Comments on: Potential Adopters Frustrated

By: kelly

kelly — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 12:43:32 +0000

Kate, your comment is really lovely. Thank-you! It is encouraging to hear that the lengthy process was a successful one. I also appreciate your understanding of the practicalities that need to be taken into consideration when choosing a dog for adoption. I have sent off an application to a number of rescue groups with the option of being open to being introduced to dogs that they recommend as a good fit for my team if the dogs I have seen are not a match. I have also been talking to heading for home rescue group and they have been great! I have an inside connection at the rspca on the look out too. Their twilight adoption nights will make it easier to meet dogs mid week. Fingers crossed that my perfect dog match is not too far away.

By: Kate

Kate — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 11:12:31 +0000

We have two rescue dogs. I’ve never adopted from a shelter, so I can’t comment much on their processes (the ones you mention sound pretty bad), but I can’t recommend enough working with a good rescue group. However adopting takes time – it took weeks and weeks for us to organise both of our adoptions, including written applications, a phone interview and fence check, and in one case a number of discussions with the foster carer. I found it really nerve-wracking, but ultimately completely worth it.

On both occasions, we enquired about a different dog to the ones we ended up with. And we adore both of them, even though they aren’t exactly what we expected. I know you need to feel a connection with your dog, and there are other practical considerations such as size. However could I suggest that you and your chosen rescue group talk about your requirements, yard size, the amount of company the dog will have and how much exercise you’re likely to be able to realistically give the dog and let them give you some suggestions? And (please don’t take offence!) be open to the idea of a dog maybe isn’t quite the dog you imagined. We applied for a Ridgeback cross and I felt a bit miffed when I was told that she wasn’t suitable for us … would you believe I ended up with a Jack Russell? … but she’s perfect for me and I couldn’t love her more if I tried!

Most of all, don’t fall into the trap of impulse buying, especially not from a breeder or pet store. Your initial instinct to adopt and give a good home to an abandoned scruffy ball of love is a good one! Best of luck!

By: char-lea

char-lea — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 04:54:01 +0000

we’ve adpted a few times and it has always been just going there & everytime I’ve adopted.
I find it very hard to believe your having so much trouble.
I guess it depends how fussy you are & how much your willing to put in to training etc,
but I’ve never had an issue,
our last adopted dog was from RSPCA 2 years ago next month, & 1st was 16 years ago, little fellow passed away 2 years ago hence another adoption at that time.
no jumping through hoops at all.
good luck with it.

By: Kelly

Kelly — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 02:43:15 +0000

Hi Claire,

You may have misunderstood my comment regarding placing dogs on hold “it is not like they are a pair of jeans that you need to go home and think about”. I could not agree more that deciding to adopt any animal is a big decision. I think that the decision and planning process for any household looking to adopt an animal should be made before you go in search of your perfect animal companion. Not when you visit a shelter on a whim.

By: Katrina

Katrina — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 01:45:20 +0000

Hi Kelly, I am so sorry that your aim to find a good dog has led you to such frustration. I can’t speak for shelters, but I know many rescue groups juggle full time jobs and rescue work so can’t always be as timely as they might like.

If you’d like to contact us (headingforhome@austarnet.com.au) we’d be happy to help you find the right dog. We have processes, but I don’t think they are too onerous and we try very hard to stay in contact with our potential adopters.

In any event, good luck with finding the right dog … I’m sure he or she is out there for you.

By: Claire

Claire — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 01:41:51 +0000

While I agree it can be frustrating trawling through shelters to find a dog that is right for you (and your multi-person household), and there may be poor practice at some shelters or by some people. This comment – “It is not like they are a pair of jeans that you need to go home and think about.” – is ridiculous!!! No a dog is not like a pair of jeans. It is way, way, way more important and it is a much larger committment. The choice of adoption needs to be much better thought about than any purchase of clothing and any shelter that recommends going home and thinking about it should be commended. This is one of the things that sets them apart from pet stores who rely on impulse purchasing. The way that they deal with animals “on hold” may need review, but certainly not the fact that they ae asking someone to go home and evaluate with their entire household if this decision is right. By doing this they may be saving countless animals from impulsive decision making and then resulting in being back in the shelter in a few weeks time. Having worked in a shelter environment I can certainly say that it is not uncommon for shelter dogs to return there due to some poor decision making by potential new owners.

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Mon, 07 Feb 2011 23:20:11 +0000

[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Ben Shepherd and Fiona Meldrum, Fiona Meldrum. Fiona Meldrum said: Girl Seeks Dog – the frustration of a wannabe dog adopter: http://www.goodfordogs.org/blog/2011/02/07/potential-adopters-frustrated/ […]