New Rescue decision -------
 

As a newbie to Yorkietalk and someone who is starting a new rescue - I would appreciate feedback from members who are concerned about rescues.

I have fostered the sick, old and dying in the past, for a national rescue. I've held them in my arms and helped them to the bridge. I've changed the diapers of the incontinent, cleaned wounds, irrigated ears, done physical therapy with others. I can tell you that it is emotionally draining. At times, it was more than I thought I could handle.

I have seen so many Yorkies on rescue sites who have been there for years or are so sick and in pain, (dogs will often suffer in silence), just dying slowly, they have very little hope of ever finding a home...my heart goes out to their foster moms. I can't bear to be that type of rescue; so I've made these decisions:

Please take into consideration that the main focus of my rescue is not to save....... but to re-home Yorkies.

Due to financial and space limitations, I have decided that I cannot take in yorkies over the age of 8 or who need extensive medical procedures - unless of course, it just happens. Taking in the very old and sick would soon make us a nursing home/hospice and fill up the limited number of foster homes I have; thereby stopping us from taking in dogs for whom I could quickly find loving, forever homes.

I cannot in good faith allow rescues to leave our rescue without being up to date on shots, heartworm tested, socialized, healthy and altered. That is all my small budget and endless time will allow at this moment.

They each stay with foster moms for a minimum of 2 weeks........ in most cases quite a bit longer. I feel that the sooner a pup can go to it's forever home, the faster the adjustment process. It's easier on both parties. We have strict adoption policies, but each case is ultimately decided based on the compatability of the dog and the family. There should always be room to relax a policy if for the good of the dog.

Thank you in advance for anticipated input. I honestly do appreciate your thoughts, whether you agree with me or not..... I'd like to know.

:bravo: :bravo: :bravo: :good job: :good job: :good job: :clapsmile :clapsmile :clapsmile

I think it's great that you have set a course and are going to follow it through. In so many ways you are helping both Yorkies and Families in need. I appreciate you even being able to take care of just one. :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

You can not possibly save the world, but you are making a difference.

:) :) THANK YOU :) :)

Very fair policy!!! Best of luck in your wonderful work.

:thumbup: :thumbup: I am so happy to be able to help you in this endeavor!! We can make a difference .... "one Yorkie at the time"!! ;)

I think it's wonderful that you guys are doing this...one yorkie at a time really does make a difference. The world is a better place because of people like you. Good luck with your new rescue, it takes a very special person to do this...

I 2nd that! Good luck on your venture!

My advice to you is to try and be a bit open-minded when dealing with prospective new homes. So many of the rescues I've dealt with (as well as other YTers) are so anal when it comes to the application process.

ALWAYS return emails and phone calls; nothing irritates us more.

If you truly feel the applicant is not suitable, TELL THEM. That may be the most difficult issue you'll face, but you need to find a way to say no without hurting anyone's feelings or feeling guilty.

Set your limits and make them known. If you do not want to let a dog go to a home with small children, MAKE IT KNOWN UP FRONT. Don't wait until someone's heart is set to lay out the rules. Publish them up front.

As for the small children rule, I think this can be a bit unfair. There are several things to take into consideration; how young is too young? how hearty is the dog? If you're unsure, have the family bring the children and watch them interact with the dog.

Always remember that your goal is to find a forever home for the dog; not to have a herd. And yes, I've met rescue people who love playing the martyr and having a houseful; it makes them feel loved and needed - NOT THE GOAL.

Best of luck to you. I hope I've helped from the other end. I've always had rescues and because of the reactions I've received, none of them came from a rescue "group." I was once even put in the position of one group pitting me against the other. What a freaking nightmare. They just loved the drama.

You're doing a very great service. I hope all works out for you.

Well said, Chester's Mom. I am an adoption (real children) caseworker, and I do home studies for couples adopting infants. I see so many people who want to adopt, and it is my job to evaluate the situation. Rarely do we turn someone away. There are so many wonderful people out there. I always need to keep and open mind. What I often find is that people will rise to the occasion, and sometimes people I may not have thought would be one way will really surprise me.;) Bless you for taking care of all of those wonderful Yorkies. I would love to be a foster mom to a Yorkie. We do have great Humane Societies here, and although I joined a rescue group, it was a national one, and our Humane Society won't refer. Oh, well, I do work full time, which does make it harder to foster. Anyway, you are a wonderful person for all you do.:animal36

We think alike
 

Chestersmom........I think we think alike!... I couldn't agree more with your advice!

Having been on both sides of the fence, foster mom and applicant, I dislike the hassle some places make it to be. We return every e-mail, every phone call. If an applicant is not suitable for that dog, I tell them right away and ask if they'd like to stay on file in case the perfect one for them arrives. If they say "yes" we check references and put notes on that application. It makes it easier in the long run to have the applicant approved. If the application is approved I call and tell them to stay in touch and I do the same. If they find a dog on another rescue site, I will contact that rescue for them to help with the process. We treat people, and dogs, the way we'd like to be treated.

The most important tools used to determine a good applicant are the vet checks and a personal conversation. It's amazing what comes up that isn't revealed in the application.

I reject some people right away, on just what they have to say: "I want a dog to carry around in my pocket," I would give it up if I got married" or " when I have a baby," I want a cute dog to jog with me," "If he pees in my house" or "If he's not very pretty." I tell them I don't have any dogs that are suitable for them. (A stuffed animal is more what they are looking for.) Really, these are actual reasons given.

The small children rule is a tough one. We will not adopt, under any circumstances, to families with children under 4 years old. I've taken in too many from those circumstances to think it will work out. I honestly believe that children that young and yorkies are not a good match. I don't want the dog or the child to get hurt. Over 5 is always a consideration.

Foster moms always stay in touch with our adopters. They usually call within 24 hours of the placement, then a week, then a month. I want them to know that the dog is loved and we're here to give any help we can. There's always a transition period. If it doesn't work out, we will take the dog back.

Our goal is to re-home yorkies! Gathering, saving, and hoarding is not what we are about. I don't believe anyone can give the necessary time and care numerous dogs require; let alone pack issues. That would defeat our purpose! Taking into consideration that these mom's also have their own yorkies - No foster mom in our rescue can have more than two fosters at any given time.

I think we may just be the type of rescue that you will trust and be happy to recommend.

Thank You
 

As the forever Momma to Charlie, 10 yo., being a rescue foster Momma is equivalent to Mother Teresa. I don't know what happened to Charlie except for a brief period at 4 yo.(medical records), but his life was rough until he was saved in 2006 by UYR. Because of his loving foster Momma, he blossomed into a trusting, sweet older gentleman.

Someone complimented him yesterday that he was so very gentle and friendly. That is Charlie-Barley and along the way, he was given love and showered with praise. Briefly, but it left a lasting impression, and I received the joy of this wonderful gift through people like you.

Thank you.

Thats very good. Im very happy that you do what you do. Thank you so mucH!

I totally agree with Trish! I just wanted to add in regard to Yorkies [especially the very small ones] and small children. I was fortunate enough to be able to observe a tiny Yorkie who was being fostered/trained and hopefully transitioned back to it's home. In the home was, a Mom who obviously loved it very, very much, a Dad who hated it, a four year old child and a two year old child. The Mom and 2 children came to visit and I just happened to be there. This little Yorkie changed from the happiest little one he could ever be, to a scared, running, hiding baby that wanted to be anywhere except with them!! When they first arrived he did act like he was somewhat glad to see the Mom [that didn't last long] ... but it was also obvious that it hated those children. They were awful ... every chance they got they were chasing, grabbing, squeezing, etc. and by the time they finally left, this baby was a basket case. Shortly after they left, the poor baby was curled up traumatized, exhausted and napping. The Mom readily admits that he is much better off where he is and that's where he will stay!

I know there are small children that are taught gentleness and love of all living creatures ... mine were taught this and they are teaching this to their children. However, as much as I love them [our youngest grandchild is four], I have been very up front with my children and advised them that a Yorkie is absolutely not suitable for their homes. The sweetest, gentlest children in the world can accidentally cripple or kill a tiny little Yorkie. After observing Toto for over three years, they are in total agreement! :p

I have never actually tried to rescue a Yorkie but three things that really bother me about most rescues are:

1. You can't adopt a dog because you don't have a fenced in yard (I always supervise my dog outside so what is wrong with a leash?)

2. I was looking at an adoption site and after the original home check they said that the first year is a probationary period and you are subject to more home checks throughout the year (I can understand one home check and a probationary period but more than one home check is really excessive).

3. Some rescues think that you are not a responsible pet owner because you have an animal that is not spayed or neutered. That is an opinion only. Maybe there is a reason for not altering your pet. I do think that talking to the person's vet is a good indication of how they treat their pets though.

Congratulations on starting this.

i just want to say thankyou to every single foster parent out there, whether it be for animals or children... this world would not be the same without you all. you are just very special people to do what you do... thankyou!!!!

Some people need to get off their high horse
 

I posted about losing my darling baby, Mac in April, He was the first pet my husband and I ever had. I gave him the best life possible, and grieved terribly over his loss. I applied to one "adoption, rescue, rehoming, or whatever" group. I filled out an application, got a vet reference and three personal references. I had an autopsy done and sent the results to this woman. Mac died of protein losing enteropathy. She never even contacted my references. When I contacted her after 3 weeks of waiting, she sent me a snippy email that I did not have a fence and that an electric fence is cruel. I reminded her that I said I would put up a fence and not use the electric fence because it kept the dog in, but did not keep the predators out.

I have news for all you rescue people. You have to have a fence a minimum of six feet high because coyotes can jump up to five feet. Secondly no fence can keep hawks and eagles from getting a little dog. Unless you cover the top of the fenced in area, the dog is not safe. So you better tell people to buy hundreds of yards of netting


We have been so fortunate in getting a beautiful little 5 year old who was not a successful breeder. We have a portable run for her and stay with her every minute she is outside.

I care for her so much I feel guilty about my dead little boy. Many people have told me that once you have lost a dog you are much more protective of the next one.

I sometimes wonder if some (certainly not all) of these rescue people just enjoy their martyr status.

Well Im glad everything worked out. For Aubrey I have a 30 foot leash in my front yard. So he loves to run on that. I do not have a fence for him, but when we are outside he will just stay with us.

I agree with you on many points. Each rescue has it's own rules.

1. We do not require a fenced yard. It depends on where you live, the conditions and the life style.

2. Yes, We do a home visit - once! To go back time and time again is intrusive and ridiculous. I wouldn't adopt from that rescue under those conditions!

3. We will not adopt out an animal unless it has been altered. It would totally defeat the purpose of rescue.

Hello Sally,
I am terribly sorry for your loss of Mac. I know how painful it is to lose a beloved pet, many of us here have too, and I know, we all share your sorrow.

Congratulations fpr adopting a little 5 year old retired female, who, I am sure, is grateful for your love and companionship. I hope that you have many years of happiness together. By adopting her....you saved a life. What a wonderful thing to do!

I'm sorry that you've had a bad experience with a rescue person. I do not apologize for them, nor do I speak for them. I will say I think it should have been handled differently

They have their rules; we have ours. After loving and caring for a homeless dog, I'm sure you can understand how hard it is to give them up to someone we don't know. We do our best to be sure we make the right match for each dog on an individual basis. .

Betty, Lisa and I, certainly do not consider ourselves "martyrs." We don't drive hundreds of miles each year to transport and rescue yorkies, pay huge vet bills from our own pockets, deal with fungus and mites and diarrhea, rock dying dogs in our arms for hours ------- with the hope of being recognized. There is no joy in looking into the eyes of confused a dog who has been dumped in the street by it's owner because it got too old or too sick for them to deal with, it's not fun to hold one while the vet puts a needle in it's leg, and we help it to the Bridge. We don't give up dogs we've loved and cared for without great sadness. But we do it ... and we do it with love, patience and compassion for those little souls who gave so much, asked for so little, and God knows, got less in return. We don't tell the world about it. We ask for nothing, - except a little respect, - and understanding for those of us who do our best to help the Yorkies that others have neglected, mistreated and/or abandoned.

Lolly
 

Thanks for your input, As I said I am sure not all rescue groups are that way. I do need to set the record straight. I got Lolly from a breeder. She has had and will continue to have a wonderful life. She is a finish show dog but was not a successful breeder. I paid a very reasonable fee for her, but she was not a rescue in any way. Anybody would love to have this beautiful little girl. In that sense I didn't do anything very altruistic. I did not wish to go through puppyhood again.

However I was willing to take one of these sadly abandoned and abused little creatures and nurse it back to health. The dogs I wanted to "rescue" were not rescues either. They needed to be "re-homed." They had not been abandoned. In one case an owner had died, another had a minor hip problem, and couldn't stud.

Unfortunately, I could not find any real Yorkie rescue groups close to me. Please continue with your good work.

As a footnote, several years ago, my brother's family discovered a mixed breed in their yard. For several days my sister-in-law gave her food and water. Then they discovered she was sleeping on their deck at night. They finally coaxed her into the car and took her to the pound. The pound vet said she was in good shape, groomed nails clipped, etc. The happy ending is that after the seven day waiting period for advertising and health tests my brother's family took her.

My guess is that for whatever reason, someone couldn't keep her, and abandoned her in a nice neighborhood with a lot of children rather than take her to a shelter where she might have been put down.

Sallyvine

Ouch!!
 

Regardless of their appearance or the circumstances from which they came; in my eyes every yorkie is a "show dog." Any dog, that has be passed from one person to another, regardless of it's status, is in one way or another re-homed ... or ... rescued. Just my humble opinion.

Good luck and god bless.
TJ

Please don't misunderstand
 

I did not mean to offend in any way. My point is that I don't feel I did anything so wonderful by getting this dog. I love her dearly and am so thankful to have her. And you are right- all these little folks are champions.

My point is, I tried very hard to find a dog from less fortunate circumstances that I would have been willing to take. I could afford a puppy if I wished. In fact I got Lolly because the woman who was ahead of me fell in love with the puppies instead and purchased one of them.

I thought it was the responsible thing to do because there are so many needy little ones. The problem is they are so hard to find. At first I wasn't even going to get another dog, but my grown children felt it would help me. I made them promise that if I do not outlive the dog that one of them would take her, and they agreed.

I also wish that people could be more educated about the needs of dogs in general. Someone posted here about getting a Yorkie from a pound ( this must be a rare occurence). Unfortunately the poor creature had been badly abused and was vicious. I suggested that the dog be placed on psychotropic meds, but the person was told the dog would be on them forever. I feel that it would be better to have a dog on meds forever to control its behavior and make it adoptable rather than have it put down.

I must say that these little toy breeds are so easy to love. In my travels to various pounds, I saw some poor abused dogs that were not what you would call cuddly. I wish I had more strength of character and could take one of those, but I am not physically able to handle a big dog, nor give it the exercise it needs.

Again, I wish to stress that I don't feel I did anything special. As far as I am concerned, I am getting more from this little dear than I could ever give to her.

Sallyvine