A very nice retired couple often asks me about getting a rescued dog. I have shown them several fosters that would be a good fit, considering their energy level and lifestyle, along with the dog’s activity level, temperament and size. A five-yearold morkie was “too small and too old.” A six-year-old cocker spaniel was “too much maintenance” and “too old.” Frankly, these dogs will probably outlive them. I was astonished to learn they bought a designer mutt puppy. Yes, she was adorable and sweet. What puppy isn’t? Puppies require a lot of patience, consistency and work. Crate and house-training, chewing, noisy, nonstop playfulness is not for wusses. They lasted a couple weeks before rehoming the pup.
Rescues advocate for the dog, first. Just because you want something and can afford it does not mean it is the best long-term match, for you or the dog. Rescuers may say something you don’t want to hear, or that you refuse to believe. I know of an octogenarian who uses a walker, yet insisted on adopting a yearold bouncy Labrador mix.
The disreputable organization conceded because he made a large donation. He is risking injury by being pulled over, jumped upon, and knocked down. Then the dog will be back in rescue – a disservice to all, especially the dog.
Good rescues want to place dogs in homes, it enables us to continue to help those in need. Reputable rescues strive to make matches with a great chance of retention. Please listen, we are trying to save you time, money, energy and heartache.
A woman returning overseas to be with a terminally ill family member reached out. She could not take her sevenyear-old dog (a mix), and needed to surrender. During our hour phone chat, I asked how she obtained the dog. Rescuers ask this, because if you adopted from a reputable rescue, most adoption contracts stipulate the dog is to be returned to them. She replied, “from a friend.”
We agreed to meet the next day, as she was leaving in less than a week. I arrived to evaluate and photograph the dog. I brought her a toy and gave the surrender form to the owner; was there for about an hour. Immediately afterward, I sent the dog’s info/pictures to several rescue friends, in case they had anyone looking for a real cream puff. This dog was out of the box ready: friendly, spayed, up-to-date, housetrained, calm, playful, affectionate, and medium-sized.
When I got home, I invested more time contacting possible foster and foster-to-adopt homes, along with networking with reputable rescues to see if they had any good applications. Things were falling in place, as a foster home confirmed. I let the owner know we would be ready to accept her as planned, and to please complete the form, and have anything going along with her ready.
The next day, she texts that she gave the dog back to the friend, who admitted she got the dog from a rescue. I took some deep breaths. Her blatant disregard for the time and energy I had invested in helping her disappointed (and angered!) me
Pleas for help of all types are plentiful. It can be stressful and draining, especially for those of us on the front lines. Rescuers, responsible owners, animal control and shelter volunteers/staff are people, too. They are dealing with the result of irresponsible people, day in and day out. People who show no concern for others can make even me a little grouchy. Please be kind, courteous and let’s focus on helping more animals.
