Mischa Barton rescues!

http://people.aol.com/people/gallery...084454,00.html

HMMMM WELLLLLLLLLL I have small rescues:animal36 If anybody Lives in Md or Pa. and is interested i would be happy to talk with you. (OR any surrounding area):thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

No yorkies now but we did adopt out 2 of them last month. I currently have 2 tiny cuties though:D

Waiiiit. Didn't she just get a little pom puppy like a month or two ago?

Wonder where that poor little guy is.

:D That is great to know because I live in MD and will be looking to rescue a dog in January so I will be in touch. We are moving and I want to wait until we get settled in. I am not necessarily looking to rescue a Yorkie however if you have one to rescue I would be overjoyed;) Georgie is from a breeder, but now that I am aware of all the dogs that need good homes I am more than willing to rescue a couple and give them all the love in the world:D

My inlaws wanted to adopt this lhasa apso they saw on petfinder, they filled out the application, then somaone called them and told them to send 3 references, they did, then the were asked to write an essay about why they wanted to adopt a rescue dog and why they wanted that breed, but wait, they didn't want one esay from both of them, each of themhad to write a separate essay! well, they did. They received a call from the rescue group telling them that the next step was to set an interview with them and that it could take up to six months before the interview could take place ahh! and by the way that the dog they wanted had already been adopted. After that my in laws told the rescue people to forget about it and the next day they went to a breeder and got a puppy.
I understand that rescue groups want the best fro their dogs, but come on! being that strict only takes away the chance for a dog to get a loving and nice family too.

I see the rescues and I do want to help them. I believe behavior problems can be corrected in time so that wouldn't stop me. But, most of the purebreed rescues either has a lot of medical problems or are in their senior years that I can't bear the thought of only being able to spend a few years with them or taking in a pet that needs a lot of medical attention and having to worry about them all the time.

I know most of you have read this before, but this just seemed like the perfect thread for it:


DO I GO HOME TODAY?
(A Pets'Diary)
by Sandi Thompson

My family brought me home.
Cradled in their arms.
They cuddled me and smiled at me,
And said I was full of charms.

They played with me.
And laughed with me.
They showered me with toys.
I sure do love my family,
Especially the girls and boys.

The children loved to feed me.
They even let me sleep with them,
All snuggled in the sheets.

I used to go for walks,
Often several times a day.
They even fought to hold the leash,
I'm very proud to say.

These are the things I can't forget,
A cherished memory.
I now live in the Shelter,
Without my family.

They used to laugh and praise me,
When I played with that old shoe,
But I didn't know the difference
Between the old and the new.

The kids and I would grab a rag,
For hours we would tug/
So I thought I did the right thing,
when I chewed the bedroom rug.

They said I was out of control,
And would have to live outside.
This I did not understand,
although I tried and tried.

The walks stopped one by one
They said they hadn't time,
I wish that I could change things.
I wish I knew my crime.

My life became so lonely,
In the backyard on a chain.
I barked and barked all day long.
To keep from going insane.

So they brought me to the Shelter,
But were embarrassed to say why,
They said I caused an allergy,
and kissed me goodby.

If I'd only had some classes,
I wouldn't have been.,
So hard to handle,
When I was all grown up.

"You only have one day left,"
I heard the worker say.
Does this mean a second chance?
Do I go home today?

I have that exact poem on my bulliten board here at work. It breaks my
heart everytime I look at it but I keep it there regardless. Why I am not
sure but I can relate to how the dog must feel. Their so innocent. There
are no bad dogs it is the people who make them that way! I truly believe that.:(

I have two small children and after looking into rescued Yorkies, I couldn't go this route for lots of reasons. First of all I couldn't find a young female who could be in a home with children. I knew I wanted a female and I can't get rid of my own kids LOL.
Another reason was just trying to find the kind of dog I wanted. I looked at 3 or 4 places, and never found a small dog (I wanted her to be indoors and be small enough to take places.)
You never know how rescue dogs will react to children and with 16 kids on my cul-de-sac I had to reduce my chances of a mean dog. I've had friends with rescued dogs and they were mean. One dog wouldn't even let me hold it for the longest time.
I had dreams as a child of owning a ranch with strays and taking in all the dogs and cats (even though I'm allergic to cats) that I could. I had such a big heart for animals. I only had strays and mixed breeds as a child.
I think later in life I could take in a rescue dog, but situations need to fit.
Alot of rescues are like adopting a child........you should be there with them at all times after bringing them home so they don't feel abandoned again and they know who their mom or dad is....................they have to bond with the new parents. Lots of folks don't have the time or energy for that, just my opinon...

Well, I really wanted to get a rescue dog (oh there was the cutest puppy mill rescue mommy) but the rescue place insisted on contacting our landlord to see if he was okay with it. Our lease agreement at the time did not allow us to have pets, but our landlord had said 'what I don't know won't hurt me.' And that's how we ended up at the breeder. Had we gotten "caught" with pets at our old place and were told to get rid of them or vacate, we would have found another place to live. However, we were "unqualified." We have moved into a pet friendly place since then, but we already have Mia. I wish the rescue place could have trusted us, but I can understand their point of view too.

Rocky was sort of a rescue, the person who had him could no longer care for him. I looked at actual Yorkie rescues, the one I checked out was very strict about who the dogs go to, which is good, but too strict isn't good because it can prevent the dogs being rescued to good homes. I go to breeders though because sometimes at rescues it's hard to find what you want. A lot of them have health problems, dont get along well w/ children and/or animals, or are about to die because of old age. It's kinda hard to find a puppy at a rescue.

That's exactly what I just posted about..lol. They ask soo many questions, some do atleast...beyond the necessary questions. One rescue requires references and in addition wants to come to the house. I guess they don't believe the applications (what's the point on asking if you have a fenced in yard if their not going to believe you) If I have to go through this trouble w/ someone not believing me, then I say forget it. It's really sad because some dogs (like in your case) don't get adopted, and that definitly is part of the overpopulated shelter problem.

I really don't understand why rescues require a fenced-in yard, especially with small dogs. I don't have a yard at all, and I provide a good home for my baby with lots of love. She gets walks every day, so she gets plenty of fresh air and sunshine. Even if I had a fenced in yard, I'd be afraid to let her run around in it off leash in case she found a way out.

It's just too hard to qualify for a small rescue dog, so people have to go to a breeder.

I tried to adopt a rescue from the yorkie rescue group here in NC. They refused to even take my application because we don't have a fenced yard! I tried to explain that I never let our dogs out without being on a leash, and they only go out with us to potty and to walk. My neighbor is a vet and offered to give references. Our pet sitter offered references. My vet and groomer offered references....they said it didn't matter how many references I had...no fenced yard...no dog...period! They were not interested in a good loving home for their dogs...only homes that had a fenced yard. No country homes and no condo homes. Really ticked me off! We have a neighbor that has adopted several larger rescue dogs. He does have a fenced yard....but never closes the gate, the dogs dig out from under and they run everywhere. At least 2 have been hit by cars and one just isn't around anymore. Yet, he would be approved in a heartbeat
Ellie
Ellie

Rescuing
 

I know exactly how you feel. It IS very frusterating. I have rescued 2 dogs, and 2 cats...and bought 2 other dogs from a breeder (my Yorkie and my Mini Doxie). The whole reason I bought Stedman from a breeder was because I wanted a puppy...to raise myself from the very beginning. However, that does not mean that I wouldn't rescue another one....because I would IN A SECOND! It is so sad. I just wish I had space big enough to rescue them ALL! :(

Great Thread!
 

Here are pics of my 4! (sorry about Robbie's pic - one of his quirks is that he hates to have his picture taken!)

I've typed a response to add to this thread 8 times now - each time it goes on forever! Shortened version: I believe strongly in rescue and haven't heard yet a good reason against it for most families. Just like breeders - there are Excellent/Good/Fair and plain awful rescue organizations - you need to do your homework. If you get turned down by one organization - try another. Even after 30 years of rescue dogs/cats - I'm sure I wouldn't necessarily be considered acceptable by some organizations for one reason or another. (I have big dogs - I have small dogs - I have cats - I have a 6 ft fenced yard - but it's a custom picket style.... etc...)

There are a lot of misconceptions on both sides (between a rescue group and a prospective owner) - I'd love to hear more ideas and thoughts on how to improve the process. One thing I'd love to see is a more standard application form (at least for the pups listed on Petfinder) because some organizations ask more poignant questions than others. For example - asking if a person has a fence is simply not enough. If I have a 4 foot fence - that really isn't enough to contain a GSD and on the flip - a 6 foot wide spaced picket isn't going to made a bit of difference to a JR or yorkie!

And yes, I agree that even asking this question doesn't always mean diddly. Many owners with out fences make more effort to take their dog out and supervise them than some with fences!

We can all do something to help turn the tide for all animals but setting a good example for all pet owners. Spay/Neuter - take your dog to obedience training - socialize your animals appropriately and take good care of their health. Even if you can't provide a home for a homeless animal just now, please do everything you can to make sure your animal never ends up in a shelter! Many of us learn by the examples of those around us.

J

OK - so it turned out long again (but I swear it's shorter than the first 8 times!)

did this thread move?

I THINK there were two similar postings/threads because I remember reading some postings about people not wanting "used dogs" etc. but a dog of their own..... I think the other thread was under the Rescue discussion.

So, no, I don't think it moved.

J

DITTO!!!

I have no problem with a shelter dog. I have adopted many in the past from my local pound even if I couldnt keep them I paid to release them, Fostered and usually found a great home for them, I didnt get a shelter dog this time because there were only HUGE dogs and I dont have room for a huge dog. The small ones always were spoken for, I knew what I wanted and waited it out. The process is a bit difficult for little dogs with families and the bigger dogs were not an option with their unknown histories,. I have adopted larger older dogs and they have proved unfit for families with kids. Nearly every one of them had agression or nippiness towards kids.
Bonnie

I'm trying to understand your post, but having trouble. Are you reffering to rescuing little dogs w/ families and rescuing bigger dogs w/ unknown histories? Because unknown histories can come w/ any dog, regaurdless of size. And a lot of bigger dogs are good w/ kids. Toy breeds have a reputation for being snippy. Not all are like this of course, though. You can't judge a dogs aggression on their size though. Don't let the large dogs you adopted make up your mind on all large dogs, a lot of them, atleast majority of the ones I know are great w/ kids!

Actually, Rocky snaps a lot when he's eating or humping something, he can get pretty nasty, so were working on that w/ him. My bigger dogs, excluding one, have not been as bad as him when it comes to eating or playing w/ toys.

I know just how you feel!

I got replies like " There are 200 applications for this dog, BUT we have a......" yea, yea. If I wanted that other dog I would put that dogs name on my application.

And have you read those contracts! :eek:

Home inspection now, later, surprise inspection, and the dog is never yours, if you move, have surgery on the dog, you must get permission first or charges can be brought against you..... and on and on. :mad:

Forget it! my search went from 1 month to about 6 months, I gave up and got one from a breeder.

I really did not want a puppy, because of all work needed on the first year.... they are a lot of fun and a lot of responsibility and work :) . at the end of the year its all worth it and you want to do it all over again....LOL ;)

:thumbdown

Ok back to clarify....
It is hard to find small dogs that they will allow you adopt when you have kids.
As far as th big dogs go,, I am not judging all dogs by the few I have adopted but everyone of them were rough or aggressive. The difference between the big and small dogs was I can pull a small dog away from my child before he is mauled, the large dogs are much harder to control.
That has not stopped me from keeping them it has just curtailed my adoption further of them. I hvae had from a Great pyranees down toa chihuahua and the pyranees that went after my grandson was just as scary to him as the chihuahua to us but, when I ran after the Pyr he was like a bull in a china close the chihuahua well... a little easier to deflect.
Therefore I went on the search for a small dog, knew what I wanted and looked at rescues. Never had luck so I purchased.
Just my own personal preference that fit my family
Bonnie

I think they ask way to many personal questions! Plus I have a daughter now. We adopted years ago before my dd was born. We adopted two HUGE senior dogs. One was a sweetheart and one couldn't be trusted. So I would hesitate now to adopt older dogs. If the questions weren't so personal I would try to adopt a younger dog if I could. Seeing as that I have a huge dog at home now AND a daughter they wouldn't let me adopt anyway. So for me I have no choice but to go to a breeder.


Michelle

I have 3 rescued and never had real problems with them . Peoples often make all sorts of excuses for not rescuing . I admit that a puppy is much cuter than an older dog . From my experiences It is not true that an older dog can't learn new things . If the older feels comfortable in his or her new home , he or she will learn very fast .

I rescued a 7 year olds that never have been potty trained , It took a few months and the dog never had an accident in the house .

I WANTED to rescue a dog
 

When I got Edie, I lived in Maine. The pound had only pit bulls and pit bull mixes. I did not want one of those breeds--they can be unpredictable and I had a small yard so I wanted a small dog. I found Edie through a newspaper ad.

After I got Edie, I met one of the directors of the local Animal Refuge League. I told him why I had not adopted from them, and he agreed with me....the ARL was full of pit bulls. He said the small dogs got adopted almost as soon as they came in the door.

Maine is a very humane place. I NEVER saw an outside dog. The winters are cold and all dogs live indoors. Also, everyone spays/neuters their dogs, so there is a SHORTAGE of dogs to be rescued. In fact, they bring them up from the south (Georgia, Alabama, the Carolinas) so they will have enough dogs to adopt out. I wish all places were like that.:thumbup:

Turned down
 

For those of you who were turned down from a rescue for a BS reason, what was your response? I know if they turned me down because I'll be living in a townhome I would definitly came a comment about their rescue being overisized because of BS rules.

Come on you guys!

I think a lot of people are hesitant to get a dog from the shelter -- simply because they have never made a tripo to the shelter to see the wonderful dogs that are there.

My granddaughter and I aren't looking for a dog - but we go by the shelter occasionally just to see the animals there. And - don't think we don't see a lot that I'm sure would make wonderful pets.

Puppies are great - but puppyhood flies by before you know it and we all end up quickly with a dog that is a year or two old --- just like a lot of the pets at the shelter.

Even visiting the shelter, we can certainly tell which dogs are frightened or shy, but still sweet - and, of course, it isn't hard at all to find the ones that are friendly and outgoing.

I think it would help a lot if more people would just visit their shelters....certainly not always because you want to get a dog, but just to see the facilities and the different animals that are there. This would be a real eye-opener for a lot of people. I think a lot of us would quickly realize that there are a lot of wonderful dogs there - all ages and all sizes.

And - for those of you who believe the old adage, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks." This isn't true at all. Dogs of all ages are eager to please if they are in a good home and receive loving care. For sure being consistent and knowing how to train is the real key - at any age.

I taught my 5-year-old Bichon a couple new tricks last week (because I was also teaching them to my 10-month old Yorkie). I think my 5-year-old learned the tricks faster than the pup did.

Visit the shelters in your area - not just once - but occasionally. You'll wish you could take a lot of them home. This will help you become better informed and perhaps be better able to encourage prospective dog buyers to visit the shelter also.

Carol Jean

I agree with what your saying, but I know if I had kids of my own, or kids coming over to my house a lot I would be hesitant to adopt an older dog from a future who does have a bad reputation for biting. Sometimes you can teach an old dog new tricks, but not always. That is definitly a risk NOT worth taking when children are around.