Dog Community

So Frustrated!!! Long.....

Posted : 2/18/2008 9:23:58 PM

I have really wanted to get involved in helping with the rescue of dogs in some form or fashion. I go to Craigslist frequently and am amazed at how many people are giving away their "pets" because they are "moving and can't take him/her with me," "moving to a place that won't accept dogs," "just had a baby and no longer have the time," "no time period...." etc......... Many times it's a rush situation, like the people waited until the last moment to take action and seem to have no choice or desire to really find a good "forever" home for their animals. (I'm certain foreclosure has something to do with many of these situations, but not all.) The ones that really get me lately are the Pit Bulls. For example, yesterday an ad was placed by a neighbor of a couple with a 5-6 month female unspayed pit who has been relegated to the back yard on a chain because the couple had a baby a month ago. Um......hello.......you knew a baby was coming when you got the dog (obviously). What were you thinking???? Anyway, the neighbor placed the ad on Craigslist trying to help out. They are asking for no rehoming fee, because she is unsocialized and unruly, but sweet. I emailed her and asked her to reconsider not asking for a rehoming fee due to the potential dangers of her falling into the hands of someone with ulterior motives (breeding, fighting, etc.) She sent me her phone number and I called her. I spoke with her at length and offered my help in, at the very least, trying to find a sanctuary or rescue that would take her and keep or foster her until a good home could be found for her. *Michelle was very receptive and thankful. She told me that she has been feeding and watering the dog when she can and put a "cage" out there for her. So, I called the very few places that might possibly take a pit bull and nobody seems to want to or be able to help - for various reasons. One person even tried to make me feel guilty because I cannot foster a dog. I would if I could, but for various reasons, I can't. This is not the first time that I've encountered this. I was also told that the Humane Society is not taking in any more dogs or cats right now. This poor dog is living on the end of a chain with no life at all. No quality of life IMO. I'm just sad because I so want to help, but I guess it's not enough. Thanks for listening. :(

Liesje

Posted : 2/18/2008 9:39:00 PM

Ugh, I hear ya! I had a Craigslist issue after I found a Bichon and took him home. I immediately called the shelter - no one had called looking for a Bichon. I drove around the neighborhood and found a flyer for a lost Bichon, called the people, and they already found their Bichon. We drove half an hour during a snow storm to the emergency vet to scan for a microchip...nothing. So I posed his pics on Craigslist b/c often I see LOST posts on there. I got a dozen people e-mailing me asking if they could keep him if no owner was found. After spending some time with him, it was clear he had a UTI (peeing blood) and some sort of eye infection. I gave him a bath and found some large lumps on his chest. I sent a mass e-mail to everyone who offered to take him saying I did not feel comfortable re-homing a dog I knew was sick, so I took him to the Humane Society where he would receive proper vet care and be taken care of (they don't euthanize for space or turn away dogs, you HAVE to leave a donation with a dog even if it's a stray). A few people e-mailed me back all snarky like "well I still wanted him!" I thought to myself....ok you wanted a cute fluffy dog on a whim and tell me how much you wanted him, but you won't go to the pound and adopt him?! Sure, you wanted him FREE and convenient is all you wanted. *rolls eyes*

erica1989

Posted : 2/18/2008 9:41:52 PM

Where in FL are you? We take pits in, and have a small bit of space right now.

Many people wait until the last minute to relinquish their pets. We get people daily coming in "I'm moving tonight, and can't take this dog." Umm.. hello? You didn't know you were moving yesterday? We take animals in by appointment only, so we can attempt to best manage our space, and take in a much as possible. My favorite are the people that have found a "stray". Our facility doesn't take in healthy strays (again, to maximize our space for the animals that need it most, if we have room, we'll take it in). Suddenly, when they find out we don't take strays - it's their dog, and they had a baby, or it's escaping from the yard, or some other sob story.

Sunshinegirl

Posted : 2/18/2008 10:27:29 PM

I'm in Sarasota, not far from you. I am willing to transport the pup. Do you have a shelter or do you foster??? It would be great to help with a new, happy beginning for this girl. According to the neighbor, Michelle, the pup has had some shots, but that's it. I don't know anything else, but can find out and make arrangements to get her to you. Thank you! Lynn

erica1989

Posted : 2/18/2008 10:32:43 PM

I work for a shelter, we do take in animals from other counties, by appointments. There is an out of county fee, but it's not outrageous - $30 I think.

I'm not sure how far in advanced we are booked - it hasn't been too bad, a few days - week at most.

Sunshinegirl

Posted : 2/18/2008 10:41:06 PM

Is it a no kill shelter??? That is my goal, otherwise I don't think she stands much of a chance. I would be happy to pay the $30 and bring her.

erica1989

Posted : 2/18/2008 10:46:46 PM

We are "low" kill. Honestly - no kill shelters just don't work. We do not put down for breed, length of time spent at the shelter, age, heartworms, and the other common EU reasons.

If we cannot safely put an animal up for adoption - for fear of the publics safety - we do what has to be done. We will, however, work with the animals and do whatever we can to make the adoptable. We treat all medical issues, except for FIV in cats. She's young enough - any behavior problems can be worked with easliy.

All animals are microchipped, vaccinated, dewormed, altered, on flea and heartworm prevention before even going up for adoption.

Sunshinegirl

Posted : 2/18/2008 10:59:08 PM

From what I understand she is friendly, just unsocialized with no training. She is excitable with children and I don't know how she is with other animals. I will call Michelle tomorrow and get some more details, then get back with you. If I can help, I definitely will. Thanks again!!!!!!!!!

GoldeeLoxx

Posted : 2/19/2008 12:37:21 AM

it made me rather sad i went to three shelters as well as Boomers rescue shelter, but at all 3 of the shelters i went to almost 80% of there dogs where pit bull or pit mix's this one gray and white pit bull female she was so sweet i wish i had space for a larger dog. i also saw this male pit bull hes head was so big he came over to the side of the kennel all exsited and as soon as i touched him he calmed right down and just sat there all in love. pit bulls are so sweet i dont see how some people judge the breed. every pit bull i have ever met i have fallen in love with and some day i will own one. hope that this pup has a happy ending

erica1989

Posted : 2/19/2008 3:30:17 PM

anytime! I can PM you are admitting phone number if you want it.

Sunshinegirl

Posted : 2/19/2008 3:55:35 PM

I would love to have it for future reference. Apparently they found a home for her last night, "A young girl came and got her." So, hopefully she is on to a wonderful new start........ Thank you for the info! I wish I could open a sanctuary of my own, there is such a demand!! Thanks again!