Discussion: Rescue

[yorkiegirl83]

I had a bad experience when I tried to rescue my first dog. She was a 3 y/o yorkie/silky mix who had been returned numerous times due to being "needy". She was located in CT. The Foster Mom called me and we talked for at least 5 1/2 hours the first day. She told me that I was the perfect home, to put a deposit down on her and that I was the approved adopter. I told her there was no way I could get there before 2 weeks time, since I am over 8 hours away. She said it was fine, but to try to get there as soon as possible. The very next morning she emailed me and asked me to send pictures of my home, my dogs, and other things. I did that. Then not a half hour later she called to tell me she adopted her out to another family locally and that "if" they returned her I would be the one to get her. All of this in two days time! I felt jerked around and I was heartbroken to say the least. Surprise Surprise she came back to the foster mom from another family that couldn't handle her and it was too late for me to take her in.

[Gingergirlsmom]

Originally Posted by DesertChildAZ

Thanks for taking the time to reply. I guess it concerns me that I have expressed interest in adopting these dogs and noone has even CALLED me to discuss them. I did go through the process of filling out adoption applications, as required, but receipt of the applications were never even acknowledged. A note saying "Thank you for considering a rescue. We are processing your application" would be nice...a call to inquire further once the application has been reviewed would also be nice. I can't imagine that they can determine qualification solely on the basis of an application. I mean, I've already rescued once before - a 10 year old - and I've had him for 4 years. My vet has never been called nor have the references I provided on the application been called. (I asked them.) This is for numerous applications through numerous rescues. Don't you think that's odd?

Doesn't this seem like a failure to follow through? I mean, if they really wanted to place all the animals and they REALLY wanted to find good homes as soon as possible to make room for more rescues, wouldn't they be following up on the applications they DO receive?

~ Kelly

Yes, it certainly does seem that they should be doing more. Is there a number that you can call to kind of "push" things along??? Also, check out YorkieShadow's threads, she's posted a couple of yorkies available for rescue. I'm not sure if she's affiliated with the rescue or not, but if so, she might be willing to offer some advice!

Good luck. It's a great thing giving a rescue-dog a forever home!

[Gingergirlsmom]

Originally Posted by yorkiegirl83

I had a bad experience when I tried to rescue my first dog. She was a 3 y/o yorkie/silky mix who had been returned numerous times due to being "needy". She was located in CT. The Foster Mom called me and we talked for at least 5 1/2 hours the first day. She told me that I was the perfect home, to put a deposit down on her and that I was the approved adopter. I told her there was no way I could get there before 2 weeks time, since I am over 8 hours away. She said it was fine, but to try to get there as soon as possible. The very next morning she emailed me and asked me to send pictures of my home, my dogs, and other things. I did that. Then not a half hour later she called to tell me she adopted her out to another family locally and that "if" they returned her I would be the one to get her. All of this in two days time! I felt jerked around and I was heartbroken to say the least. Surprise Surprise she came back to the foster mom from another family that couldn't handle her and it was too late for me to take her in.

That's horrible! If you're like me (and I'm guessing you are) you were already emotionally attached!

Please though, don't judge all rescues by the actions of one.

[brandigirl]

Originally Posted by Gingergirlsmom

I think both sides have a valid argument. From the rescue's pov they have invested time, money, and love in each and every animal. They want to be certain they are going to go to a good home. A friend of mine evaluates & trains dogs for a rescue in our area. She told me a story about a dog who she worked with for 6 months. When she met the dog he was fear aggressive, etc. Through hard work and training he became a sweet loveable pet ready for a new home. The rescue placed the dog. The family continued to take him for training with my friend. During one session she mentioned how he had really come a long way. The new owner's asked her to tell what he had been like in the beginning. She did. They were apparently upset by his past (even though he had worked through those behaviors). Without saying anything to her or to the rescue they stopped on the way home and had him euthanized!!! Needless to say my friend and the rescue workers were very upset.

Another example is my little guy Bernie. He'd been through a lot. Other families had been turned down because they did not have a fenced yard. This rescue doesn't always have this requirement, but this little guy had spent nearly 11 weeks in a crate after getting hit by a car. They wanted to keep him as safe as possible. They were attached to him and cared about his welfare.

Often times the little ones in rescue have already been through so much!

Now, from the adopters pov I can see how the rules sometimes seem ridiculously strict and the waiting period can take forever. It can be heartbreaking to set your sites on an animal just to not complete the process (through no fault of your own) in time.

All of that being said, I think it's important that people don't give up. The dogs in the rescue DO get adopted out!!! Eventually they all make it to a home, and most stay for the rest of their lives.

Hang in their if you're going through the process, and let us know the outcome!

That is awful. Taking a dog out of a rescue home and putting the dog to sleep. They should be arrested. I feel so terrible after reading that. That poor little dog was unlucky enough to meet the wrong people. Were they really there to adopt a dog? Why doesn't your friend press charges. What terrible people they must be and I can't believe they were just there to adopt a dog. They sound sadistic to me. It breaks my heart for that poor little dog. People that owned the dog gave him to rescue, they didn't put the dog to sleep so why WOULD PEOPLE COME AND TAKE A DOG AND PUT IT TO SLEEP ON THEIR WAY HOME. SICKOS WOULD DO THAT!

[brandigirl]

I have a question, if they rescue people are so strict, who did they end up giving that poor dog to people that went directly to a place to put him to sleep. I am so upset. I think they should be reported and arrested. In NY there are laws and what they did was cruel and they can be sent to jail for what they did.

[Gingergirlsmom]

Originally Posted by brandigirl

I have a question, if they rescue people are so strict, who did they end up giving that poor dog to people that went directly to a place to put him to sleep. I am so upset. I think they should be reported and arrested. In NY there are laws and what they did was cruel and they can be sent to jail for what they did.

Imagine how the people who ran the rescue felt!

If you read my post again, you'll see that this couple had the dog for a few weeks and were taking it for training. It was on the way home from training that they stopped and put him to sleep.

I guess my point is, the rescues have seen terrible things happen, I think it makes them OVERLY cautious. Even with that, sometimes unfit people get through. I can't blame the rescues for trying to be careful.

[yorkiegirl83]

Originally Posted by Gingergirlsmom

That's horrible! If you're like me (and I'm guessing you are) you were already emotionally attached!

Please though, don't judge all rescues by the actions of one.

It was hard at first not to judge all other rescues because of them, but I did realize that it was just one rescue and not representative of everyone after I had stopped being so upset.

I was attached! I had a whole suitcase filled w/new things that I bought her to make her trip home comfortable. It was so sad.

[Gingergirlsmom]

Originally Posted by yorkiegirl83

It was hard at first not to judge all other rescues because of them, but I did realize that it was just one rescue and not representative of everyone after I had stopped being so upset.

I was attached! I had a whole suitcase filled w/new things that I bought her to make her trip home comfortable. It was so sad.

OMG, that's truly heartbreaking!

[JiggityJig]

receipt of the applications were never even acknowledged. A note saying "Thank you for considering a rescue. We are processing your application" would be nice...

I had a thread about this very thing a month or so ago.

Our heart is really with rescue, and I inquire about dogs on Petfinder from time to time. RARELY do I ever get ANY kind of response. I know it's volunteers, they're busy, blah blah blah...but come on...HOW HARD would it be to at least ACKNOWLEDGE an application with one or two sentences. A FORM letter, for pete's sake.

I think it's really unprofessional, and so many people are getting turned off of rescue because of lack of response, and because of the strict qualifications.

Sad thing is, it's the UNSCRUPULOUS people will lie and portray themselves however they need to in order to be able to get the animal. Honest people like me tell the truth about not having a fenced in yard, or having kids under the age of 10...and our application just automatically gets rejected.

It's discouraging.

[DesertChildAZ]

Well, apparently SOMEONE ( : wink : ) was listening and late yesterday I got a call in response to one of my applications. So, after work today Tahoe and I are going to meet with a nice little 5 year old male yorkie in North Scottsdale. He's relatively the same size as Tahoe (10 lbs.) but has had to endure a surgery. Nevertheless, he's recovered wonderfully and is good as new!

I'll let y'all know how our meeting goes. I'm very excited.

[MaxiesMom]

I think its awful that they are so strict with the requirements. I'm not saying GIVE the dog away without doing any research or investigation but damn. I filled out an application, I have excellent recommendations from my vet and neighbors and I hear nothing. This is why I feel like I am going to have to resort to buying a puppy. I have absolutely no financial issue with buying another Yorkshire Terrier. I just thought I was doing "THE RIGHT" thing by getting an unwanted one first. Guess that wont happen any time soon.

[Gingergirlsmom]

Originally Posted by DesertChildAZ

Well, apparently SOMEONE ( : wink : ) was listening and late yesterday I got a call in response to one of my applications. So, after work today Tahoe and I are going to meet with a nice little 5 year old male yorkie in North Scottsdale. He's relatively the same size as Tahoe (10 lbs.) but has had to endure a surgery. Nevertheless, he's recovered wonderfully and is good as new!

I'll let y'all know how our meeting goes. I'm very excited.

That's GREAT! How did your meeting go???

[DesertChildAZ]

The meeting itself went really well. Winston was *wonderful*...very friendly and full of kisses. He loves to play with his toys and he is a bit more hyper than Tahoe, who is 14 years old - but not crazy hyper. He is very energetic considering he had back surgery (for a slipped disc, which is why his previous owner's surrendered him...they couldn't afford his surgery) only 2 months ago. He is unphased and fully recovered. He *loves* his toys and loves to play with his toys and his human, but does not play with his toys and other dogs. The only thing that concerned me was Tahoe's *lack* of interest in him. Tahoe has met other yorkies and usually plays with them actively, but he didn't seem interested last night. He did go up a couple times and sniff Winston's nose and wag his tail once or twice, but otherwise was off by himself. Tahoe is my #1 priority. But based on his lack of interest, I have to wonder if I'm doing this for myself or if I'm doing this for Tahoe. Tahoe is also used to getting all my attention and I'm concerned that if Winston is so playful and I play with him as much as he requires, that Tahoe will feel neglected.

Regarding Tahoe's apparent disinterest, the foster did have 7 other small dogs that were quaranteened in the back family room with her husband so Tahoe WAS spending most of his time sniffing around the house and around the other dogs' belongings. That could be the source of his disinterest.

The foster is not sure if Winston has been exposed to cats so she's going to take him to the rescue shelter and see how he responds to the cats there. I told her I would have an answer in 24 hours. If the decision were entirely mine, I'd adopt him. Someone recommended that I see if I can take him home on a trial basis to make sure that it is a sure fit. What are your thoughts on this?

~ Kelly

[MaxiesMom]

I had one organization tell me they didn't come to my area and to search on petfinders. I search daily on petfinder and never find a yorkie. I want a yorkie. I would like to rescue one that needs a home. I understand other dogs need rescuing too but I want a yorkie. I 'get' the rescue organizations need to be thorough and do their research. Honestly I am thankful they take the time to do it. I am just very frustrated because I've been trying for about 3 months and I still dont have a rescue organization that's even willing to check further than my initial application. I know I will end up getting a puppy. That's great I love puppies but I wanted to help an unwanted yorkie

[brandigirl]

I admire the fact that the rescue people put persons who want to adopt pets thru the third degree and make them wait until they are absolutely sure it is the right match. But, and I am not blaming your friend, how did this couple get past the rescue team? Wasn't there a hint of some kind that they were unhappy. Who gave them the right to take a life? There are laws in each State regarding cruelty to animals - maybe your friend can do something about that couple, like make sure they never get a dog again.

What I cannot understand, and I am not blaming the rescue people at all, is why didn't that couple tell the rescue people they didn't want that dog. The rescue would have gladly taken the dog back. They had it on their mind to put that dog to sleep because who in the world would drive directly to a place and put the animal to sleep and what doctor would be so cruel to put a healthy dog to sleep. I am heart broken over this. That is one reason no matter how angry I get at my little Yorkie, she stays with me because she is safe and no one will hurt her. Also, my fear is that she has luxum Patela (spelling wrong) in one leg that is bad, but she walks ok( the other leg was already operated on, ) plus I give her suppliments for any pain she might have, that someone else would put her down because they wouldn't want to spend the money taking care of her. I took her home as a puppy and I am responsible for her life. That is how I see it and the only person I can trust to keep her alive is me. People get cheap and put dogs to sleep if they have any illness.

I know I'm going on and on but I cannot believe that couple was not sadistic because there were alternatives for them. No one forced that dog on them.
They probably enjoyed hurting the dog.