24 replies to this topic

[K.S. Katz]

Normally, I keep my personal problems to myself but I am so enraged right now I could burst. My son recently turned 3 and I got the bright idea to adopt a dog from an animal shelter because a dog from there really needs a home. I've been searching for about 6 months now (yes, I'm very picky) and this past Saturday I finally found the dog I wanted. He is an Akita mix with mismatch eyes (blue and brown). He has a wonderful, sweet personality and I want him. So I put down the $5 to hold him and they tell me that they're going to check out the dog and get back to me on Tues.

This morning I get a call from the shelter, they tell me that I can't adopt the dog because it has a RUNNY NOSE and they're PUTTING IT TO SLEEP.

I try to argue with this person...they put me on hold and then I get mysteriously disconnected. I call back, again and again. And there is no live person that can help me. I keep getting shuffled to voice mail.

So, because I have to work today, I am sending my close friend down to the shelter to speak to them in person. (Because I don't take no for an answer and she has over 15 years experience training K9 dogs so she'll know if they're passing her a line.)

Okay, I feel better now. Thanks for listening and that my friend and I can actually save this little guy.

[linux_lover]

This morning I get a call from the shelter, they tell me that I can't adopt the dog because it has a RUNNY NOSE and they're PUTTING IT TO SLEEP

I would put the person who said that to sleep.........

Get the US equiv of the RSPCA onto them!

[qwerty]

A runny nose??? Do they not have a vet there, so they just assume the absolute worst if the dog isn't in absolutely perfect health? That's terrible, especially if someone has already said they want to adopt the dog.

I understand the need for shelters to euthanize, but I support no-kill shelters. The place where I got my cats is run by these people who are just fanatical. They track pregnant strays, trap them when they're due to deliver, and take in the kittens. They figure the mothers are too feral to be taken into a home, but they can do something with the newborns.

If you adopt from them, you have to sign a contract stating that you'll keep them indoors at all times, you'll alert the shelter if you change address, you'll return them to the shelter rather than give them to anyone else if you can't keep them for any reason, and you'll bring them back when they're six months old to be spayed/neutered.

[K.S. Katz]

A runny nose??? Do they not have a vet there, so they just assume the absolute worst if the dog isn't in absolutely perfect health?

Oh, they have a vet there but their policy is not to treat and not to adopt out an animal that is sick. What really ticks me off is that this problem could be treated with a little anti-biotics. I told those bozos that I would have no issues signing a waiver.

[mcanerin]

I think that would be an excellent Local Interest story for your local newspaper

Interesting things have been known to happen after that....


Ian

[Bill Slawski]

And local network television might be another good alternative.

[qwerty]

Yeah, tell them you'll sign a waiver, you'll take the dog to a vet immediately after you gain custody, and if they don't accept that you'll raise a stink in the media. If the rule absolutely must be applied in all cases, no matter how minor, it's a stupid rule. We're not talking about any symptoms that imply anything serious at all.

[OldWelshGuy]

That stinks to high heaven. Like Ian said, it is the local paper for them. Also if they made an offer, and took your money they made a contract with you. I would sue them and donate the money to a non destruction policy shelter.

[mcanerin]

I can see the reason for a policy, but not the implementation in this case - it's totally mindless...

Ian

[K.S. Katz]

Okay, I have an update on this insanity. My friend got down there and spoke to the animal shelter. The dog has a SEVERE runny nose. That's it. They refuse to release the animal to us, even though we're willing to sign any type of waiver they want. They are only willing to release the dog to an animal rescue group that's willing and has the facilities to treat the runny nose.

So I called an animal advocacy group and they're going to try to hook me up with pet rescue group. The bozos at the shelter are only giving me 24 hrs to come to a resolution (less if you consider when these people close.) If I don't have a pet rescue take the dog, it's getting killed tomorrow.

So hopefully, my friend and I can find a pet rescue group that's willing to help us and get the dog out of there by end of close today.

[idrive]

I have one huge question here.... Why did they expose you to this dog as being available for adoption if the dog is not available? Don't they screen the dogs *before* people see them or become aware of their availability?

While you are contacting media (if you are) you might look up dog rescue organizations in your state/province/country, perhaps Akita rescue and advise them of the practices of this shelter. I find rescue organizations to be strong advocates of ethical behavior and they can help you possibly ;-)

If it ain't available...don't put it up for adoption... No?

[Googlewhacked]

I have one huge question here.... Why did they expose you to this dog as being available for adoption if the dog is not available? Don't they screen the dogs *before* people see them or become aware of their availability?

Actually, this is what is commonly referred to as "crate-and-switch"...

But seriously: this is just insane. I would call & send letters/emails to EVERY news & animal-rights/adoption organization you can think of explaining in graphic detail what has transpired. Heck, you could even start a website to that effect (I'd gladly offer my skills to that effect).

[K.S. Katz]

***Does a Snoopy Happy Dance***

We found an animal rescue group who is going to help us!

Basically, the animal shelter is going to release him tomorrow to animal rescue who then is going to turn the dog over to me to take directly to a vet. I've got the vet appointment setup and am picking Merlin (yes, through this I've named him) tomorrow.

See, being persistent in the face of adversity does pay off.

[lisety]

I'm glad things worked out for you and you're going to get "Merlin". What about all the other critters there? If you've got any extra energy, I encourage you to try to change their policy. Maybe you could contact local vets and see if they'd donate time to the shelter so that other animals won't have to be put down for the same reason.

Maybe we can make Merlin the mascot here
Lisety

[OldWelshGuy]

Merlin, great Welsh Name

http://www.lib.roche...ot/merlmenu.htm