dedicated to the rescue, re-homing, and adoption of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Tollers Available for Adoption
Rescue Program General Information
The Rescue Program is a part of the NSDTRC (USA) organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. It is comprised of all-volunteer members whose purposes are education about the breed and re-homing Tollers so that all will have appropriate homes.
Because Tollers are very active, we go to great lengths to make sure they will be placed in homes that are right for them. Tollers are extremely intelligent and are "thinking" dogs. They respond well to training methods which can benefit both dog and owner by fostering understanding and communication. It can be said that you never really own a Toller - you have a relationship with one.
Tollers are unlike similar looking dog breeds. If you think that you are getting a small version of a Golden Retriever, then you will be disappointed. Tollers are high energy and as mentioned above, extremely intelligent. They think. They will decide whether cooperation with you is in their best interests. They present a challenge, but once they accept you the bond is forever. Because of the Tollers needs, we seek to find appropriate permanent adoptive homes which will be right for both you and the dog.
Why would you want a Toller? Especially a "rescue" Toller? Well, because they are wonderful! Almost any problem can be remedied with time, patience, love and the appropriate training. It is our belief that must allow the adopted Toller several months to adjust to their new home. Your adopted dog may test you time and time again the way adopted children do, just to make sure you are worthy of his affection and loyalty, but once the Toller accepts you and you become his family you will be rewarded with a near perfect relationship - one that is based on loyalty and trust. Loyalty and trust both from the Toller and from the owner.
NSDTRC(USA) knows the difficulties you may face, and the joy you will experience in living with a Toller. We want to make the transition as easy as possible for you that is why we offer unlimited support during the first few months that the adopted Toller moves in with you. We give adoptive Tollers a second chance, and we want to make your experience the rewarding, exciting event it should be.
Tollers are not for everyone. They require time, commitment, and a willingness to become truly involved with them. They are not a "backyard" or "garage" dog. They must have personal contact in a loving, nurturing environment. We do our very best to see that goal is reached. If you would like to investigate the possibility of living with a Toller, we invite you to fill out our Adoption Application Form or to contact us with any questions.
Where do Toller rescue dogs come from?
There are basically three ways a Toller comes into the Rescue Program:
Shelters/Foster Care
A Toller that needs a new home may come from a shelter or "dog pound". The dog may have been picked up by an animal control officer as a stray. While we hate to think that this can happen to our beloved little red dogs, it can and does. Depending on how long the Toller was on his own, he may show signs of neglect, abuse or abandonment. He may have had to steal food to survive. He may have faced emotional and physical abuse. As a result, the dog's behavior may suffer. He may not be housetrained. He may lack trust for humans. He may steal food, urinate in inappropriate places, chew furniture, walls or woodwork or repeatedly try to run away due to disorientation. A Toller taken from this type of background needs extra patience and kindness. Effective training to communicate with your newly adopted best friend is needed to eliminate bad habits, to socialize him, and to form a lasting, loving bond.
Owner Surrender
NSDTRC(USA) also places Tollers who come from good homes, but through a change in their owner's circumstances such as moving into an apartment, they may need to find a new home. These dogs may have already been housetrained and socialized and with a little patience and love on your part should easily fit into their new home environment.
From a Breeding Program
From time to time on a limited basis, a Toller that was used in a breeding program may be offered by breeders. These dogs were members of the family, but due to shear numbers of dogs in a breeder's program, older dogs may be offered new homes. These dogs should have no problems in adapting to their new home, and will welcome the individualized attention.
Placement Guide and Decision
When NSDTRC(USA) becomes aware of a Toller in need of placement, the following guidelines are used:
- If the dog is located in a shelter, first it must be determined that the dog is, or can be reasonably ascertained as a purebred Toller. This can be achieved by personal visit, videos, or photos of the dog in various activities. We regret that we are unable to assist dogs that may be of mixed lineage. If the dog is determined to be a Toller then:
- If the dog is in a "kill" shelter, arrangements for foster care will be undertaken. Foster care may be provided by NSDTRC(USA) or any other organization that can provide this service.
- If the dog is in no danger, we will still try to provide a foster home until adoption. This is better for the dog for socialization and getting back into the "home environment".
- If the dog is being surrendered by an individual then the Surrender Form will be filled out and signed and the dog will become legally owned by NSDTRC(USA). Surrendered dogs are first evaluated for health and temperament. We request that owners bring dogs up-to-date with all shots, fecal testing and heartworm testing. It is also preferable that all dogs first be neutered or spayed. We do not take dogs with a history of aggression, unless there are special circumstances.
- Once in foster care, the dog should be checked by a veterinarian. This may include medical care and grooming. This requirement may be waived if in the case of an owner surrender if all medical records are given, and proof of Heartworm negative and shot records provided.
- Attempts are made to locate the legal owner of the dog via all methods available to the volunteers handling the situation.
- If the legal owner/breeder is located, a volunteer will contact the breeder, and may visit their home. If the location is considered abusive or neglectful then the volunteer will contact their National coordinator and investigate all legal means of protecting the dog. Under no circumstances will a Toller be placed in an abusive or neglectful environment.
- If the breeder of the dog can be determined, they will be offered the option of cooperative placement of the dog for them in an approved adoptive home through NSDTRC(USA). We want everyone to join with us in providing an environment where the welfare of the dog is considered first, and where the re-homing of the dog will be a positive experience for all parties involved.
- If, after a reasonable period of time, the legal owner/breeder cannot be located then the dog will be spayed or neutered before being placed in a pre-screened adoptive home. During the neutering stay, the dog will be micro-chipped.
- Efforts will be made to move the dog as little as possible while it is waiting for a permanent home. Statistics bear out that the more often a dog is relocated, the more likely it is to be confused and try to run away, or take longer to adjust to the new "forever" home when finally placed.
Basic Policies
NSDTRC(USA) has devised policies which enable both prospective owner and Toller to make the transition of living together a smooth one. These include:
- An Adoption Application to determine your requirements. This may also include telephone interviews.
- A home visit to determine if the accommodations are safe and appropriate. If we find areas that are potentially dangerous, we will make recommendations that need to be corrected before a dog can be placed, i.e. lock must be installed on gate, broken fencing must be repaired, etc.
- Follow-up visit or visits to assure that your adoptive Toller is being properly acclimated to the new home.
NSDTRC(USA) will provide any other assistance as reasonably required to help the new owner in the ways of the Toller. We have vast experience with our dogs, and many of our members are trainers and evaluators as well as breeders. Answers to your questions are out there, all you have to do is ask!
Fees
- The cost of adoption through NSDTRC(USA) is $325.00 and includes spaying or neutering, up-to-date vaccinations, fecal and heartworm tests.
- Surrender fee is $25.00.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Club (USA) Rescue Program thanks you for your support and interest.
Rescue Addoption Application - Online
Rescue Adoption Application - PDF
"Do You Think You Have a 'Toller' in Your Shelter?" A document available in PDF format that can be downloaded and printed. This can be given out to your local shelters and humane societies to help them identify possible Tollers that come into their facilities.
CLICK HERE for a copy of the brochure.
The NSDTRC (USA) Rescue Program is not affiliated with nor associated with any other group or organization purporting to rescue Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers ("Tollers").