Your Honest Input.... - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Mom2BabyNatalie · 01-07-2008, 03:51 PM

It's funny that someone had mentioned on anther thread about my starting a Yorkie rescue organization.... because I had been contemplating that very thing for a couple of weeks now.

I had some fleeting thoughts about looking into such an endeavor a few months back, but went no further with it...

So, I have some questions for you all....

1) Do you really think we NEED one more Yorkie breed rescue?

2) Is there anyone here currently involved with the inner workings of a not for profit 501 c (3) charitable organization and willing to serve as a sort of "mentor" if I need particular guidance throughout the general start up, "paperwork process" and legalities?

3) IF this were something I decided to embark on, I would most certainly need the support and compassion of the entire YT family!! I would be operating the organization based on volunteer foster homes throughout the country in order to best serve the needs of our tiny friends.... so I would be in search of committed foster families right off the bat..... would any of you be willing to give of yourselves in such a way?

4) There are already so many breed specific Yorkie rescues across the states, for all sizes, shapes and ages of Yorkies. It's my desire to serve the needs of the especially fragile babies... in the memory of my precious Natalie..... So.... I had thought that imposing a policy of acceptance of 5 lb and under Yorkies, purebreds only - up to 8 years of age. - - I feel as though this would give us the best chance at possible 100% placement opportunity - with the exception of those babies who will live out their short lives in the arms of their foster families due to health issues that cannot be medically addressed. What do you think? Is it "unkind" to be so "preferential" and place such restrictions?

5) I would like to engage at least one Veterinarian in each state who would "pledge" to offer services as needed, on a pro bono or greatly discounted basis. With veterinary services readily available in each state, it would give us a head start on proper treatment for any ailing babies before they are transported to wherever they will be going into foster care. Do we have any veterinarians or vet representatives here willing to consider such a pledge should we get this thing up and running? Do we have anyone willing to form a committee to work towards building a volunteer Vet contact database?

6) My room mate's father is a tax attorney - therefore, we should be pretty well set with regards to the legal process and "book work".... he would handle all of the financial aspects of the organization... but I'm curious to know about fundraising for such organizations.... is there anyone here that, has experience in such things and, in the future, may commit to volunteer as part of a fundraising committee for the organization?

7) While we have the tax attorney in place, we would need to "recruit" an attorney willing to volunteer to prepare and file the necessary paperwork in order to become 501 c (3) certified with the Federal Government. Is there anyone here who could, and would - handle such a chore? I'm not certain if that attorney would need to be able to practice within the State of Oklahoma or not - since the organization's "home base" would be here in Oklahoma....

Okay.... let's start with this and see what kind of "feel" I get from what I've addressed so far.....

Thanks, thanks!

Dena

chattiesmom · 01-07-2008, 04:18 PM

I have to be honest, I didn't read all of your post, however after reading your first two questions my best suggestion would be to contact a local rescue organization (Yorkie or otherwise) and volunteer with them for a few years and get educated. That might be the best way to answer all the questions you have. Your resources both $$ wise and time wise would be well spent working under a well organized rescue organization already in place.

Good luck!

chachi · 01-07-2008, 04:20 PM

Bettyanne is involved in a rescue she may be able to help you out with your questions

WidsMom · 01-07-2008, 04:24 PM

I volunteered for our local 'Dog Pound' which was a branch of the Police Department for several years before and during it's metamorphosis to a non-profit shelter. It was an ENORMOUS undertaking. Both to start, and to continue. There were constant issues with what was considered adoptable, and what was not. Unfortunately, it became an easy out for many who could not care for their pets medical needs..just drop them off. And there were a ton of issues with people, not pets.

The woman who helped get it off the ground completely burned out in a few years. And during that few years of time, her she had constant guilt about her own personal pets not getting the one on one they were used to. No more time for any of that. No more time period. Volunteers would be approved, and then found out to be hoarders. Very, very difficult.

Since your heart is in the right place, why not just volunteer as much time as possible to your local shelter? It's a great place to 'get your feet wet' as to the inner workings and the heartbreak.

And you can always take in one at a time and rehab...by attaching yourself to a yorkie rescue that's close to you. They are always looking for foster homes for mill dogs.

Joy

Judy in Waco · 01-07-2008, 04:25 PM

I agree. Your heart is definitely in the right place, and I'm proud of you. However, volunteering with a local rescue organization can give you an insider's view of what it's like. You can also decide what you would do the same or differently. You would also have a reputation built with other local charities and vets. I don't see how you can go wrong if you volunteer for a couple of years first.

In the meantime, you will be in a position to help any yorkies that come in to the rescue you are volunteering for. I believe that a lot of your expenses for volunteering would also be tax-deductible, but check with an accountant to be sure.

Volunteering first is a great idea!

Dior'sMom · 01-07-2008, 04:45 PM

I absolutely love your idea on starting rescue to help yorkies. However I do not like the idea on setting limits on the yorkies size. A sick abandoned yorkie is a sick abandoned yorkie, and for them to be turned away if they are 5.5 lbs is heart wrenching.

Just my 2 cents.

MorkieAZ · 01-07-2008, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dior'sMom

I absolutely love your idea on starting rescue to help yorkies. However I do not like the idea on setting limits on the yorkies size. A sick abandoned yorkie is a sick abandoned yorkie, and for them to be turned away if they are 5.5 lbs is heart wrenching.

Just my 2 cents.

My sentiments exactly!

domesticated08 · 01-07-2008, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chattiesmom

I have to be honest, I didn't read all of your post, however after reading your first two questions my best suggestion would be to contact a local rescue organization (Yorkie or otherwise) and volunteer with them for a few years and get educated. That might be the best way to answer all the questions you have. Your resources both $$ wise and time wise would be well spent working under a well organized rescue organization already in place.

Good luck!

Mom2BabyNatalie · 01-07-2008, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dior'sMom

I absolutely love your idea on starting rescue to help yorkies. However I do not like the idea on setting limits on the yorkies size. A sick abandoned yorkie is a sick abandoned yorkie, and for them to be turned away if they are 5.5 lbs is heart wrenching.

Just my 2 cents.

It's just that, with just starting out - and being on such a small scale with no telling if it will be just us, or if we'll have the committment of volunteers, etc. - there MUST be restrictions in place..... could you imagine if we were open to take in ANY and ALL Yorkies in need? There would simply be no way to care for them..... for ANY one group to care for them...

Setting such limitations on size or age or whatever is no different than setting limitations on the number of Yorkies a group can take in... when space is full, space is full... and regardless of the condition of the little one, some will be turned away.

Either way..... with ANY restrictions, a single group cannot take them all.

This is the time we would need a referral system to direct caregivers to other available rescue resources.... it's a combined effort.

So my chosing to name restrictions such as size and age - is just my way of assuring that the group that I feel is the most needy of the type of care I can provide, is accommodated.

Just the simple fact of it being a breed specific rescue organization..... that alone imposes restrictions......

We are animal lovers..... Yorkies and other breeds alike! So why then, have a breed specific rescue at all? I mean, an abandoned sick animal, is an abandoned sick animal, right? Well, because it would be a ZOO!! That's why..... and the animals could not possibly receive adequate care.

My love is for the Yorkie breed.... my passion, for the tiniest of souls who are, on their own, so helpless.... these are the angels I want to serve to the best of my ability.

That's not to say, that I wouldn't love a 14 lb Yorkie just the same - or that if that Yorkie came to my door in need of a meal, a pat, medical attention or a loving forever home... that I would deny that baby any of the above.

I'm just saying, that by imposing restrictions and staying within reasonable limitations, we can best serve our "focus group" of little ones, while still providing direction and resources for caregivers of ALL Yorkies!

hha · 01-07-2008, 05:25 PM

I kind of followed on Natalie, and it broke my heart, and if I had one that small and something like that happened, I sure wouldn't want to find another tiny and go through it again..I think rescues are great, but, I also was upset about the weight..I have a 14 lb yorkie, and I would hate to see her get turned away(if I wasn't such a good mommy to her) because of her size..She is just as sweet as any 2 or 3 lb yorkie...I also have a 3 1/2 lb 5 mo old yorkie, but, I hope and pray she gains weight, I don't want a little 3 1/2 lb yorkie, I want one at least 5 lbs. good luck on whatever you do, but, please don't put age and size on it..there are a lot of yorkies over 8 that need love and attention also.

Mom2BabyNatalie · 01-07-2008, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hha

I kind of followed on Natalie, and it broke my heart, and if I had one that small and something like that happened, I sure wouldn't want to find another tiny and go through it again..I think rescues are great, but, I also was upset about the weight..I have a 14 lb yorkie, and I would hate to see her get turned away(if I wasn't such a good mommy to her) because of her size..She is just as sweet as any 2 or 3 lb yorkie...I also have a 3 1/2 lb 5 mo old yorkie, but, I hope and pray she gains weight, I don't want a little 3 1/2 lb yorkie, I want one at least 5 lbs. good luck on whatever you do, but, please don't put age and size on it..there are a lot of yorkies over 8 that need love and attention also.

Please read the post below addressing this issue.... EVERY organization MUST have a set goal to strive for... as well as structured limitations set in place.... or the entire cause turns to chaos.

We all see everyday... good, honest, decent, God fearing people who have all the best intentions in starting out on a journey to bring the much needed help to so many animals that need them....

They are unable to turn ANY needy soul away.... they become overwhelmed... take on too much... too many.... try to help them all..... next thing we see is a story on the ten o' clock news about how this "well meaning woman rescued 300 dogs and was completely overrun!".

There MUST be some form of structure in order to excel....

We could just as easily have set in place a policy to accept only Yorkies between the ages of 4 and 12.... weight ranges of 9 - 18 lbs..... it doesn't matter.... there just HAS to be limitations!

Bizzymammabee · 01-07-2008, 05:32 PM

Not sure what the secondary issues is that is going on in the thread but I have to agree that it's just wrong to limit your yorkie help to tinies. It's like your discriminating on the others...which isn't right. If you love the breed that is just what you love...not selectively the tinies. JMO

Judy in Waco · 01-07-2008, 05:33 PM

I have to admit it. The size and age limitations are a real concern for me as well. I guess I just didn't read your initial post carefully enough. If you have a limitation, it should be on a first-come, first-served basis with a set number as your limit...not by size or age or beauty, etc... A rescue should not be able to pick and choose. That just seems wrong to me.

yorkiecrazy · 01-07-2008, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bizzymammabee

Not sure what the secondary issues is that is going on in the thread but I have to agree that it's just wrong to limit your yorkie help to tinies. It's like your discriminating on the others...which isn't right. If you love the breed that is just what you love...not selectively the tinies. JMO

I agree. A Yorkie of any size is still a Yorkie.

Bizzymammabee · 01-07-2008, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mom2BabyNatalie

Please read the post below addressing this issue.... EVERY organization MUST have a set goal to strive for... as well as structured limitations set in place.... or the entire cause turns to chaos.

We all see everyday... good, honest, decent, God fearing people who have all the best intentions in starting out on a journey to bring the much needed help to so many animals that need them....

They are unable to turn ANY needy soul away.... they become overwhelmed... take on too much... too many.... try to help them all..... next thing we see is a story on the ten o' clock news about how this "well meaning woman rescued 300 dogs and was completely overrun!".

There MUST be some form of structure in order to excel....

We could just as easily have set in place a policy to accept only Yorkies between the ages of 4 and 12.... weight ranges of 9 - 18 lbs..... it doesn't matter.... there just HAS to be limitations!

Your limitation should be on the number of babies you have that way your not overwhelmed. I can't see why saying only tinies should be the ones helped. Your whole organization will be run on a volunteer basis where others will be helping shoulder the work and I dont' see that any true yorkie lover would say I am only limiting myself to those that are x age or x size.

I know you love the tiny because of your lost baby but it's sad to discriminate against others if you truly love the breed.

01-07-2008, 03:51 PM	#1
Mom2BabyNatalie Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 2,133	Your Honest Input.... It's funny that someone had mentioned on anther thread about my starting a Yorkie rescue organization.... because I had been contemplating that very thing for a couple of weeks now. I had some fleeting thoughts about looking into such an endeavor a few months back, but went no further with it... So, I have some questions for you all.... 1) Do you really think we NEED one more Yorkie breed rescue? 2) Is there anyone here currently involved with the inner workings of a not for profit 501 c (3) charitable organization and willing to serve as a sort of "mentor" if I need particular guidance throughout the general start up, "paperwork process" and legalities? 3) IF this were something I decided to embark on, I would most certainly need the support and compassion of the entire YT family!! I would be operating the organization based on volunteer foster homes throughout the country in order to best serve the needs of our tiny friends.... so I would be in search of committed foster families right off the bat..... would any of you be willing to give of yourselves in such a way? 4) There are already so many breed specific Yorkie rescues across the states, for all sizes, shapes and ages of Yorkies. It's my desire to serve the needs of the especially fragile babies... in the memory of my precious Natalie..... So.... I had thought that imposing a policy of acceptance of 5 lb and under Yorkies, purebreds only - up to 8 years of age. - - I feel as though this would give us the best chance at possible 100% placement opportunity - with the exception of those babies who will live out their short lives in the arms of their foster families due to health issues that cannot be medically addressed. What do you think? Is it "unkind" to be so "preferential" and place such restrictions? 5) I would like to engage at least one Veterinarian in each state who would "pledge" to offer services as needed, on a pro bono or greatly discounted basis. With veterinary services readily available in each state, it would give us a head start on proper treatment for any ailing babies before they are transported to wherever they will be going into foster care. Do we have any veterinarians or vet representatives here willing to consider such a pledge should we get this thing up and running? Do we have anyone willing to form a committee to work towards building a volunteer Vet contact database? 6) My room mate's father is a tax attorney - therefore, we should be pretty well set with regards to the legal process and "book work".... he would handle all of the financial aspects of the organization... but I'm curious to know about fundraising for such organizations.... is there anyone here that, has experience in such things and, in the future, may commit to volunteer as part of a fundraising committee for the organization? 7) While we have the tax attorney in place, we would need to "recruit" an attorney willing to volunteer to prepare and file the necessary paperwork in order to become 501 c (3) certified with the Federal Government. Is there anyone here who could, and would - handle such a chore? I'm not certain if that attorney would need to be able to practice within the State of Oklahoma or not - since the organization's "home base" would be here in Oklahoma.... Okay.... let's start with this and see what kind of "feel" I get from what I've addressed so far..... Thanks, thanks! Dena __________________ Libby Gracie Mia & "Baby Emma" ~ My precious Natalie Kaye, you will ALWAYS be in my heart ~ I LOVE YOU!!!

01-07-2008, 04:18 PM	#2
chattiesmom Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Alabama Posts: 17,674	I have to be honest, I didn't read all of your post, however after reading your first two questions my best suggestion would be to contact a local rescue organization (Yorkie or otherwise) and volunteer with them for a few years and get educated. That might be the best way to answer all the questions you have. Your resources both $$ wise and time wise would be well spent working under a well organized rescue organization already in place. Good luck! __________________ Silk Step-In Harnesses www.foxypups.etsy.com

01-07-2008, 04:20 PM	#3
chachi I Love My Yorkies Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Posts: 37,147	Bettyanne is involved in a rescue she may be able to help you out with your questions __________________ Chachi's & Jewels Mom Jewels http://www.dogster.com/?132431 Chachi http://www.dogster.com/?132427

01-07-2008, 04:24 PM	#4
WidsMom Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: USA Posts: 277	I volunteered for our local 'Dog Pound' which was a branch of the Police Department for several years before and during it's metamorphosis to a non-profit shelter. It was an ENORMOUS undertaking. Both to start, and to continue. There were constant issues with what was considered adoptable, and what was not. Unfortunately, it became an easy out for many who could not care for their pets medical needs..just drop them off. And there were a ton of issues with people, not pets. The woman who helped get it off the ground completely burned out in a few years. And during that few years of time, her she had constant guilt about her own personal pets not getting the one on one they were used to. No more time for any of that. No more time period. Volunteers would be approved, and then found out to be hoarders. Very, very difficult. Since your heart is in the right place, why not just volunteer as much time as possible to your local shelter? It's a great place to 'get your feet wet' as to the inner workings and the heartbreak. And you can always take in one at a time and rehab...by attaching yourself to a yorkie rescue that's close to you. They are always looking for foster homes for mill dogs. Joy __________________ Mom of Haley and Pim!

01-07-2008, 04:25 PM	#5
Judy in Waco Gizzy & Kandi spoil me Donating Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Waco, Texas Posts: 8,477	I agree. Your heart is definitely in the right place, and I'm proud of you. However, volunteering with a local rescue organization can give you an insider's view of what it's like. You can also decide what you would do the same or differently. You would also have a reputation built with other local charities and vets. I don't see how you can go wrong if you volunteer for a couple of years first. In the meantime, you will be in a position to help any yorkies that come in to the rescue you are volunteering for. I believe that a lot of your expenses for volunteering would also be tax-deductible, but check with an accountant to be sure. Volunteering first is a great idea! __________________ The fullness of our heart is expressed in our eyes, in our touch, in what we write, in what we say, in the way we walk, the way we receive, the way we need. -Mother Teresa ( RIP Gizmo 3/9/07-8/18/12)

01-07-2008, 04:45 PM	#6
Dior'sMom Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: New York Posts: 2,900	I absolutely love your idea on starting rescue to help yorkies. However I do not like the idea on setting limits on the yorkies size. A sick abandoned yorkie is a sick abandoned yorkie, and for them to be turned away if they are 5.5 lbs is heart wrenching. Just my 2 cents. __________________ Proud Mom 2 Dior

01-07-2008, 05:25 PM	#10
hha No Longer a Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Seneca, SC Posts: 2,837	I kind of followed on Natalie, and it broke my heart, and if I had one that small and something like that happened, I sure wouldn't want to find another tiny and go through it again..I think rescues are great, but, I also was upset about the weight..I have a 14 lb yorkie, and I would hate to see her get turned away(if I wasn't such a good mommy to her) because of her size..She is just as sweet as any 2 or 3 lb yorkie...I also have a 3 1/2 lb 5 mo old yorkie, but, I hope and pray she gains weight, I don't want a little 3 1/2 lb yorkie, I want one at least 5 lbs. good luck on whatever you do, but, please don't put age and size on it..there are a lot of yorkies over 8 that need love and attention also.

01-07-2008, 05:32 PM	#12
Bizzymammabee Luvs Lulu Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Queens, NY Posts: 6,931 Blog Entries: 1	Not sure what the secondary issues is that is going on in the thread but I have to agree that it's just wrong to limit your yorkie help to tinies. It's like your discriminating on the others...which isn't right. If you love the breed that is just what you love...not selectively the tinies. JMO __________________ Lulu will always be in my heart

01-07-2008, 05:33 PM	#13
Judy in Waco Gizzy & Kandi spoil me Donating Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Waco, Texas Posts: 8,477	I have to admit it. The size and age limitations are a real concern for me as well. I guess I just didn't read your initial post carefully enough. If you have a limitation, it should be on a first-come, first-served basis with a set number as your limit...not by size or age or beauty, etc... A rescue should not be able to pick and choose. That just seems wrong to me. __________________ The fullness of our heart is expressed in our eyes, in our touch, in what we write, in what we say, in the way we walk, the way we receive, the way we need. -Mother Teresa ( RIP Gizmo 3/9/07-8/18/12)