monkeybear
Posted : 6/23/2007 7:05:16 AM
I actually didn't apply in advance of the adoption day, so I didn't have a home check prior to the adoption. I went to the adoption day to help out and "just look"... whoops [&:]. Anyway, I filled out the application there, spoke with one of the adoption coordinators for a while, and she confirmed that Riley would be a good fit. Then we took a little "getting to know you" walk and went through the paperwork. They did a follow-up home visit a week or so later to make sure that everything was as it should be, answer questions I had, etc. There is also a phone number you can call to contact them with follow-up questions, concerns, etc.
As far as what they look for... what impressed me was that I didn't get the "there is only one type of perfect dog owner" vibe from them. What they strive to do is to figure out, for each applicant, what dog would work and what dog wouldn't. For example, my initial age preference for a dog was in the 1-year-old range, but, as the adoption coordinator pointed out, a 1-year-old lab is maybe not the best choice, given that I live alone and work full time. A slightly older dog can handle being at home alone for a stretch without eating all of my furniture [
].
They definitely will want to see that you've thought through how much of a lifestyle change it is (if it's your first dog in a while), that, if you don't own your home, your landlord is pet-friendly (I had to have an executed copy of my lease with me to get approved), etc. As with most rescue organizations, they are very specific about having all pets spayed/neutered, and pets must be indoor - no sleeping outside in a dog house. Also, if for any reason the adoption does not work out, or if (even in the distant future) something happens in your life that would necessitate giving up the dog, they must go back to Lab Rescue.
This has gotten very, very long, so I'll stop there. If there's anything else you'd like to know, please ask. Overall it's been a great experience. Not without its challenges - Riley is still a little anxious at times and is inexplicably terrified of men with military haircuts - but it's incredibly rewarding to know that you've helped give a dog a new start!