SearchAdoption article on MSN
Good Morning! I saw this article this morning and thought some might want to read it. It gives us the perspective of some of the people looking for a dog.......
K-Tron I agree with everything you said. In looking into rescues I saw one that had you list your kids school teaches with phone numbers. They said to tell them to expect a call from the rescue. I'm sorry, but that's too much for my comfort. When my husband and I were taking foster care classes this wasn't even a requirement to foster human children! This is what causes people to lie or go get a dog from a byb or puppy mill. Yes, I'll say it. SOMETIMES I believe it is the fault of rescues or breeders that claim to care so much for the breed yet push good buyers away and force them to purchase a dobe from somewhere that might not be a good choice. For those that really care about the breed I understand some screening. But when good homes are turned down for questionable reasons when there are so many rescures saying they can't take more in I have to question the process. They either need to stop complaining about having too many dogs or make the process more comfortable for the prospective owner.
I also agree with this and was really frustrated when trying to find a doberman. I'm not saying all rescues or even breeders act this way, but the Holier than thou attitude would make me furious when trying to find a dog.
I agree, I tried to the rescue route and was suprised at some of the remarks. Although, I was put on the waiting list. The hesitated because I had never owned a doberman before. It felt very disheartening.. Kaiser isn't a rescue dog, but he is treat so well and loved so much. I hope I can get him a big sister from a rescue sometime.
Kaisesr....and how do you get around that? They won't let you have a dobe if you've never had a dobe but where do you get a dobe? Sounds like a 3 Stooges routine 
The only way to get around that is to then go to whoever will sell you one. So it's a lose-lose. I would rather see rescues mentoring new dobe owners and help them/teach them how to be good owners rather than just turn people away and be left to their own devices. Would that be what's best for the breed?
I think that piece only talks about a small group of rescues who do go way over what is necessary. Most rescues are picky - but for very good reasons.... and no more picky than a good breeder. I will say that nothing is perfect and I know that good homes get passed over. What people need to also realize that the word "rescue" is not the same as "company" or "institution". Rescues are normally run by a very small group of overworked volunteers - they do what they can with the little bit of time they have. They save dogs/cats/horses/small animals etc.... that otherwise would be dead. Give them a break!
Most people think that they are great homes, but many aren't. And while some people with small kids, no fence, full time jobs, and rental apts/homes will make great homes, a large majority of them don't ..... and statistics speak. It is near impossible to know who will and who won't, so the safe answer for the animal is to say no. Don't blame the rescue for that - blame all the people who have proven that they are not good homes in the same situation.
Fitzmar, yes I understand what you are saying. But instead or leaving things to pure chance, either way, I would think mentoring new dobe owners would be a nice way of getting more of them in homes with help and support. Many rescues are short of foster homes; this would help with that need as more could be placed. They always need donations; this would help with that as the dogs would be taken care of by the new owners....expenses such as food. Instead of automatically disqualifying prospective owners on paper, rescues might relieve themselves of some of the overcrowding pressures. AND be able to work with a new owner to problem solve and teach/educate new owners. I believe if the processes were different more dogs would be placed and not as many would be returned. It seems like a win-win. In blaming all the people who have proven they are not good homes for not placing dogs in good homes, well that's to me like saying if you know one vicious dobe then most of the others you see will be too. It's not really a good way to evaluate the individual is it? 
I have to agree with you SonLight about needing a new way to evaluate the individual. Good families are often sterotyped into the unfit to adopt group when they don't deserve it. I contacted 4 rescues here in Ohio and was promptly turned down by all of them flat out with no chance to present my qualifying attributes or plead my case when the rescues seen that I either had no fence or had a young child. That was very unfair. None of them accept for one would even hear me out. I did keep pushing one rescue and they finally said there was one dog they would consider based SOLEY on the fact that he was older (between 6 & 7 yrs) and would "tolerate" leash walking. It was not a matter of whether he was a good match for my family. It came down to the fact that he was a borderline senior dog, was not very active and like to be a couch potato, and would "tolerate" leash walking and the rescue wouldn't require a fenced yard for him. It was all about the stinking fence. I rescue had totally lost sight of what was most important when placing a dog. I think its more important to match the dog to the family based on more important factors such as, but of course not limited to temperament, compatability with all family members, and the family's activity level. We are an active family and wanted a dog that can accompany us in our activities, not lay around on the couch. I was very disappointed with what criteria this rescue based their decisions on. I declined because I didn't feel the dog was a good match for us as an active family and couldn't believe the rescue couldn't realize that as well.
Fitzmar I hear what your saying but nonetheless my experience wasn't a positive one. I was frustrated that the seemingly criteria that held me back was they fact that I had never owned a doberman before. Not my application, not a yard, passed my home visit, not my cat. Prehaps, I should of offered my first born, lol.. I do understand they want to do well by the dogs. I just felt rejected. So I had to go a different route... Right now Kaiser is chewing his new toy, right next to... I love my pup "he rescued me" : )...
@SonLight, I agree with you about changing the procedures in rescues, I originally signed up with a rescue for a Malamute, I wanted a younger dog 6 months or under, after speaking with one of the caretakers who wanted to lead me towards an older since I was inexperienced with the breed. I have since the age of five had dogs in my life. I explained how I co-owned a Pitbull and Dalmatian and have two elder cats, (my mother in law and mother refused to let me have either dog, very long story) all of which are regularly vet checked and healthy. Anyway, they turned me down outright. And I don't have young kids, have a fenced yard(small but fenced) and live right next to a wonderful dog park in a home. I ended my search at the local shelter after so many rescues required so much personal information. I love my Loki even if he does still jump on me, he gives me doggy kisses everyday!
I'm not defending everything a rescue does or doesn't, but I think what most people never see and never understand is that the average rescue does not have the time to mentor people or spend much time with them. These are people who mostly have full time jobs, families, their own animals.... and then find a bit of time to also rescue. They don't make money - heck, most of them spend plenty of their own cash on vet bills, board bills, etc... to care for dogs that someone else threw away.
They have to pick what they think are the best homes for dogs that have already been down on their luck. The last thing any of those animals need is to go into a possibly iffy home and have it not work out AGAIN.
Truly instead of only looking at your own perspective, you need to look at it from theirs. I am very close friends with a woman who has personally done the adoptions for over 500 Dobermans in the past 10 years - YES, that is 500!! People like her know what works and what normally does not - what kind of homes are a good risk and which are not. She does not have the time to spend on borderline type homes.... YES some good homes get passed over.... but more of them would not have been successful ... and she knows this from experience. Her bullshit meter is pretty good and she really does not have that many dogs returned. I'm sure some people don't like her - but I personally look at the dogs that have good homes because of her, and figure that they are the ones that matter.
I have incorporated a lot of my local Doberman rescues questionnaire into my own puppy questionnaire - because they are very successful at what they do. I'm sure I pass up some good homes as well, but I can't worry about that. I want the best chance of success for one of my puppies..... and so does rescue. For me that means - owning your own house, fencing, experience with either Dobermans or another large working breed, not too many hours away from home, willingness to go to training, etc.....
As a footnote, Many rescues are a very big questionmark with cats or other dogs - there are a lot of potential homes with cats and other dogs.... it makes it harder to place a dog with them. Also, while rescue does sometimes get puppies under 6 months, the average age is a male and about 18 months of age.... when they are big and strong and totally untrained!
Just things to think about - nothing is perfect.... but it is a lot better than euthanaisia in a shelter.
I'm sorry guys, but I have to agree with Fitzmar on this one. I have dedicated a lot of my time volunteering with a local shelter, I know, it's not the same as a rescue, but I have seen dogs go to questionable homes and some downright bad ones and I hate seeing those dogs go to those homes. I have fostered many dogs coming through the shelter, and some of them have been adopted out, and have come right back not even two days later. I am personally glad that rescues have the stipulations that they do, because if they didn't, they would be fuller than they are now. Many dogs wouldn't find their forever homes, many wouldn't find a loving family, many would find themselves in life-threatening situations because someone isn't dotting their "I"s and crossing their "t"s.
Just thought I'd let you guys know the response I got from the KC Dobe rescue.....
Debbie
I'm sorry we have no dogs that would do well in your circumstances. We really need a fenced yard and the chickens would be a problem .
for KCDR
AngusSo they have counted me out.....on paper. Ok. I can live with that. I am not even put on the waiting list. I wonder "where" they would like me to get my dog from?? Guess they have homes for all of the ones they have and that are coming in. I expected this but had to try
And their website says not having a fence is NOT a deal breaker......so that shouldn't have even been an issue.
Back to the drawing board........
Wolfgirl….I am not saying Fitzmar is wrong. Some rescues are run very well! And my daughter volunteered at a shelter while in college (she has since graduated from the U or MN with an Animal Science degree). She used to take the most unadoptable dog’s home (to our house) and train them. She once took a malamute that was picked up as a stray, returned to the shelter 3 times! After a few weeks of her training and integrating him into a family the dog was adopted to his forever home! And this was a teen college student! The shelter actually budgeted for a full time adoption counselor and offered her the position after college. So I do know something about shelters and I know two people who do rescue….different breeds than the dobe.
I’m just saying there is room for improvement. It’s difficult to read tone into emails. Please read mine with a smile and know it’s written with hope and sincerity. In any organization you have to have the right people on the bus AND in the right seats! Time management is an issue for many of us. However, if we truly are thinking of what’s best for the dogs we make it work or delegate. I’m saying to deny someone on paper without checking anything on the app or talking to the person is wrong and not in the best interest of finding forever homes for any breed.
All that said, there are many good rescues. The rescue I got my pug from is phenomenal! When we went to visit with our kids it was amazing. And she at first thought it best I have a fence, but after talking and meeting my family we got our pick of what we wanted. And this is nearly 4 years later. These people work full time and had at least 30 dogs. Their home was beautiful and their dogs were kept up beautifully! I was so happy to be able to go through that process and see their set up.
I’m not saying all people or rescues are bad, but that THERE MAY BE ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT in many. Until that is realized things will go on the same. Many good potential owners will get rejected by breeders and rescues and go to a byb, pet store or puppy mill to purchase their new dobe. And they come to a forum and get bashed because of it. (Not so much this one but I’ve seen what happens on DT) And so I ask, HOW IS THIS HELPING THE BREED? That’s all.
Give a man a fish and he eats for a day…..teach a man to fish and he eats for a lifetime. I’m very big on education and helping people open their eyes to things they many not know. After all, you don’t know what you don’t know. That includes me!
@SonLight: Keep trying. I was turned down MANY times too. I decided to forgo the rescue and focused on finding a breeder. This wasn't easy as Fitzmar pointed out many GOOD breeders have a very similar questioniare, but it is possible to find a reputable breeder willing to place a pup in these circumstances. I totally understand your frustration, I was just very recently there. I posted about it here a few times. I just didn't give up. Granted, I had to be willing to spend A LOT more to buy from a breeder than to rescue, but Andre is worth every penny.
I understand where Fitzmar and Wolf_Girl are coming from and CAN see the other side (I was employed as a vet assistant and receptionist at my local all breed rescue shelter several years ago. I've seen first hand what rescue is like), but if many rescue volunteers have full time jobs, children, other pets and so on, I thinks it's a bit hypocritical to turn potential adoptive families down for having the same circumstances. To people who don't know what the rescue industry is like it does come across as very holier than thou because in their mind they are like "Hey wait a minute. You have kids and a full-time job and you have 3 or 4 fosters and a couple of your own dogs or a cat, but you say I'm unfit." And to families who know they are capable of providing a wonderful, responsible forever home its very frustrating and disheartening to be turned down time and again. More of an effort needs to be made to get to know the families and not just on paper. I know people are busy and what not, but then don't get upset and angry when the good families you turn down patronize a byb because you wouldn't adopt to them. They've not been left with much other choice. Oh yeah sure they could always just not own a Doberman, but who has the right to say "well you should just not own if you can't get approved by a rescue or buy from a good breeder", when you sit back a enjoy this wonderful breed? These good families should be able to have the opportunity and the liberty to own their breed of choice too. And as far as first time Dobe owners go, well we were ALL first time Doberman owners at some point....
@SonLight: I think we were typing at the same time. Well said, well said!
I hear you guys, no harm meant by my comments either just expressing my experience. I went into adoption with such a positive energy and came away feeling disappointed. I would like to adopt an older female in a year or two. Hopefully, now that I am a somewhat seasoned, it will be an easier transition. I really have enjoyed having Kaiser, he actually surpasses my expectations. My obedience instructor warns me constantly don't get another dog. Lol, Kaiser is so exceptionally smart and sweet, since he is my first dog she said I will very disappointed and confused when my next dog one is dumb... She is somewhat jesting. Although, he a superstar : ).. All things happen for a reason I think, the universe didn't give me rescue because had to be Kaiser's mom.
... Oh, but they do have a choice K-tron. People need to fix the things that need to be fixed and sometimes that means waiting for a few months or years till they are in a better situation for adopting. I know that is not the answer a lot of people want to hear but it is the one they often get. I would have loved to have had a dog when I was in my 20's, but didn't feel it would be a good thing as I lived in a rental and didn't have a yard + I worked full time. So I had a cat.
Sometimes there are dogs that do ok without a fence, but without a fence AND chickens would pretty much be a deal breaker. How many chickens would they have to kill before they would be returned?? Or no fence AND young kids....
Also, when you are comparing rescues, compare apples to apples. Rescuing a pug and rescuing a Doberman are two totally differnent things! As are shelters and private rescues - you can't compare them.
Remember that I am being devils advocate here - I do think that problems exist in some rescues and none of them are perfect. However, I have experience on both sides of the fence so to speak and have been involved in Doberman rescue in a very small way for 10 years.... seen a lot in those years and know why often homes are turned down - even knowing that good homes get turned down along with the bad.
Two dogs that I bred went to homes that were formerly Doberman rescue homes and would have rescued again but couldn't - the reason was simple. When they were looking for another Doberman, they had added small children to their home and rescuing was just really not an option. I've very successfully sold to homes with young kids.... BUT they were all former Doberman homes, all had fences, and someone was home at least part of the day. I've turned down a lot of people who I felt were just too high of a risk for me - I'm sure some of them went to commercial kennels and bybers but that really isn't my problem. I'm also sure that some of those dogs are not in good situations.
Just because someone wants a dog, does not mean that they should have one. Yep, someone will sell to them, but it won't be me... and it often won't be a rescue. JMHO
I will also say that not all rescuers are perfect - but they do it because they feel someone has to. I can't tell you how often I see posts in various forums from people saying that a Doberman is in their local shelter, and can someone help it.... who do they think should help it?? Where is it supposed to go? Most rescues are a network of foster homes that are often already full - you can't imagine the panic that goes through a rescue community when a dog is on death row at a shelter and there is no place to put it.... sometimes they are old dogs that no one will adopt and my heart breaks for them - because they had a home and someone dumped them when they got old. Do this for 10 years and you really can do some hating on the human race..... I know someone who has been doing it for about 25+ years.... just imagine.
@Fitzmar & Wolfgirl, I don't want anyone to get me wrong here, I agree with you up to a point, yes I understand both sides and am not jumping all over the rescues. I truly believe there are very good ones out there and including the one that turned me down. I understand their passion to help the animals and to ensure that the animal is in a proper home and not yet again either returned to them or turned over to a shelter. This was my first experience being rejected and no one wants to be rejected when they feel they have what it takes. Have I had problems with my Loki, yes tons of them along with vet visits for things I never knew existed. BUT, I still have him and nothing is going to force me to give him up.
What scares me is that not all people are honest about their situation and will find ways to circumvent these very restrictions and stipulations but in place to protect the animal. For the record all of my pets have been our own rescues, Pitbull was found tied to a pole, both of my cats found wondering the streets and the Dalmatian the breeder just wanted to get rid of(free). The Dalmatian of all of them was in the worst condition mentally. Today the Pitbull Queen lives with my mother-in-law and the Dalmatian lives with my mother, I assisted in raising them both but they have always been their pet and are happy healthy dogs. The cats are my babies at 13 and 16 years old now. As far as adopting older dogs in my case I felt I needed a younger dog, it suited my situation and who better to know that than myself. Most would believe an older dog would have been wise but I can train the younger dog from the beginning, it was my preference.
As much as I wanted to volunteer at a rescue or shelter (and I did sign up once) I realize that I could not handle the heartbreak nor my need to rescue. Fostering would not be an option as I would not give the animal up for adoption. Therefore I commend those that are able to do so. With that I still believe that there is room for improvement and I am sure many good ones are trying to do just that. But too many of them are rather shady and questionable, there was one I found that had a pure breed puppy (I cannot remember the breed) they were asking 1500.00 adoption fee! That made me angry, they were not breeders, why would they ask this type of fee for a dog that apparently was given away. Just my two cents...you may not agree with me and that is fine but I'm happy to express.
.... just an FYI. Whenever I sell to a home that would have rescued if they could have. I donate the amount it costs to adopt from my local Doberman rescue to that rescue. Adopting from rescue is not the only way to help - if adopting is just not in your near future, then donate to your local rescue or your local shelter. Most rescues cannot continue to operate on what they get in adoption fees - it very often costs more to rehome a dog than the fee. They must have a good donation base or they will not be able to continue.
The stories are heartbreaking, the successes are what keep rescuers going.
So as I posted I see your new post, that express my thoughts as well : )
Thank you all for your input! I’m so glad to be able to voice opinions and concerns.
K-Tron you make so many good points! This is the kind of thing that really upsets people…being turned down and having some of the same circumstances as the rescue/foster homes have! How frustrating. And I 100% agree that nobody can tell another they can’t own a certain breed if you can’t “get approved” by a rescue or a breeder. That is their opinion….and that’s all. We have the right to raise our animals the best we see fit. No one way is ALWAYS the ONLY right way.
Fitzmar thank you for your replies. I appreciate all your input. You have had many years of experience with one breed. That makes you so much more helpful to those of us who are just beginning. I was not comparing the pug rescue to the Doberman rescue, but one rescue to another. I think many things including the struggles with rescue are across the board (such as time management you mentioned, funding etc). I was simply stating what an incredible experience I had with that rescue. Yes, each breed also comes with its own breed struggles. I have had many years of experience with many different breeds. I am not a green dog owner. Having lived all over the United States I’ve seen lots of tragedies and lots of happy homes. It’s a tough business to be in, rescue that is. That’s one reason I cannot understand why rescues refuse help unless it’s on their own terms. They don’t do themselves any favors that way. And I believe they do push people to buy from the wrong people. This causes more dogs to end up in rescue. It’s a vicious circle. And the thing you have to remember is the rescue knows better…..the average person does not. We don’t know what we don’t know……until someone helps us learn.
How wonderful you donate to a rescue when your purchaser couldn’t! I love that! If more breeders would donate a portion to rescues (many probably do) I’m sure that would help immensely.
As far as a fence, I would rather see no fence and the owners take the time to exercise the dog rather than the dog turn into one of those backyard dogs that gets no human interaction. Just my opinion. This can happen to any dog, not just a dobe.
Hi Guys, I got in on this a little late.
From the Rescuers Point: I volunteer for the Rottweiler rescue - I am their newsletter editor/creator and have also processed apps for adoption. The process is hard and trying, the first thing I do is read the application that the person has filled out answering a long list of questions, most people do not even fill out the applications completely leaving very important questions unanswered. This requires me to call the applicant to finish the app over the phone; then I get to call the veterinarians listed on the app - if any, if there are none then I have to call the applicant and find out why; then if the veterinarian checks out ok which is usually not the case; Then I have to call all the personal references and ask another two pages of questions to each person. As a person does this you get to hear the voices and the answers, then you have to decide based on these answers written and spoken by other people whether to trust the life of your rescued dog with them. You pray you make the right decision and you pray if you didn't that the person will at least be kind enough to return the dog and not just drop it at the nearest shelter to die a second time. The hours involved in talking to all these people is hard on someone who volunteers their free time, vets have to be called during working hours, people references have to be called after quitting time; and a rescue does get protective over their saved animals and wants the best for them. If anyone is looking to adopt dogs that are active -that can lead to running and not realizing they are way far away from home so a fence is usually a requirement by ANY rescue - large dog or small dog - and usually it is required that the fence be padlocked so no one can let the dog out and/or small children cannot get inside with the dog. Dogs prone to high prey drive will not be adopted out to people with prey animals for pets - rabbits, ducks, chickens, even pygmy goats, all these can be considered prey along with cats and small children and small dogs. I suspect it was the fact that you have chickens that really sealed the denial.
I just got an app the other day to process and although the person was really looking for a dog for their child they did answer that they would be moving in the next 5 years and they ALSO answered that a good reason to give away their dog was if they were moving and couldn't take the dog, when you add those two remarks together it doesn't bode well for the dog - do you trust the people to do the right thing and return the dog when they move, if so why would you allow them to adopt the dog in the first place if she is just going to be rehomed in 4-5 years?? by then she is an older dog and less adoptable; the applicant answered "why are you interested in adopting this dog" with "my child loves dogs", period, nothing else so I am hoping those in charge of denials will deny this person cause I already see this dog being religated to the backyard when the 12 year old is tired of caring for her and when they move she might be left tied to a tree - who knows maybe they would just drop at the shelter on the way out of town then again maybe they would return her but why set the dog up for failure and possible poor conditions.
This is a hard job and when you have a life in your hands that is trusting you to do the right thing you can't just say they might be good adopters they HAVE to be good adopters.
As for the vet checks most don't check out, I just applied to a collie rescue and got an email asking me why my cats had not been vaccinated for rabies?? I was horrified - here I am processing apps and doing these same calls and I have applied to adopt and I don't pass??? turns out that what I thought was a 3 year rabies was actually a 1 year rabies so I had not gotten them vaccinated this year, they got done this weekend and I notified the collie rescue. So things don't pan out the first time round but the rescues are open to errors and oversights. I did find out that in the complete involvement with Ben the rottie's immune disorder and weekly specialist visits that I also neglected 3 of my 5 cats, 5 in 1 shots, so they got those done too. But those things happen to even the most conscientous of us; but saying you have prey animals with prey driven dogs or moving soon and it's ok to give away your dog if you move these things throw red flags that need to be pursued to see what is going on.
From the Adopters point: I ended up with Ben the rottie because I was looking at dober rescues and applied and was refused because the people freaked out over me being an amputee - the rescue wanted pictures of me with my neighbors dogs, pictures of me with all my animals, I had already sent in pictures of all my animals, my home, my yard, etc. so I didn't understand all these other picture needs so the person called me and talking on the phone she asked me to please take a picture with all my animals I asked her what other animals??? I sent those did she not get them??? she said I want all of them, not sure what she meant I asked her if I was supposed to get all my animals ashes off the shelf and take a picture of me with them too I didn't understand and she yelled at me over the phone that "I don't have time for people like you!!!!" I said "people like me - like what???" she said "people who waste my time!!!!" and she hung up - I was in tears this woman had just dashed any hope of adopting a rescue doberman no other dober rescue adopted to my area, so I was lost I grieved over that loss for 2 weeks and this forum - thank you god, recommended rotties and I managed to have a thoroughly wonderful experience with the rottie rescue and have Ben the rottie now and wouldn't have it any other way. So as an adopter all I can say is that their doberman lost out on a great home, but I commend them on thinking I was not competent and standing by their guns, but I would have given a dober a great home, but how do you convince a total stranger on the phone that you are who you are?? you can only do your best and then move on if it doesn't work.....there's a reason it didn't work, I was supposed to adopt Ben and had I not been refused by the dober rescue Ben would still be waiting.
Thing is I actually work processing apps and still got denied by a dober rescue, I process apps and still filled one out for a collie and didn't have my cats up to date - things happen and rescues should follow up to see what causes the issue and be kind about it. The short answer you got - I would suggest you respond nicely and ask for a reconsideration and exception, ask them if they would go on and do the home check - alot of times a rescue will allow a home check to be the deciding factor; you could request that they bring the dog in question to your home to see the dog's reaction to the chickens, don't give up just offer other ways that they can feel comfortable letting one of their dogs go to no fence and chickens.....
Good luck and sorry for the long post.......I just feel so strongly from both sides of this equation I have been on both sides and it's really hard - offer the rescue some options to feel comfortable with you and your home - I'm sure it will work out the way it is supposed to.....let us know how it turns out.
Wow tal.....thank you for posting your experiences! That is really incredible. How rude some people can be. And how embarassing to find out about your cats. But things happen. No way should you have been treated like that. But it makes you all the better at relating to those on the other side as you can understand what it's like. All I can say is just wow..........
hahahaha SonLight Wow was what I said, I had NEVER ever had anyone say I would not give a good home to any animal in fact all my friends want to come back AS one of my animals, hahahahaha....but good lord how embarrassed I was about the cat thing, who knew....
I do the rottie rescue thing BECAUSE of Ben he was such a great find, and it made me so acutely aware of how these breeds are misunderstood, even I was afraid of rotties and very respectful of dobes so I faced my fear head on and adopted Ben and when I realized how much I loved animals and yet I was still nervous with the idea of a rottie - imagine people who just see media garbage about them and what they must think, so I devote my time to helping rotties find homes. And I feel pretty loyal to the rescue for trusting me with a rottie, I am a first time rottie owner and I had two dogs both male and 5 cats inside and yet they trusted me to be a good mom and know what I was doing, therefore I wanted to thank them by helping out so others could enjoy a good rottie dog. I would have done the same with the dober rescue but I guess that's their loss, but they did what they thought was right by their dogs and for that I respect them. I just wish that woman had been nicer about it.....
It is true about the squeaky wheel - someone who is really determined and is willing to do whatever they need to do in order to be considered.... normally gets the rescues attention. Sometimes it takes awhile - so patience is truly key also.
Talisin, you make me want to volunteer to help with all those applications! I am honest I could most likely do this part of the process but I know I would want to bring a new dog home everyday. I love your passion, I actually met a woman today who works in my building, we began talking puppy talk and she informed me that she has 4 rescues, a rottie, shepherd mix, pitbull and dobie. All of which vary from 70 - 115lbs and she was a short little lady! I'm whining about 80lbs and not sure how much bigger Loki will fill out to be. She then tells me she is co-founder of a rescue here in Chicago, one of which I researched but did not apply at the time. Such a small world...So in the future when I'm ready for another pet, (it will be awhile) I can talk to her.
Oh and the rabies shots for the cats I found hilarious because yes I forgot about this as well all my dogs are always up to date but the cats I need reminders sent to me!
FYI all I enjoyed the topics, sides of view it is a helpful understanding on all accounts.
cynfully2 I think you would love the process of helping out, if you would like to volunteer there is the job of processing the actually applications which is what I am doing and then the actual home checks - neither of these jobs requires you to look at the dogs and want to take one home, :)) I know that feeling that's why I had to volunteer in a capacity that I would not need to sign myself up as a kennel, hahahahaa, some of the most important jobs are the home checks and the apps, the home checks tell alot about what the life of the dog will be like and the phone conversations with the vets and references tell alot, if you find out that there were appointments made and not kept for things like spay/neuters in the past and surgeries etc. then you know to ask more questions. It's kinda time consuming but very rewarding when you find out the app you processed ended up in a great home for one of the dogs. So jump in there and volunteer we all need good people to assess homes and people for the dogs since they can't do it themselves - we are their voice, maybe you could help your neighbors rescue??? unless you want to work with rottweiler or doberman rescues if rottie let me know :))
Thanks talisin, I have learned something about the process, I will talk to the lady I was speaking to today and ask her if I can volunteer in this capacity. I will keep you updated!
I'm not sure where you are located and don't know if I would be able to volunteer from Chicago at your rescue but I love all animals of any kind so any rescue is ok for me.
I can see both perspectives here. The rescues aren't being intrusive for the fun of it, they genuinely care about the animals; the hopeful adoptive parents aren't being hypersensitive, they don't like undergoing an inquisition only to be labeled unsuitable for reasons that appear trivial or even ridiculous when compared to the average living conditions of family pets.
Years ago, while stationed in NC, my wife and I sought to adopt a German Shepherd. GS Rescue denied us because we were a military family - which infuriated me at the time, as I thought it terribly discriminatory. Well, their reason was not all that unsound - military families are among the highest contributors of rescue animals, as they often do not wish to undergo the necessary measures to quarantine and process their pets overseas. So, they had a valid reason. However, GS Rescue did not simply stamp "DENIED" and leave it at that - they offered us a compromise. Since we had yard space and two other German Shephards at the time, they allowed us to be a foster home. The shelter would call us when they had a GS, and we would bring them home and begin socializing them before GS Rescue came to retrieve them.
It was a win-win situation and did much to improve my perception of rescues. I think if more shelters and rescues had the same kind of collaborative approach with the public, they would have an easier time adopting and would not drive business to the BYBs. Mentorship, as someone mentioned, would be a fantastic way to approach it with new or new-to-the-breed owners.
Something else that would help rescues is to get training for their people on how to conduct screenings and interviews. Much damage is done by untrained, tactless interviewers who put prospective parents on the defensive within seconds of beginning the screening process. The lack of rapport reflects back to the interviewer, who then begins looking for reasons to disqualify rather than opportunities to help, and their bias colors every response with the "they'll say anything to get you to agree" filter. At the end of the day, you have a prospective pet parent walking away deeply insulted for being deemed unworthy - and rightfully so, especially if he/she/they are parents to their own children in healthy family situations. Bottom line is it is entirely possible to meet the needs of the shelter or rescue without the prospective adopter experiencing negativity.
Hickory67, what good points! And what a nice experience yours turned out to be. This would be something to think about if people were willing. When we transfered from TX to CA we had to board our dog for 30 days! Luckily the kennel was less than a mile from our temp housing.
Tal and Cyn.....nice thoughts. I did not think of positions where you wouldn't have to see the dogs. I too would be tempted to keep many more than I should. Are there restrictions for volunteers on how many they can adopt
I too think this has been a great thread! I have learned many things already......and just from posting an article. Thank you all for your input!
I agree Hickory67, great points! Some of the interviewers I spoke with had that lack of tact and respect you speak of. It doesn't have to be a negative experience, but more often than not it is a negative experience reflecting back to the interviewer and ultimately the rescue. I'm not trying to bash the rescues. I'm glad they are there to help these homeless animals, but several very negative and sometimes offensive experiences has left a bad taste in my mouth.
K-Tron, I think this goes to having the right people on the bus AND in the right seats. Some well meaning people are much better being in the background and handling the dogs. Some people are much better at relating to people and can do so in a respectful, helpful and non-threatening way. You can be told "no" in a variety of ways. How you feel afterwards is dependent on how that "no" was delivered. I've expereinced this first hand many different ways, and also been in the position of delivering the "no". Not in rescue, but again, most of this relates to many parts of being human and living a good many years in different situations. Many do not have "people-skills", as well as many do not have "dog-skills". If we are to reach our full potential we need to be putting those people where they can do their best for the breed they represent. But again, this takes organization and willingness to make changes. Some people resist change with both hands and feet (and mouth)
That is so true SonLight. How one reacts to a "no" really is dependent on how that "no" is delivered. It's like the Bible says "A kind word turns away wrath". I truely believe that. People skills are also an important asset to those involved in dealing with the public, especially in sensitive situations.
Yes, I couldn't agree more. And that is absolutely true. I've tested that verse many times in my life. Even on my hubby
Very interesting discussion with a lot of points. I wondered at the comment that they were concerned that the dogs would just be outside without human contact. While that does happen, dog, even Dobermans like to be outside. While I was reading thing Princess and Jake came in to bug me to let the outside. Three times. I let them out, they wear each other out, they bark to come in, get a drink relax a bit and then bug daddy to go back out again.
I found it interesting that many rescues will not let someone over 60 adopt. Well, I certainly would not qualify then. There are no real rescue groups in this area, the closest is 90 miles away. I did look at some of the websites as I was considering a rescue after I lost Red. However, shortly after that, a forum member had a litter, and the result is I have The Jakester. He is a wonderful and loving dog, and a very good companion to both Princess and I, although Princess gets a little jealous when he is in my lap (she considers that her territory). Both my current Dobe came from litters connected to this forum.
I can understand some of the concern about leaving the dogs alone for too long. All of my friends know that if I am gone during the afternoon, that if I am going to be doing something in the evening, I have to head back to the house for several hours to as I put it "cycle the dogs". The have to go out, back in, get fed, wait a while then back out. Many people when they first get a dog, do not fully understand the commitment that a dog really takes. If I hadn't had my Dobermans all these 30 years, I would probably be debt free and very lonely and miserable. But I am not, because with them around you can't be. Especially with Jake, I let the two in, Princess heads straight to the water bowl, Jake starts to follow her, then turns around and comes back to sit beautifully in front of me to get his ears rubbed and his scritches. Then he gives me a big kiss and then goes in to pester Princess.
You're absolutely right, rgreen4 - you simply cannot be lonely and miserable with these dogs. I'm clinically depressed, and Gideon has always been able to put a smile on my face, no matter how bad I've felt. Their therapeutic value is immeasurable.
Fortunately a good rescue will have tons of requirements that one has to follow to ask the right questions and how to proceed under certain circumstances. The rescue I work with sent me tons of guidelines on what to do, I have to admit I have not read them all since some do not pertain to my position. However, the questionaire I have to go over with the vet is straightforward and clear, so is the personal reference form, & there is a checklist to make sure all the forms are filled out properly by me. One thing that did come up that no one addressed unless it's in one of those other packets that I haven't read - when I call someone that has applied, to get further information such as the applicant not filling the app out in full - lots of times those applicants are not home you get an answering machine - now what? do you leave your number? if you do then if they are denied you might get harassing phone calls, you might calls asking questions you don't have answers to such as why they were denied, all I ever find out is that my applicant got approved or not and that's only if I ask how it ended; so I chose to address it by leaving a nice message and saying that I would be calling back at such an such time and would need about 10 minutes of their time; if that was not convenient for them to please use the following email address and drop us a note as to when it would be convenient to call back. I am not located anywhere near the rescue so leaving my number is just opening myself up to calls that I can't help with. Also the questionaire is there to keep you from getting personal, but if something doesn't sound right or you need more clarification then you can deviate enough to get the question answered. For instance I called a vet who volunteered that there was an outstanding balance on this person's account, I simply asked if it was under 100 dollars or over and they can answer that, when she said over then I asked less than 500 and she said yes. That was a tolerable amount for some things so I asked if it was for one visit or several she said a surgery with that I was able to tell those in "command" that the bill for the last surgery was still outstanding but not worrisome to the vet, had it been for regular visits then contacting the applicant would have happened to see if they were having difficulty caring for their current animals in which case you wouldn't want to add another burden to them, and we would have offered to work with them once they were in a better financial state. So you do have to have people skills and know when to pursue a question not answered sufficiently or when to pursue something someone else has offered and when not to. A personal reference once offered ALOT of info about the applicant working at a vet hospital etc. I just let this person talk there was nothing to ask about as that would be getting personal if it doesn't have any bearing on the actual care of the dog, extra info is great but not necessary. If a reference says "yes they have a fence" I ask what kind, is it locked, is it tall, is it short - this is all on the applicant's app but you call the reference to verify that info therefore if the applicant says yes I have a 6' tall solid wood fence and the reference says they have a 4' tall chain link someone needs to find out which, that falls into the hands of the home checker so we all have to work together and get all the answers necessary to protect the dog and get a good home for them.
And obviously I dealt with a rescue that needed more people skills when I tried to rescue a doberman. I like to think I have great people skills, and I always feel bad for people when they are denied. But when you get a person like I did a few months ago who applied and I had to call them to finish their incomplete application - he was offended that I wanted to finish it, then I noticed that all my questions were answered by this guy with a straw in his mouth slurping his drink the whole time, and saying why do you need to know that? when he asked how much the adoption fee was I told him for a full rottweiler it would be $325-350 I was not sure since fees were not my department, he then began to inform me that that fee was ridiculous and he could go buy himself a rottie for less than that and proceeded to go off about the cost even though the fees are listed on the website clearly, I tried to calmly explain that the adoption fee was reasonable and that it covered vaccines, vet exams etc. he then said "whall I thank I will just go buy may one, ya' all need to get yar heart in the rate place on that thar fee" SLURP I said well I appreciate your answers and I will forward your application to the people who will be doing the home check he then said he didn't want a home check, why did we need to see his home, he would just go to the shelter and get one and pay $25 for it. Again I just said well I appreciate your honesty and they will be in touch as soon as they have you on the schedule. After sending his answers and describing his attitude about the fees and home check I am sure he was denied; but you have to not really engage people like this - it will just drive you crazy, but in the end you are glad you didn't send a dog into that type of home.
And regardless of your location you can work with a rescue long distance - I do, it's kinda time consuming to get all the info for the newsletter each month but I look forward to it. Processing apps is done through email, the president sends me the app via email PDF and I print it so I have a hard copy to work from and then I print all the forms to fill out, can't type and talk on the phone at the same time, hahahaha. Then I scan those completed sheets in and send them back via email with any notes I have in a word document or notepad, I point out any red flags for me that they might want to pursue etc. But it's all done via email pretty simple and keeps me from adopting all the dogs.
another volunteer job that would be alot of fun - at each adoption event the people bringing their foster dogs need to have their own breaks to go the the bathroom without a dog in tow, so they love to have what they call "leash holders" sounds like a great volunteer job!! I would love to do that, but they are 5 hours away from me so that's a no go for me.
Other jobs are driving dogs to their vet appointments when their foster works a job and can't do it, delivering meds to the foster homes like heartguard etc.; being a temporary foster for a foster for when they need to go on vacation or take care of sick family members you can step in and take the dog for a week or two; Walking the dogs for fosters who can't find the time for a few days; rechecking the home of fosters to make sure the dogs are still in a good home, and a VERY important job is taking high resolution QUALITY photos of the dogs for advertising the dog on their website and/or newspapers - a good picture will get a dog adopted, etc. LOTS of fun jobs that involve the dogs without getting sucked into heartbreaks and wishing you could have another dog.
Obviously I feel very strongly about getting the word out about how much rescues need volunteers. Sorry for the long post again.
Great article. I had the same problem that the article talks about. I wanted to find a rescue doberman female frist and was told by a couple differant recues that it would not work out because I had three children (10-8-6 all girls) and that doberman rescues dont like kids or cats.Even after going through all the paper work and time taking my kids and dog to meet these other dogs. It was very sad for all those great dobies out there that just need a loving home.
Tal that is all good information. It sounds like you DO have the people skills to be doing what you do. Thank you for actually caring about the PEOPLE in the process. As far as the adoption fee, many people don’t stop to think about the care that goes into each animal before it’s adopted. We paid a $400.00 adoption fee to the rescue we got our pug from. She was 11 months old. She had been spayed, her eye removed, shots, heartworm tested and on preventative and was completely vet checked before we took her home. Those things alone would have cost more than $400.00 at most vets! So we really got her for free! Sure we could have bought an 8 week old puppy for that, then paid for the spay and shots and everything else. So when you really look at things even from solely monetary standpoint, rescue is a good idea!
I didn't realize there were so many different things you could participate in with rescue. I could see myself doing something at some point.....I would love to be able to.
dobbie man.....until I joined the dobe forums I didn't realize how many others have been through this very disappointing process only to be denied. Most I've seen have gone on to get the dobe from elsewhere and they are very happy. Sometimes our hearts are in the right place but things don't work out like we plan. But they work out eventually and hopefully for the best!
So true, you can't judge ALL rescues by the reaction of one, there are so many breed rescues keep looking until you find the rescue that fits you - it's like finding a doctor - keep looking till you click with one, rescues are volunteers so when you find the people you click with then it works.....
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Hi SonLight. Thanks for sharing the article. I can relate to it on so many levels. I wanted to rescue a Doberman before I got Andre (from a breeder), but was turned down by ALL of them for one reason or another. I have a child, no fenced yard, I live in an apartment-a very nice roomy, two-story townhouse-but none then less an apartment. Sheesh! I understand where the rescuers are coming from, but so many good families are turned down and so many good homes are denied because the rescue seeks the "perfect" home. Then they complain that they can't adopt out their dogs and how the dogs have been there for months. Well, gee, I wonder why! The process can be offensive. I was told I'm unfit to be a pet parent because I have a young child. That infuriated me! Yes, I understand that the background of many rescues are unknown, but many of them are known. The Dobe I was inquiring about was surrendered directly to the rescue because the family had a loss of job situation and could no longer afford her care. She was just over a year old and had been raised with young children and was great with them. This was stated right in her description, but I had a child so I was unfit to adopt her! I had some of the same experiences with many of the breeders I contacted too, only it was for lack of a fenced in yard. I was getting very frustrated. Like the article says, there is no happy medium. You either go to a pet store or byb where anyone and their brother can get a dog, or you try to go through a rescue where no one is seemingly fit to adopt (some breeders fit this bill too-I stress SOME). I'll probably get some flack for some of the comments I made in this, but I think it's rediculous what good people have to go through to get a pet and many of them are turned down.
But thankfully, my story has a happy ending. We have Andre and we love him to pieces :)