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.
11-10-2008, 05:00 PM
Bernie, Baxter, Bella and Blazer 
