adoption application denied

[rog1006]

Just as an added note: Our rescue gets 10-20 applications a week, and based on the application, interview, and home visit we determine whether or not we feel that a boxer would be the BEST FIT for the family and whether THIS FAMILY would be the BEST FIT for a boxer. We look at all sides in the time that we have and we take individual circumstances into consideration. But like others have said, when we deviate from our guidelines to accomodate, most often it turns out horribly. People think we are being judgemental, etc. but I often wish people would ask themselves "Would I want my boxer, my precious little mush face, going to this "iffy" circumstance?" (whatever the specific circumstance is) Most of us would say that we'd prefer to adopt our dog to a family that easily sails past the basic guidelines and is a wonderful home, not just "acceptable" or is an "exception" to the rules. I ask myself all the time if I'd want my Mason or Tyson going to this family and if I have some reservations, then I go over everything again or call them again, or have someone else do it to get an outside opinion. Doing dog adoptions takes so much time, and you have to take so many things into consideration. I've adopted dogs to people that I've disliked very much, but I look at their home and they are a fabulous boxer home. I've also denied people I've liked tremendously as the circumstance just couldn't be overlooked. Anyway, I hope that helps a bit to explain the rescue point of view...

 

[Claudia807]

Sometimes an applicant makes statements that are in direct opposition to our policies and frankly, many times our hands are just tied. It doesn't necessarily mean that we think they are a "bad" dog owner. It just means that our policies are at odds with their personal dog-rearing philosophies.

Also, it is difficult for those of us who volunteer for rescue when someone is VERY adamant about what they are and aren't going to do with/for the dog. The most successful adoptions are the ones where the adopter is open to suggestions and advice from the volunteer who a) fostered the dog and b) knows the breed very well.

 

[KonaKoffe]

I feel for you and understand your points. Tho we have never tired to get a dog from a rescue we would probably be rejected too because we leave the dogs alone for 10 hours a day.

Same with my parents because they live on 100 acres and don't have it fenced in.
That doesn't take into consideration that we are seasoned boxer owners, both currently having well-cared-for boxers and can afford to take care of them especially in the event they get sick.

With so many boxers out there needing homes (not like there is a shortage) I would think the rescues would look closer at specific applications that may only have 1 or 2 negatives (in their eyes) and see if special considerations could be made and the applicant worked with to resolve the concern. I realize they are busy but if it means finding a home for a boxer rather than having it live its life in a cage in a kennel I would think they would take the extra time. Especially someone who already has a dog - they can see how well that dog is cared for.

Ultimately we all want to provide good homes for these babies.

From your description I would not consider your dog as being outside. Sounds no different than a kennel. Your situation definitely could be resolved with an on site visit from the rescue.

 

[KonaKoffe]

Sometimes an applicant makes statements that are in direct opposition to our policies and frankly, many times our hands are just tied. It doesn't necessarily mean that we think they are a "bad" dog owner. It just means that our policies are at odds with their personal dog-rearing philosophies.

Just curious - If an applicant is smart and knows what answers you want to hear they would get the dog??? Do you do any follow-up on the applicants to see if they live by what they say on the application.

 

[ladyluck_t]

Just curious - If an applicant is smart and knows what answers you want to hear they would get the dog??? Do you do any follow-up on the applicants to see if they live by what they say on the application.

Yes it is very possible to snowball us into believing that the potential adopter is the perfect home, and quite frankly we run across these people all the time. Way more often than respectable, responsible owners realize. It is this very fact that keeps us from bending rules a little here and there. And yes most of the rescue's I have spoken with personally (both boxer and other breeds) insist on a follow-up interview either in the new home or by phone. (we are an "in the new home" type) But you never know what is going to happen when the "newness" wears off. Believe me, it would make our jobs so much easier if we could take a potential adopter at their word. This is a prime reason for burnout in the rescue field. There will be people who slip through the cracks on either side of this coin. It is a sad fact, one none of us are happy with and are always looking for a solution. That is why I recommend volunteering with the rescue. Not everything in rescue is fostering. There are loads of other activities that need doing and a very limited amount of people with even less time to do them. It also provides both you and the rescue to get better acquainted and maybe foster a better relationship between the two.

 

[heartsong12]

I would not be able to answer for all rescues, but yes. Follow up with adoptive parents is somethng we do. We enjoy hearing and seeing our foster babies. It is very rewarding to see a happy match.
Also, you stated that we should give a little extra time, well I suggest you volunteer for a rescue. Most of the people put in incredable hours and some put in more than thier regular 9-5 jobs. It really is tireless work. You are right we want for these babies to be safe, but what do you let slide. At some point someone somewhere has to set rules down.
I myself was turn down to foster at first. My dog was not "fixed". I was not happy about it but I could understand thier view point. (The boxer was not mine but my nephews). My nephew gave her to me, I got her fixed, and now I am fostering. You don't have to like the rules but you do have to folow them. I believe firmly that unless you are a responsible breed you should fix your dogs. And after see what I have, I fully back all the standards that are placed on the adoptive parents. You really have to see the other side here. It is not pretty.
I am sorry that you dlcenters was not approved and understand the disappointment. I would suggest you communicate with the rescue that you were talking to. They probally will not change thier minds but you may be able to find ways to help the breed you love.

 

[mmichaelson]

Quick question to all the rescues out there - the nearest rescues to us are each an hour and a half away (we're smack in between Austin and Houston). How far will you go for new parents? Next summer, after Sam's a year old, we'd like to get him a sister or brother to play with, and we'd like it to be a rescue. Are rescues willing to come for home visits as far as us??

 

[ssleighter]

Both Legacy (Dallas/Austin) and Lone Star (Houston/Austin) will adopt to the Austin area (I am unsure if NCBR has ever done so), and we work well together so shared apps between our groups are common. It isn't about which group places a dog, it's about a dog being placed, period.

If you're closer to Houston, most likely Lone Star would be the way to go, but we're here if they don't have a match for you when you're ready.

 

[mmichaelson]

I may talk DH into it sooner than he thinks - he think Sam is unhappy by himself. Silly man - he doesn't see Sam smiling all the time. I can certainly agree that Sam needs a playmate. . .the time WILL come, sooner or later, and we WILL be filling out rescue adoption papers, so someone will hear from us sooner or later.

 

[ladyluck_t]

I can't speak for the TX rescue's, but a 1.5hr drive for an adoptive home is quite an expense (think gas prices ) For us, we would do it on a case by case basis. It would depend on lots of things:
1. Gas prices are outrageous now, and that usually comes out of the pockets of the volunteer.
2. You are talking a 3-5 hour time commitment on behalf of the rescue personnel.
3. You are talking several 3-5 hr time commitments and gas price for you to come visit the foster dogs until the "right" one is found.
4. Another 3-5 hr time and gas committment on behalf of the rescue person for the follow-up interview.
5. And lets not forget all the Long Distance phone bills that are paid out of the volunteer and your pockets.

Again, I would recommend that you contact the rescue now, (email is the best at this point) ask them what their policies are, and perhaps ask to help them if they have somethign for you to do. Even though you are not ready for a dog right now, by getting to know the rescue early, they may be more willing to work with you on adoption later. No guarentee though.
Whoops, sharon beat me to the punch!
I did forget to add though that sometimes the rescues might have people in that area who can do the interviews, so all my points above would be moot.