Dog rescue groups: picky

Comments

“Some rescues are ridiculous, and it's a power trip with them, which is very sad because they end up shortchanging the very animals they are entrusted with protecting. Sreening is necessary, but nit-picking and being arbitrary in their requirements is not. Some rescues hold on to their dogs for months and years in anticipation of that elusive "best match," denying applications to perfectly good people for absurd reasons, such as no fence or no other dogs in the family. These dogs spend sometimes months in boarding or crated in a crowded foster home because the person who applied for them doesn't have a yard. Leash walks and/or dog park are just not good enough. And these rescue people can be very territorial on their turf. Try telling them they are not doing the best by the dog, and you are an enemy for life!” — Natalie, Jun 30 2009

“I am new to learning about rescued pets. However, from what I have learned so far, it's a good idea for the Rescue org. to have visitation for a period of time. They have put forth a lot of the time, heart and expense into the pet. I am in the process of adopting a now dog, and am seriously considering a rescue adult dog instead of a puppy. ” — Kathy, May 19 2009

“What do you have to say about shelters who are apparently just holding out for a particular ideal profile? People who want to adopt a shelter dog are not there hoping to save $. Adoption fees are competitive now with purchase costs. My daughter is an experienced German Shepherd owner who just lost an 8-year-old suddenly to bloat. She trained the dog herself to both English and German commands and has a fenced-in yard but so far although she has visited several shelters and expressed interest in some of the dogs, the managers are holding off decisions evidently hoping for some ideal profile (young active male? Single, no other pets? Does not work but is independently wealthy?) will appear. This for dogs who have been at the shelters for over a month, strays, not surrenders or abused dogs, seemingly in good health. She has no issues with being checked up on or following guidelines. Her dog's breeder had a very restrictive set of rules for any purchaser, which she abided by. She wants to help these homeless dogs, and so do I but we are both now inclined to forget it and find a reputable breeder and be done with it. I do not want to hear any more about all these dogs who need a good home, when the person who can offer a good home is just not good enough to measure up to some idea of T h e P e r f e c t O w n e r.” — cameo602003, Mar 02 2009