How am I supposed to adopt a rescue dog if rescue centers are so difficult to deal with?!?

Question

I'm planning on getting a dog, and EVERYONE says ..." adopt from a rescue, don't go to a breeder." and all the rescue sites say " rescue a dog, and don't buy from a breeder."

Well, I apply over and over and they say I'm not suitable!

Sure, I have a 2 story 1100 sq foot town home and I make enough to support a dog, and I don't have children but... becasue I'm under 25 and I rent- I'm a "risk."

okay okay, I GET that they want the dog to have a stable home. but If i havent moved in 4 years or changed jobs and I'm not planning on it- doesnt that show stability?

isnt it hhypocritical to tell people to adopt and not buy and then decline them?!

I've gone to shelters and they only have really large dogs.

I guess i'm just going have to buy a dog.

I live in California- I've gone to all 4 shelters in the area. and they only have large dogs.

I don't work 8 hours a day, and I walk every day 2 a day. I had already thought of that. I've had a dog before and I know they have accidents and they reqire lot of care.

and, actually I am married.

and, as a matter of fact- I DID go to college! I didn't say I had been on my own for 4 years, I said I had been living in my apartment for 4 years. your assumptions are absurd! your are just are as bad as the shelters!

Answer 1

I know many of these California rescues and shelters don't have the requirements of owning a home..Perhaps you should put in your zip code, and then search a little larger area..I know I would drive several hours to find the perfect companion..Lindsay Kennel has Chihuahuas, and other small dogs, ( it is a high kill shelter, as is Visalia) Lemoore and Handford are desperate to place their dogs..
Just check out here, and put in your zip, but look a little further, to the crowded ones in Riverside area, or the central valley.> http://search.petfinder.com/search/search.cgi?action=1&pet.Animal=Dog&pet.Breed=&pet.Age=Baby&pet.Size=S&pet.Sex=&location=CA&preview=1&scope=0&x=14&y=7.

these little guys are only allowed to live 10 days> http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=7238180

this is a high kill shelter with several wonderful dogs> http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=7137089
Here is an organization to help you> http://www.amrt.net/photos_of_shelter_pets.htm

Answer 2

If the laws punished the abusers of these animals as harshly as they should be, the rescue centers wouldn't exist at all.

If they are being this hard on you, it would seem to me that they are not placing these dogs in very many homes. I have adopted dogs and I will never do it again. I never realized how many problems these animals have. Physical problems as well as emotional problems. Most of them cost you a fortune in Vet bills.
It is sad that there are humans out there that can ruin animals and throw them away. Some of them can't be trusted not to attack people for no reason because of dog's abused background. It is not the poor animals fault, but you have to have the patience, time and money to help the dog.

I bought a purebred after much research on breeds and one that would fit into our homelife. I have never been sorry. When you purchase a purebred, you know the qualities you are going to get and the personality. You must be sure the breeder is excellent. You can tell when you go visit if it is a good breeder or not.
This could be a blessing in disguise for you. Match a breed to your personality and life. That is half the fun. I wouldn't trade my boy for anything. Actually I am going to buy another one from the same mother/father he had. That is how happy I am with him.....

One last thing. DO NOT buy a puppy from a pet store. You know nothing about where it came from and usually it is from a puppy mill. My boy came from small breeder that treated the parents and the pups like children. The disposition of the parents does come thru to the pups. So be real sure of the breeder.

Answer 3

Oh my gosh...your story could be mine!

It got so bad that I ended up spending the money to get my dog from a reputable breeder. The breeders put me through a similarly grueling application process, but actually took the time to get to know me, rather than outright deny me because of where I fell "statistically."

ETA: Buying my dachshund was the best thing I've ever done. He's been the best dog EVER and I've been nothing but thrilled with him. He's three years old and the apple of my eye :).

Plus I got a show-quality (but bought him with pet papers), amazingly wonderful puppy for just a little bit more than the ridiculously expensive adoption fees. I was looking for a dachshund, and the average going rate of a rescue agency dachshund puppy was....$300. Crazy. Going through the pound, if you can find a small dog there, is definitely a better option. Around here you can actually get put onto waiting lists for small breeds and they'll call you when one comes in. Then you can have first dibs to meet-n-greet :).

I agree with you...a lot of these so-called "rescues" end up either hoarding or charging outrageous prices for their pups. There was a rescue on petfinder that was actually auctioning off a little dapple dachshund because so many people were interested (!). Horrifying...

Supposedly there are good ones out there if you keep looking. Good luck!

Answer 4

Rescues are very cautious because it is there goal to place dogs in a permanent home, not one where the risk of them getting dumped is high.

They look for:

Most rescues don't adopt to families with young children, so with you not having kids that should be a plus for your application.

Are you working? If not, that could be why. They may be concerned about vet care funding.

As far as renting...did you get permission from the landlord or apartment manager to get a dog? If so, get it in writing and fax it, take it, or mail it to the rescue shelter. They may be concerned the dog is not allowed in the rental unit.

Go to http://www.petfinder.com and do a search for your zip code. I'm sure you will find a medium or small dog to suit you there.

Don't give up. Maybe you applications have been turned down because the dog isn't right for you. The perfect dog may still be waiting for you to find him or her!

http://www.libertydogtraining.com

Answer 5

I've gone through the same thing... I love pets and am responsible... And either my fiance or I are home nearly 100% of the time... He works days and I work nights. I'm "at risk" for the same reasons.

So we decided to find someone with puppies from the local paper. We tried to look for a family rather than a breeder and someone who wasn't registering their puppies- seems more likely they are just pet people, rather than breeders. Yet I still feel like a local breeder is better than the pet store...

My mom and I were talking about all this the other day. She said that when she got her dog from the shelter the paperwork was 10 pages long. 10 pages! I know they're just trying to place a dog in a loving home with people who will take care of it... But that much paperwork is enough to make people want to look somewhere else.

Answer 6

Before you -purchase one, do some more research. Look in the classified in your local newspaper for postings from people looking to give their puppies or dog(s) to a new and good home. I got my dog from a friend who's boyfriend's dog had puppies! I've had her for two years and love her!! Also, check out your local shelter, the Animal Humane Association, etc. My mom adopted a "rescue" dog last December and its not a big dog. There are so many puppies, dogs, cats and kittens that need good homes that would otherwise be euthanized or dumped somewhere. If you need any help I would be glad to assist you. I don't believe that someone should have to "purchase" a dog rather than adopt for a small fee or better yet, for free!!

Answer 7

I know you're pain. I live in Columbus, OH and I tried to get a dog from the Franklin County Dog Shelter and they gave me so much hell. I wanted this lab mix and they said I don't have any lab experience, so I wanted a jack russell terrier and I didn't have any Jack russell experience either, so then they said since I never "owned" a dog just grew up with one, even though I trained, fed, & bathe the dogs I don't have enought dog experience.

I found another shelter called Pets Without Parents and I love my Pitbull mix he is so funny and crafty. I would adopt every other dog I ever get from them if I had to get a dog. So, if you're in Ohio go to Petswithoutparents.net

Answer 8

Well.....you have to understand that we know what these poor babies have been through already and want SO badly for them to be in good homes. For me anyway if there were nearly ANYTHING I could do so that all these dogs could have good homes I would do it. If I could die so they all could live I would. So you have to understand where we are coming from. Being you have been there for 4 years I would consider you after a home visit if I felt your funding was OK and you could spend a decent amount of time with the dog each day. At any rate, look in your local paper for FREE TO GOOD HOME ads. These are the dogs that will end up in testing labs or as target practice for wretched kids. That way you are still rescuing a dog in a way.

Answer 9

Most rescue centers are looking out for the pet. A lot of smaller breeds need a lot of attention. Would you have a dogie door so the pet could go outside whenever it needed to. If they had to be kept indoors all the time it could cause depression on the animal. A breeder would sell you a pet but only if they knew you could take care of it properly. If you don't have a dogie door would the pet be able to get out every 2 or 3 hrs. to pee. How would you feel if you had to wait until your owner came home to go....
Think about it...

Answer 10

I have been with boston terrier rescue for about 10 years and have never turned an applicant down because they rent, we just require a notarized letter from the landlord. Age also has never been a factor. I'd love to help you but we only work in the NJ area. Keep trying - please - and don't buy a dog!!!