Hamilton/Burlington spca

[Tommysmom]

Is anybody here familiar with the HBSPCA? I'm just curious if our experience is something normal or not.

My husband went to look at a dog there last night... We have been offered a new purebred JRT pup for free, but I wanted to adopt. He had a hard time because they didn't want to let him see a jack because jrt's are 'crazy'. Finally he got to see him.

Tonight we all went, me and hubby and my daughter. They wouldn't let us see him. First they said he was 'nippy', but another volunteer said that was incorrect. Then they said he could only be adopted to families with kids over 15 - which wasn't said last night. Then we were told that the only dog suitable for a young child was a puppy, which they don't have.

Seriously, is that the way it works? We've been dog owners all our lives. My daughter is in daycare at a neighbour's house with two dogs. But we can't adopt a shelter dog?

I was just wondering if this was policy or if we should try a third time.

[Love4himies]

I have heard that from many people who have young children who want to adopt a dog from a shelter (and those who don't have fenced in yards). They end up going to BYB's or kijiji because it is easier for them.

I really think shelters/rescues are shooting themselves in the foot because of their regulations. I wish they would review adoption applications on an individual basis.

Would your vet contact the shelter to serve as a reference for you?

[Tommysmom]

Our vets, our doggy gastro specialist, our doggy chiropractor and our trainer would all be happy to provide references, but these people are not interested. I wasn't even allowed to see a dog tonight because of this. I even said to the woman that I couldn't believe they recommended a puppy, an unsocialized, untrained puppy - she said well, they need supervision. Ummm, yeah - so would any dog, sheeeeeeeesh.

[Love4himies]

Then I would talk to the shelter manager. If that doesn't work, write a letter to the editor of the local newspaper.

You are a good mom and any dog would be very fortunate to be included in your family.

[luckypenny]

My guess is that, unfortunately, many shelters don't have the time nor the resources to get to know you and your family. Ideally, home visits are pretty important as well because an experienced volunteer can spend the time getting to know you and to observe the entire family's interactions with a particular dog.

In your case, like you described, several people gave you different stories. I could only assume that it's because of their individual perceptions of this dog. I think they have the best intentions in mind but, aren't sure if it would be an ideal match.

Do you know if this dog came in as a stray? Do they have any history on him whatsoever? Did you speak to anyone in charge? Did anyone even offer you an adoption application to fill out?

You can adopt a rescue. Don't give up. If not at this place, then research other shelters/rescues.

[Tommysmom]

It wasn't just that dog - they wouldn't let us see ANY dog with a toddler in the family. Nor will the Oakville/Milton shelter. And the jack russell rescue will not even accept an application from a household with kids under 6.

I think it's ridiculous, didn't know it would be this hard.

[luckypenny]

All shelters and rescues have their own set of regulations as to how animals in their care get placed. Most times age limits in the household have to do with liability. In some cases though, there's an exception to the rule.

Have you tried smaller rescues where their dogs are placed in foster homes? Usually, in such a situation, the fosters get a good idea of dogs' personalities and ideally, would be doing ongoing temperament assessments to ensure a successful match.

[BenMax]

Originally Posted by Love4himies

I really think shelters/rescues are shooting themselves in the foot because of their regulations. I wish they would review adoption applications on an individual basis.

Would your vet contact the shelter to serve as a reference for you?

I have to agree with your statement L4H. I fully understand their guidelines in some circumstances however they really should make an effort to look at things on a one to one basis. In shelters, alot of the staff I have noticed are not very well versed when it comes to animal behaviour or breeds in general. Most people are also volunteers and lack the 'instinct' on who is a good candidate for a particular animal that they are interested in as a family member.

Rescues also I find are not accomodating at times. They however are more seasoned with breeds and temperments thankfully. Again, however some are not flexible at all.

Funny story (real funny actually). I had applied for 2 dogs from 2 different rescue years ago. Both denied me a dog because I did not have a fenced yard as I lived in a condo. I was in rescue at the time as well as volunteered at a shelter so I had excellent references including my vet who cared for all my animals. Regardless they denied me. I accepted this, but I was shocked at the same time. Funny thing is now I network with one of these rescues whom I know really well, and she has told me that she has the perfect dog for me (which is obviously too late as I have my pack). We discussed this and now she understands to look alittle deeper before saying 'no'. No hard feelings for me at all, but I found this very interesting.

[JennieV]

Benmax, you were denied??? LOL
I know, we also applied at 3 different rescues after Tarzan went to the Rainbow Bridge, but from 2 we never even heard back, and the third flat-out refused, because we rent and don't have a back yard.
The thing is, I would kill for my pets, and would do absolutely anything in my power to make sure they are allright, but thats not the point, the rescues dont know me as a person, they see a statistics, of people who dump their pets after moving or having a baby, or a dog nipping on the child etc etc..
I see the point.

[Tommysmom]

Oh well, I see I'm in good company... too bad so many good homes are denied though.

I can understand their point, but it's unfortunate. Two shelters and two rescues denied us when I know we'd be an incredible pet home, just as we were for Tommy. I was trying to convince hubby to adopt a homeless animal and of course now he's not thrilled with that idea.

On the bright side, we've decided to accept the jrt puppy from the breeder and we'll soon have a new addition to our family anyway. Maybe in a few years when the little skin kid is older we can adopt another one.

[Love4himies]

Originally Posted by JennieV

Benmax, you were denied??? LOL
Isn't that incredible!

I know, we also applied at 3 different rescues after Tarzan went to the Rainbow Bridge, but from 2 we never even heard back, and the third flat-out refused, because we rent and don't have a back yard.
The thing is, I would kill for my pets, and would do absolutely anything in my power to make sure they are allright, but thats not the point, the rescues dont know me as a person, they see a statistics, of people who dump their pets after moving or having a baby, or a dog nipping on the child etc etc..
I see the point.

That's why a personal interview with the potential adoptee and the family would really benefit rescues and shelters adopting out pets. How many good families have been turned down, then the they scream they have no more room for incoming pets

[Luvmypitgirls]

Can you imagine how many more dogs will be euthanized if they don't adopt out to families with kids under 15!? That is prolly one of the most ridiculous things I have ever heard!
Why not have a meet and greet with families and their choice of dog and if it is obvious the dog could be a hazard to a young child then no don't adopt that dog to the family, but to deny a family a dog or a dog a family because there are kids is just nuts in my opinion.
I hope something good comes your way and you are able to obtain the dog of your dreams.

[luckypenny]

Not all rescues operate under such strict rules. I always call every single applicant for a foster, even if on the application they didn't quite seem like a right match. Some phone interviews have gone on as long as two hours and that's not just me asking them questions. If it seems like a possible match, I check references. If those are good, I then set up a home visit, either here in our home or in the applicant's home (mandatory that all family members are present). If the first meeting is here, I still do a home visit before approving an adoption.

Certain dogs can not be in an environment with young children. That being said, we try to expose young puppies to as many gentle children as possible while they're in our care. Every family, just like every dog, is different. It's not so much the age of children or whether or not a yard is fenced in, it's the challenge of finding the most appropriate match to ensure success for everyone involved.