The Obama family (Essence.com)
As you've no doubt heard, Barack Obama said in his victory speech Tuesday that his daughters had "earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the White House."The Obamas told Entertainment Tonight on Sept. 30 they planned to adopt a "rescue dog," and we hope they'll keep that promise. (Of course, readers of this blog were nominating dogs for the Obamas back in July!)
Tuesday's election brought other good news for animals as well.
- In California, voters passed Proposition 2, which ends cruel confinement of farm animals.
- In Massachusetts, voters passed the Greyhound Protection Act, banning commercial dog racing.
- And in South Tucson, AZ, the Tucson Dog Protection Act passed, which will dramatically improve conditions for racing greyhounds.
This is for Arlene that posted about the Dobie in Cali.
I know you posted a month ago..and im very sorry you had a bad go with the dobie rescue. you soud like you have a wonderful home to offer and i only wish i had a dobie to offer you. if you find one you like that is near your daughter, maybe have her go and adopt it and then bring it to you. i know some places have rules about that but there are always loop holes....and if you are doing it in the best interest of the dog, i highly doubt you will be condemed when it matters! Good luck with your future Dobies!
My reason for writing is twofold. I am in search of help and advice on how to handle a negative adoption situation and I’d like to bring a larger issue on adoption to light because I know my experience is not unique.
By way of background my husband have owned a sweet little Doxie and currently have two great dogs a Minpin and a Chihuahuas but Doberman Pinschers have always been our great love. Over the years he has had five. The last two we owned together, a red male Spock and a black and tan female Zoe. Both lived to ripe old ages, Zoe 11 and Spock 13. Both were rescues from Long Island Doberman Rescue. My adoptive experience then was wonderful as were the dogs.
About four years ago we moved from New York to Washington state. We loaded all four of our dogs into our 32’ RV and headed across the country. Our new home sits on 6 acres. The property is fully fenced. Our Dobies had the run of the property both inside the house and out. Basically it’s a bit of doggie heaven. After having rough starts, Zoe was a breeder in a puppy mill and Spock was abused, the last half of there lives was a vast improvement. They were much loved and I was heartbroken when they passed.
It has taken some time for me to consider owning another doberman but two days ago I found Treyu, the perfect dog. A black and tan male with a great personality who would get along with my two smaller dogs.
Excited, I wrote to the shelter in nearby California and inquired about him. I wrote about how we are seasoned Dobie people and could give him a great home. I offered the veterinarian who had cared for my two Dobies as a reference as well as the shelter where we adopted. I sent pictures of the Minpin and Chihuahua. I even sent a link with a full tour of our home and the property. I did everything I could to show them the kind of home we could offer. I also told them that my daughter who lives near the shelter was willing to pick up Treyu and drive him to his new home and that I was willing to pay the adoption fee of $250 for him. Lastly, I am willing to have a local Rescue come to my home and verify all that I had written.
They responded was a one sentence retort:
PLEASE NOTE: Our policy is to adopt animals within reasonable driving distance of the Los Angeles area, ONLY. We absolutely will NOT ship our animals out-of-state, so please don't ask!**
There are times when I wonder about the priorities of the folks who run some of the rescues. I like to think that the first priority of any animal rescue organization is for the placement of one of their animals into good and loving home. It’s a shame that some have become so suspicious, close minded that they cannot see clear to making an exception even when it is in the best interest of the animal who badly needs a good and loving home.
I believe people go to sites like www.petfinder.com to do something good but also to fall in love and I will always try to rescue first. But I also think that shabby treatment discourages the very people Rescues should be trying to attract. This particular shelter, Rita’s Rescue in Sun Valley, CA won’t even allow you fill out an adoption form unless you email them first. By making the adoption process difficult they inspire people to go places to the wrong places to acquire them.
If I am overreacting I apologize in advance. My concern is more about the system then myself. I’m sure that most rescuers have the best of intentions and I am a great admirer of their work. I just think a little flexibility would go a long way.
As of this afternoon (11/14/08) Treyu is still there. If you agree with me, please write Rita and encourage her to reconsider. I have left her a voicemail but she has yet to return. Her name is Rita Whipple and her email address is ritasrescue@yahoo.com.
I hope the Obamashave a better experience.
Thanks Jennifer and Jane. New blog post about this is coming up -- stay tuned!
After the president elect's speech today, a reporter asked about the dog. He said they wanted a rescue dog, but his one daughter has allergies, so they needed to stick to specific breeds and didn't know if those two things would be compatible.
As the proud owner of a pure bred, hypo-allergenic rescue dog, I hope they realize that it's possible to get all of those things.
Is there anyway for the people who run petfinder to try to pass along that message and encourage the Obamas to not only look at local shelters, but search the breed rescues if they have their heart set on a specific type of dog??
where can i write him about petfinders please let me know
thanks
Don't hope the Obamas keep their promises! I have already written to the Obama website asking them to adopt from a shelter. I have asked all my friends to do the same. It would be wonderful if Petfinder would start a write in movement!