Thursday, April 8, 2010

Adoption Crap Shoot

Well we went to the shelter where we watched another family adopt Bruno right out from under us. They beat us there by 15 minutes and we never stood a chance...we didn't even get to meet him.

It was interesting though, because I got a chance to talk to the workers at the Humane Society, and it turns out that constant destruction of the previous owners belongings was the reason she surrendered the dog. While waiting for the adopting family to get their fill of Bruno, which they never did, I sat outside the glass enclosure and observed this dog's behavior. Not once did this dog sit during the 45 minutes that I watched him and he never had a moment where he had nothing in his mouth. At his feet was a bunch of fluff from a toy he destroyed while visiting with his new family.

So blinded by this dog's beauty, and he was gorgeous, I don't think these people saw this destructive behavior for what it is. I have a feeling that Bruno is a one dog wrecking crew. Worse, he's full of anxiety and his constant chewing is a reflection what's going on in his head.

Undeterred, we went home and I filled out an application to a Dobie rescue organization. Have you recently filled out adoption forms for a dog? They're pretty detailed in the information they want. I had to give three references, my vet's telephone number, detailed history of pets gone by, a description of my home, my yard, my discipline plan and a $10 processing fee to even look at my application. Now I know that placements have gone bad for some dogs, but this app was so lengthy, it took me an hour to it out. I've still not heard a peep--even an auto reply would be nice--telling me that they've received the application for review.

Understanding the rescue process is expensive and these not for profit agencies need to recoup costs, their dogs are not free. To rescue a Dobie, we're going to have to pay about $400. Tell me, what's the difference between rescuing a dog and buying one that still has puppy breath? They cost only a little more.

In the meantime, these rescue organizations give almost no information to me for considering adopting through them. Don't think this isn't important; it is. Awhile ago I went into a home to see a patient. Supposedly, there was rescue kennel on the premises, but the kennel wasn't outside. It was indoors where twenty dogs, Lord knows how many cats and scads of flies shared a home. The smell was atrocious and there was animal urine and feces everywhere. Who do you suppose oversees a situation like that?

Last year, there was another fellow fostering Chihuahuas in his home in the Detroit area. He had over 100 of them in a 1000 square foot home. Some of them were alive and some were dead. The home was in such bad condition that it was condemned. Who vetted these particular people to rescue and foster animals? I'm sure that initially, their hearts were in the right place, but in no time flat, everything literally went to the dogs.

So, we'll keep looking for that perfect match and weigh our options. I've waited 13 months, I think I can wait a little longer to meet my perfect dog.

10 comments:

Michaela said...

Ohhh. Sounds like it worked out for the best. We adopted a small white fluffy dog ($380). Within 24 hours I noticed he was stone deaf. The shelter said they hadnt noticed! I worked for 5 months trying to train him out of multiple habits. Finally, I gave up and returned him to the shelter. They wanted me to pay a surrender fee! I refused. Fair crack of the whip, I said.

Jane said...

Saved by a whisker. It's such a shame that these dogs have got into such a state by previous treatment. I am sure with a little patience, you will find the perfect companion

willowtree said...

I can verify that you dodged the bullet, I was on the other side of that story!! Just beat a family to the most beautiful beagle you ever saw, have regretted it 50% of the time ever since. But I wouldn't give him up for all the tea in china. (I'd consider a cash transaction though)

Brenda said...

That is sad beyond belief about the people that have all the animals in their homes that they can not care for properly. I hope your furry friend will arrive soon for you Rudee.

Anonymous said...

I agree some happen for a reason. Not always know for sure, but you will get the perfect pet. Just follow the clues.LOL
QMM

Silliyak said...

Are you totally committed to only a Doberman? If my feline overlords would allow such a thing, I would go to a shelter just looking for a connection with any dog.

Winifred said...

Hard to believe people can treat animals so badly but they do.

That's sad you missed him but obviously meant to be. You'll find your dog or maybe it will find you!

Gail said...

The right one will find you.

Finding Pam said...

Iam sorry that Bruno was spoken for. Maybe they wil bring him back. That is hard to imagine so many dobermans that need to be adopted.

I hope you make a good connection and that just the right dobie will find you. You really have the heart for a dobie and any dog that gets to live with you will be blessed.

Anonymous said...

He sounds like Barney! My "lassie" Collie.. although as I replace one piece of furniture at time in the back.. he seems to NOT be chewing it.. $500.00 worth destroyed last year.. But he climbs on Paul so carefully each night while he (paul-the husband) sits in his chair with the hasic.. until he is sitting like a lap dog across his lap.. Paul will NEVER let him go.. I keep asking him (Barney - the collie) if he can understand .. FREE TO A GOOD HOME...