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Frustrated trying to adopt a dog - Happy Update Pg5!

The Menagerie
#21

Meh - I was denied adoption by a Doberman rescue because I refused to use a choke chain on the adopted dog. It was the only collar they approved for their adoptees. Huh?

Their reasoning was that they received a Doberman into their rescue with a SINGLE wound (hole) in its neck that “clearly” came from a prong collar. Apparently they don’t know how prong collars work because if someone was misusing it in a manner to cause visual physical injury, there would not have been ONE wound.

When I questioned them about collapsed tracheas from choke chains, etc. and how I would prefer to use a flat buckle or martingale collar, they just said, “no - choke chains only.”

#22

I’ve not had to go to any rescues/shelters for any of my kitties since they always seem to find me first. :lol:

However, last month, my elderly Mom needed a cat for company (my father passed away end of June). She and my Dad had had cats for many years, but had been catless for the last 5 or so.

I took my Mom to my local SPCA, and wow, what a great kitty we found for her. The staff was excellent. We told them what we needed (a sweet lap cat, preferably female), and we were directed to a small tuxedo kitty named Petunia. She and my Mom were an instant hit in the “kitty visiting room”, and we brought her home.

The process was flawless. The icing on the cake was that they had reduced adoption fees for “mature” (at least 2 yrs old) cats, and Petunia was just over 2, so her adoption fee was only $15, rather than the usual $95. Better yet, she had been sponsored by someone, so there was actually NO adoption fee. My Mom still paid the fee so it could be applied to another cat. :slight_smile:

Petunia was UTD on all vaccinations, spayed (she had come in preggo, had her kittens at the SPCA, which had all since been adopted), and micro-chipped. They do this with all their animals. No fleas, and the facility was spotless. Paperwork was minimal (usual adoption stuff, supplying personal and vet references). She even came with a 3-lb bag of cat food to make any change in diet gradual. Very impressive!

The SPCA has called my Mom about every 2 weeks, to ensure her new kitty is working out. Things couldn’t be better. This is a very special cat who loves everyone, is not shy in the least, and plays all the time. She also is quite talkative and extremely lovable, not to mention cute as all get out.

No hiding when we first let her out of the carrier at my Mom’s. She was immediately “at home”.

Showered with affection, tons of new toys, a nice sunroom, and a pet fountain as of yesterday. Can you say spoiled kitty? She deserves it, and I cannot believe such a great cat had been there since last May. I guess she was just waiting for my Mom to come along. :yes:

Meet Ms. Petunia (or “sweet P” as I call her):
http://home.comcast.net/~wec6/photos/Petunia2.jpg

For anyone in the northern VA area looking for a nice cat or dog, check out the Fauquier SPCA (they didn’t mind that my Mom lived out of their county). They are truly a class act:
http://www.fauquierspca.com/home.html

#23

Guess I’m not the only one with “interesting” experiences. :wink:

Jaegermonster - I won’t give up finding a dog through rescue but I’m in Colorado so too far for your group sadly.

I work part time at a donkey rescue so I completely understand policies and procedures. I was really taken back by the hasty dismissal. When we get apps in, we look at each one individually. Our non-negotiable policies (no breeding, no roping, unfrozen water in the winter) are clearly stated on the web site.

I started checking out craigslist. Maybe there’s a family in crisis that needs a good home for their dog. We’re not in a huge hurry. Just want the right fit. :yes:

#24

terrific rescue

Want to adopt a great dog or cat?
www.PawsforLife.org

they do great evals of the dogs, including horse friendly. Highly recommend!

#25

We couldn’t adopt cats in DC, despite perfect references, because we worked. Apparently only unemployed people should own cats.

Went to a kill shelter in WV and picked out the two sweetest kittens. Paid $25 each and took them home. No application or anything. I don’t know if that is standard, but I have known the humane officer for 20 years and he knows I treat my pets like kings. Best cats I have ever had, with none of the major health problems that every single DC shelter cat seemed to have. And I saved their lives.

#26

I’m sorry to hear the experience with the first rescue org wasn’t what you expected. But keep in mind each rescue & shelter is independently run. It’s just a matter of finding one more compatible with your situation.

And as someone who does animal rescue work, it’s sad to hear so many unhappy stories. I recognize that some people won’t ever consider dealing with any rescue again because the first org they dealt with was unprofessional or unreasonable, and that’s a shame for all the other GOOD rescue orgs (and their dogs).

Yes, it’s annoying not to know what the deal-breakers are for a particular rescue. Unfortunately, if the specifics are listed, it makes it so much easier for the crazy people to lie about their intentions. It’s that small % of people who are liars & abusers that create the need for a screening process in the first place.

#27

It can be maddening.

I took in a pregnant momma cat off the street about 9 years ago, and when she had her kittens, I tried to work with a local rescue to get help placing momma and the 4 kitties. But when I wanted to adopt one of the kittens to my boss, who lived out of state, they got all silly and wanted to forbid it. So I said the hell with them, and the aforementioned kitten is still fat and happy and living in Massachusetts with my ex-boss and her family. I’m pretty sure most of those kittens still live in nicer zip codes than I do, for the most part.

One is tempted to scrutinize the rescues to figure out what they want to hear and just tell it to 'em. Sad but true.

#28

[QUOTE=ManyDogs;5787423]

Anyhoo, 7 of our 10 are either pound dogs or side-of-the-road dogs. The pound/shelter here is wonderful. I joke they have our # on speed dial. I’m trying to stop at ten :winkgrin:but if a little JRT girlie was available. Welllll…:yes:[/QUOTE]

Russell Rescue has people in VA and I’m sure there are always females available.

Russell Refuge in Rhinebeck NY has a number of females if you’re willing to travel. You can have any of them EXCEPT CICI! (see my earlier post and my next).

#29

Just an update on my earlier post about trying adopt a dog from a JRT Rescue only to be told the couple that wants “my” dog are waiting to get back from vacation to pick her up.

Well, that’s what I was told a week ago. Today on FB they have pics of a bunch of new rescues. So I figure “my” dog must’ve gone to her new home, right?

NO. Still shows as available AND they posted a new picture in which she’s even cuter!!!

I should say I’ve repeatedly told the director (whom I know) if she really just doesn’t think we’re the right home, JUST TELL ME. I’m a big girl; I can take it. I’ll still make my monthly donation because they do a great job. But in the days when I was breeding, if a prospective buyer kept putting off coming to pick up the pup, I knew that the puppy wasn’t the priority they claimed it was.

Some would say, and I agree, that if it’s meant to be it will happen. Well, the flip side is also true: if this couple was meant to have a Jack, there’s another one out there waiting. :slight_smile:

#30

I had a friend who was declined because she had a fenced yard, and even though she had indoor only dogs, they thought the yard would be a temptation to put the dog outside.

Damned if you do, damned if you don’t.

And I hate it- I care for dogs in all kinds of situations for petsitting and there are a lot of set ups that work. I watch perfectly happy yard dogs, kenneled dogs, condo dogs, dogs with no yard, dogs on puppy pads… I watch a 21 year old outdoor only cat. Cats that are indoor only. Lone cats. Lone dogs. Cats and dogs that live with small children.

Rescue people who have all these regulations should pet sit and experience all the set ups that work fine. I know that at times, they don’t work fine for some people… but for the most people, petowners use common sense and end up with happy healthy animals that work with their lifestyle.

#31

Why is a fenced yard bad? I just don’t understand – I thought you were supposed to have a fenced yard so the dog could run around a little and not get hit by a car…?

#32

it’s all about control-freakery

magnolia73, this is what I think happens in rescues. They see terrible things happen to animals, they clean up the messes that result, and they are constantly thinking “How can we prevent all of this neglect, cruelty, and mistreatment?”

The fact is, it’s very difficult, because the determining factor of whether an adopted animal has a good life or a horrific one isn’t how big the yard is, or how many classes the owner takes, or what orthodoxy of dog care they subscribe to, it’s the question of whether the adopter is a good and responsible person. And while it makes us feel better to think that there are objective criteria to sort out the good from the bad, there pretty much are not.

You can prevent some obvious stuff, but these places that are causing all the frustration on this thread have gone completely overboard, and have convinced themselves that they can prevent Pooky from ending up hit by a car, or starving, or turning up at the animal shelter, by applying their 312 point checklist to potential owners. Which is of course bat$hit crazy. But they have been too close to the problem for too long, and have utterly lost perspective. We don’t control the future. We can’t do it for ourselves, so what makes anyone think they can do it for a pet in the care of another human?

That’s the facts, Jack.

#33

How about talking about the GOOD that dog (and other animal) rescues do?

I have worked in rescue for over 25 years, as an employee and as a volunteer. I now run my own non-profit dog rescue.

Rescues do a LOT of good and just like everything else in life, there are good ones and there are bad ones.

SO, instead of bashing rescues, how about giving them a chance and acknowledging the awesome work that they do?

A rescue organization will have a personality, you need to find the rescue that is a good fit for you and has a similar outlook on dogs and their care.

And as for the rescue that said a 100 ac. farm wasn’t a good home for a dog? I just adopted a VERY busy and energetic Corgi to a 70 ac. farm and I was ecstatic to find her that home, it was perfect for her.

Yes, there are idiots in rescue, just like there are idiots in every other facet of life. If you encounter an idiot rescue, just move on to one that is run by folks who have more sense!

Anyone who wants to adopt should check us out, Riff’s Friends Dog Rescue, we’re on www.petfinder.com. We don’t mind adopting out of state, we don’t do home checks, etc. Basically we don’t make you jump through hoops to get a nice dog.

#34

Pcostx, no one is saying that there aren’t wonderful rescues. Honest.

But it does seem to happen, over and over again, that rescues (plural) get very control-freaky, to the point of missing out on great homes. And these silly rescues do you and others who are sensible and successful a lot of PR harm. So don’t throw stones at us for reporting true stories of absurd decision-making. Go tell these rescues to get a grip before they make it impossible for you and others like you to do your important work.

#35

I think that bears repeating.

to the OP: do contact breeders of your chosen breed as well. many are into breed rescue as well or have a retired show dog they don’t intend to keep for breeding.

#36

[QUOTE=rosijet;5787502]
Guess I’m not the only one with “interesting” experiences. :wink:

Jaegermonster - I won’t give up finding a dog through rescue but I’m in Colorado so too far for your group sadly.

I work part time at a donkey rescue so I completely understand policies and procedures. I was really taken back by the hasty dismissal. When we get apps in, we look at each one individually. Our non-negotiable policies (no breeding, no roping, unfrozen water in the winter) are clearly stated on the web site.

I started checking out craigslist. Maybe there’s a family in crisis that needs a good home for their dog. We’re not in a huge hurry. Just want the right fit. :yes:[/QUOTE]

We have transported dogs to Arizona and New York from here so if you find something you want don’t be afraid to contact us, but I don’t blame you if you want to stay more local. I’m sure there are plenty of dogs in your area that need help :slight_smile:

#37

I have been “victim” to over the top rescues. Turned down simply because my heart dog had just been put down and they felt I wasn’t ready. I/we are and we ARE a forever home.
Now I work with a rescue I quite enjoy. I foster. They are realistic and good about assessing the dogs in home, in my home meetings, in their home meetings. I get a fair bit of say as I am the one looking at the dogs in my care, and they are serious about homing their dogs.
My first foster was an interesting dog. I met half a dozen people. Some I liked others I didn’t. I gave honest opinions as to why. I really really liked one guy and the dog really accepted him as well, BUT he wanted a dog that that dog would struggle being… So we passed on him for “my” dog and he ended up with a slightly older, quieter, more accepting of people and the sicialized world he lives in. The people who got my foster, I turned down at least 2x. And I LOVED the lady of the house!!! He was going to be too much dog for them. She met the dog in my home, I said no. She bugged the President of the rescue, I said no. I got talked into taking the dog to their home for a meet and greet with the family and their resident dog… I was happy with what I saw. I softened some still thinking he was too much dog… They got the dog. He was/is a ton of dog for them. He counter surfs and breaks dishes and chases their cats, BUT they love him and all of his “stuff.” He’s a handful… BUT they are making it work. I could have held out for a home that was going to challenge him, nose work, agility, lure coursing… anything to keep his big brain busy. That IMO would have been ideal. BUT he is in a good home that will love him regardless of his hijinx… That’s what matters.

And yes, rescues will fly dogs to appropriate homes

#38

[QUOTE=mbj;5787554]
Want to adopt a great dog or cat?
www.PawsforLife.org

they do great evals of the dogs, including horse friendly. Highly recommend![/QUOTE]

Looks like a great rescue - I favorited it for future ref.–thanks!:slight_smile:

#39

[QUOTE=Blinkers On;5788178]

And yes, rescues will fly dogs to appropriate homes[/QUOTE]

Really? that seems like such a waste of $$. Perhaps if you are so selective for your dogs that you need to fly them to another locale to find them a home, you are being too selective.

#40

[QUOTE=fordtraktor;5787826]
Why is a fenced yard bad? I just don’t understand – I thought you were supposed to have a fenced yard so the dog could run around a little and not get hit by a car…?[/QUOTE]

because some people will leave a dog out there for hours without being there or checking on it.

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