While we would like to believe that every doggy home is a good one, sadly that is not always the case. Like any other breed, Yorkshire Terriers often need rescue from homes that for one reason or another don’t work out.
Before looking for a Yorkie puppie, you might want to consider the possibility of getting an older dog. Yorkshire Terriers live a long time, and are really just hitting middle-aged by the time they are ten. As they age they become more mellow, and easier to get along with. Their personalities are set, and you know exactly what your dog is going to be like. In fact, getting an older dog can be a far easier, and more pleasant experience than getting a puppy.
To find a Yorkie in need, you will need to look around. Sometimes you can find an older dog available for free, or for a low price in the local classifieds. Often the family needs to give up the dog because they are moving away, or a senior needs to move into a nursing home where pets are not allowed.
Another place to try looking for yorkie dog rescue is at the local Humane Society. With Yorkies increasing inpopularity, more and more are becoming available at the pound. While some shelters have no-kill policies, others will euthanize if the dog remains too long, so you might want to visit frequently, or even leave a request with the shelter’s staff for when new dogs come in.
There are many Yorkie-specific rescues available. If you search online, you will see that many of these rescues have web sites, often with listings on the dogs available for adoption. Rescues are a great resource for finding an older dog as they will give it a thorough check-up and observe its behavior and temperament. This way you know what you are getting, before you commit.
Finally, try asking breeders if they have any older breeding stock who are due to be retired. Often breeders will retire their older bitches and dogs to pet homes, freeing up space for new breeding stock.
Why are so many Yorkies available for adoption? There are lots of reasons. Sometimes the strong personality of a Yorkie puppy is not a good fit for a family. Other times, they have purchased the breed without understanding its needs. When a family is broken due to death or divorce, often it becomes impossible to continue to care for a dog, and the Yorkie must be placed in a new home. Seniors often have to move into care centers that cannot accept pets.
Sometimes the reason a dog is available is more sinister. Sadly some people are abusive, and do not care for their dogs. Frequently rescues end up with dogs who have been abused. Some come from puppy mills, where they have been kept in tiny kennels all their lives. Others have been dumped on the side of the road for no good reason at all.
Finally, some dogs are in rescue because of health issues. Sometimes owners just can’t keep up with the costs of caring for their fur-friends, and need someone else to take over the job. Other times a puppy is born with a defect, and a rescue steps in and takes over its care.
Whatever reason a dog is in rescue, it is a great way to find the perfect pet. Not only can you save a bit on the cost of purchasing a puppy, but you also can experience the reward of helping an animal in need.
April 1st, 2009 at 6:06 pm
We were blessed to have the opportunity to adopt a 5 yr old Yorkie whose owner was going into a nursing home. She is a doll and she has brought so much happiness into this home. She is very loving and loves to go bye bye. We have even started dressing her up when we take her out and she really seems to enjoy it. I would be very interested in adopting at least one more of these precious little dogs, preferably the miniature size. like our Molly. It is so funny to see how agressive she is around other dogs, at four pounds, she was going to take on the world.
April 10th, 2009 at 6:38 pm
Cyndi,
I love my little girl just like you do. She is so bright and fun. We have a few pictures of bella dressed up on the site. She looked so cute when she was little dressed up in a sweeter.
Our boy dog thinks he is the big dawg too. He barks like a mad dog but when the big dogs get close he rolls over on his back and screams like a little girl.
Keep your eyes open sometimes I see free yorkies in the paper or on a pet site. Locally here in Utah KSL (news tv/radio) works great. People love that site around here.
Cheers!
June 18th, 2009 at 12:17 am
I have 2 girls of 12 years old. We LOVE Yorkies & wants to adopt 2. If possible a male & female. They musn’t be alone. They will be LOVED dearly. Please make our dream come true. It is just VERY expensive to buy them. Please phone me on +27 72 812 4267 in Pretoria in South Africa.
August 28th, 2009 at 4:38 pm
I have 1 little girls yorkie she’s 3 years old I had a pitbull name Prince someone stole him=( I am extremely interested in adopting another pet please contact me. My email address is {email removed to protect user from con artists} PLEASE. Thank you
September 21st, 2009 at 5:04 pm
ihave have two house cats an 4 kids..but to small of a house for a big dog so im looking for a miniature yorkie or a normal yorkie if they dont get to big im looking into a yorkie ,my friend has a teacup an it is a well mannered dog an a good size .. looking to adopt
September 21st, 2009 at 5:05 pm
sorry i frogot to say i live in southern Indiana..
October 4th, 2009 at 10:10 am
Hi i am an 11 year old kid who loves yorkies and so does my mommom she wants one dearly but cant afford to get me one so can you help me find a free or really cheap one in the price range of 100 dollers i can only afford one efter christmas. in less they are free can you e-mail me pictures of your cheapest one(s).
thank you,
amber
November 7th, 2009 at 11:40 pm
I now have my 3rd yorkie a little girl 6 yrs. old, I got her when she was 5 months old. I am looking to adopt another female younger than her.
These little dogs are the only pets for me they are darling I love my baby girl.
January 31st, 2010 at 6:56 pm
My husband is a marine and is deploying and I would like to adopt a yorkie ( girl preferably) before he leaves
If you have one available please let me know
thanks
Kaitlyn
April 17th, 2010 at 7:10 pm
I want to adopt a Female yorkie!! she would be a great addition to the family!!
June 27th, 2010 at 3:28 am
ME AND MY MOM HAVE BEEN SEARCHING FOR THE LONGEST FOR TWO FREE YORKIES IF THERE IS ANY WAY WE CAN GET TWO PLEASE CONTACT ME AT {removed for confidentiality} WE LIVE IN ALBANY GEORGIA WE ARE LOOKING TO GET THEM BY NEXT WEEKEND OR NEXT WEEKPLEASE RESPOND ASAP