Just gotta vent...
We as a family decided two things. That we would get a Shiba Inu puppy from an area breeder who is very reputable. That's gone great, we're happy with her, and are excited to get the news at any time that the puppies have dropped.
On the other side, we also decided that we would open our home and hearts to a dog in need of a home. I feel really strongly that while going through a breeder is indeed my preferred way of getting a dog, I can't ignore the millions of dogs that just want/need a second...sometimes third or fourth chance to have a family of their own.
So, we find a dog in our area who needs just that, a home. We visit with the dog...she's great, with the kids, I put her through some paces, observe her and she shows no food or dog agression. great. We have a home visit, excellent home, large over sized fully fenced yard, experience as a dog owner and as an added bonus, I've got years of training experience and a professional trainer I can call in as needed. In addition, we were able to supply numerous professional and personal references.
We haven't heard a word. I sent a follow up email, and still nothing. Meanwhile, this poor dogs sits in a kennel. Granted I've never gone through a rescue, but it just seems to me very odd that you have a family who is ready, able, and willing to provide a dog with a wonderful home and you leave them hanging....I just don't get it. We've searched Petfinder's and have contacted a few rescue groups, but currently there isn't any other match out there right now...
Having never done a rescue before, is it normal to do a home visit and then not follow up with the family to let them know either way if they are suitable or not??
On the other side, we also decided that we would open our home and hearts to a dog in need of a home. I feel really strongly that while going through a breeder is indeed my preferred way of getting a dog, I can't ignore the millions of dogs that just want/need a second...sometimes third or fourth chance to have a family of their own.
So, we find a dog in our area who needs just that, a home. We visit with the dog...she's great, with the kids, I put her through some paces, observe her and she shows no food or dog agression. great. We have a home visit, excellent home, large over sized fully fenced yard, experience as a dog owner and as an added bonus, I've got years of training experience and a professional trainer I can call in as needed. In addition, we were able to supply numerous professional and personal references.
We haven't heard a word. I sent a follow up email, and still nothing. Meanwhile, this poor dogs sits in a kennel. Granted I've never gone through a rescue, but it just seems to me very odd that you have a family who is ready, able, and willing to provide a dog with a wonderful home and you leave them hanging....I just don't get it. We've searched Petfinder's and have contacted a few rescue groups, but currently there isn't any other match out there right now...
Having never done a rescue before, is it normal to do a home visit and then not follow up with the family to let them know either way if they are suitable or not??
Comments
I also know my shelter is not great about getting back to people in a timely fashion. I admit that there are times that I am not as prompt with emails as I would like to be.
You obviously sound like a great candidate. So the only reason I could see them giving Rita to anyone else would be that they are an incredible candidate. Like for instance if Victoria Stillwell swept in and wanted to adopt her.
I will keep my fingers crossed for you.
its great that youre taking in dogs who need a home/help! good luck tho, hope u hear from them soon!
Snf
I was interested in a 4-5 year old Norwegian Elkhound neutered male. He was described as energetic, crafty, 'talkative', and destructive. Sounded to me like a hunting spitz with not enough to do! I visited him and volunteered to take him for walks etc. His social skills with other dogs were acceptable and I knew that the Trio wouldn't have an issue with him (He passed the 'Tuli-test' and the boys don't particularly care that much.) I failed as a candidate and was DENIED because (1) I didn't have an adequately fenced yard (I live in a townhouse). Ummm even if I had a large, adequately fenced yard I would NOT rely on it for sufficient dog exercise. (2) My other male dogs were not castrated. Ummm because I show them and the judge expects the testicles to be there!?!?!?!
Soooo, he was returned TWICE and then an Elkhound purebred rescue thankfully stepped in and picked him up. I think of him often and hope he landed on his feet in a decent home that understood his needs. He was a neat fellow.
In our case, I was surprised to see on Petfinder that they declared Rita un-suitable for placement in a home w/ kids. My kids played non-stop w/ this dog for over an hour and half and was even corrected by my 7 year old and immediately responded to her command...not that I'm complaining, but I wonder how many people passed her up because she was noted as un-suitable for kids.
If anything, I realize now that rescues are truly trying to do right by dogs, but are in a constant battle of numbers...sooo many dogs, so few homes. This was my wake up call, and I will be actively trying to do what I can to help out...if I can't adopt, I certainly can foster or just pass the word around when I see a dog in need of a new home. We, as a family, are going to also visit shelters more and visit with the animals...