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Dog adoption update
We had an unexpected disappointment in our dog adoption process. After attending 4 dog adoption events, we narrowed our choice down to 1 dog. Since he was understandably distracted at the event, and also because the foster was not at the event and we had lots of questions for her, we asked if we could meet her with the dog in a more neutral location to give him another look before finalizing our decision.
We got (what I thought was) a pretty unbelievable response...the foster would only meet with us if we agreed in advance to take the dog home afterward. Thinking it was a misunderstanding, I explained that we could not commit to adopting him before seeing him in a more natural setting. She still refused to meet with us, saying that she was too busy. She refused to even call us to answer questions we had about the dog. I was dumbfounded, I couldn't believe that a rescue organization would allow someone to foster who tried to coerce people to adopt the dog without letting them evaluate whether it was a good fit! In addition, I couldn't believe that they would have fosters who couldn't spare the time for a phone call or a meeting...we would have even driven to her house to lessen the inconvenience.
After all that happened, I was in touch with one of the leads at the rescue organization, and they basically told me there was nothing they could do and that they couldn't require the foster to meet with us. She did volunteer to go pick up the dog herself and meet us, but this didn't solve the problem of us wanting more information from the foster.
We had a week of vacation after that happened, and decided that we just were not comfortable with that rescue organization. We also felt very sorry for the dog, we heard again from the foster, who said we could only see him if we would go to another adoption event.
We decided to start our search again, this time focusing on some different rescue organizations. It's been going much better now, all the others have offered right away to have us meet the dogs with the fosters (without us even asking). I just talked today for quite awhile with a foster Mom of a dog we're interested in, and we're going to meet him on Wednesday. We have a few others we could look at if he doesn't work out, but I hope it does...I'll keep you posted.
In the mean time, let me know...what do you think about our experience with the first rescue organization?
Re: Dog adoption update
We worked with Secondhand Hounds and Minnesota Boxer Rescue - and neither were prepared to send the dog home with us right away. They prefer a meeting in a neutral place/their home/bringing the dog to you (depending on the rescue, SHH brought the dog to us, MNBR did neutral place and their home) and taking it slow. They did the opposite of rush us.
I don't know if my experiences are normal or not, but that rescue seems strange for pushing it. I'd think they'd be more concerned with a good fit than a fast adoption.
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I also feel sorry for that dog - the foster is obviously more concerned with rehoming him asap than finding the perfect home. I don't blame you at all for not wanting to meet with her if it meant you were committed to take the dog. That's not fair to you or to the dog. I am surprised the heads of the organization would be OK with that, but different rescues have different policies I guess.
You are right to move on in your search - as you know, adopting is a huge commitment and sometimes it take meeting a good number of pups before finding the perfect match. Good luck!!
- Martin Luther King Jr.
Wow, that's crazy. I can't believe the rescue would be okay with all of that.
Good luck at your meeting on Wednesday!
Tired after a long morning of hiking and swimming.
Sorry to hear this update. How disappointing.
I would really encourage you to try another rescue group or shelter. They're not all like that.
My parents also ran into similar situations with a couple of rescues when trying to adopt, which is too bad. They had good experiences with Homeward Bound (their first adopted dog) and Hawk Creek Animal Shelter (their second dog). They especially loved working with Hawk Creek, unfortunately, it's in Willmar, so it's a bit out of the way for those of us in the Twin Cities.
There are several nesties who have adopted through Homeward Bound and rave about it (Kiz & Dawn for sure).
Like Anita said, Secondhand Hounds is a really good option. I have several friends who have adopted from there.
I've heard good things about Pet Haven too.
Our dog came from Animal Ark in Hastings, that's a good no-kill shelter.
Mr. Sammy Dog
I actually had a similar experience, but mine worked out!
I used Homeward Bound Rescue. And I was actually not able to see our dog until we picked her up either. She was only a puppy and apparently had a lot of applications.
I asked if I would be able to meet her first and the foster (who was a sophomore in high school by the way!!) said I would not be able to meet her first. I would just have to come to the adoption (which was held at a pet store). Of course I loved her immediately so it wasn't a problem. I am not sure what would have happened if we didn't. I can't remember if I already made a deposit for her? I guess I could have just walked away at that time, but she would have definitely been given to another family that day if I had.