Frustrated with a dog rescue
@thinkingoutloud (6127)
Canada
March 8, 2013 2:41pm CST
My sister and I have both adopted dogs from the same rescue. It is totally run by volunteers and they do a fantastic job! We are big supporters of their organization and highly recommend them to others.
My sister had adopted a senior dog from them (7-8 years old, estimated). Just after Christmas, she became seriously ill, VERY fast. She was diagnosed with severe pancreatitis, diabetes and was in severe pain. It came out of nowhere and my sister was devastated because the vet's recommendation was to have her put down. It was the most humane thing to do.
Recently, my sister came across a 7 year old Yorkie on the website of a different rescue organization. She fell in love with her and decided to apply to adopt. She was contacted by the rescue and told that, yes, she could have her. Then, she was told that the dog had kennel cough and would need to be rid of that before she could go home with my sister. Kennel cough is highly contagious and she has another Yorkie already in the house. So, the rescue said they would keep her until she was well and healthy, she would receive her sterilization surgery and dental surgery that the rescue had already committed to doing. My sister was fine with all that. She even offered to pay the adoption fee up front, in case it was needed for the costs of the surgery. They told her no, that's fine.
Well, on the rescue's website, the dog is still listed as "available for adoption," even though other dogs that have arrived and been listed after her are marked as "reserved." In spite of my sister asking several times, "her" dog has not been marked "reserved."
Call me crazy but I have a gut feeling that she is going to be told that she isn't getting her for some reason. I mean, especially with her trying to keep in touch, having difficulty getting prompt replies and the fact that she has asked about the website not being updated and it's still not done... doesn't it seem like something's not right?
After the devastation of losing her dog after the holidays, I'm so frustrated and worried that my sister is going to get hurt again... all in the interests of trying to rescue this dog! 
4 people like this
14 responses
@blackrusty (3519)
• Mexico
8 Mar 13
It is so sad that your sister lost the first dog so soon but I cant see why on the 2nd dog they did not change to reserved maybe they did not because they are a costly dog and that is a sure way to get people to come and look wish you all the best of luck
@thinkingoutloud (6127)
• Canada
8 Mar 13
You know, blackrusty, you have said something that I've been thinking but haven't discussed with my sister! The dog she wants to adopt is a very cute, 4-pound Yorkshire terrier. They have a picture up of her on the webpage with a little bow on her head and all that. I was wondering if they are leaving her "available" because it makes it appear to other people that they could still request to adopt her, or they might refer their friends to the website to see her, or something of that nature. It could be a PR move on their part... but I sure wish they would just tell my sister that in confidence or something... because she's left wondering what's going on.
@thinkingoutloud (6127)
• Canada
8 Mar 13
Oh yes, absolutely. My sister and I both are strong advocates of the "don't shop, always adopt" mentality in regards to the pet population. She would definitely understand if they told her they just wanted to leave the dog marked available to keep up the traffic to their website. But, so far, no one is saying that, they haven't invited her to see the dog in person and she is just feeling sadder each day about the whole thing. But she told me today, "I'm just going to keep believing that it's meant to be and I will hear something soon." I give her credit for keeping the faith!
@blackrusty (3519)
• Mexico
8 Mar 13
well you are right they should have told your sister that they was going to use the dogs photo as pr and the dogs was hers as soon as they had the dog better I am sure your sister would have been ok with them doing that
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (166738)
• Boise, Idaho
8 Mar 13
I hope she isn't messed over. I would be frustrated and worried too. People are so weird now days. Hope it all works out okay for everyone.
@thinkingoutloud (6127)
• Canada
8 Mar 13
Thank you so much, celticeagle. I really don't want to see her get hurt. She was inconsolable when she lost Marley, her other adoptee, just after the holidays. My sister is one of the biggest dog lovers I know and she does still have one other dog at home now. He seems SO lost now without Marley, it's sad. She wasn't in a hurry to adopt and wasn't even planning it... but then she saw this little one and her heart went out to her. I guess I know this dog could have such a good and loving home... I just keep my fingers crossed.
1 person likes this
@thinkingoutloud (6127)
• Canada
8 Mar 13
Thank you again, celticeagle. Maybe all the positive thoughts and support from here will result in a great outcome 
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (166738)
• Boise, Idaho
8 Mar 13
And I thnk a person can only handle so much. Glad she does have another dog. I will keep my fingers crossed too.
1 person likes this
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
8 Mar 13
Oh that stinks, especially when she offered them money upfront for the dog. Has she contacted them and inquired why the dog is still shown as available? Maybe the one who was suppose to edit that part forgot or something.
1 person likes this
@thinkingoutloud (6127)
• Canada
8 Mar 13
Yes, she has definitely asked why the dog is not marked reserved and it still has not been changed. She is still "available for adoption." There have been at least 4 other dogs added to the webpage after her and two of those were updated to reserved very quickly. I would think the same person would be handling that stuff and would have updated the one my sister has asked for at the same time. I really do hope it's just an oversight, you know? 
1 person likes this
@kprofgames (3091)
• United States
8 Mar 13
Hmmm, did she get flagged for the senior dog having to be put down once she adopted it? I mean they are rescue dogs and they want them to go to good home so I wonder if since the poor dear had to be put down so quickly that she got red flagged from adopting another dog.
It's just a thought, but it seem to be adding up to that.
1 person likes this
@thinkingoutloud (6127)
• Canada
8 Mar 13
That's absolutely something I've considered too, kprofgames, and I'm glad you brought it up. It's actually two different rescues (my sister and I both adopted from one... but only she is trying to adopt from this second one now). However, there is definitely communication between all the rescues here. One will take dogs from another if they don't have space and such... so I know they "talk."
When Marley had to be put down, my sister posted to the rescue where she was adopted from... she explained everything that had happened and she even told them she "felt like she let everyone down." She didn't do anything wrong and the people in charge of the rescue phoned her, sent her a sympathy card in the mail, the whole nine yards. They even told her that they would have made the exact same decision. The problem with pancreatitis is that it recurs... and the attacks get worse and worse all the time. Marley would have experienced so much suffering that it wasn't humane to let her live like that. They fully supported the vet's and my sister's decision to let her go.
However, having said that, you just really can't tell when people are being genuine either. I truly hope they haven't red flagged her at all the rescues because this is a woman who sets aside a fixed amount of money from every pay for a "fund" for her dogs... in case they need anything at all. She takes them for every vet visit, grooms them regularly, gives them good food, good exercise... and just loves them with all her heart. They are part of her family... not just "the dog," you know? It would be a shame to deny a good life to a dog for something that was totally out of anyone's control 
@thinkingoutloud (6127)
• Canada
8 Mar 13
I'm wondering if they would let her in, to be honest. Most of the rescues have a policy that they don't give out their address because they don't want to be swamped with people who just want to look at or play with the dogs... and have no intention of adopting. It can be too strenuous on the dogs... AND the volunteers. They also use a matching process to try to best match the dogs with potential new families. They all operate with online adoption forms which are then screened, a volunteer calls and interviews you on the phone and, then, if they feel it's a good match for the dog, you are invited to visit and meet the dog one on one. That's what happened when I got my dog, Charlie. Until I was invited to go, I didn't even know exactly where the rescue was physically located. The whole point is that they hope once a dog leaves their rescue, they will be in a permanent home and not be returned. Some still do get sent back, which is sad, but their process seems to keep it to a low number.
I was thinking, though, that they do Adoption Clinics on weekends at local places of business like dog food stores and farmers markets. They bring 2 or 3 dogs, hand out information, answers questions, etc. She could easily show up at one of those and start talking to the people there. It might at least feel like she was "doing something."
@kprofgames (3091)
• United States
8 Mar 13
Wonder what would happen if she stopped in there to visit? It might be out of the rescue centers hands also. It might be a policy of their to have a waiting period? I'm kind of guessing here because have never gone through one.
I just wonder if she stopped by one day so she could see the expressions on their faces. I think she would have her answer then or at least get a straight answer.
1 person likes this
@IntrovertShy (2780)
• Marikina, Philippines
8 Mar 13
Oh my gosh. That is so sad. We do not know of what would happen in the future. Maybe pray is the only thing to do so that she could adopt the dog. It is difficult to read their mind. Maybe the site is not really updated-we really don't know.
1 person likes this
@thinkingoutloud (6127)
• Canada
8 Mar 13
She does keep hoping that it is just an oversight that the website hasn't been updated. But then, she has mentioned it to them a couple of times, so they are completely aware of it. She just keeps waiting and told me today that she believes it will happen when it is meant to be. I'm crossing my fingers.
@IntrovertShy (2780)
• Marikina, Philippines
9 Mar 13
I was thinking that if they did not give the dog to your sister, it would be painful for her. Yeah. I think the best way is to hope that someday all will be fine.
1 person likes this
@inu1711 (5285)
• Romania
8 Mar 13
I think the reason they still keep her as "available for adoption" is she might get people interested in adopting dogs. If someone calls for her they can say she isn't available but they have other dogs for adoption.
I hope they'll keep their promise and they'll give her to your sister.
1 person likes this
@thinkingoutloud (6127)
• Canada
8 Mar 13
I really want to believe that that's what is happening, inu1711! 
The thing is, this Yorkie is all of 4 pounds, she's photographed with a little pink bow on her head and her temporary "website name" is Buttons. I mean, they are really going for the "cute" factor. With the popularity of small dogs now, and especially Yorkshire Terriers in this region, it probably makes sense that they will want to have her on their website as a "marketing tool"... as bad as that sounds! ... for as long as they can. And, technically, unless my sister has her in her own home, she could still be considered "available." It might also be the reason they wouldn't let her pay the adoption fee at this time. Without a monetary transaction, they are still "telling the truth" in saying she's available.
The thing is, this Yorkie is all of 4 pounds, she's photographed with a little pink bow on her head and her temporary "website name" is Buttons. I mean, they are really going for the "cute" factor. With the popularity of small dogs now, and especially Yorkshire Terriers in this region, it probably makes sense that they will want to have her on their website as a "marketing tool"... as bad as that sounds! ... for as long as they can. And, technically, unless my sister has her in her own home, she could still be considered "available." It might also be the reason they wouldn't let her pay the adoption fee at this time. Without a monetary transaction, they are still "telling the truth" in saying she's available.1 person likes this
@inu1711 (5285)
• Romania
9 Mar 13
As bad as it sounds, I would not blame them for that (unless they don't keep their promise to your sister). They are cheating on possible adopters for a good cause: giving as many dogs for adoption as they can. I know how difficult it is to find a family for the dogs nobody wants.
1 person likes this
@katsmeow1213 (28716)
• United States
8 Mar 13
Perhaps they're thinking she might back out if the dog doesn't get well soon enough, so they're keeping their options open.
1 person likes this
@thinkingoutloud (6127)
• Canada
8 Mar 13
I was kind of thinking along those lines too, katsmeow1213, given the fact that the dog currently has kennel cough. I thought maybe they don't want to fully commit to my sister unless the dog is healthy. But, given that thought process, I think they should have made the dog "not yet available" with the explanation that it could be applied for once in good health. Otherwise, having been told the dog will be hers, my sister is preparing for her and getting more upset each day because she hasn't been allowed to see her yet. *sigh*
@katsmeow1213 (28716)
• United States
9 Mar 13
That is sad. I hope it all works out and she gets the dog in the end.
1 person likes this
@sjlskl (3382)
• Singapore
9 Mar 13
Getting their pets adopted is definitely what the shelter would want. So I don't think they will purposely reject your sister intention of adoption. There could be reason why they prefer not to mark her down as reserve. Maybe they wanted to keep their options open in case your sister decided to back off and thus denying the Yorkie of its chance of getting adopted.
1 person likes this
@thinkingoutloud (6127)
• Canada
10 Mar 13
Oh I agree completely... the rescue wants homes for ALL their dogs, not just one :) I just hope they aren't questioning her sincerity in wanting this little dog. She waits every day for news and hopes to at least get the invitation to go and see her, even if she can't bring her home yet. She found out from a volunteer yesterday that the dog is in a foster home with someone else and she didn't know about that either. But she's not giving up hope... she really wants to make this dog part of her family.
@natliegleb (5175)
• India
9 Mar 13
Why are you getting so annoyed with such kind of crazy acts and its part of the life to save and safeguard the dog,just take it
@nezavisima (7408)
• Bulgaria
8 Mar 13
perhaps the thing that I will suggest you and find again such a dog.
to be able to forget about it so lovable dog.
will be difficult but at least you will deal with other dogs and would not think so much.
Success!
1 person likes this
@Pegasus72 (1898)
•
10 Apr 13
Sounds like something is up. wonder if the other rescue and this new one have something against each other and somehow know who adopted from the other and are up to something.
1 person likes this
@41CombedaleRoad (5952)
• Greece
9 Mar 13
Maybe it is just an oversight caused by too much work and too little time to get on the net. The reasons that your sister has been given sound genuine enough and I cannot see why they should still be looking for another home for the dog since money is not a concern.
If your sister could ring them and ask for a firm date when the dog can be taken home that might help her get through her concerns. surely if they were not going to give her this dog for some reason they would offer her another?
1 person likes this
@thinkingoutloud (6127)
• Canada
10 Mar 13
I found out, in conversation with my sister yesterday, that the dog is being fostered by someone else while she has kennel cough. My sister won't get her, for sure, until the kennel cough is gone because she has another dog already that they want to safeguard. Also, the Yorkie she wants to adopt still needs dental surgery before she can have her. That's why she offered to pay in advance for the dog too... to show her good faith that she won't walk away from her just because of health issues she has right now.
She's asked when she can expect to have the dog and they won't even give her an estimated date. They just give vague replies like "Maybe next week or the week after." My sister had a few days off work last week and had been hoping she could bring the dog home then so she would be home 'round the clock with her but that didn't work out either. I think it's going to be a good while yet before she gets her.
I agree with you that she could certainly adopt another dog from them but I get the feeling that, if this adoption falls through, it'll be awhile before she's ready. After losing Marley after the holidays, she wasn't planning to adopt another right away... this little Yorkie just really tugs at her and she would like to give her a loving home. If she doesn't get her, I suspect she might put the idea on hold for awhile. I guess it remains to be seen.
@mariaperalta (19073)
• Mexico
8 Mar 13
Sorry to hear that.. has she gone there or called them lately? Hope it works out for her.
1 person likes this
@thinkingoutloud (6127)
• Canada
8 Mar 13
Thank you, mariaperalta :) You can only go to the rescues here by invitation. It's not like the SPCA where you can walk in at any time and see what dogs are available. The rescues use a matching process to get dogs with suitable owners and home situations. She has been emailing them, though, and she doesn't get replies very quickly. We've chalked it up to the fact that they, too, have a lot of volunteers and perhaps people don't have too much time available. But, having said that, I would think they would have a vested interest in keeping in touch with those who are committed to adopting, you know? She just told me today she still hasn't been allowed to go at meet the little dog. It was supposed to have been last week, then this week, but still no invitation
@Laurenlynn (715)
• Canada
8 Mar 13
Oh I am so sad to hear about this, especially when there are good people like you and your sister to give any dog a loving home. Is there any way that the organization that you speak highly of could investigate this other one to see if they have a good name (or are on the up and up)? I sure do hope the best for your sister there is nothing worse than having your hopes up and it does not work out.
@thinkingoutloud (6127)
• Canada
10 Mar 13
Coincidentally, I was speaking to my sister yesterday and she told me she has been in contact with a woman who volunteers for both of the rescues. She told my sister she believes everything is on track for her to adopt the new dog but is surprised at the difficulty my sister is having getting answers. It turns out the little dog is being fostered by someone at the moment, while she has kennel cough, and my sister wasn't aware of that either. Every time something else comes up that she hasn't been told, I think it just chips away a bit at her trust.
