How would you handle it?

[crazydoglade]

Yesterday we had an adoption event at a local pet store. Lots of interest in our puppy mill yorkies including 2 women with a 17 year old girl. When they first came in the first thing the mother said was she wanted one she could take everywhere in her purse. Not what we want to hear but at least she was honest. They then proceded to check out all our little ones, including 3 of our puppy mill yorkies. Apparently the dog was to belong to the teen. Seemed like a sweet girl but still only 17. They wanted to take the dog home that day because the grandkids were coming the next day for a 3-4 day visit. We spoke with them for over an hour trying to get them to see the special needs of these dogs. They didn't care. They wanted what they wanted. The mother didn't even know what a yorkie wad. When she was asked about the grooming requirements the friend with them said oh. we can have her shaved down like mine. They were told our policy of no yorkies to homes with small children even if they didn't live ther all the time. When I told her we were afraid that if the dogs felt threatened they could bite. She asked to see her teeth. Obviously she didn't and won't be getting one of our dogs. We tried to direct her to a more appropriate dog but she wouldn't even consider. Wr finally took a questionaire and said we'll call in a few days, which I always do. The dog was adopted later that afternoon by someone who had done their research and had been working with us and understood they puppy mill personality. The family who wanted the dog is starting to claim racism. The dog was adopted to a family of the same race. I don't want to start anything but how would you handle it. I want to be sensitive to their feelings when I speak to them but they we not an appropriate home for this dog.

[capt_noonie]

Omg you gotta be kidding me! Obviously you made the right decision.

[crazydoglade]

I'm very comfortable that we made the right decision. My question is how can you diplomatically tell them they are not a good match without them getting angry and defensive. I believe they. are escalating this incidentto the corporate office. I feel we do good work and have many people who have adopted from us more than once. We have all races in our rescue.To work with us all you.have to do is love the dogs.

[Amazing Yorkies]

I'm sorry I can't help you except the things you mentioned is reason enough. Bless you for doing the right thing for that puppy!!!

[jeane]

I agree, you did the right thing for the puppy// hope it all turns out ok

[capt_noonie]

They are trying to escalate it and to try and get what type of response? They can't sue you. Lt them waste their time. The nastier they get the more evident it is they are not fit.

[Bellabean]

I would just be honest... Site your original concerns. What's best for the puppy always comes first.

[Verbena]

Originally Posted by Bellabean

I would just be honest... Site your original concerns. What's best for the puppy always comes first.

I agree.

[yorkiemini]

Is there a statement on the application that they sign stating that all decisions are final and are made after extensive consideration for the best fit as it relates to the breed specific needs, age of children, fence yard....blah, blah, blah.

You should also have a statement that you do not discriminate against race, religion or sexual orientation, of. Ourse with the exception of those who eat dog

[theporkieyorkie]

Originally Posted by yorkiemini

Is there a statement on the application that they sign stating that all decisions are final and are made after extensive consideration for the best fit as it relates to the breed specific needs, age of children, fence yard....blah, blah, blah.

You should also have a statement that you do not discriminate against race, religion or sexual orientation, of. Ourse with the exception of those who eat dog

I think you did the right thing. Like it or not...you have the right to refuse them!!

I was refused when looking for a rescue dog...because I didn't meet the requirements(I don't have a fenced in yard) AND because the rescue didn't think the dog was a right match for me and my dog. It was disappointing, but a sensible person would move on and find another dog that better suits their needs.

It's sort of hard to claim racism when you adopted the dog out to people of the same ethnicity. I am sure the people behind the Rescue will see that...especially when they hear the rest of the story.

If it were me, I'd tell them that you go over all of the applications and find the family that best suits the dog...as it's ultimately the dogs welfare that EVERYONE, including ALL of the potential adopters should be concerned about. And with the dogs background(being a puppy mill survivor) and it's temperament, you found it best suited with another adopter.

You could tell the mom that it would much worse to let the dog go to that 17 year old girl, let her get attached and have it NOT work out and have the little girl broken-hearted because she has to give back her dog...AND then on top of that...then you'd have a dog, who's already coming from horrible circumstances, now displaced AGAIN only to have to be rehomed all over again...which would only contribute to the damage already done from the puppy mill.

It's no fair to the dog...and it's no fair to the kid. Perhaps you can tug on her motherly heart strings a little and she can see that you were only trying to do what's best for EVERYONE involved.

[KimInMD]

The rescue I worked with always makes it clear that dogs are not rehomed on a "first come, first serve" basis. Matches are made based on what is in the best interest of the dog, just like child custody issues and child adoptions. You could share that you already had a pending, pre-appoved application, and were just waiting for the adopter to determine which pup they were interested in. Our rescue never makes a placement until after the prospective adopter has had a meet and greet with all dogs they are interested in, to determine which dog reacts most favorably. It is true that many times it is our dogs that choose their new family. We also have a policy not to adopt dogs to young people under 21. Kids go off to college and the dogs are often forgotten about. Also, college kids have very limited incomes to care for a pup properly. Your group made the right thing, and did the right thing.

[crazydoglade]

Thanks for the all votes of confidence. As far as the escalation there is no problem with the rescue. Th director was there and she is the one who makes the policies. Sometimes on a case by case decision. Now however even if they have a well behaved experienced 12 year old the policy is absolutely no puppy mill dogs. If. they stay with us longer that just gives us more time to socalize them. The problem may be with the pet store. We're not worried about the manager or employees since we all.work to get the dogs the best forever home. The problem may be with their corporate office. We are are small rescue, usually 25-35 dogs at one time. We all met yesterday and did decide that no matter what we would not let them dictate to whom we adopt our dogs. We will find another venue if necessary. Pray it doesn't happen. The staff at the store is very supportive and care for our dogs as much as we do.

[Rhetts_mama]

I can only echo that your rescue did the right thing.

I seriously doubt this person will even continue to fight about it. It sounds like she's just the type who is used to getting her way by pitching a fit and thought you would send her away with a dog just because she did.

I'm not sure where you held your event, but the PetSmart that allows rescues to hold events here makes it a point to notify people that adoptions are done at the discretion of the rescue organization.

[Jessicaann12]

I agree with how you handled it! And I definitely don't think they have a leg to stand on with the racial discrimination. You ended up selling the puppy to someone of the same race, so I wouldn't worry to much about it! You had a gut feeling and usually when that happens you are right!! Good luck :-))

[baileyz]

Some places make you fill out some paperwork that goes over everything, plus they require a home visit and then some visits with the dog before you are approved. Then afterwards they make periodic visits to make sure. I think you did the right thing.