Vet Stress Look out! Holiday pets are on their way...

December 4th, 2007  

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This was terrific to see a vet's view of this subject. I work with a rescue and we put a freeze on adoptions between Dec. 15th and January 10th. We do get flack about it, but we hold firm - if someone wants a pet on Dec. 20th - REALLY wants a pet, they'll still want it on January 11th. We of course, are thinking "Pets are for life, not just Christmas morning".

Plus I always think of those poor, neglected, frightened puppies and kittens (and adults from rescues) in the stir of the holidays. All the commotion, the running in and out of the house, the being stuck in a crate or dark kitchen while the family goes off to do their own thing for holidays - visiting, shopping, etc. Rescue always gets busy during the holidays - lost dogs, dumped dogs, people with 10 year old dogs they have to turn in to rescue RIGHT NOW. (What, waited too long to call the kennel and still want to go on that Christmas vacation out of state?)

I have enjoyed this blog tremendously - keep getting the word out!

Robin December 4th, 2007 11:00:00 AM

My Mom brought Moxley home about a week before Christmas. I was genuinely concerned that they wouldn't let her adopt him because of the holiday issue. Fortunately, the rescue group she got him from knew that she had been looking for a while and this wasn't a snap decision of "I want a dog for Christmas". As it turned out, they felt the match was just right and sent her & Mox to the back of PetsMart where they had brought the dogs for the day and basically told her to go hide with him while they rejected another applicant. (The other lady was a "collector" that apparently just wanted a dog for Christmas...)

Cindy December 4th, 2007 12:20:00 PM

Robin, while I understand your concern, I'm so grateful that the shelter that I adopted my Alfie from didn't share that policy. I am a single working woman with one dog and had thought for MONTHS about adding to my little family. Christmas is the only time of year that I deliberately slow down my household and plans for at least a week (if not two) and take it easy. This time of year was the best time to adopt another dog. Alfie was at a no-kill shelter, and he was the last dog to go home before they closed for the holidays. December 22 was the day that I brought home my boy, and we had over a week to get to know each other and acclimate him to my other dog before I had to go back to work.

Granted, most households are in a flurry this time of year, but for me, it was the perfect time. And Alfie got his Christmas miracle! :)

Shasta December 4th, 2007 12:27:00 PM

What REALLY makes my blood boil is the parents that say "Well, thanks for ruining my kids Christmas!" when you hand them the esimate for the HBC/ Dental prophy/Extractions (that were recomended 6 months ago)/Pet Store Parvo... It's not MY fault you have no foresight!
I am half tempted to say- "No problem, thanks for making mine!" with a big smile on my face (even though I would rather the pet was not injured or sick and I DON'T personally profit from their misfortune).

Meghan RAHT December 4th, 2007 12:28:00 PM

Robin, "cast in stone" policies are really a bad idea for rescues and shelters. Remember, everyone doesn't have children or a ton of holiday activities. For many singles -- especially older ones -- the holidays can be a great time to adopt, because there's no a lot going on, and many people can take time off at the end of the year.

It's important to judge each potential adopter on his or her own merits, instead of insisting on "the rules." Some of my best adoptions when I was running a breed rescue were to people who didn't "pencil out" by the standards of many groups and shelters.

Ban "Christmas adoptions" and you may be denying a pet a great start in a true forever home.

Gina Spadafori December 4th, 2007 01:02:00 PM

Great reply Gina.

And how many of us good pet owners would measure up to the standards of some rescue groups? I know I didn't when I got my first dog, the akita rescue I became a member of used to require adopters to have a fenced yard. I managed to live for at least two years with my akita and no fenced yard. (I did eventually get one, more for my kids than the dogs though)

Even now I wouldn't be eligible to adopt a dog from some groups because I have a child under 12. I also bet I couldn't get a cat from some places because of the dogs I have. (all cat friendly) And I am a dog trainer!

It makes you think.

Marie December 4th, 2007 02:32:00 PM

My, I had no idea I would stir up so much hostility. Don't we all like to think of ourselves as being that "special case"? Yes, there are many people out there who think long and hard about adopting pets and then follow through and are devoted pet owners until the end of the animal's life, no matter what time of year they adopt their new best friend. I was TRYING to make the point that in this throwaway society, those of us who re-home animals HAVE to do what we determine is best for that pet. Yes, there may be hurt feelings, but the people will get over it. The animal's LIFE may depend on us making the right decision. That's also why we have applications and check references and do our very best to fit the right animal in the right home.

Yes, everyone is entitled to their own opinion on this, just as I (and my rescue) are entitled to ours. And for every case of the my brother, mother, aunt, neighbor, etc. who adopted on Christmas Eve and was a terrific owner, I could answer with a dozen stories where a pet was turned into rescue right before or right after the holidays. Or worse, dumped at a shelter. We all have our favorite anecdotes, so let's leave it at that, and all try to work together to re-home the amazing animals that are in rescues and shelters and humane societies across the country. And think about getting a new pet any time of the year, not just Christmas. There will be a huge selection in shelters all over the country starting about February. Happy Holidays to all!

Robin December 4th, 2007 02:32:00 PM

Yeah, I agree with Gina. I think cutting off the holidays for adoption is a dumb idea. I'm not sure how other rescue groups work, but the process I went through to get my Springer lasted about 6 months from the initial application, interview, house visit, approval, and finally finding my dog. I picked up my dog over MLK weekend (and I took another day off on top of that), just so I'd have some extra time with her and get her accustomed to her new surroundings before I had to leave her at home for 8+ hours a day. It would seem the Holiday season would be the perfect time for the conscientious perspective adopter (who has met all the criteria) to bring a new dog home. I understand you want to be careful about who you adopt out your animals to, but you don't want to be a dog nazi either. I've known several people who are great dog owners who first attempted to go the rescue route but gave up and ended up going through a breeder due to the ridiculous nature of some of the rescue organizations. I nearly gave up on the process myself, but I finally made contact with a couple folks within the rescue org. that were fair to deal with. Just keep an open mind when you are dealing with folks. Just a bit of perspective from the other side.

Chip December 4th, 2007 02:46:00 PM

But if you are a conscientous pet-owner (or pet-owner to-be) you should also look at it from the rescuer's POV, and should be able to see why they would be leery of those thinking to adopt around Dec. 15. How about starting your search beginning of December, talking with the shelters/rescues, explaining when your vacation is, and offering to pay the adoption fee now, or pay for boarding or whatever, so they can realize that you are a calm and thoughtful person, which will enable the rescuer to relax and try to accomodate you? Remember, initially, she doesn't know you from Adam.

lin December 4th, 2007 03:34:00 PM

Wow...what a great conversation! As someone who has spent his time as a cat breeder, a pet store manager, a shelter volunteer and employee, and finally, as a hard working veterinary technician, I believe that I have a unique perspective to many pet related controversies. One thing I have always said (and thanks to Gina for reiterating it), you can never put all types of people in one category. I have seen great breeders and poor breeders, fantastic shelters and shelters where I would be afraid to work, pet stores who look for the best they can find, and pet stores who are completely unaware. AND....it's hard to admit, but there are definitely veterinarians who know what they are doing and veterinarians who would be better off in a lab somewhere.

This issue is extremely difficult because we often see the worst in people and those memories stick out for us, much more so than the positive memories that we see (and create) daily. Personally, I have bought animals at this time of year and I have told people not to buy (or adopt) at this time of year. As Gina said, let's look at the individual situation and do our best to educate the prospective owner. We can only control ourselves....trying to convince someone who has their mind set on a pet for the holidays is often a hopeless battle. They will find a pet somewhere, often in the places we wouldn't want them to go to.

Instead of beating our heads against the proverbial wall to try and stop this behavior during this time of year, maybe we should be asking what we can do to educate and inform people throughout the year....

BTW...there is a good video about Puppies as Holiday Gifts at www.MyVNN.com.

Tomcat1765 December 4th, 2007 03:42:00 PM

I'm in the adopt dogs at Christmas(or really right after) camp because I get a week+ off from work then.

So everyone gets to acclimate and I make a few small gone-from-the-house trips to see how that works out.

heather December 4th, 2007 03:48:00 PM

Robin, I think the point people are trying to make here is that "absolutes" and inflexibility may hinder a good adoption. And a good home may be lost to a needy rescue. Some people will not wait and will find a breeder or rescue who will work with their schedule instead.

I whelped my first litter in 1992 and had already beed working with breed rescue for several years by then. I will not place a "Christmas puppy". But if it's the right home, they have done all their homework and are tailoring their holiday plans to accomadate the puppy and the send home time just happens to be around the holidays, then that baby can go home. Ditto for rescue. If the right, qualified home comes available within a week or two of the holidays, then it may be the right time for a rescue baby to get his or her new start.

I am not advocating catering to the "Oh my God, we have to have a dog tomorrow" Or "Puppy under the tree with the new video games" impulse shoppers. And I have been screamed at by people calling rescue to adopt a pet as a surprise for someone because the answer is NO and/or the fact that our adoption fee is too high etc... But sometimes the right home is available to the right pet during the winter Holiday months. And as we are busy bees in Rescue right now, we do need to keep dogs moving in and out so that we will have room for the annual Post Christmas Puppy and Dog Dumpathon. My sincerest wish at the moment is that the 6 year old I am fostering who lived his whole life outdoors with neglected cherry eyes (now repaired) will match up with someone one on our waiting list or with a new, qualified applicant so that he can be in his permanent home for the Holidays, he has waited long enough.

Jennifer Joseph December 4th, 2007 06:29:00 PM

I'm with the "for some people the holidays are a great time to bring home a new pet" group. As a single woman Holidays are what I make of them. Some years I have parties and go visit family and friends. But when I was looking for a new dog, it was a time I had a fair number of days off that I could stretch out to two weeks without using all my vacation. Plus it's a quiet time at work (I'm not in retail :-). So I spent a quiet Christmass/New Year's and gave a puppy a great start.

Linda H December 4th, 2007 07:34:00 PM

Our shelter does not have an ironclad "no Christmas adoptions policy". However we DO have a standing "No Gift Adoptions" policy which applies 24/7/365. This time of year we have prominently posted (and sensitively worded) signs at the entrance and on every door, kennel area, and cat room which state "A Companion Animal is Not a Gift". This gives reasons why a new pet may not be such a great idea over the holidays, listing the chaos and resultant stress to an animal, as well as the potential household hazards common at this time, including breakable (and ingestible) ornaments, toxic plants, and the rich and potentially harmful foods found in almost every household. We offer the option of an adoption gift certificate good for a dog, puppy,cat,or kitten, and includes our standard adoption services, including first vaccinations, worming as needed, flea/tick treatment if needed and spaying/neutering. We do extra counseling to parents, and stress that children are not acceptable and reliable caretakers, and the responsibility of a new pet ultimately falls to the parents. Despite all this, we will still see our share of "January returns" of animals that are not the right size, color, or fit. And the afternoon clinic we run for newly-adopted animals adopted (within 2 weeks of adoption) will also undoubtedly see our share of holiday casualties. Have I acquired a pet for the holidays? Yes. Would I recommend it? Not usually. But the readers and contributors to this blog are not your usual, run-of-the-mill pet owners; in general we are a little (or a lot) more knowledgable, and more devoted to the well-being of our animals than the general public. But in general, I would discourage introducing a new animal into most homes over the holidays.

Shellie December 4th, 2007 10:09:00 PM

As far as people waiting until the 15th of January, or whatever date, to adopt- the problem with that is... They can adopt elsewhere, they can BUY elsewhere- so for a rescue to refuse just for the sake of the time of year- it seems rather contrary, to me.

A GREAT home for a rescue German Shepherd, let's say, could ALSO be a great home to a German Shepherd PUPPY bought from any breeder. Well, if the rescue says, "Sorry, we don't adopt from x to y date"- even though everything checks out PERFECT on the adoptive home- well, basically, you're just sending this person to a breeder or HOPEFULLY another shelter. That's JMHO, though.

Trish December 4th, 2007 10:10:00 PM

I agree that shutting down adoptions over the holidays can be counter-productive. For me, a holiday adoption would not work at all. I only get the holidays proper off work and work is busy and stressful because so many people are not working (I'm a veterinary technician). But my parents? It would be a great time for them, if they were to choose to get a dog. Both of them are off work for the entire week, and since our family is tiny, there isn't much by way of celebration (just Christmas dinner with five people) or extraordinary excitement.

Should shelters/rescues cater to people looking for last-minute gifts? No, of course not. But that's no different from any other time of the year.

katie December 5th, 2007 07:22:00 AM

Well, I didn't get a Christmas puppy...she's more like a Thanksgiving puppy. LOL Either way, it's all good. I'm home all day so I have plenty of time to do the crate training, housebreaking, stop chewing on everything thing, ect.. Also Christmas here will be really quiet, so it isn't as if she'll be deprived of anything over the holiday.

We spent spent months mulling over what we wanted to do and if we really wanted another dog or not. Then we discussed what type pf dog we wanted. Hubby really wanted a Irish Wolfhound, but since I'm the care taker of pets around here, we settled on a Jack Russell puppy instead. And no, she wasn't a pet store dog.

I looked into rescuing a Cattle Dog / Austrailan Shepard cross, but the vet she would have been adopted from is a jerk and I refused to give him my money. Then their office just assumes that everybody has the same programs on their computer, so when they sent me their application, I couldn't read it. After all the grief that I went through with my last rescue, I took this as a omen. It wasn't meant for me to go the rescue route, so we didn't.

I never tell people to rescue or to buy any type of pet for kids at Christmas ( or any other holiday) because these animals usually end up at a shelter once the novelty wears off. We didn't buy Ella for my son though, we bought her for us,my son just happens to live under the same roof. He's finding out that puppies are alot of work and are not just little cute things that like to cuddle. Ella is anything but cuddly and she does give him a run for his money. I'm okay with this as it's a hands on lesson that he won't forget anytime soon, so asking about getting a puppy won't be a issue once she grows up.

Not all pet purchases over the holidays are bad. It just depends on the person and the surrounding circumstances. Not to toot my own horn, but I knew what I was getting into before buying Ella and I'm find with it. *shrugs* Tonight she gets to meet her vet for the first time and have her second series of shots.

Stacy December 5th, 2007 08:17:00 AM

Education, as always, is the answer. For years, in the U.K., the RSPCA ran television commercials in the run-up to Christmas. The theme was: "A puppy is for life, not just for Christmas."

Margot December 5th, 2007 12:58:00 PM

Lin,

What I'm saying is that from my experience, by the time you are ready to actually get your dog from a rescue group you've already gone through a thorough screening process and met all of the criteria of the organization to receive the animal. At this point, why should it matter if you get a dog during the Holidays?

Chip December 5th, 2007 02:05:00 PM

(i'm going to make another long-winded comment here, grab some popcorn.)

well, im looking around the room here with an eyebrow raised and a much-needed round of applause for your shelter, Robin. as a groomer, i work with self-proclaimed 'dog people' and 'animal lovers' every single day. 90% of them are extremely ignorant to their dog's needs, health, physical comfort and behavioral issues ("my dog would NEVER bite! unless you were hurting her..."). now, I'll say that perhaps 75% of those families still manage to raise a dog as a part of the family, love their dog dearly, and truly mean well (even if they are unwilling to follow the simplest instruction to 'please, play with your puppy's feet!).

Regardless, even the most well-intentioned family can get a holiday puppy, spend the two weeks off crate training, leash training, treat training, chew training, you name it... only to be faced with New Years Day, when the kids are going to school, the parents are heading to work and... wait... what do we do with Puppy? He usually just tags along with the family during the day, it seems unfair to crate him for six hours... let's just leave him in the kitchen/bedroom/backyard/garage instead, I guess. Gosh, what do people do with their dogs during the day?

A lot of families who truly have good intentions will look at Puppy a few weeks later and remember how much fun they had with him in the beginning, when the family was home all day and he wasn't left alone for hours on end. and they will feel guilty. and some of those parents will rehome that puppy to a family that 'has more time to spend with him'--or they may return him to the rescue to find a family that just has more time for him.

any rescue or shelter will tell you, returned dogs have a harder time getting readopted. much of the general public (at least in las vegas) sees shelter/rescue dogs as The Rejected Ones, the ones somebody else didn't want. so a returned dog can be viewed as a ladder rung below that... in many people's minds, only a Good Person would give a dog a 2nd chance-- if the Good Person didn't want him, I don't know if I will. therefore the term 'Returned' can be synonymous with 'Defective'.

Robin's shelter is merely cutting back on the returned dogs, and if I was looking for a dog at her shelter and was told "i'm sorry, we don't like to adopt out during the holidays" i would nod and respond, "i understand. that actually makes sense.". Come january/february when she is hit with the aftermath of the holiday petstore impulse buy, the last thing she wants is to put her Returned dogs out on the floor with the cuter, younger holiday pups who "haven't been given a second chance yet.".

This blog is read and commented on by some of the most thoughtful, knowledgeable dog owners I've met. But we as responsible pet owners are the exception, not the rule. Ask anybody in the pet health/welfare industry (volunteers, good vets and their staff, your groomer) and they will tell you that you are one of the few people they meet who truly cares about your dog.

Blackout Days for adoptions are there for a reason. The holiday policy isn't the only one. Heaven Can Wait and many other rescues will not adopt out black cats through October (and the HCW in my store won't adopt out ANY cat during Halloween week). Around Easter some shelters won't adopt out bunnies and rabbits.

Rules and Laws are made for the majority, not the minority, but everyone still has to follow them. the holidays bring dozens of people to shelters and rescues, and many of these places simply do not have the manpower to screen every single applicant on an individual basis the way they'd like to. think about what individual screening entails, the time needed, and the number of applicants.

I applaud you Robin!!

charity December 5th, 2007 05:28:00 PM

robin:
oops, i reread your post and realized i insisted on calling your rescue a shelter. there's a big difference between the two, i just got my terminology mixed up. by i think i got my point across either way.

charity December 5th, 2007 06:08:00 PM

I gotta say I don't agree with banning adoptions at Christmas. Instead, banning puppy mills and backyard breeders would do more to address the problem. People who adopt from rescues or animal shelters have jumped through hoops and proved that they are a GOOD HOME regardless of what time of year it is.

Again, I don't see a problem ADOPTING. I see a problem getting dogs from pet stores who support puppy mills, or backyard breeders who have NO CLUE what they are doing and are only in it for the buck.

I am in the process of finding a dog for my daughter... she is smitten with my standard poodle. While the dog doesn't have to be a poodle, she wants his personality...calm, gentle, a little aloof. So I see an ad in the paper, and I know it's too good to be true, but I'm curious anyway. So I call it, wanting to know how ANYONE can sell standard poodles for $100. When I asked about parents on premises, I got a reluctant yes. When I inquired about CERF, PENN HIP, skin problems in the lineage, she got hostile and said these were $100 dogs, and you get what you pay for. She them said she couldn't help me and hung up. THIS IS THE PROBLEM. Not the time of year.

AGADORE'S MAMA December 5th, 2007 07:13:00 PM

i've stood outside petstores protesting, encouraged my request customers whose dogs I groom to check out prisonersofgreed, banpuppymills, nomorepuppymills, etc. i've spoken to more people than i can count about the dangers of getting a pet from a petstore. but it's a lucrative business and people are willing to believe "oh THIS store is different".

long story short: it'll take a miracle to stop puppymills and close down petland. and it's not likely to happen in any of our lifetimes.

banning puppymills won't mean nationwide enlightenment. people will still be ignorant impulse buyers who adopt at christmas and return before valentines day.

i will never stop educating people on the reality of pet stores--their existence disgusts me. but the issue here is not petstores, it is christmas shoppers.

you're missing the point, agadore's mama.

charity December 5th, 2007 07:45:00 PM

There is a campaign on here at the moment (here being Australia) to stop pet shops selling cats, dogs, guinea pigs and rabbits. It will leave them with birds and fish. Some pet shops are saying it will send them out of business. But lots of pet shops also run fine without selling pets.

If you see a cute puppy or kitten in a shop window, you want it. There is little effort involved - just hand over the money and take it home. Responsible pet store owners might insist you take supplies with you - food, bed, etc. But what is it's fate after that? I have seen evidence of cats turning "feral" after being neglected by a family.

And if you want to leave the premises to go on holidays, what happens to your pet? Do you know their vaccination and worming status? Are they spayed to prevent unwanted babies? There are so few controls on this. A kitten or puppy is not a toy you can abandon once they stop being cute, or start misbehaving, or get sick.

Robin December 5th, 2007 09:10:00 PM

I would be in the stopping all adoptions around Christmas camp. Our rescue does NOT adopt out between December 15th and January 7th. The only exception to this rule is second time adopters, or those who have a reference from one of our previous adopters.

It's just far too easy for someone to adopt an animal for "themselves" and then turn around and give it as a gift to their wife/child/parent/etc. It's also far too easy for an applicant to simply say that their Christmas vacation is low-key, and then proceed to leave dog/cat/rabbit alone for a week while shopping/eating/celebrating/etc.

Not only that, but quite frankly at this time of year I don't have the time to do the follow-up work we normally complete with each adopter. Our post-adoption support is extensive, and requires hours and hours of my time that I may not have during the holidays. Rather than risk not being available when a new mom or dad needs support, we simply don't adopt.

As for the idea that those who can't adopt from us will adopt or purchase elsewhere, well then they couldn't have been that serious about the pet in question, could they.

What everyone needs to remember is that private rescuers are responsible for the animals in their care, and remain so even after they are adopted. I have the right to reject whomever I am not comfortable with for whatever reason I see fit, if I am not convinced that that person will provide the kind of home we expect. If the local humane society makes it their policy to adopt to just about whoever can fill out the paperwork and pay the fee, then so be it. But judging by the number of dogs we get through our rescue that originated at said humane society and are now being dumped for whatever reason, theirs will not be a policy I am likely to adopt.

I also wanted to note that I personally resent rescues being referred to as "dog nazis." If they are willing to spend their time, money and love rescuing and rehabilitating these animals, who are any of us to criticize them for being too careful in their placements. If you don't approve of the rules the rescue operates under (provided the animals are well cared for) then feel free to look elsewhere. I, for one, will make NO apologies for my so-called nazi policies... they are there to protect the animals in my care.

Kim December 5th, 2007 09:31:00 PM

i wish more 'dog nazis' like you existed, kim. as with all things, QUALITY over QUANTITY. you can allow five families to adopt five dogs and never know how the dogs fare, or worse, have them returned later, unexpectedly, when there is no room for them. or you can turn away four of the five families and send one dog to a forever home... and heck, maybe get a christmas card with the happily adopted dog on it once a year.

charity December 6th, 2007 01:16:00 AM

"As for the idea that those who can't adopt from us will adopt or purchase elsewhere, well then they couldn't have been that serious about the pet in question, could they."

I sighed when I read this. I think there's a fundamental difference of how people approach adopting animals in your mind, Kim, and in others'. In many peoples' minds, the time is right in their life to adopt. maybe they lost a pet and are now ready to give a new pet a forever home. Maybe they have been putting the kids off for two months, knowing they will have uninterrupted time to integrate the new cat or dog into their household over the holidays.

For you, it's about "this pet." You're a rescuer, so that's understandable. But for many who are ready to give a pet a forever home, there's a lot more to it. If you give that kind of attitude to potential adopters, you're going to get a lot less adoptions. I know, because the pet rescue where one of my cats came from is no longer one I recommend due to that exact kind of "who do you think YOU are" attitude that I got from them the last time I brought a friend to them who was distraught over the loss of a cat and ready to open their home to a new one. My friend found another wonderful kitten with a rescue organization who listened to her instead of dismissing her out of hand.

I would never give a cat or dog as a gift, but I have adopted during the holidays. If you choose not to do so, that's your right, and I support it of course. But in some cases, it's good, safe homes you are losing out on for the pets in your care. That's really the point that people are trying to make here, I think.

Julie December 6th, 2007 07:39:00 AM

I disagree that dogs in shelters are looked down upon as being considered lower rung simply for being returned. I would say it is more about the reason they were returned. If a dog is returned because it bit someone that is perhaps a dog that will get passed up. If it gets returned because the new home says didn't have time for the dog then I don't think that gets held against the dog and makes it less adoptable in the potential adopters eyes. I think most people adopting from shelters know that there are various reasons dogs end up there and they are willing to consider adopting them regardless.

Now space issues I can understand. Some shelters might not have the space to take the pet back in those high volume weeks for shelters after the holidays. For some shelters not having the adoptions at holidays may need to be a policy, but I agree that it should be a case by case basis IF they have the staff to do it properly. Not everyone who adopts at the holidays is clueless or a bad home. (or lying to get a pet for a friend) Of course in large shelters with lacking staff it just may not be possible.

It is true that someone looking for a pet at that time will find one somewhere. I don't think that makes them lesser as a pet owner. It may simply be a timing issue for them regardless of the holidays. Not everyone celebrates the same holidays remember.

Marie December 6th, 2007 08:13:00 AM

Yes, for me it is about "this pet." Every time, in fact. And quite frankly, I can't imagine doing it any other way. Charity is correct, that I would rather adopt one animal to a wonderful home than five to ones I wasn't sure of.

I don't have a "who do you think YOU are" attitude, but I do get really irked at the people who come to us and think that they should be able to take home whichever pet they choose, and who do I think *I* am for telling them no? Who cares if they have three children under five and really aren't capable of caring for THEM, let alone that little boxer puppy, and if they are willing to provide a "good home" then I have no right to turn them away while dogs die in shelters.

Well, I'm sorry, but as I stated before, I am personally responsible for each and every little being that enters my home. I am responsible for their health, their well-being, and their future. This is not a numbers game, these animals are not simply ticks on a spreadsheet... these are each individuals who deserve the very best that I can find them.

Yes, there are many rescues/shelters/etc. who aren't as particular as I am, but if I have to risk upsetting a few people who need to realize that these animals are what I've dedicated my life to, and it's only in their best interests that I make any decision, well at least I can sleep soundly at night knowing that all the animals I have found homes for are currently doing the same. Rather than wondering if they are languishing outside in the cold after nipping the child who insisted on jumping on them while sleeping, tearing the presents open a week before Christmas, upsetting the Christmas tree, or stealing the turkey directly from the table.

Too many people come with too many expectations, and not enough knowledge to properly integrate a rescue animal into their home during summer vacation, let alone during the busy Christmas holidays. A recent adopter woke up the morning after bringing their 13 month old Great Dane mix home and found him standing, all four feet on the counter, helping himself to whatever he could grab in the top cupboards. It took us six months to place this beautiful boy, and his new dad's reaction (much laughter, followed by the camera, followed by a trip to purchase a new crate) was proof positive that the wait was worthwhile.

Kim December 6th, 2007 11:33:00 AM

Julie- I read Kim's comment the same way and I don't understand the attitude. I understand what is trying to be accomplished by means of weeding out the bad apples from the good, but I would never adopt from a rescue organization that stonewalled me with accusations of lying when they haven't even bothered to call my vet or check in with references first.

This type of attitude seems to becoming more and more of the norm, and some of the people that are dishing it out do not have the animals best interest in mind as otherwise I wouldn't have gotten a kitten with a temp of 106. Granted that wasn't life threatening, but for all the grief and hoops I had to go through, the said people could atleast adopt out healthy animals.

My vet requested copies of all the paperwork I was given and I included a copy of thier return policy and such. While I'm sure they honor the return part, they didn't honor their 15 day health waranty, so now my vet doesn't recommned them to anybody. I later found out that this rescue league has been doing these types of things for a number of years and they've always gotten away with because nobody bothered to speak up about it and when I approached them about paying for part of the bill for the sick animal I got from them, they blew me off. Yup! They're really concerned about him. I gave them my vets information and phone number so everything that I said could be confirmed, but they couldn't be bothered to do that either.

If I take in a rescue, I don't expect the animal to be prefect, however, if somebody is going to lecture me about the animals care and life long well being, the least they could do is take their own advice. Meh!

Oh well. We've got our puppy and she's doing great. I keep in contact with the breeder to let her know that everything and to send her pictures. If somebody wants to go off half cocked and tell people I really bought her for my 11 year old or that I'm going to leave her alone for a week while I'm off visiting relatives, so be it. I know what I did and that she isn't going to be left in her crate with a tin cup over the holidays...

Stacy December 7th, 2007 08:39:00 AM

Stacy: I wish more rescue organizations would call me and ask for a reference! I almost never get calls. Although numerous regular clients have adopted rescue organization pets this year, I've only received one call asking for a reference as to a client's suitability for a specific pet.

Dr. Patty Khuly December 7th, 2007 08:48:00 AM

This is an interesting and important discussion. I also do breed rescue, dog training, and am a vet tech. So I see a lot - both good and bad. As a rescuer, we do screen applicants carefully. And last Christmas we asked an applicant to wait until after New Years to take her new dog home. So glad we did. Even at that, she returned the dog to us after one day because he was "too much" for their family. And that was after all the screening, the talking, the education, the "take home" instructions, etc.

We do have guidelines and we do screen carefully. Would we make exceptions? Yes, and we have when the situation warrants it. But many potential adopters don't even want to be screened at all. I'd have to say that most of the people who call me asking about adopting want to be able to come pick out a dog and take it home that same day. Or they describe a home environment that is much like where many of our dogs come from in the first place. So, unless they are willing to make some changes, they get screened out early on.

As for calling veterinarians for references... That is one of our screening elements. We do ask for veterinarians' numbers for references and we ask the potential adopters to notify the vet that we will be calling and give permission to talk to us. Many people do not give us that information. I had one just two weeks ago; everything looked good on the application except she only listed the city where her vet was. No name, no address, no phone number, no way to contact the vet. She said she'd send it. Never did. That happens all too often. It is a deal-breaker for us. We need that reference. We need to know they have a relationship with a vet and that their previous pets received appropriate medical care.

My experience in rescue has been that the longer we do it the more careful we become. That seems to be true of other groups that I talk to also. Wanting to give people the benefit of the doubt falls by the wayside as the negative experiences add up. I could give many examples. But my basic point is that the guidelines are there for good reasons and each rescuer has to make their decisions based on what they see going on in their area or with their breed, which is what I think Robin was describing earlier.

Now, the other side of the coin ... bless the wonderful people who are willing to be patient and go through the screening process, who will work with us to transition a dog into their home successfully and make a lifetime commitment to their new family member. They are a joy to work with - and many of them become new volunteers with our organization and help to rescue more dogs.

Marilyn December 7th, 2007 12:37:00 PM

I hate that rescues never call your office about a client adopting. The first thing I do is contact the vet's office to make sure the people give their dogs vet care and have them on heartworm preventative. If they don't, their application goes no further. I don't always talk to the vet, because I count on the rest of the adoption process to help me determine whether to adopt to them.

I tend to agree with those who don't agree with hard and fast rules about adopting during the holidays. For one thing, what if the adopter doesn't celebrate Christmas? Adoption from a reputable rescue group is not a whim. The application may be, but those people get weeded out in the process. If I have someone I've been working with a while to find a dog and a dog happens to come in right before the holidays that would be a good match for their home, I'm willing to adopt to them if it works in their schedule. If not, I'll hold the dog until things calm down.

I did find the story about the Great Dane mix pup standing on the counter funny. However, the group was gratified that the adopter simply laughed and bought a crate that day? They didn't make sure the people knew they should have a crate before the adoption as particular as they are? I would expect any of my adopters to call me up with a "Yep, you warned us. We're getting the crate today."

Tracy December 7th, 2007 01:00:00 PM

Robin, you write: " I work with a rescue and we put a freeze on adoptions between Dec. 15th and January 10th. We do get flack about it, but we hold firm - if someone wants a pet on Dec. 20th - REALLY wants a pet, they'll still want it on January 11th."

That may be true, but it is sad you don't even bother to consider it might be best for a pet adopted out during that month. I live alone, have three dogs, work at home, any time of the year is pretty much the same. Lots of people have different stories.

Charity, you write: "well, im looking around the room here with an eyebrow raised and a much-needed round of applause for your shelter, Robin. as a groomer, i work with self-proclaimed 'dog people' and 'animal lovers' every single day. 90% of them are extremely ignorant to their dog's needs, health, physical comfort and behavioral issues ("my dog would NEVER bite! unless you were hurting her..."). now, I'll say that perhaps 75% of those families still manage to raise a dog as a part of the family, love their dog dearly, and truly mean well (even if they are unwilling to follow the simplest instruction to 'please, play with your puppy's feet!)."

Do you have any skepticism at all with self proclaimed guardians, rescue groups, shelters, and so on, or does your skepticism evaporate when someone has bothered to get a tax deductible status?

I adopted one of my dogs from an animal shelter. The contract gives that group the right to provide input on the dog forever. In 10 years, if something happens to me, this group that may have had the dog for a day or a week will still have input. Is there ever a time when the adopter is to be trusted? I worry what some people might do when a pet trust fund is involved.

I think it is important adopters be just as skeptical as rescue groups and shelters. One of my best friends came through Craigs List, and I would definitely try that way again.

Erich Riesenberg December 7th, 2007 02:40:00 PM

If I were to call somewhere about adopting a animal tomorrow, the first thing I'd tell them is to call my vet. I've been a client of hers for well over 10 years and she knows that I take care of my animals on all fronts, not just their health. I told the breeder I got my puppy from the same thing. If she wanted to contact my vet first, I was more than willing to give her the information she wanted. She still has that option as I we live fairly close and I send her pictures and weekly updates. I had a question about one of Ella's ears and she quickly responded to the information I needed to know. If she questioned what I was asking, all she had to do is make a phone call. She didn't but the option was there.

If my vet felt that I was doing wrong by any of my animals, she wouldn't lie about it or cover it up somehow to make me look better. She doesn't play those games and if somebody brings their animal in that has signs of abuse and or neglect, she has no problem with reporting such owners.

What bugged me about Kim's post was I got the impression that she automatically writes a person off before she even bothers to contact the persons vet. I don't mind the paperwork, answering questions and such, but she's taking things to a whole other level or so it seems in her post anyway. It was laced with lots of hostility and I wonder if it was really called for or not as not every person that adopts a animal is out to scam somebody. There are those that take these animals in and give them a wonderful life. I can undestand the need to be cautious and suspicious when there is a need for it, but just to unload on a person because they want to adopt a animal during the holiday season seems a bit over the top.

Stacy December 7th, 2007 05:53:00 PM

Erich Riesenberg --

Of course I have been skeptical about rescue groups. as a matter of fact, the one that holds dog adoptions every weekend outside of our store does some things I don't agree with. normally an adopted dog from a rescue is somewhere between $85 and $175, and the pet is already neutered and vaccinated, yes? Well this particular one has been known to really UP the prices on anything that resembles 'purebred'. we're talking $500 for an adult Husky, $350 for a Yorkie-- and I am not exaggerating. granted, this rescue, like so many others, does not have a shelter at it's disposal, so of course the dogs must be fostered by any number of volunteers five days a week until they get adopted. but charging a Breeder's price for an adult dog of questionable breeding is not only unethical, it's downright ridiculous.

i've volunteered as a groomer at Lied Animal Shelter, and I have participated in events for the Golden Retriever Rescue. To be honest, the tax status of a shelter or rescue has nothing to do with my opinion of it. Instead, it all comes down to the screening process. Our local shelter has counselors, and they sit down and talk to prospective parents.... but it's all rather unofficial. "are you gonna take care of this dog and give him the life he deserves?" "of course, this dog will teach my son responsibility. we promised him if he graduated 2nd grade without getting another detention, we'd get him a dog." "okay, have fun".

needless to say, this practice isn't exactly something I respect. it's also a big part of why I no longer volunteer there.

Regardless of tax status, I find that those rescues that require strict screening are nine times out of ten doing what they do for the love of the dog. Why? simply because they turn away people with cash in hand. and continue to fund each dog's room and board, sometimes out of pocket. there's something to be said about that.

this is QUITE the conversation we've all gotten ourselves into, I'm rather enjoying all of the feedback. I think it's incredible that so many people feel so strongly about adopting dogs.

charity December 7th, 2007 11:40:00 PM

I still believe that the problem isn't the time of year.... if the agency does a good job screening, each case should be judged individually. Proper screening will weed out impulse buyers.

The people who buy from petstores and puppymills are the problem, IMO. People who jump thru hoops to adopt from a rescue have already thought about it, as opposed to impulse buyers. And impulse buys support breeder who are driven by the buck, not the welfare of the animal.

I'm not saying you can't be a good owner because you bought from a store. But the odds are, you were drawn to that cute puppy and decided right then to get it. You didn't make a decision that since you want a pet, you would do some research and get what was best suited to your household. You bought on impulse, and that usually doesn't work out. Doesn't matter if it's Christmas, a birthday, Easter, whatever.

AGADORE'S MAMA December 8th, 2007 08:41:00 PM

I agree that impulse buying is a problem, but not just for pet stores and puppy mills. Our rescue group gets many calls from people who want to come and get a dog today. When we explain our screening process, some get mad and tell us that we must not care about the dogs because we won't let them be adopted right now. Then they tell us they will go to the humane society or local shelter because they won't make them wait. Our response is simply "OK."

As for the holidays,by the time we have approved someone and matched them with a dog around this time of year, we pretty much know what their holiday plans are going to be because that is one of the things we discuss with them. If they are going to be busy, have guests, etc. then we will ask them to wait until after the holidays are over before taking their dog home. So far, everyone has agreed that would be best and they have been willing to wait until after the holiday "busy-ness" subsides.

Marilyn December 9th, 2007 02:00:00 PM

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