An old friend of mine, lost her best old friend about 6 months ago. I was relieved when she called and asked me to help her look for a new pal. She and her husband have decided a puppy would be to much, so the target age is about 5 years old and a girl dog. Oreo agrees....We went over questions to ask to make the match a lasting one. I always think adoption is the best if the shelter has an animal that will fit into your homelife. Elderly people offer an excellent environment for elderly dogs, of course temperament is everything, and if active grandchildren are going to be visiting often talk that over with shelter staff. Don't be timid about pressing questions, this is for the animals well being as well as your own.
Question number one, is the actual intake date of the animal, they do try to dodge that bullet, but if they won't tell you; find another shelter that will. There are a few happy stories about a dog that made it on the 15 th home, so thank Heaven they kept trying, is the motto of some shelters; I disagree. Repeat adoption on the same animal says someone is not forthcoming to the adopters, or not really listening to the potential new family. There should be full disclosure as to the reasons given for surrendering the animal, not personal to the home, but relevant to the animal being placed. Trying to put a better face on the animal to get it out the door, is dishonest and cruel since the animal runs the risk of being abused when the undisclosed behavior turns up; and it will turn up. Some shelters try to circumvent responsiblility with a dog meet dog session, which proves nothing except the stupidity of the person who thought it up. You do not want your dog being part of some shelter's temperament testing...
A good shelter will have copious notes about the animals in their care, and the notes will be posted on the website; avoid shelters that promote impulse adoptions. It is so unfair to the animals caught up in the maelstorm. People who are ready for a forever relationship will make some effort to find the right one; and they don't want to be coerced into the wrong one. Again, read my font, no blue light specials !!
If the truth about the animals condition will keep it from being adopted, that could still be the kinder path. Better to wait, than go to the wrong home.
One final word of caution; check the conditions. Is there overcrowding ?, don't let anyone explain to you why their case is different. If the shelter is overcrowed the medical and emotional needs of the animals suffer greatly, that is a stafffing / management issue, not for the general public to clean up. I like our local SPCA, it announces proudly, Locally Funded !!
Our other shelter is run from out of state and actually gets grants for adopting out dogs with medical or behavioral issues. Most people are looking for a pet, not a patient, and few in this economy can take on huge vet bills, and back the animal comes. I hope my friend finds her new girl soon, her vet is helping, and it will be a wonderful home.
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