Judgemental Rescue Groups... No Thanks..

[JaxYorkieGirl]

BobbyYorkie..

Go out to Yorkies Wanted/Homes for Rescues- Forum.. Look at the post today for Babsey in Jacksonville and read my reply...

Try calling them you say???!! How about them calling me?? Most of the rescues tell you on their websites -We don't take calls... Funny, a phone call was all I wanted and the least this organization could have done. You're right..These people do not know me personally, that's why a phone call would have been nice.. They chose to 'blow me off'. That was their choice. Fostering is a tough job. I applaud you for volunteering. If the Foster would have given me a few minutes I may have been this Yorkie's new fur-ever mom.. I respectfully disagree- a fenced yard is NOT important. There are plenty of condo and apartment dwellers, like myself who do it the 'old fashioned way' we walk our Yorkies on a leash and not just turn them out to a fenced yard. Leash walking provides discipline and exercise. It provides socialization and not to mention is great for the owner. You can provide boundaries and rules inside the house. Having or not having a fence should NOT be a factor. Rescuing is wonderful. I've done it twice. I just Monday lost my 16 year old Tigger Too.(See my RIP Post on the RIP Forum- Tigger Too's Last Flight) I rescued him 14 years ago sight unseen. I would like to rescue again but this group has really made me bitter. I've received several private messages and can tell you, I'm not alone. Many YorkieTalkers have been denied by unreasonable and judgmental rescue screeners. I appreciate your view... I thank you for your volunteer service.

[Erin]

I can't wait until we have a fenced yard however the most likely reason that I have two completely house trained Yorkies is that my dogs go out on a leash. That means I am right there to praise/reward them when they go. They ring a bell to go outside.

I'm just sayin'

[JaxYorkieGirl]

Bravo Erin.. You must have just read my last Post #16... Both of my boys were taught to walk on a leash.. I have a fenced deck but not a fenced yard. My babies scratch at the door when they have to go out. Long live the leash! I know you'll have your fenced yard soon! ** LYL- Luv your Loki!!! **

[BobbyYorkie]

Originally Posted by JaxYorkieGirl

BobbyYorkie..

Go out to Yorkies Wanted/Homes for Rescues- Forum.. Look at the post today for Babsey in Jacksonville and read my reply...

Try calling them you say???!! How about them calling me?? Most of the rescues tell you on their websites -We don't take calls... Funny, a phone call was all I wanted and the least this organization could have done. You're right..These people do not know me personally, that's why a phone call would have been nice.. They chose to 'blow me off'. That was their choice. Fostering is a tough job. I applaud you for volunteering. If the Foster would have given me a few minutes I may have been this Yorkie's new fur-ever mom.. I respectfully disagree- a fenced yard is NOT important. There are plenty of condo and apartment dwellers, like myself who do it the 'old fashioned way' we walk our Yorkies on a leash and not just turn them out to a fenced yard. Leash walking provides discipline and exercise. It provides socialization and not to mention is great for the owner. You can provide boundaries and rules inside the house. Having or not having a fence should NOT be a factor. Rescuing is wonderful. I've done it twice. I just Monday lost my 16 year old Tigger Too.(See my RIP Post on the RIP Forum- Tigger Too's Last Flight) I rescued him 14 years ago sight unseen. I would like to rescue again but this group has really made me bitter. I've received several private messages and can tell you, I'm not alone. Many YorkieTalkers have been denied by unreasonable and judgmental rescue screeners. I appreciate your view... I thank you for your volunteer service.

I am very sorry for your loss.
We are all entitled to our opinions, thats whats great about this forum . I hope you are able to find a rescue that will work with you and hope you find your new baby soon.

[greyacresmom]

Yep..I had talked about this until I am blue in the face. I did not have a safe enough home for a yorkie from a rescue or even from some one selling on here. Because of my GH. I ended up getting mine from a pet store. Hated that, but love my Yorkie. Happy, healthy, and well treated by all.

[Ashley V]

I know it's frustrating from your end, but you really have to see the other side of it. I too volunteer for a rescue and it's hard....

These little dogs, yorkies especially, get A LOT of applications. If there is the slightest discretion on the application, they won't approve you because there are plenty of other choices in applicants. They want these dogs to go to the best of the best homes as they've already been hurt enough... not saying that you aren't a good home, I'm just saying they have to be choosey. And with all the applicants, they probably don't have the time to call each person individually and tell them why they weren't approved. I'm sure you aren't the only applicant for that little girl.

I've seen people be denied for the slightest little thing. It's sad for the people, but honestly, it's about the dog, not the people. My advice is to fill out the application completely... you'd probably get a better response.

And I'll close by saying - everything happens for a reason! Maybe you aren't supposed to have this one. Maybe there is another one out there waiting for you to bring him/her home.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Ashley V

I know it's frustrating from your end, but you really have to see the other side of it. I too volunteer for a rescue and it's hard....

These little dogs, yorkies especially, get A LOT of applications. If there is the slightest discretion on the application, they won't approve you because there are plenty of other choices in applicants. They want these dogs to go to the best of the best homes as they've already been hurt enough... not saying that you aren't a good home, I'm just saying they have to be choosey. And with all the applicants, they probably don't have the time to call each person individually and tell them why they weren't approved. I'm sure you aren't the only applicant for that little girl.

I've seen people be denied for the slightest little thing. It's sad for the people, but honestly, it's about the dog, not the people. My advice is to fill out the application completely... you'd probably get a better response.

And I'll close by saying - everything happens for a reason! Maybe you aren't supposed to have this one. Maybe there is another one out there waiting for you to bring him/her home.

Very well worded!

It is disturbing to me when I see people lumping all rescue groups together and questioning things that groups have a right to do for the welfare of the pups they save. I have no idea what that group did, but they are not other groups.

Sometimes people who might offer good homes are turned down to adopt a rescue...but, offering a good home may not be enough. Most reputable groups try to custom fit....it is not just about deciding someone is a good pet owner. It is about deciding what home best suits the needs of that particular pup! I was turned down in the past, so I know what I am saying. Did I like it? No...but I had to trust that they knew what the pup needed. It took me a couple of years to get a yorkie, but I hung in and got one!

No system is perfect, but I can tell you that any pup who is carefully placed has a much better chance of not ending up back in the system.
As for people buying from a pet store when turned down for a yorkie, have you ever thought of a shelter....or a reputable breeder? Why support byb and puppy mills?

[3YorkiesMom]

Originally Posted by JaxYorkieGirl

BobbyYorkie..

Go out to Yorkies Wanted/Homes for Rescues- Forum.. Look at the post today for Babsey in Jacksonville and read my reply...

Try calling them you say???!! How about them calling me?? Most of the rescues tell you on their websites -We don't take calls... Funny, a phone call was all I wanted and the least this organization could have done. You're right..These people do not know me personally, that's why a phone call would have been nice.. They chose to 'blow me off'. That was their choice. Fostering is a tough job. I applaud you for volunteering. If the Foster would have given me a few minutes I may have been this Yorkie's new fur-ever mom.. I respectfully disagree- a fenced yard is NOT important. There are plenty of condo and apartment dwellers, like myself who do it the 'old fashioned way' we walk our Yorkies on a leash and not just turn them out to a fenced yard. Leash walking provides discipline and exercise. It provides socialization and not to mention is great for the owner. You can provide boundaries and rules inside the house. Having or not having a fence should NOT be a factor. Rescuing is wonderful. I've done it twice. I just Monday lost my 16 year old Tigger Too.(See my RIP Post on the RIP Forum- Tigger Too's Last Flight) I rescued him 14 years ago sight unseen. I would like to rescue again but this group has really made me bitter. I've received several private messages and can tell you, I'm not alone. Many YorkieTalkers have been denied by unreasonable and judgmental rescue screeners. I appreciate your view... I thank you for your volunteer service.

Rescues receive many applications for each foster pup in their programs. I read the earlier post you referred to, and it appears you did not complete your adoption application. There were probably other questions about checking boxes if you were willing to deal with the pup's medical issues, which you probably didn't check because you didn't complete the application. The rescue most likely viewed this as you not being willing to work with these medical conditions. It looks like there was a misunderstanding on BOTH your sides to me. It is unfortunate that your incomplete application was viewed as you not being willing to deal with those medical issues, but it is also impossible for a rescue to call every single person who submits an application. Many applications have a space where you can type in further information or make a comment - that would have solved this issue if there was a box and if you had filled in more information about yourself and wanting to speak with someone further about the pup. Misunderstandings cause many people to jump to incorrect conclusions about one another, and that is a shame.

So you better understand a rescue's situation, rescues receive a lot of applications from people who do not read the dog's biographies when they apply for a certain pup - they just see a cute pup and apply without taking the time to read about the pup's personality, needs and medical issues first. Rescue volunteers work VERY hard to place their pups into homes where they won't end up homeless again. Rescue volunteers give their personal time, love, dedication, hearts and money to help these pups. It is a very hard job, and it is all volunteer and unpaid. It is unfortunate that a misunderstanding caused this issue you are having, but rescues are the GOOD people. If you ever decide to volunteer to be a foster parent yourself in the future, you will better understand.

Hopefully everyone involved will communicate to clarify this situation. We are all here to make a difference in this world for the better, and we need to be more understanding and less critical of one another. I hope you email the rescue back and let them know about your experience and suggest they have a space for comments on their applications (if they don't already), so in the future there would be less hurt feelings. Fixing the issue would best serve everyone involved. Best of luck and I hope your experience can be changed into something positive by changes being made to avoid these misunderstandings in the future for others. Take care.

[manolos mom]

Originally Posted by JaxYorkieGirl

Has anyone ever had a bad experience with any of the not-for-profit Rescue Groups? Any of them..... All I wanted was to talk to someone either by phone or email about a Yorkie that has some issues. I wanted to find out about the severity of the dog's issues. I realize these groups want to place these needy animals into a home that will be the pets fur-ever home but they are ridiculous. I probably would have had an easier time adopting a child then one of these animals. I really feel sorry for the animals that want so desperately to go home. I think these groups are missing great opportunities to re-home these pets because of their cavalier attitudes and ignorance! Does anyone agree?

When I rescued my Scottie I just lost my Angus, Scottie, 10 years old from upper respitory infection he was my baby and died in my husband ,14year old daughter and my arms, I felt his last breath on earth. All of us held him. I contacted scottie rescue and they checked us out from head to toe. She came to my house and looked at everything. I even showed her Angus grave we had a cross and a candle. After 3 weeks we finally got Bailey. They have to be that way because they dont want these guys to ever go thru neglect or pain again. Be patient with them and understand.....

[MissSophie]

This is such a tough question. I am an adoption caseworker for a child adoption agency, and I do home studies for people who want to adopt children. Yes, we have turned down some people. Of course everyone would understand that. On the flip side, so many wonderful dogs are put to death each day due to lack of good homes. So what should be the criteria for finding a forever home? Our baby is a runner, and yes, we should have a fenced yard. But we have a huge deck that makes our yard nearly impossible to fence for our dog. So we have to be watchful and take her out on a leash. Does that make us bad Yorkie parents? I hope not, but we probably wouldn't get a rescue. I understand, but yet I don't.

[SRD]

Originally Posted by JaxYorkieGirl

Has anyone ever had a bad experience with any of the not-for-profit Rescue Groups? Any of them..... All I wanted was to talk to someone either by phone or email about a Yorkie that has some issues. I wanted to find out about the severity of the dog's issues. I realize these groups want to place these needy animals into a home that will be the pets fur-ever home but they are ridiculous. I probably would have had an easier time adopting a child then one of these animals. I really feel sorry for the animals that want so desperately to go home. I think these groups are missing great opportunities to re-home these pets because of their cavalier attitudes and ignorance! Does anyone agree?

I can't say that I totally agree, because there are only few rescue group that I ever happened to come in contact with.

but from what I've seen, I could say, not very impressed. there are a few times I took my girls to the petsmart banfield hospital or grooming service on weekends, while I am standing there waiting area, I can hear the conversation between the volunteers and the people wanting to adopt (they've got adoption service on weekend).

it's really not about why these potential adopters are turned down, it's more about how they are turned down. once I over heard the conversation this lady voluteer had with this mid-aged couple, this lady voluteer is cold and rude, has no people skill what so ever, this couple of course was turned down, and they ended up cursing at this lady. Im not saying that she deserved it, but if she could be any nicer about how she turned them down, be a little more understanding/more explainations and offering some other options to the couple instead of a cold NO, I am sure they would walk away happier. I know its not about the people, its about the dogs. I get it. but guess what, we are all human being to begin with, if we cannot treat each other with respect, then we need to help ourselves before we can help anything else. although these are voluteers with no pay, although they are not for profit, but rescue groups is still a service entity, but sadly, from what I've seen, they don't have the slightest idea what service is about, for dogs and humans!

I think a lot of it is due to the misunderstanding going on in between. if they can fully explain the consequences and be nice about it, Im sure we will all understand, after all, we are all dog lovers.

ps: I do go to that paticular petsmart quite often since both my girls get all their services there, and this voluteer lady knows me and my girls, and whenever she saw us in there, she would make fun of the fact my girls are spoiled/always dressed/too small to be dogs/always being carried. I can careless, cuz what I do to my girls should not offend anyone, but but but, be careful, what you do in life will come right back at you!

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by MissSophie

This is such a tough question. I am an adoption caseworker for a child adoption agency, and I do home studies for people who want to adopt children. Yes, we have turned down some people. Of course everyone would understand that. On the flip side, so many wonderful dogs are put to death each day due to lack of good homes. So what should be the criteria for finding a forever home? Our baby is a runner, and yes, we should have a fenced yard. But we have a huge deck that makes our yard nearly impossible to fence for our dog. So we have to be watchful and take her out on a leash. Does that make us bad Yorkie parents? I hope not, but we probably wouldn't get a rescue. I understand, but yet I don't.

There are some people who think you save dogs no matter what since they will be euthanized if you do not place them. I have seen the results of some of those placements and the dogs, in my opinion, would have been better off dying humanely.

As for your question about critieria, you might want to look over some rescue sites....I am sure you will find some of what they are looking for. Many have very thorough applications that some people seem to think are not necessary. If people stood in the shoes of a rescuer and saw what happens to these dogs on a daily basis, most would change their minds quickly.

As for the fence issue, I do not think there is any rescue with a blanket "you cannot adopt because you don't have a fence" policy.

Yes, there are horrible rescuers, just like there are horrible dog owners, horrible breeders, horrible vets, horrible groomers, horrible anything! I personally think this thread is a bit ridiculous in that many seem to want to bash all rescues with the *tiny* bit of knowledge they have about what rescues do.

[Ashley V]

Nevermind... what I posted was silly and I can't delete it.

[greyacresmom]

Originally Posted by 3YorkiesMom

Rescues receive many applications for each foster pup in their programs. I read the earlier post you referred to, and it appears you did not complete your adoption application. There were probably other questions about checking boxes if you were willing to deal with the pup's medical issues, which you probably didn't check because you didn't complete the application. The rescue most likely viewed this as you not being willing to work with these medical conditions. It looks like there was a misunderstanding on BOTH your sides to me. It is unfortunate that your incomplete application was viewed as you not being willing to deal with those medical issues, but it is also impossible for a rescue to call every single person who submits an application. Many applications have a space where you can type in further information or make a comment - that would have solved this issue if there was a box and if you had filled in more information about yourself and wanting to speak with someone further about the pup. Misunderstandings cause many people to jump to incorrect conclusions about one another, and that is a shame.

So you better understand a rescue's situation, rescues receive a lot of applications from people who do not read the dog's biographies when they apply for a certain pup - they just see a cute pup and apply without taking the time to read about the pup's personality, needs and medical issues first. Rescue volunteers work VERY hard to place their pups into homes where they won't end up homeless again. Rescue volunteers give their personal time, love, dedication, hearts and money to help these pups. It is a very hard job, and it is all volunteer and unpaid. It is unfortunate that a misunderstanding caused this issue you are having, but rescues are the GOOD people. If you ever decide to volunteer to be a foster parent yourself in the future, you will better understand.

Hopefully everyone involved will communicate to clarify this situation. We are all here to make a difference in this world for the better, and we need to be more understanding and less critical of one another. I hope you email the rescue back and let them know about your experience and suggest they have a space for comments on their applications (if they don't already), so in the future there would be less hurt feelings. Fixing the issue would best serve everyone involved. Best of luck and I hope your experience can be changed into something positive by changes being made to avoid these misunderstandings in the future for others. Take care.

I volunteer in "rescue" and I am a foster mom for my other breed of choice. So this does not always apply. If anyone would need to know the temperaments of their dogs, that would be me: because of all the fosters going in and out. Yep, I am bitter, will always be bitter. I hope that our group never treats others as these (every group I contacted for a yorkie) groups treated me.

[yorkiezfamily]

Greetings to all,

I am the one who posted about a dozen Yorkie rescues available on the rescue forum. I found these precious dogs within a 24 hr period. I adopted myself, and after reading many posts from many who could not find a breeder near them, could not afford a puppy, or may have just lost their beloved Yorkie, I decided to post what I found for all to see that if you search there are many Yorkies that need good homes out there.

I do not claim to be an expert on the adoption process but here is my story and what my family has experienced:

The adoption process is handled by volunteers that are overwhelmingly busy. They have a generous heart. I know this because my mother has adopted two toy neutered male poodles. My aunt three neutered male pugs. And myself one Yorkie. Our family has always owned our dogs until they pass due to natural causes, they have always been an important part of our lives. Cared for as if they were our children. As a child we showed Great Danes (had the top Dane in the nation for one year). Upon retirement my parents decided to adopt/rescue, and a smaller breed so they could travel. These factors also influenced my Aunts decision also, a smaller breed that can travel well.

Was it an easy process for any of us? No.
Were we turned down? Yes
Would we return any of our adopted babies? No we are very happy!
Would we adopt again if need be? Yes


Out of the five rescues in three of our families (the only dogs owned) there were times we were treated indifferently. There were times we were not emailed nor phoned. However, we understood the numerous applications received for each animal and limited time volunteers have. They are human beings, as such, have bad days and good days. We also were treated very professionally. This is an emotional process as out of the six adopted dogs we were turned down on two, for different reasons. It hurt as we had our heart set on them, but in the end we all ended up with what we all belive is the perfect fit for our families.

Upon visiting and picking up my adopted baby, one look and you will understand how difficult it would be to be "perfect" in everyone's eyes. The rescue I went through was a small animal rescue. she was home alone at the time, but the entire family participated in the care of the animals. They had about 20 babies available. ALL groomed and clean and VERY well cared for. As we visited she walked by each pen re-telling each personal story of each dog in detail, along with medical issues each had. This was a very dedicated indiviual. Each dog received a pat on the head and treat as she walked by. She wasted no time with these dogs, even with us there, she was "working" with her rescuces.

She had a pen of four "new" intakes. They needed bathed, vetted ect. The following day when checking the rescues website: all four dogs had been groomed, cared for and listed on the rescues web site. I really am amazed at the dedication of the rescues as well as the foster families. The speed in which they care for these rescues is amazing-they are the priority. This also gave me insight as to why all applications do not always receive an email or phone call promptly.

We left with our baby, food, toys, crate, dog coat, copy of contract, copy of all vetting done. Very professional. She also made me read the contract and verbally went over each area with me to assure i understood. (not just a signature on paper to put in a file).

This is just my opinion and what our experience has been. Very rewarding and worth all of the effort. Try not to judge one experience that may make you question the rescues motives, I am sure its a very emotional business to be in, and we all have times we are not at our best. These hard working and generous people are not in this business for acclaim or noteriety. Only because they care, one experience does not make a rescue terrible.

I would suggest to anyone wanting to adopt: fill out all areas of adoption application.

Follow up with an email (if email address is available) with any additional information you would like to provide. The clearer picture they have of you, the better.

I phoned one rescue with a question about a dog. Within three hours I had the foster mom call me back and we spoke, she was generous with her time and answered all of my questions. Many times you have to leave a message, this works well as most times the actual foster family calls you.

Some rescues have more resourses available than others, and therefore are much quicker at responding.

I certainly did not mean to leave anyone bitter or offend anyone by listing these dogs that I found on the rescue forum. All I can say is through my experience, It didnt matter really how I was treated, I was interested in the prescious dog. That was my goal, the rest was a process that must be gone through in order to adopt, and i respect that. I am very happy that it is not an easy process, it eases my mind to know every effort is being made to ensure the best home is found.

Hope this post inspires those interested to keep trying... If you find the perfect rescue-apply. If its meant to be it will be.