I went this past week to three shelters. I am looking to give a good home to a shih tzu or shih tzu mix, any age, boy or girl. from 8 weeks to 15 yrs.
I was approved at all three but at the one, the director said "aren't you being a bit snobby with having to 'just have' a shih tzu or shih tzu mix?"
I was floored! I told her that I was not a snob for liking and wanting a certain breed or breed mix and that she had an attitude problem. Also told her that there are plenty of shih tzu and shih tzu mixes needing homes and that she might want to find another line of work where she didn't have to deal with humans at all and people walk out of shelters and buy because of people like her in shelter work.
The other two shelters were fine and put me on the list for what I was looking for. I had to prove income, living situation (I own) vet I would be using and reasons for wanting to adopt a dog.
Am I a snob or was this shelter director (who btw did approve me) just being nasty?
2007-09-29 13:42:47 · 25 answers · asked by thefinalresult 7 in Pets ➔ Dogs
nomo, I am not being "snobbish" by incidently stating I own. Two of the three shelters I was approved at do not adopt out to those who rent. I think this is unfair but their reasoning is that too many who rent bring the dog back when they have to move or the new apt. owner doesn't permit pets and that homeowners, generally, don't have to worry about this. This is the shelters rule, not mine. You read way too much into this benign incidental remark which I only stated as an indicator of my abilty to adopt from these particular shelters. Thanks for your answer, though.
2007-09-29 14:04:49 · update #1
She should be glad that your deciding to adopt at all, so what if you have a specific breed you want, it would be easier for you to just go to a breeder, but instead you decided to do the right thing and adopt
good for you
Your not a snob at all, that lady is a jerk...
2007-09-29 13:49:45 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 9⤊ 0⤋
No, knowing exactly what breed you want is not being a snob; that's the reason why we went out and ended up buying a Shih-tzu pup (well actually rescuing him from a family that decided they no longer had the time for a puppy). We went to many shelters around here and none of them had any small dogs, let alone Shih-tzus (the small dogs up here get adopted out as fast as they come in).
I think you are being responsible by only looking for the breed that you know will fit your lifestyle. After owning 2 Shih-tzus myself I don't think I'll ever want any other breed, these little ones just stole my heart they are so lovable and cuddly.
2007-09-29 21:03:10 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
There's nothing wrong with knowing what you want, and sticking to that. I assume you've done your research, looked into various breeds, and the qualifications that a shih-tzu has are what you're looking for and what you think will work in your life, not just because "they're cute". I agree 100%...when you've decided on what you want, then that is what you should get if it's available. Like the time I went in to buy a pulling truck. Got soooooo honked at the salesman because he tried his best to convince me "Oh now honey....you don't need that great big dually extended cab, with the transmission cooler and the diesel engine....and the tow package....this little F-150 will suit you just fine." URGH!!!! I told him..."Yeah, and when I hook my horse trailer up to that widdle biddy truck, are you going to take it back when it keels over and dies???" Enough about that, back to your situation....something to think about....you might look online or see if there's a chapter in your area....I'm sure there are lots of shih-tzus in shih-tzu rescues that would sure like to have a loving home. As a plus to going through a responsible rescue, they seem as a whole (not saying all, or that all shelters don't) to put a little more time into temperment testing and such of the dogs they are attempting to adopt out.
2007-09-29 21:01:58 · answer #3 · answered by twhrider 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Not at all. This person was probably having a bad day and took it out on you. You obviously know that a small dog is good for you and that the shih-tzu is the right kind of dog for you. You're not being a snob, you just know better then her what kind of dog you are ready to accommodate.
She might of also said that because shih-tzu's are a popular breed and she might be feeling like they are favoured and the less popular dogs are being left out.
Hope you find the right dog for yourself soon!
2007-09-29 20:52:58 · answer #4 · answered by Lambkins 2 · 5⤊ 0⤋
No way are you being a snob. You have every right to choose the breed you prefer. What would be the point in say taking a Rottie when you only have room for a small dog such as a Shih Tzu? You choose the breed that suits you not what suits someone else.
If anyone was bing a snob it was her, although I would say she was more rude than anything.
Hope your little one comes along soon. Good luck!
2007-09-29 20:57:55 · answer #5 · answered by Mr. P's Person 6 · 7⤊ 0⤋
She was just being a pain. You will be the owner of the pet so it is up to you what you want to adopt! Problem is, she deals with people all day that probably want a certain kind and she is up to her neck with dogs that nobody really wants. Don't take it personally she may have just been having a bad day! Good luck finding a Shih-tzu, they are my favorite too!
2007-09-29 20:50:29 · answer #6 · answered by ttipton24 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
The person who was rude to you seemsto have an attitude problem, or having a bad day or even year. Some people take their anger out on other people. Could be that they just are so angry at all the animals they see being put down that they cannot any longer comprehend why someone needs to wait for the perfect breed instead of taking the breed they play with everyday voluntarily who is about to be euthanized. That person just may not know how to deal and handle their own grief. You aren't snobby , you just know what you want and the type of dog that you will need for your current lifestyle.
It's admirable to look first at rescues and humane societies, think nothing of it.
2007-09-29 20:49:54 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 1⤋
I don't think you're being a snob. It's good that you know what you want and what you can handle in your life. It's also good that you even want to do this and that lady should've realized that. Not everybody opens their home to a rescue dog, so you are definitly not being rude. It's better knowing what dog you want then getting any dog, having problems with it, and taking it back to the shelter. The lady was just being a jerk and she never should've said that because like I said, it's not a usual thing for a person to be willing to open their home to a rescue animal. Thank you for wanting to adopt and knowing what you want to adopt!
2007-09-29 21:12:43 · answer #8 · answered by Dachshund gal? 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
She was just being nasty--some people only look for a certain breed because they like that breed or because maybe they need that kind of dog (i.e. non-shedding, small, etc.) You're certainly not a snob for especially looking for a shih tzu in a shelter!
2007-09-29 20:48:45 · answer #9 · answered by Anya 3 · 5⤊ 0⤋
You are not being a snob at all. You know what breed will fit best into your lifestyle and you are making a good decision to stick with that. That is not snobby at all, even if you wanted only a purebred. There are plenty of dogs of all breeds in shelters so there is no reason to settle for anything other than what you want.
2007-09-29 20:46:58 · answer #10 · answered by Shanna 7 · 9⤊ 0⤋
no don't worry! Everyone prefers a certain breed. You need to choose one that fits your energy level and life style and if for you that's a shih tzu then whats the problem?
It's her not you! I have a Maltese and that's the best dog for me(i suffer from allergies) so am i a snob?.....NO.........
Don't pay any attention to her hun, I think its awesome your adopting/saving a dog. Best Wishes to you and ur soon to be shih tzu Pal!
2007-09-29 21:04:21 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋