Dog adoption...did I say/do something wrong?!?

[Appsolute]

[QUOTE=JBD;7719771]
7 months later they want to return the dog. Why? Because she had accidents 2-3 times a week even though they said they walked her 5-6 times a day…It will be a cold day before I adopt to someone without a fenced yard.[/QUOTE]

And like each rescue is different, some wonderful, some unreasonable - so are people who give the pets homes. A few months ago I moved to a place with a fenced yard - the first fenced yard I have EVER had.

Yet didn’t mean I was a bad pet owner because I didn’t have a fenced yard before.

I don’t know that a yard would make those people good owners - I would never give my pet away due to a potty training issue. Every single pet I have ever had has been for life - and usually extremely long ones at that (17 year old golden retriever, 19 year old cat - the rest of my pets are still living!)

And I NEVER leave our dog out in the yard when we aren’t home - just doesn’t seem safe too me - what if they got out, and no one was home to notice? Too easy for the dog to be tempted to bark, cause trouble, etc. Nope - I don’t leave the dog in the yard.

[Hippolyta]

[QUOTE=Marshfield;7722889]
There are massive protocol regarding procurement of research animals and purpose bred beagles for research purposes are typically used[/QUOTE]

Yup. BAtchers are pretty much a thing of the past. USDA is v. strict these days.

[wcporter]

[QUOTE=french fry;7720757]
I am probably going to draw ire for this advice but in my city there are tons of owners who list dogs they can no longer keep directly on Craigslist. Of course, some of the dogs have issues and some listings are for owners who are straight out trying to sell their dogs for a profit but there are (at least in my area) also many people who feel the need to give up their dogs due to a change in financial or family circumstances. Or the “oops” litter (be careful you’re not inadvertently supporting a backyard breeder by buying one of their “designer” mutts.)

I don’t have a dog at the moment but this is the route I’d go. My friend has an “oops” puppy and another friend has an adult dog that was given up by his owner. I myself have a kitten pulled from the street by an acquaintance and given to me. I could not have put myself through going through a cat rescue - so many hoops to jump through!

I understand what rescues are trying to do and applaud them in carefully screening homes but I am very happy with the peer-to-peer “adoptions” (if you can call them that) I’ve been a part of.[/QUOTE]

My youngest dog is a CL find

I was in Alabama for Christmas two years ago with my SO’s family (we live in MD) and I was sitting around looking on CL one night and came across an ad. It was young couple that had a 7 month old “lab x beagle” pup that “needs more time than we could give her.”

Her face in the photo was adorable but she had this look in her eyes that was a little vacant. I felt sorry for her. So I called the guy and went over with my current dog to see her. She was a high-strung, untrained, hot mess. And there was clearly not a drop of beagle or lab in her.

He had gotten her from the pound a few month earlier and I got the feeling she spent 80% of her time in a crate. She kind of reminded me of a child raised in an orphanage. Obviously I had to take her Gave the guy $50 and put her in the car, and the next day we drove 800 miles back to MD. I was her third home in 5 months.

She is the coolest dog I have ever had. But also, by far, the most challenging. I am so glad I trusted my gut feeling that day and took her. God knows what would have happened to her otherwise. She’d probably be dead…or worse.

We named her Osa (Spanish for “bear,” named by my SO after the famous Alabama football coach Bear Bryant) and to this day, I have not a clue what breeds she is and have yet to see another dog that looks anything like her. Our best guess is some mix of hound/shepard, but your guess is as good as mine.

This is her the same week we got her home: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151208947757883&set=a.158904692882.117902.568107882&type=3&theater

And this is her and her “sister” this spring: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152050111127883&set=a.10151837053222883.1073741827.568107882&type=3&theater

[bits619]

[QUOTE=cowboymom;7720722]
The holier than thou attitude of most rescues keep the dreaded puppy factories in business. The people you turn down b/c their dogs stay on the porch or you didn’t like the cleanliness of their home are the ones that go buy a puppy off of craigslist.[/QUOTE]

Ehh, at the same time I have a responsibility to the foster dog in my care to find it the most appropriate home. Many times there are multiple applications and inquiries on our adoptables, and I can pretty much guarantee that I’ll find a nicer situation for my foster dog than being restricted to the sun room/backyard/etc.
I see it as answering to the dog I have in my care first and foremost. I get that the less desirable home will likely get a dog from wherever they are able if they really want to, but I don’t see how it changes what I find best for my foster.

[Casey09]

[QUOTE=Hippolyta;7723091]
I am not sure if this is the situation in your case, but echoing what has been said above about some rescues being a bit ridiculous.

My friend, a wildlife biologist & lifetime cat owner (currently has one that has lived to 18 so far), had vet rec, home visit, etc. Cat rescue turned her down b/c she worked too much (she walks to 5 minutes to work, works 9-4:30, comes home).[/QUOTE]

That is extreme and bizarre. I volunteer for a local animal charity and love critters, but I could never operate a rescue or breed a litter because while I wouldn’t be as extreme as this, I’m not really all that trusting and would have a hard time placing the animals.

At the same time, most people who foster and do rescue do it because it is fulfilling. It might not be very fulfilling of people felt like the dog would not be going on to a good home. I can understand not adopting out a dog to someone that would keep it only on the porch. In truth, most dogs don’t do well in isolation and they prefer being with their people as much as possible. The exception to this is working LGDs, who like being with their flock. Yes, that person will get a different dog in all likelihood, but that doesn’t mean a rescue wants to place the dog in front of them, that they’ve grown attached to, in that situation.

[LauraKY]

[QUOTE=Hippolyta;7723394]
Yup. BAtchers are pretty much a thing of the past. USDA is v. strict these days.[/QUOTE]

There may be regulations and protocols, but it’s still happening.

[I]They were known as “random source” dog dealers.

They bought their animals by the hundreds from shady individuals known as “bunchers,” who collect dogs from auctions, shelters, the street, theft, and “free to good home” pet ads.

Then, prosecutors say, the dealers sold the dogs to some of the nation’s leading medical institutions.

Floyd and Susan Martin of Shippensburg were part of a federally sanctioned yet controversial method of procuring animals for medical research, known as Class B or “random source” dog dealers.

But on Thursday, the Martins pleaded guilty in federal court here to illegally purchasing hundreds of dogs for resale to research facilities including Johns Hopkins and Columbia Universities.

The Martins, who operated Chestnut Grove Kennel, admitted that they received hundreds of thousands of dollars from research facilities for fraudulently obtained dogs between 2005 and 2010.[/I]

http://articles.philly.com/2013-03-01/news/37354794_1_guilty-pleas-random-source-dog

There’s more…but that’s an example.

[kdow]

I understand that the rescue is responsible - I think the big problem comes from people who get into rescue but can’t get over the “no one will care for the animal as well as I do” thing and then look for excuses to reject people. Or places that get too caught up in paperwork to actually build a mental image of the situation - like they see no fenced yard or lives in apartment and dismiss the whole thing without reading to see that the person lives down the street from a dog park or would take the dog to work with them so it wouldn’t be cooped up alone at home all day, etc.

I don’t think any dogs think “well, there is no fenced yard so I don’t want to live here!” Yknow?

(That said, I appreciate people who do rescue right. My aunt fosters and I’m sure it is hard to feel certain that someone is a good home, etc. plus you do get attached.)

[red_mares]

[QUOTE=french fry;7720757]
I am probably going to draw ire for this advice but in my city there are tons of owners who list dogs they can no longer keep directly on Craigslist. Of course, some of the dogs have issues and some listings are for owners who are straight out trying to sell their dogs for a profit but there are (at least in my area) also many people who feel the need to give up their dogs due to a change in financial or family circumstances. Or the “oops” litter (be careful you’re not inadvertently supporting a backyard breeder by buying one of their “designer” mutts.)

I don’t have a dog at the moment but this is the route I’d go. My friend has an “oops” puppy and another friend has an adult dog that was given up by his owner. I myself have a kitten pulled from the street by an acquaintance and given to me. I could not have put myself through going through a cat rescue - so many hoops to jump through!

I understand what rescues are trying to do and applaud them in carefully screening homes but I am very happy with the peer-to-peer “adoptions” (if you can call them that) I’ve been a part of.[/QUOTE]

This is exactly why the last cat came from Craigslist.

My dad got his last dog from a shelter/rescue and it was a giant PITA. A few dogs missed hitting the lottery because of shelter/rescue BS. There was a 3 legged JRT that looked like a good fit, but they wouldn’t talk to out of state old people. (Their website also said they were full and couldn’t take any new dogs.:mad:)

[JanM]

I’ve had some great dogs, from friends or acquaintances who had to rehome due to family issues (one an older relative who was allergic to dogs was moving in permanently, and another was a divorce), or other situations, and I took their dog. I already knew the dog was nice, was well socialized, and needed me. Sometimes someone just needs to rehome a perfectly good dog, or cat, and you get a dog that you know about, and it’s a win-win situation for all concerned.

[tbchick84]

What did you do wrong? You admitted you actually work for a living and that you won’t be home 24/7 to be with your precious pup. Having no fence doesn’t help and not being in your permanent home was the icing on the cake for these condescending rescue people. It’s amazing how far down their nose they look at us peons. How dare we leave poor fido home alone while we go off the make a living. It’s amazing any of these animals find a home with their ridiculous standards. Most require several in home visits before and after the adoption which few working people have time for. Find a nice dog on Craigslist no strings attached.

[jr]

[QUOTE=tbchick84;7724970]
What did you do wrong? You admitted you actually work for a living and that you won’t be home 24/7 to be with your precious pup. Having no fence doesn’t help and not being in your permanent home was the icing on the cake for these condescending rescue people. It’s amazing how far down their nose they look at us peons. How dare we leave poor fido home alone while we go off the make a living. It’s amazing any of these animals find a home with their ridiculous standards. Most require several in home visits before and after the adoption which few working people have time for. Find a nice dog on Craigslist no strings attached.[/QUOTE]

Great post. There are reasonable rescues out there. But my experience is that s lot of them are bat sh!!t crazy. One friend who went through the process said it was easier adopting her two boys from Russia.

[arapaloosa_lady]

I’m glad you’re on the short list for the puppy, OP!!

I recommend going to visit your local shelter if you get tired of jumping through hoops. Or driving to visit a big urban shelter if your local one operates like a rescue.

My primary objection with home visits is privacy. I don’t have anything to hide, but I don’t want some random stranger poking around my home & judging me. All my dog wants is a bed to snooze on, plenty of playtime outside, and snuggles galore. I’m pretty sure he doesn’t care if my house isn’t immaculate! So, I choose to adopt from the shelter.

[jessiesgrrl]

The waiting is killing me!!! Uggggg lol

Still haven’t rec’v the email thumbs up or down…its driving me bonkers!!!

Sitting on the couch last night with bf, there was a 4" gap between us…I lean over and say “Wouldn’t it be just perfect if Lenny (yes I have already named him in my head, bad me) was snuggled up between us right now!!!”
He laughed and said “Yes dear”
such a good bf

[CrowneDragon]

I had a problem getting my last cat, because I wanted a barn cat. Despite every reference imaginable I wouldn’t be allowed to adopt a shelter cat that was already pulled from the adoption area to be euthanized because it was going to live outdoors. I tried to explain that my pets got great care and the cat would be as well-kept as anyone’s house cat. Nope. Policy. They’d rather kill the cat than let me pay for it.

I ended up having to send someone else to lie to get me the cat.

(Of course he ended up having pollen allergies and had to live in the house but that’s a WHOLE 'nuther story).

[ElisLove]

[QUOTE=CrowneDragon;7725821]
I had a problem getting my last cat, because I wanted a barn cat. Despite every reference imaginable I wouldn’t be allowed to adopt a shelter cat that was already pulled from the adoption area to be euthanized because it was going to live outdoors. I tried to explain that my pets got great care and the cat would be as well-kept as anyone’s house cat. Nope. Policy. They’d rather kill the cat than let me pay for it.

I ended up having to send someone else to lie to get me the cat.

(Of course he ended up having pollen allergies and had to live in the house but that’s a WHOLE 'nuther story).[/QUOTE]

Our humane society has a special ‘barn cat’ program that places cats into homes as barn cats.

[jessiesgrrl]

Well the rescue really sh!t the bed on this one

Saturday morning (still waiting for an email), I was going through my FB newsfeed, when a picture from the rescue pops up “Happy Adoption Day Loki” with a wonderful picture of a family with the pup… ARE>YOU>KIDDING>ME!!!

Check my email and my spam box, nada.

So I emailed the organization, being very polite and asking why we were never emailed and I had to find out via a picture that we were turned down blah blah blah ending the email with a “why were we turned down and is it even worth applying in future?”

I got an email back saying “Sorry about the email mix-up, I thought I sent them out.
There is nothing wrong with your application, we just understood that you may be interested in another dog, so went with another family for Loki who was only interested in him”

WTFruitbat?!?!? When did I say THAT???

I emailed back and said Thanks for the response, I really was only interested in Loki at this time, but if another small breed pup comes up, please let me know as my application should be on file"

They ended the conversation with “We don’t keep applications on file, so please fill out a new one if you see a dog you would be interested in” What?? So I can go through this BS again?!?! Awesome!!

So as far as I am concerned it will be a cold day in hell (or a perfect pup) before we go through adoptions with this place again!!! GRRRR!
So disappointed and frustrated…and this was my cherry breaking experience with a rescue…textbook style let down for my virginity lol

So sorry CoTHers, no happy ending and no puppy pictures to post

[french_fry]

Sorry to hear about this update. Since you want a puppy, well, so does everyone else unfortunately. The competition gets fierce and the rescues are typically too understaffed/inundated with applications to really hold to any concept of fairness. I’m sure they phone screened several families at once (i.e. not just you) and went from there.

I’m the first to admit that sometimes rescues can act like they’re on power trips, but unfortunately I think your expectations of them were a little high in this situation. It’s more of a lottery than anything else.

[Romany]

I have to disagree with you there, french fry. IMO the OP seemed very realistic in her expectations - all she wanted was a puppy, THAT puppy.

The rescue people, OTOH, have poor communication skills, to say the very least.

@ jessiegrrl - move on. Be happy that little Loki found a great home via this rescue group, even if it’s not YOUR home. Think of it in a positive light: this way, Loki has a home AND another dog gets a home with you and your bf!

Please, do consider getting a mature, or even older, dog, as puppies ALWAYS find homes, it’s the older ones who look mournfully from their crates for weeks, months, and sometimes years.

We’ve had 10 rescue dogs over the past few years. Not one of them was a puppy, youngest was about a year, oldest was 10-ish, and every single one of them has been the best dog ever. Not one of them came from one of these private rescue groups.

Good luck!

[french_fry]

[QUOTE=Romany;7733959]
I have to disagree with you there, french fry. IMO the OP seemed very realistic in her expectations - all she wanted was a puppy, THAT puppy.

The rescue people, OTOH, have poor communication skills, to say the very least.[/QUOTE]

I don’t know, Romany. Nowhere in the OP’s posts did she say that the rescue told her she was first in line for the puppy. In fact, she said she had only completed the initial phone screen - she was waiting to hear if she would get a home visit, not if she would receive the puppy.

If the rescue told her she was first in line that’s a totally different story and the error is on their part. But based on how much competition there was for those puppies, there is no way they were only phone screening candidates one at a time. The OP was probably somewhere down their list and one of the adopters ahead of her in the process passed the home screen and wanted the puppy. Or they did a phone screen with someone who seemed more ideal and pushed that application through to the home visit stage.

It sounds like the OP was excited that she made it through the first phase and got a little carried away (naming the puppy, etc.), perhaps misinterpreting the rescue’s process and thinking that if she passed the home screen the pup was hers. I’ve been there! How can you not fall in love with a cute face?! But I’m still not sure the rescue “sh!t the bed.”

Either way, OP, I’m so sorry you were disappointed. Like I said, I know what it is to fall in love at first sight. I would also encourage you to adopt an adult dog if at all possible - a little less of a feeding frenzy when it comes to the adoptions.

[Kitari]

[QUOTE=Romany;7733959]
I have to disagree with you there, french fry. IMO the OP seemed very realistic in her expectations - all she wanted was a puppy, THAT puppy.

The rescue people, OTOH, have poor communication skills, to say the very least.

@ jessiegrrl - move on. Be happy that little Loki found a great home via this rescue group, even if it’s not YOUR home. Think of it in a positive light: this way, Loki has a home AND another dog gets a home with you and your bf!

Please, do consider getting a mature, or even older, dog, as puppies ALWAYS find homes, it’s the older ones who look mournfully from their crates for weeks, months, and sometimes years.

We’ve had 10 rescue dogs over the past few years. Not one of them was a puppy, youngest was about a year, oldest was 10-ish, and every single one of them has been the best dog ever. Not one of them came from one of these private rescue groups.

Good luck![/QUOTE]

I have first hand experience that this isn’t the case in all situations. Our dog Kyra we adopted her at a year and a month old. She had been in the shelter since she was 6 weeks old. Not one person adopted her. Our shelter puts down on their info cards in cases where a dog was adopted then returned and she had nothing but her general info.

Now I am not saying skip older dogs. Just pointing out that not all puppies find homes. Our other dog Sashimi (aka Sashi) is 8 years old now and we got her last year. Though from an owner who couldn’t keep her anymore.