Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
If you have questions about this, please email help@theknot.com.
Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
Rescue advice needed-WWYD? (sorry-long)
I lost my dog Hanna in December and have recently begun thinking about getting a new dog. I applied to a lab rescue in my area, exchanged emails with a woman and was basically turned down because Hanna was not on a heartworm preventative due to vet recommendation. We were dealing with other medical issues and she was tested for heartworm when needed. I specifically asked her to contact my vet initially but she only spoke with the front desk. I contacted my vet and she wrote an email to the rescue explaining everything. Saturday I get an email that now they want to do a phone interview.
Before I get her email on Saturday I applied to Labs4Rescue and heard from 2 adoption coordinators almost immediately. Tonight I spoke with the foster of a dog in LA and also the home visit coordinator.
I'm a bit put off by the first rescue because they didn't take the time to get the facts initially and now they want to speak with me. However, all of their dogs are in fosters and I am able to meet 3 dogs before I decide.
Labs4Rescue dogs are also in fosters but I would be adopting sight unseen. Hanna came from the SPCA so I met her and spent about an hour with her before bringing her home.
WWYD? Should I pursue the first rescue, although they process may take longer? Has anyone ever adopted without meeting the dog first? I'm so torn! Thanks!
RIP Sweet Hanna girl 12.4.11
Re: Rescue advice needed-WWYD? (sorry-long)
Personally, I would want to meet the dog first - even if the process is longer. It would be horrible if you brought a dog home and it just wasn't the right "fit". Spending time with the dog in an environment he/she is familiar with will give you a GREAT idea of their general personality so you'd know what exactly you're getting yourself into - I have a feeling you might already know this!
Adopting a dog sight unseen (so to speak) is a bit of a risk - if you're willing to take this risk and you think it's right for you - go for it! Is there anyway you could even see a video of the dog before adoption (from Labs4Rescue) before bringing him/her home?
I personally wouldn't adopt a dog without meeting them first. I know that it's worked out well for a lot of people, but it's just not something I'm comfortable with.
I say just trust your gut - maybe try and get more info about the different dogs and see what feels "right."
Good luck in making a decision!
Life and Love at #16 | our married life blog
I'll preface by saying that I'm biased because I fostered for L4R and really like them as an organization. Are you looking at a particular L4R dog? Because they have fosters all over so there may be a dog within driving distance.
That said, I wouldn't necessarily write off the other rescue. Personally, when there are extenuating circumstances, I think it the potential adopter's responsibility to make sure the rescue is aware of relevant information. I think providing an email or letter was the perfect thing for you to do and once you did it, they were satisfied. That makes sense to me.
This for me too.
Also, I volunteer for a rescue and I see the other side too... things can be so overwhelming with paperwork, calls, emails, requests, etc. that I can see how they would have just taken that info from the front desk and drawn that conclusion in haste. Not saying it's right, just that a lot of rescue workers do this for free in their spare time and sometimes stuff is rushed. I think it's worth giving them a second chance for the sake of finding the right dog for you. If things consider to be handled poorly, then you might want to drop them, but I would personally probably forgive them this first error.
Thank you all for your perspective. I am going to continue with both rescues so I am able to find the dog best for me. I totally understand rescues are often manned by volunteers and am impressed with how quickly both have been with communication. I know they were just doing their job and I think I took their first decision personally. Thank goodness for my fabulous vet! There is one particular dog I am interested in with L4R but I haven't heard from her adoption coordinator yet.
I do not want to rush into anything. I do have a cat at home and need to take that into consideration. Hanna was so easy, although she had some health issues. I was spoiled as an owner! Thanks again! I'll keep you posted.
I forgot to say sorry for your loss. I feel like a jerk!
I'm very sorry for the loss of your pup and I think it's great you are saving a life by adopting... what a great way to honor her memory!
I was coming back to say this as well. I'm very sorry
It sounds like you have a good plan moving forward with the rescues. I hope you find a good match.