rescue yorkies

[alisonJ]

Originally Posted by Emmsmom

I tried to get a rescue Yorkie as well. They wouldn't let me have one for a few reasons. 1) we don't have a fenced in yard, 2) I have an8 year old dd. 3) I have a German Sheperd.
I ended buying a buppy from a local breeder and the yard isn't an issue because he won't leave my side. My dd isn't an issue. She is just as protective with him as I am and now Diesel and the Shepherd are buddies. Go figure.. I believe this is the reason so many are still in rescues.It is a really shame if you ask me. Sometimes I wonder if they aren't out to make a quick buck as well as some breedes.

Emmsmom--I could not disagree with you more. Rescuers are not out to make money, and their criteria are more than reasonable. About every WEEK on this board, we hear of a new Yorkie in our little community who was killed by a large dog. And the story is often the same...the big dog never displayed any aggression before, loves kids, is a family pet, etc. etc. etc. One of my best friends lost her Yorkie to a Golden Retriever, and it makes me sick, frankly, that it keeps happening. No matter how much you trust your Shepherd, BE VERY CAREFUL. He might not mean to hurt Diesel, but he doesn't understand how delicate a Yorkie can be, and he could hurt Diesel during friendly play activities.

Yorkie Rescue has to have some way to choose homes, and they do an excellent job. I wish some breeders and all pet stores would be more discriminating in placing their animals. The good breeders are selective. Bad breeders and pet stores are not because they ARE trying to make money.

[magnolia]

My Gage is a rescue, of sorts. He didn't come from a shelter, he came from an individual's home....someone who shouldn't own any pet!! I had told this guy that if he couldn't keep him, I wanted him. He called me 4 months later and said if I wanted him, come get him...free of charge. When I pulled up to the house, there was this adorable 3 pound baby CHAINED The poor baby shook in my lap the whole way home. It took this little guy almost 6 months to "calm" down. When we first got him, if you so much as looked at him for any length of time, he just stood there shaking. And forget trying to pet him....that made him shake more and back away from you. I don't even want to know what he went through before we got him. All I know is that he is the most absolute sweetest little man He has turned into a true "lap" baby, always wanting attention and acts like he just can't get enough Gabby didn't care for him too much when we brought him into the house but they do get along now Would I get another from rescue? You betcha. These guys deserve so much more than to live their days unwanted. My hat is off to those who work in rescue. You give so much love, time, and attention while they wait for their new forever home. Thanks to Gage, I have even more respect and admiration for the rescue of not just Yorkies, but all breeds!

[londonteatime]

As I posted previously, I was pushed away because of my disability. I can't say I was turned down because they didn't even give me that courtesy. Once they knew I have Lupus -- and I was upfront about it -- they didn't answer my emails.

The funny thing is that my honesty was used against me! If I hadn't mentioned it, they wouldn't have known if they met me! I look perfectly fine and I could have lied about why I'm using a cane to walk. I have a large fenced-in yard, have one adult son, have rescued before with good results, have excellent vet. references and I'm home all day. And I was asking to adopt an older, larger, harder-to-place dog because I have the time and love to give him/her an excellent home.

I guess they were afraid of coming right out and saying they didn't want to adopt to me because of Lupus because it sure does sound like discriminating against disabled folks. So they dropped communication and ignored me instead.

I bought a Yorkie and he is just a joy, doing so well with me! I'm angry at the ignorance shown by rescue but I'm mostly sad that they deprived one of their dogs of a wonderful forever home.

[alisonJ]

Originally Posted by londonteatime

As I posted previously, I was pushed away because of my disability. I can't say I was turned down because they didn't even give me that courtesy. Once they knew I have Lupus -- and I was upfront about it -- they didn't answer my emails.

The funny thing is that my honesty was used against me! If I hadn't mentioned it, they wouldn't have known if they met me! I look perfectly fine and I could have lied about why I'm using a cane to walk. I have a large fenced-in yard, have one adult son, have rescued before with good results, have excellent vet. references and I'm home all day. And I was asking to adopt an older, larger, harder-to-place dog because I have the time and love to give him/her an excellent home.

I guess they were afraid of coming right out and saying they didn't want to adopt to me because of Lupus because it sure does sound like discriminating against disabled folks. So they dropped communication and ignored me instead.

I bought a Yorkie and he is just a joy, doing so well with me! I'm angry at the ignorance shown by rescue but I'm mostly sad that they deprived one of their dogs of a wonderful forever home.

Although I do not question the series of events as you related them, I have a hard time believing that your Lupus was the reason the communication was dropped. I suppose it is possible, but I think it is more probable that someone just dropped the ball. Either that, or they are very ignorant about Lupus. Did you keep pursuing them, or did you drop it also?

[Emmsmom]

So in other words you are saying that I shouldn't have a Yorkie because I have a Shepherd. Ok if you say so. I am a SAHM who homeschools. Diesel is never left alone even if we go out. He has a playpen that he stays in when I have to run out. It is opinions like yours that is the reason why so many Yorkies don't have homes. It really is sad. Just because some of us might not fit the "perfect" profile does not mean that we can't offer a good home to a Yorkie or any dog for that matter.

[alisonJ]

Originally Posted by Emmsmom

So in other words you are saying that I shouldn't have a Yorkie because I have a Shepherd. Ok if you say so. I am a SAHM who homeschools. Diesel is never left alone even if we go out. He has a playpen that he stays in when I have to run out. It is opinions like yours that is the reason why so many Yorkies don't have homes. It really is sad. Just because some of us might not fit the "perfect" profile does not mean that we can't offer a good home to a Yorkie or any dog for that matter.

I am not saying you should not have a Yorkie with a Shepherd at home. However (some of) the Rescue organizations ARE saying that, and that is their perogative. That doesn't mean that every Yorkie living in a home will be harmed by a larger dog, but it does happen, so why take a chance? Sorry you think my opinion is sad, but it is my opinion.

I think it is sad that you think that Rescue is in it for the money. Opinions like that will keep people from trying to get a dog through Rescue. The people who do Rescue Yorkies put a lot of their own money into helping out these little ones, and I am sure they would be offended by your statement. I was.

[alaskayorkie]

Originally Posted by alisonJ

I am not saying you should not have a Yorkie with a Shepherd at home. However (some of) the Rescue organizations ARE saying that, and that is their perogative. That doesn't mean that every Yorkie living in a home will be harmed by a larger dog, but it does happen, so why take a chance? Sorry you think my opinion is sad, but it is my opinion.

I think it is sad that you think that Rescue is in it for the money. Opinions like that will keep people from trying to get a dog through Rescue. The people who do Rescue Yorkies put a lot of their own money into helping out these little ones, and I am sure they would be offended by your statement. I was.

I had a bad experience with a rescue operation, but I still agree with Alison 100 percent. Rescue organizations are not in it for the money. And I'm certain that if you toss in their time, they all lose.

The Anchorage rescue organzation I went through is horrible. No screening process for owners, no health warnings on the pets. When I found out that all Jack's medical problems had been diagnosed in advance, I was livid and ready to take them to small claims court. But StewiesMom pointed out that these people are not in it for the money. They're people with big hearts who are doing their best to keep dogs from euthanasia. I settled for talking to the rescuer and also animal control and suggesting they do a better job. I hope it worked. But the bottom line is they are not motivated by greed. It's hard to fault someone who is trying their best for the right reasons.

[londonteatime]

Alison,
After they read that I had Lupus, I sent two emails that went unanswered. The first asked for recommendations on which available dog they thought would be a good match for me so I could apply and the second was asking again since the first email went unanswered. Now, the first emails I sent to the group were answered immediately so it's funny that the later ones weren't.

Whatever. I believe in rescue but some groups are obviously better than others. Years ago, I had a fabulous experience with collie rescue and adopted one of their older dogs who was blind and everything went well. It seems to me that maybe some Yorkie rescues have problems "letting go" and look for reasons to deny potential adopters. I totally understand them wanting to ensure the dogs go to good homes but I think that in some cases they're denying the dogs good homes by being unrealistic. One of my friends told me of a different breed rescue that would only adopt to people who didn't have kids and who would agree not to have kids while the dog was alive. That's just NUTS!

It's a shame because it keeps the dogs from finding their forever families and it turns people off from rescue.

Julie

[alisonJ]

Well, Julie, I hope if you decide to adopt another pet, you will give Rescue another chance. Sounds like you could give an older Yorkie a wonderful home.

[CTYorkie]

I'm reluctant to join this heated topic bc emotion runs high on all sides :0 IMHO, the idea of rescue is noble but as with any human activity, is sometimes executed well, sometimes not. Those who have positive experiences are understandably supportive. Those with negative experiences are likely to question aspects of the process - also understandable. At any rate, these articles offer (IMO) an honest appraisal of rescue & thought I'd share them just FYI.

Why People Do Rescue: http://www.canismajor.com/dog/ypeoresc.html
Choosing a Rescue Dog: http://www.dogclub.co.uk/advice/rescuedog.php

[Rhanna]

I was involved in rescue for many years with several different organizations. I am sorry to say that there was only one organization not out for money. Several others were collecting big donations and it was not going to the animals. I do not like to say this about rescue but after what I went thru I tell people to be very careful. I believe what Julie is saying because they do sit in judgement of people rather than give the animal a good home. There are good and bad in everything and sad to say even in the rescue business.

[Princessyorkies]

So sad and I would rescue some yorkies...no problem.

[mustangbee]

Before we started looking for Princess, we wanted to rescue a Yorkie.
We were turned down because we have children & a pool.
I still don't understand it, as three of our five children are adopted.
It's so sad, the State would let us adopt children, but not furbabies!
I just don't get it.
Anyway, we have tried, and would try again.

[livingdustmops]

Wow, I am pretty surprised at some of the remarks here but I will try to do my best to give answers from a rescuer's view point and this is only my opinion from my experiences.

A reputable rescue’s first priority is the dogs and not the humans. Many of these little ones come from very damaging circumstances and have been beaten; kicked, starved and just ignored (which is really cruel to a Yorkie). Our first priority is to make them well and for the most part this is out of our own pockets and the bill can run into the thousands of dollars. If the money doesn’t come from our pockets then we are putting on fund-raiser to raise money so we can keep the rescue going – either way it is either a lot of money or a lot of time we donate to save a few of these precious Yorkies. Rescue organizations do not receive funds from the state or even city funds like shelters do. A large % of people who are in rescue have full-time jobs and so a large part of our weekends are rescuing dogs, adopting dogs, training the dogs, socializing the dogs, running to the vets, washing dogs, walking dogs, feeding dogs. Some rescue’s cannot afford to do any of this but they give of their hearts and time pulling dogs out of pounds or awful situations and try to find new homes. They just can’t sit back and do nothing while millions of animals are put down every year.
I wish it were simple, that one could simply take in a dog and find it a home quickly. It isn't. The dogs that come in enter the rescue with a variety of issues from behavioral to medical, and all issues must be addressed before they can be placed. The new intake is taken to the vet for evaluation and necessary treatments are begun, and further appointments are made. Many if not most of the rescues need dentals and extractions of infected teeth, nail clips, treatment for a variety of problems from tick fever to glaucoma and occasionally surgeries to correct illnesses like LP which costs thousands of dollars.
Some of the rescues are social and some are not. Each dog is treated individually, concentrating on the dog's positive traits, and working on the negative ones, to overcome problems, some which are behavioral from neglect, abuse or a lifetime of struggle.
Some dogs come in eating everything, some refuse all food, some were spoiled, others were harmed, some are filthy, tick covered and matted, some are frightened, some are delighted at the change and some cry for several days for the very people who brought them in. All of them soon begin the road to their new life and the beginning of adjusting to change.
Once dentals have been performed, and dogs have had all inoculations, been neutered and micro chipped, licensed, (how much do you think this costs? Even with our vet giving discounts we spent an average of $400 per dog for the basics – over $2000 for medical surgeries) behavioral modification training begins. The dogs are taught to walk on a leash, to ride in carriers, slings, bags and travel bags, to behave in public and to value themselves and their worth. Each rescue has a story. Each is a beloved creature and each deserved a chance at a loving, caring home with someone who desires to spend much needed time with them.
One reason rescue is so strict is because of the following statistics.
•Only 38% of all dogs and cats will remain in their first home for their entire lives.
•Nationally, over 50% of all adopted animals are no longer in their adoptive home after just the first year.

We work very hard to find a forever home for our rescue’s and because of experiences that have happened to Yorkies we will not adopt to families with large dogs (to many Yorkies have been killed by large dogs), small children (broken bones or the dogs bites the children – did you know the rescue could be sued if the dog bit a child in the new home?) or people who work all day unless they can guarantee someone will come into the home during the day. We ask for fenced yards and fences around pools (many Yorkies have drown). Are we flexible with our rules? Sometimes we are, if the potential adopter can give us reasons why we should consider them. We are not going to take the chance after all the work and love we have put into these little ones to have anything happen to them again or their hearts broken again. We also have an age where people are too old and we don’t want these little ones abandon again when their owner dies. Remember, every choice we have to make is for the dog and not the human. Yes we ask personal questions because we are the caregiver of these animals and somewhere in this mix we feel that we have the right to guarantee them or at least attempt to give them a happy, loving home. When people get upset with these questions then we know immediately they are not meant to have a rescue as they will never understand these little ones have souls and are not to be treated as a possession.

Many people think rescues should be a cheap way to get a dog and that probably is the cruelest thing of all. These little ones didn’t ask to be bought by someone who really didn’t give a tinkers dam about them and threw them away when the medical bills were to much, or they were to busy or they couldn’t housetrain them. When a person adopts a rescue they are taking on more than just a cute dog, they are taking on a little one who needs love protection, food and a warm home. For those that adopt a rescue they get it – they understand that these little ones might have issues and might have higher medical bills but these people have a soul and see past all of these faults and do it because they know they are needed. They are our angels on earth and if you ask most people who have rescued one dog and bought the other dog – there is a very special place in their hearts for the rescued dog. My hat is off to each and every YT member who has ever adopted a rescue and had their hearts touched by these animals.

For those of you who care and want to help but can’t do the rescue work – donate some of your time at your local shelter or write a check to a Yorkie rescue for $10.00 or your local shelter. Buy a bag of dog food for your local rescue organizations as every bit helps. if you are interested in a rescue you can go to www.petfinder.com. but understand a Yorkie is not for every home.

[miezzi]

I have a rescue--Brasco! And I loved the adoption agency we went thru. I even keep in touch with his foster mommie via email, and she is soooo grateful! I have to say, that it was a very nerve racking experience, but I would do it all over again! And I just may one day! They did a home visit, asked a bizillion questions, checked all my referneces, asked tham all a bizillion questions! Checked my vet reference! And I am glad they did! Brasco came to us very shy and very timid! I am sure he was abused. Breakes my heart. ANd he has come sooo far! He still has days when he is scared...I don't know why, but I am sure he remembers his previous life where he was not treated so good. I am sure they do what is best for the animal and not whats best for us. The only thing was, I didn't have a fence for my yard, but I gues he was used to being on a leash, so they must have thought that was ok.