Pet (dog) Rescue Groups- Advice/stories-update

[kilee]

We currently have 1 furbaby in our family-- our just turned 1 yrd old- Shih Tzu. We've known all along that we wanted to add an additional dog to the family. However, we had to wait until our current little guy was housetrained

Anyhow, now that the winter weather is breaking and Kobi (our little guy) is now a yr old--- we'd like to get that other furbaby. Rather than going and buying a puppy-- I've been seriously thinking of using the money to adopt a rescue dog this time. I've been looking at the different rescue groups for about 2 months now.

I had been contacting a rescue group close to me--- they had a shih tzu/ Japenesse Chin Mix on PetFinder. Turned out the foster mom wanted to keep it. However, they then got really pushy about me taking a mini pinscher puppy. Two things- #1 I wasn't really looking for a puppy. #2- I really want to stick w/ the Shih Tzu or Lhasa breed (or a mix of this breed). So, they got really nippy- and basically said if I really wanted to "adopt" a dog- then I'd take what needed a home. So first exp. w/ a rescue group didn't go so well.

Found another rescue group based out of Ohio. Dh and I are willing to drive up to about 6 or so hours to pick up the dog. I asked them about adopting out of the area. The women contacted me and told me if I was willing to come pick the dog up (since the won't ship- which was fine) they'd consider my application. BUT-- before I filled out the application I needed to know "that they've had a lot of inquiries about this dog from all over. Basically, that so many people had applied it would probably be a waste of my time to apply- and I'd waste theirs since they'd have to review my application and references and such." What.... I was floored by how many times she used "waste of time". So, I moved on.

Then I've looked into Shih Tzu and Furbaby Resuce. Now, I submitted my application but have been told it could take up to a year to hear anything. Now, they have over 50 dogs available. Why such a long wait???

Now the SPCA and Humane Society Shelters around here NEVER-EVER have small dogs. I am really set in the breed I want. I also want a dog between 1-5 yrs old. Seems on the rare chance the SPCA might get a small dog within the breed I'm looking for it's usually 10+ yrs old. My dog still wants to play all the time. An older more settled dog most likely won't want to-- so I'd rather get an age/ energy level compatible dog.

Anyhow, are these things typical of rescue groups???? Is this why they have so many dogs for so long???? I am feeling really frustrated about this. I am going to continue my research and see what else I come up with.

 

[hiwaygal]

All rescue groups are not like this...

I lost my dog Zeke in December of 2002...about a week later I applied to adopt a basenji from BRAT. I picked up my two new babies in February 2003...and the biggest "delay" was that I was dog sitting for a friend and I waited until she was gone before I arranged to pick them up.

Keep trying, and talk to different people in the groups. Sometimes you get "militant" folks who don't think any home is better than the one they are alread providing (even if it's "temporary").

My guess is you are looking at a fairly popular choice and that may be making things take a little longer...but a year!?!?!? That just seems crazy!!

You might also consider looking at areas outside of your drive limits. Sometimes rescue groups can and will help with longer transports (the group I used would have).

Keep looking and the right dog will come along!!!

Good luck and to you!!!

 

[lewdyan1]

I am a volunteer with Shih Tzu and Furbaby. PM me your name and I will get your app processed immediately!

We are a wonderful group and have many great dogs in your area. Please also let me know who you are interested in!

 

[Aidensmom]

There are a lot of rescue groups that will frustrate the heck out of you, but they definately are not all alike. A little over a year ago, I started searching the rescues online to find a small dog. I was set on a small dog because I wanted the dog to be OK with spending most of its time indoors, as DH and I both work full time. However, I was told over and over again that no one would let me adopt a small dog because I had a child who was 3 years old at the time.

I had pretty much given up when DH told me that a local rescue group was going to be at Petco that day. He had to talk me into going because I was so discouraged. Well, we went, and not only did we meet a wonderful dog we wanted to adopt, we were even able to take him home with us that day. We have been the proud owners of Bingo, our 3 year old, loving, affectionate Jack Russell Terrier, for almost a year now. Oh, and he and my small child get along wonderfully.

Don't give up!

 

[kerrynic78]

We had a great experience with our little mutt. I was told of a animal rescue about an hour from me so we went and they had just flown in about 20 puppies from Puerto Rico. The group is called Save A Sato and they rescue dogs from Puerto Rico and fly them up to shelters in the U.S

We immediately saw this little black puppy named Kachuro (unwanted dog) and after filing out an application we had our puppy in about a week. It was a very easy process and one that I would do again in a heartbeat.

Jack is an awesome dog and so loyal, he is very leary of men, we were told he was probably abused by men in PR while on the streets but he is just the sweetest dog.

Good luck finding a dog!

 

[kilee]

Some great stories- thank you for sharing to let me know this isn't always a "bad" process. I think my first 2 were just unfortunate luck. As for Shih Tzu & Furbaby rescue- the email I got said up to a year-- but lewdyan1- I am going to PM you.

I didn't think the process would happen immediately---but I figured no more than a month or two. I actually figured if we had to travel to bring our new furbaby home maybe we could do it around Easter-- so dh and I could travel together- rather than me alone. Since that's less than 2 months away- I figured I'd get started now.

I know the breed is popular and I'm sure that has been some of the hinderance. It's the breed we've always grown up with- and I just adore them. They are not for everyone- and they do require a lot of extra care-- and they can certainly have their quirks (being stubborn about housetraining) and health issue's. But-- I'm a goner-- I just LOVE them.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Well here in Texas there are so many dog owners it is absolutely mind blowing.
On top of that there are a very large number of Rescue Organizations. Most shelters here are less than 24hr kills, because of the numbers of dogs.
My dd volunteers with a Rescue group, the one we got our dogs from and they were great.

However since you want a specific dog type I expect that could be tougher. I would not sweat it and wish you luck.

Here is an example of Texas Shih Tzu's available. It is crazy!
http://search.petfinder.com/search/search.cgi

 

[Jockaroo]

Once we bought a house we knew we wanted to add a second Scottie to our family. We thought long and hard before committing to hunting a Scottie--and yes, we wanted a Scottie. We contacted Mac's breeder to see if she knew of any Scotties that needed a home. Mac was 6 at the time so we wanted an adult dog. We also sent our name to the local shelters and filled out countless online applications. We searched petfinder multiple times a day. When we got a lead on a Scottie, we called, we begged, we were rejected. The primary reasons were that 1. our male Scottie was not neutered, 2. we had no fenced yard, 3. we worked away from the home, 4. the dog was already promised to a home (legit reason here).

I found one female Scottie that a breeder was selling. I called and could have gotten this dog. She was a 16 lb. blonde Scot. The lady told me she needed to sell the dog for $400 since she was unable to produce puppies following 3 litters--the last of which resulted in an emergency spay and a stillborn litter. When she found out I had an unaltered male, she wanted to stud him--NO WAY. I decided not to purchase this dog because I found the breeder's phone number in the paper selling over a dozen different litters of dog of various breeds. Hard to walk away, but we did.

It took us nearly 9 months of searching with the understanding we would go anywhere east of the Mississippi to get our new dog--we even checked a lead in Colorado at one poin. We found our little girl on petfinder and she was in our own state! Her owner had passed away and the kennel where she was staying ran the SPCA. The folks here kept her for 6 months while the owner was sick and while the estate was being settled. We were selected because I called everyday and was persistant. I am glad that it took as long as it did, because my little Tipper is the perfect family member and a wonderful personality match to my Mac. Tipper has been with us 4 1/2 years now. Don't give up your search; the right dog will somehow find you.

 

[Pixiedust34]

All rescue groups are not alike.

When we were looking for a dog, we were pretty specific about what we wanted. We wanted a female herding breed mix between 1 and 4 years old and between 15 and 35 pounds. She had to be *wonderful* with the kids right off the bat. Housetrained was preferred.

We called many rescue groups and hit a lot of dead ends because we were specific. We also frequented a few local pounds without luck.

One day I found the PERFECT dog on Petfinder. I just *knew* this dog was *the* one for us! I called about her, and she was already placed in a home. This was after a few months of looking, and I was sad.

The person I talked to asked me what attracted us to that particular dog. I told her about the kind of dog we have been looking for. She said that they had a dog on hand that met all of our requirements, and asked if I'd like for someone to bring the dog to our house so we could meet it. No obligations--just a "meeting" to see if we cliqued with this dog. I figured a meeting couldn't hurt, and within 2 days we had a volunteer from the rescue organization come over. We were told that this particular dog could be shy with strangers and the kids were asked to sit calmly on the sofa instead of meeting the dog at the door. As soon as the dog was off her leash, she made a beeline to the kids. Her tail was wagging a mile a minute, and she gave the kids a hundred kisses before we could pull her off. In short, we found our dog!

Molly is an Aussie-Shepherd mix, taken from the pound right before she was to be put down. She is about 2-3 years old and weights 21 pounds. She is fantastic with our kids, and is protective of the family.

Keep looking for the RIGHT dog that YOU want. It make take a while to find it, but it's worth the wait when you do. A good rescue group will want the right dog to go to a compatible family and will not pressure you into taking a dog you don't really want. If a family gets the "wrong" dog, then there is a greater chance that dog would end up back in the pound someday. The rescue groups want the dogs to be in homes permenantly.

 

[lewdyan1]

I checked out our site and this is what it says on the application page.

This web site is kept as current as possible, and thankfully, these dogs are very desired, wanted & loved. We appreciate ALL applications and will treat each one as a priority. Processing of applications for dogs other than special needs dogs is currently averaging four to six weeks. Thank you all for understanding our application process!

I did speak with the director and she said for me to have you e-mail her directly and she would pull up your application personally. So, if you are interested, send me a PM.

 

[kilee]

I did PM you--- and I appreciate the help. That is very kind of you.

I don't have a fenced yard either-- so I'm hoping that won't be an issue. It would be awful to be denied for that sole reason. We have so much love and time to give another dog. The positive side-- is the breed isn't much for being "outdoor" dogs. We do own a house w/ a huge yard-- but they are supposed to be a great breed for apartment owners because they prefer to be lapdogs to "working" dogs. Our little guy now-- only goes outside to do his business or for walks on a leash. He never gets "tied outside" or let loose to roam free outdoors. I guess I'll have to see. I have a feeling that dh and I would have to go the puppy route- before we fenced our yard (which would run close to $10,000 due to size). I was just really hoping for an early adult dog- to be close to the age of the one we have now.

I do want to thank everyone for the advice and encouragement.

 

[pyrxtc]

We were denied by rescue groups and to foster any animals becasue our yard was not fenced in. I am home all day and my dogs(now I have 2) go out whenever they want. Nobody in our town has a fence unless it is to keep their livestock in and there is no way I'm going to fence in my yard for a pet. My dogs are safe and loved and watched over. the first dog we got was actually in front of a shelter, the previous owner was about to drop him off since he couldn't care for him. he also said that the dog had been a gift (bad idea) and was a very abused puppy. The guy was at least in his 70's and lived in an apartment on the 3rd floor wiht no elevator. he said he was at work all day.
My dog would not go near any men for 6 weeks and then would only go near my DH. Those six weeks were also spent with the dog walking around with his tail between his legs. If we try to play catch with him, he runs the other way cuz he thinks we are goig to hit him. I have 4 kids (2-12, another reason for probelms adopting) Now, (2 yrs later) he is a fun-loving dog who is friendly to everyone and even deals with the kids trying to hang all over him. He still barks at people but also still runs the toher way afterward. I lvoe him and he is the best dog!

 

[kilee]

I'm starting to wonder if the no fence is going to be the deal breaker........ . I guess time will tell.

 

[PlutoPony]

Worked with 2 rescue groups in NC trying to get the "right" dog and both were very good (2nd Chance and Lab Rescue). We had a shopping list of sorts (had an old lab and 18 month old baby so didn't want a problem dog) and neither adoption group had a problem with our criteria. We were looking for a bigger dog though and those can be harder to place I understand (and had a fenced yard). Both rescue groups fostered the dogs in volunteer's homes and had a pretty good idea of tempermants which was very important to us since we had a toddler at the time. We've had our rescue for 9+ years now and she's been a wonderful pet. Keep looking and I think you'll find a group you're comfortable working with (unless the no fence is a deal breaker). Good luck!

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Jockaroo and Pixiedust34,

Your heartwarming stories brought tears to my eyes! How nice that your dogs found their forever homes!

We got our dog, Magic, from a rescue organization 8 years ago. We were waiting for after our first trip to WDW, hence the name Magic, after Magic Kingdom. Turns out the dog who chose us has a black tail with a white tip that looks like a magic wand, so we knew he was the dog for us.

He'd been with the rescue organization for 2 years. He was an older dog, about 4-5 years old. Nobody wanted him. They visited Petsmarts with him and other dogs and he was the one they kept bringing back home. Most people want the little puppies. So very sad, but he truly chose us and has been a great first dog.

We had to fill out an application and even though they said they required a home visit, they really didn't do one. He obviously wasn't an in demand dog, though, and I think they were just glad that he was finding a home.

Good luck in your search! I would sure hope that the lack of a fence would not cause a problem considering you already have a dog and have shown that you know how to potty and walk a dog. Sometimes a dog is even more secure without a fence considering that dogs can be let out without supervision and gates can be left open. As long as you explain that you always walk with a leash and you do not just let your dog out the door without one and your vet can back you up that you are a responsible pet owner you should be in good shape.

 

[kilee]

Well, I did have a phone interview this morning. We talked for about 20 minutes. We did touch on the no fence thing, and the women I spoke w/ said it wouldn't deny my application for that. I did discuss the breed and how I don't feel they are really outdoor dogs anyhow and such- and she fully agreed. The only real concern they had was my pool. But it is above ground has a separate gate that has not only a lock but a self locking latch and spring on the gate so you can't accidentally not remember to shut it. This was then said to be okay too.

The biggest thing I took away from the conversation was that I felt comfortable. I didn't feel pressured or on trial or anything else. It was an easy flowing conversation and I was really pleased.

The women did suggest I start looking more closely at the dogs they have available, so she could get me more information on one. They are going to check my references- which I used my Vet, my groomer, and then 1 personal one. I did have to contact the vets office-- because I know we had 2 dogs under our file. But we've only ever owned one and I didn't want that to be an issue. A few months ago my grandfather had multiple strokes- and was in the hospital for 5 weeks. He had a little dog that was still needing to be brought up to date on it's shots. Dh and I took the dog in for the 5 weeks and took it to the vet for it's shots and a skin rash. Needless to say when my grandfather was better he took the dog to go live w/ him and my great aunt (since he was no longer going to live alone). So, I just didn't want the rescue group to inquire about us and have the vet say which dog. I had noted on all the paperwork when I took the little poodle in that she wasn't ours-but everytime I call for an appointment for my Kobi-- they still always ask which dog I'm calling for.

Anyhow-- I guess I'm supposed to hear something more in a few days. She was going to check and see who would be closest to me to do the home visit and check the references then call me back the weekend. I am so excited!!! This was definetly a much better expierence so far.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Good news and I hope you continue to have a positive experience! You obviously want another dog and would give a dog a good home.

 

[kilee]

Can I erase that entire comfortable feeling. Also, I am literally- physically sick to my stomach. The rescue group is having 2 reps from a local dog rescue group come to my home tomorrow. The 1 rep called me yesterday to get directions and to let me know - and I quote "they're going to come take pictures of how nice my house is".

Umm-- thanks BUT-- I don't live in that great of a house. Our house is an old turn of the century house. Is it safe-- yep, is it clean-- yep---- is it incredibly run down-- yep, Do I still have chewed up trim from when Kobi was a puppy---yep, Is my living room full of mismatched pieces-- yep. The kitchen entry door isn't finished off- we had to replace it -then the next weekend it snowed-- so dh won't fix the siding, and interior trim until it warms up. I couldn't sleep last night- I am to the point I am having actual stomach aches over this part. So, this morning ironically the women calls me back and tells me they'd prefer to come after school tomorrow-- well ds has an eye appointment- so it wouldn't work anyways. As badly as I wanted to adopt another dog-- I can't stay sick like this- and I have no magic wand that is going to make my house the showcase- I see people posting on here. I always tell dh it may be a moneypit- that in 10 yrs is going to fall down around us--but it's our moneypit- and what the heck we won't be living in it in 10 yrs- so we just make it as homey as we can while we are here. Anyhow- when the women called- I actually told her I was going to back out- and her comment about coming to take photo's to see how "nice my home was" (she was also condescending in her tone) pretty much upset me enough-I didn't think this was going to work.

In the end she wasn't even that nice-rather still alittle snotty- but she's still coming. I'm not good at telling people no. I have actually been throwing up- I am so stressed about my house. It is just so old and run down. Our upstairs is only 1/2 painted- including the floor. So, it looks real pretty..... . I am embarassed by my house- to the point we don't have people over. Everyone else I know lives in really nice houses. We bought it when we had stars in our eye's about how we were going to renovate it. Well, needless to say $30,000 later and that only took care of a real minimal amount. We've since decided to not do anything further to it, but just sell it off in a few years (we got it dirt cheap and will be able to break even on it) as soon as ds is done w/ school and get a much nicer- newer home that needs nothing.

We are really a fun, loving family- that would have so much more love to give another dog. Our home is safe and clean- it's just not very nice. It's very rundown. So, if anyone has any PD- I'd appreciate it. All it is going to take is one snide comment or disgusted look-- and I'm going to burst into tears. I really don't want to do this. I need to get some sleep tonight to boot- and I need my stomach ache to go away.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

How nice your house is does NOT determine how good of a dog mommy you will be. And of course you know that. I am so sorry that you are feeling this way. Please take a deep breath and convince yourself of this. Be ready to tell her this tomorrow. Show her how you play with your dog, how you walk with your dog, show her your dogs toys, maybe show her the route where you like to walk. Basically show her what you can provide. You are obviously a loving person who has a lot to give another dog. Tell her that! Don't let her make you feel bad!

 

[TheRatPack]

I know how you feel. I actually foster dogs for the dachshund rescue locally and just placed a doxie in a forever home yesterday I know that a lot of the people in rescues that I've dealt with are snooty type ladies who do this as one of their 'charity' type feel good deeds. But then there are those that I truly admire and that have taken in dogs with such problems that they realize it'll be a forever foster situation. I met a lady in Florida (she actually watched our furbabies while we were on vacation) and she had a house full. Very sweet lady, and you could tell she loved the breed. She didn't live in a mansion, but her house was clean and organized. That's all that matters.

I think that if your house is pristine and everything is in it's place I'd feel odd placing a dog in your home. Then I'm thinking "hmmm, her house is spotless and highly decorated, how on earth is she going to take care of a feisty dog." Anyone that is human, will see that your house is in the midst of a major remodel and that it's clean and safe and lived in. As far as the fenced in area, that just reassures the rescue that on a warm sunny day the dog has a place to play that is safe and secure without you having to walk them or tie them out. Dogs like to be outside in the warm sunshine and humans don't like to stay out all day holding a leash , that is the only reason that sometimes fenced yard applicants take first spot, but that doesn't rule you out at all.

Take a deep breath, and if they act too snooty then you know it wasn't for you. I've actually applied to adopt a dog in my own organization before and still got denied because there was a closer more appropriate home for the doxie. Did the denial hurt? Yes.....did I take it personally? Yep, probably a little. But, did I move on and just chalk it up to something that wasn't meant to be, yes. And then I found a nice little terrier that fit right in and realized that everything does work out