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sporkydog Joined: 05 Mar 2010 Total posts: 1 Gender: Unknown |
 Posted: Tue Mar 23, 2010 11:04 am
Post subject: Rescue Disappointment |
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I’m sure this is going to offend some of the serious rescue groups, and it may have been said before, but I want to say what a disappointing experience it was trying to adopt a rescue dog.
I own my own home, make good money and the last three dogs I’ve had were adopted from shelters. I know what breed is compatible with my family and lifestyle, have no preference about the dog’s sex, and, other than not wanting a senior dog (only because my last two adopted dogs were seniors and it broke my heart that I had so little time with them), age wasn’t important.
I found rescue group postings for dogs that I was interested in, completed their extensive applications and submitted them. I was willing to pay adoption fees higher than what some backyard breeder (or even pet shops in some cases) would charge. I knew that many of the groups are run by volunteers and that they receive a lot of applications, so I shouldn’t expect a response right away. I also understood that dogs aren’t found homes on a first-come-first-served basis; it’s based on the best match for that dog.
What discouraged me is that not one group had the courtesy, even after weeks had passed, of sending me a brief email telling me that the dog was no longer available or that they felt it would not be a good match and my application was not being considered.
After over six weeks of applying and waiting, I gave up. And that’s too bad, because I could have offered some dog a great home. I also would have been very generous to the rescue group. Instead, I bought (“rescued”) an older dog from a backyard breeder.
I don’t want to be told that I should have been more patient, that there are always more dogs looking for a home, that would be good, if not better, matches for me. I just don’t understand how some rescue groups can survive when they are so unresponsive to serious applicants. |
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| highlandmary Joined: 19 Mar 2010 Total posts: 4 Gender: Unknown |
Posted: Tue Mar 23, 2010 7:22 pm
Post subject: RE: Adopting a Rescue... |
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Thank you for coming out and saying what so many other people are thinking....
I have however, experienced MANY groups who do not wait and find a good/the best home - rather they DO work on a first come first serve basis!!
Also, I have run across those who end up "holding" rescues for "friends", etc. rather than giving the rest of us regular folk a chance to have fur-kid... especially those of us who are REALLY missing our last rescued kids who have since passed on. (Just because we do not belong to a known rescue group, does not mean that we don't know squat about these dogs.)
I must also address the WIDE range of adoption fees... I can understand approx. $75 - $150 as an adoption fee but what the heck is up with the outrageous $300, $400 +++ adoption fees?!? (Especially for those who are considered "less adoptible".)
Granted, I do have several friends who are 'professional' rescuers and they are NOT all like this... but I must say that I too have become very disheartened as of late.
Oh, and the issue that some rescue groups have as to making sure their dogs go only to homes where there is someone at home ALL day long... let's get realistic. MANY dogs are owned by people who work and they do just fine - another dog to play with, doggy sitters, doggy day care, etc..
I worked as a travel nurse for many years - moving every 3 - 6 months. My fur-kid (border/houla/aussie - rescued at 4 years old) was with me for 12 years and she traveled with me throughout this entire time. She was one of the most liked and well-adjusted dogs out there! She went everywhere with me - granted I am one of those people who actually plan their vacations to include their dog...
Yes, I do agree, some of the "attitude" I have encountered by a few (NOT all) rescuers has left me very disheartened also. Not to mention the fact that I have actually had several act absolutely amazed that I (as an individual - not a rescue group) would even want one of their "special needs" dogs! ?????? [This even after they have found out that not only do I work in human surgery but also had worked in veterinary surgery!]
Best of luck to you and everyone else hoping to find that special fur-kid in their life! |
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| 4Luvofcritters Joined: 25 Aug 2008 Total posts: 104 Gender: Unknown |
Posted: Tue Mar 23, 2010 7:59 pm
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| There are a lot of shelters out there who would gladly consider an adoption and those dogs are just as needing. Keep looking and bypass the "rescues" if you need to. |
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| ts Joined: 04 Feb 2006 Total posts: 395 Gender: Unknown |
Posted: Tue Mar 23, 2010 8:44 pm
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I do volunteer with a rescue and I think it's terrible that nobody got back to you even after a week. Even if I've been busy I still touch base and let the applicant know that I received their application. It's just common courtesy and being respectful.
Now for the fees part. It all depends on where you live. Where I live at it cost me for my own personal dog to be neutered over $700. To treat HW is anywhere from 1200-1500. Rescue prices for HW is anywhere from $275-$500. And there's also dentals to consider as well. I'd gladly pay $400 for a completely vetted dog. |
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| ts Joined: 04 Feb 2006 Total posts: 395 Gender: Unknown |
Posted: Tue Mar 23, 2010 9:53 pm
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Would you like to see the print out out estimates for the several vet clinics I went to in the Twin Cities area? Not everyone qualifies for low cost spay and neuter nor is it available everywhere. And no I did not take mine to the most ELITE vet.
You know I replied in a nice way when I gave my reponse. You can ask the members that have been on this board as long as I have that I am not a confrontational person,nor have I ever had to prove myself,especially to someone that just appeared out of no where recently and started posting.Thank you so much for your attack. Your friends are correct when they mentioned you're not happy. |
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| cinnalilly Gender: Unknown |
Posted: Wed Mar 24, 2010 12:46 am
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You seem to be obsessed with money. Why would you think, on a random thread, that ts would be lying? Unfortunately, vet care in this country varies in skill and prices.
And yeah, your post was an attack, on someones character.
This...
| Quote: | | Hummmmm, I would be quite inclined to say that perhaps you think that you must take your pet to the most elite vet in town because you have way more money than you need (unlike the majority of us in the real world) or perhaps there is just not the same amount of ingenuity there to even research the fact that (with so many other qualified options out there) perhaps you were "taken advantage of" with the price tag of $700. |
is an assumption, made by you, on someone you don't know. You assumed ts was stupid enough to accept a price tag of $700 for a surgery for one of ts's pets before checking out other options. I don't know ts from adam other than seeing their posts now and then, so I have no clue what their financial ability is, and to be honest, it's none of my business, nor yours.
Who are you?
drop in the bucket my --I have a Potty Mouth--.
| highlandmary wrote: | that post was NOT an attack.... it is too bad you took it as such
Unfortunately, not everyone in Minnesota makes over $40,000/annum. (And well, if you do make even a bit over that, your $700 spay/neuter is only 1 weeks pay - so really just a drop in the yearly bucket I guess for those who make more than that.)
Posted Tue Mar 23, 2010 10:59 pm:
BTW....
I am not just some random "dog person".
1. I voluntarily (ie., gave up making just shy of $30/hour) worked undercover at a Petland store in the midwest in order to gather information/proof that not only did they have completely incompetant employees but also that their dogs were very sick and the majority were coming from puppy mills - that store has since closed down.
2. I volutarily spent many weeks on end researching (in person and on paper) the far too many puppy mills in Iowa and the underground connections these people had. The information gathered was then given to those in Iowa who were working on the "Puppy Mill Bill" there - I am happy to say that it has now become a LAW. (And the millers are running scared there now!)
To those who are having a difficult time finding a rescue doggy... over 200 dogs from a northern Iowa puppy mill were JUST distributed throughout the state to several different shelters. I know they are desperate to find forever homes for them. (Because these millers can't be prosecuted if they voluntarily turn their dogs over to a shelter, I have no doubt with the new law that there will be many more rescue dogs to come in Iowa! Keep your eyes open. Thanx!) |
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| hopers1 Joined: 21 Nov 2007 Total posts: 8661 Location: Colorado Age: 40 Gender: Female |
Posted: Wed Mar 24, 2010 1:09 pm
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WOW!!!! highlandmary, I can tell you that in some of the mountain valleys where I live it does cost $500-$700 for a spay/neuter. I can also tell you that a dental can cost $800-$1000 a couple of hours from where I live. Not everyone has a vet school nearby. I can tell you that when I was looking into an MRI for my Chunk, it would have cost close to $2000 and a 3-4 hr drive.
I happen to know ts and she is a wonderful friend and Rescuer. I also happen to have another friend that lives near her area (not in Rescue) that paid $600 for a spay after being turned down for the low cost spay/neuter program and he is FAR from wealthy.
Just because someone pays more than you do for a spay or neuter does not make them a wealthy person. Sometimes it means that they don't have the same luxuries of many good vets to choose from or certain programs in their area. I spend ALOT of money on my dogs, and I am part of middle-class america (barely even).
I do think what you did was an attack and really unwarranted. 
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| swaimp |
Posted: Wed Mar 24, 2010 4:45 pm
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I think it is safe to say that if a rescue has not gotten back to you after a month and a half or more they are not seeing you as a good match for one of their fosters. Not letting people know that they are not being approved seems to be a hard thing for many rescues to do...not sure why that is, and it is something that (IMO) should really be worked on.
I do wonder sometimes if the tone that comes across in posts to this board comes across in applications. Because I will say that even if everything looks great on paper I am less inclined to adopt to somebody who exudes entitlement than to somebody a little more human who is not convinced they are the perfect home...but who make it clear they want to be.
I am also happy to be able to say, quite confidently, that I know of many many adopters who have gone through the horror of even MORE than six weeks of no response and has still stuck to their idea of adopting through rescue or adopting from a shelter. I think their patience speaks volumes, and I'm proud to know them (and to know that they will be equally patient if their adopted pet should have issues/illness in the future that may be inconvenient and cause a bit of a hiccup in their routines/lives). |
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| hopers1 Joined: 21 Nov 2007 Total posts: 8661 Location: Colorado Age: 40 Gender: Female |
Posted: Wed Mar 24, 2010 4:52 pm
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Well said swaimp.
I will also say that I pull special needs dogs often from a local shelter. They do not offer these dogs to John Q Public because to adopt there all you need is a Driver's License. Many folks want that cute fluffly little dog even if it's blind or is deaf, or needs special food or has food aggression, but so many people don't think that decision thru. I am glad that they don't just adopt those dogs/puppies out to just anyone. I wish they could screen people, but per the County Commissioners, they can't.
Let's be honest here, many people cannot handle a special needs dog/cat.
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| poodlygirl |
Posted: Wed Mar 24, 2010 6:18 pm
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I have paid over $1000 for a dental in the past - and no, she didn't come out of there with gold grillz 
ts's breakdown of potential expenses was matter of fact and a helpful way to identify some of the expenses that might be incurred by a good rescue that offers properly and completely vetted dogs.
$75-$150 "rescue" dogs...God Bless the rescues that can offer all their dogs at those fees and provide health certs with full up to date shot series, speuter, chipping, HW testing (and treatment, if needed) dentals (if needed) grooming and cleanup, home visit....I cannot imagine that can be accomplished for $75 a dog on a routine basis. I can see that happening with dogs fresh off the puppy train and being adopted out of vans in the WalMart parking lot.
Highlandmary - I'm wondering if maybe you made an offer to barter the adoption amount in your application? Or presented yourself in the fashion you've introduced yourself here? Perhaps that's why they're not rushing to the phone or keyboard to get back to you.  |
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| hopers1 Joined: 21 Nov 2007 Total posts: 8661 Location: Colorado Age: 40 Gender: Female |
Posted: Wed Mar 24, 2010 6:59 pm
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Great post Poodly.
I myself have spent over $2000 on a Rescue dog years ago. Sadly, he passed away before he ever had the chance for adoption. So much more money is spent on Rescue/foster dogs then most people even consider. I will never get back the thousands I have spent over the years, but I am OK with that, they are worth it. Finding them good homes is the thing that matters.
Mary, is there a difference between your friends who are "professional" Rescuers and most Rescuers??? Just curious.
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| MidnightsDance Joined: 04 Dec 2006 Total posts: 777 |
Posted: Thu Mar 25, 2010 4:45 am
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I auto-trash applications from people who try to bribe me out of an animal by telling me how much more money they can offer me or what wonderful thing they can do for my rescue that nobody else can, especially when they're trying to adopt a special needs pet.
I also trash applications from people who are adopting pets as a means of dealing with some emotional instability. The animals that come through my doors have given enough to humans. They deserve homes that will give them the love they deserve, unconditionally. They don't need to spend the rest of their lives playing therapist to a human who can't figure out how to deal with their own emotional issues appropriately. |
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Sablesmom
Joined: 28 Oct 2003 Total posts: 435 Location: Maryland Gender: Female |
Posted: Thu Mar 25, 2010 8:40 am
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Our adoption fee of $190 covers regular care for a healthy dog (s/n, shots, hw/lymes/ehrlichia tests, wormings, microchip). We don't usually get the "healthy" animal. We do not pass on the costs of surgeries when hbc, illness, dentals etc. You have to take into account what is being put into the dog/cat.
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I miss you Sable |
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| kpc Joined: 28 Oct 2003 Total posts: 5662 |
Posted: Thu Mar 25, 2010 9:43 am
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| sporkydog wrote: | I’m sure this is going to offend some of the serious rescue groups, and it may have been said before, but I want to say what a disappointing experience it was trying to adopt a rescue dog.
I own my own home, make good money and the last three dogs I’ve had were adopted from shelters. I know what breed is compatible with my family and lifestyle, have no preference about the dog’s sex, and, other than not wanting a senior dog (only because my last two adopted dogs were seniors and it broke my heart that I had so little time with them), age wasn’t important.
I found rescue group postings for dogs that I was interested in, completed their extensive applications and submitted them. I was willing to pay adoption fees higher than what some backyard breeder (or even pet shops in some cases) would charge. I knew that many of the groups are run by volunteers and that they receive a lot of applications, so I shouldn’t expect a response right away. I also understood that dogs aren’t found homes on a first-come-first-served basis; it’s based on the best match for that dog.
What discouraged me is that not one group had the courtesy, even after weeks had passed, of sending me a brief email telling me that the dog was no longer available or that they felt it would not be a good match and my application was not being considered.
After over six weeks of applying and waiting, I gave up. And that’s too bad, because I could have offered some dog a great home. I also would have been very generous to the rescue group. Instead, I bought (“rescued”) an older dog from a backyard breeder.
I don’t want to be told that I should have been more patient, that there are always more dogs looking for a home, that would be good, if not better, matches for me. I just don’t understand how some rescue groups can survive when they are so unresponsive to serious applicants. |
you still could have gone to a shelter and saved a dog that way. there is just no excuse for promoting the business of a back yard breeder. it was a foolish decision, for many reasons.
since we are only getting your side here, it is interesting to consider that your apps to the hundreds and thousands of rescue groups you applied to could have been rejected for legitimate reasons.
in fact, since you resorted to buying a dog after six weeks i would say you are not the person who should be dealing with a rescue at all. impatient people who want what they want when they want it tend to return dogs who don't meet up to their expectations.
Posted Thu Mar 25, 2010 6:49 am:
| highlandmary wrote: | ts -
a week or two is nothing - I've waited 3-4 weeks and am working on 2 months now with some other rescue groups to hear back about an application, (mind you-most of these are even the ones who will actually tell you to NOT call them and if you do try to call, they will throw out your application).
where in the WORLD do you live???? I've never heard of such a thing! ($700 for a spay or neuter)
I have lived/worked in many, many different states and have dealt with vets, etc. in each of them - either to have my dog taken care of or to get a feel for the general vet costs in the area. The absolute most I have ever heard of for this was $200. Even at that, there are SOOOOO many low-cost spay clinics ($25 to $50) run by extremely reputable staff AND the fact that the majority of colleges with veterinary doctor programs (including the Univ. of Florida where I worked) will have free spay/neuter clinics throughout the year.
Hummmmm, I would be quite inclined to say that perhaps you think that you must take your pet to the most elite vet in town because you have way more money than you need (unlike the majority of us in the real world) or perhaps there is just not the same amount of ingenuity there to even research the fact that (with so many other qualified options out there) perhaps you were "taken advantage of" with the price tag of $700.
(Even a "teeth cleaning" at the vet school is WAY less! To be honest, if my dog was going to have any procedure where they were going to be given any type of anesthesia I would be far more inclined to take them to a vet college as I know they would have ALL the necessary equipment/drugs available should an emergency arise.)
Really - we would all love to know exactly where it is that one pays that much for a spay/neuter?
To the person who suggested going through the shelters instead -
ha! Especially for those of us honestly wishing to (and more than capable of doing) adopt a "special needs" dog, Good Luck!
It turns out that many of the shelters have an agreement with the local rescues that whenever they get a "special needs" pet in they don't even tell the public about them - rather, they just hand them straight to the rescue group. OR The rescues have people who are able constantly roam the shelters in order to snatch these babies up before us regular folk even have a chance to get there - I am talking about no more than 24 hours.
So, its a huge Catch 22 in the end. Granted, I am VERY glad to know that these dogs are getting into safe/r situations.... but ya know, its not just the dogs who need the humans - some humans also need the dog just as much! (Its very, very depressing since my Jazzy passed on. Even my friends beg me to find another dog so I will be happy again. ) |
i feel after reading your posts that you are amost OVERQUALIFIED in some ways to adopt from a shelter.
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"One day the absurdity of the almost universal human belief in the slavery of other animals will be palpable. We shall then have discovered our souls and become worthier of sharing this planet with them."
- Martin Luther King, Jr. |
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| cockermom Joined: 13 Jan 2010 Total posts: 24 Gender: Unknown |
Posted: Thu Mar 25, 2010 12:47 pm
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I guess down in the south I am sheltered - I cannot imagine having to pay $700 for a spay/neuter  OMG! (Not doubting you, I'm just amazed!!!). I think my boy dog's neuter, with pre-op bloodwork, was around $100 total. wow!
As for the original post, I do think some rescue groups just have too many animals and not enough people to do the legwork - not saying that as a criticism, just that they desperately need more help! my mom recently went thru a similar ordeal with a couple of groups not getting back to her or not wanting to take the time to let her current dog meet the new dog, etc. and it was frustrating. She finally did find a dog but she did sort of feel like the groups just didnt care about getting back to her, so I understand a little bit. I have not had that problem myself and have three rescue dogs, but I know it does happen, and its too bad. |
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