I understand your frustration, but there is another point of view that I'd like to share with you as well.
After I adopted Klee (we all know that story) I felt really uncomforatble with the rescue down here because they seemed hesitant to doubt Arlene's motives or to remove her from thier volunteer list. Next they wanted references from my neighbors after Arlene spread rumors about our other dog, etc. I felt really awkward about this because I'd already gone through the adoption process, Arlene had visited my home, and had adopted a dog to us. (I did provide references just so that the rescue would know that I am a really good owner). I'd also offered to help with replacing some of Arlene's duties like going to the shelter to see if there were boxers there, and work with CUR - I never heard a word back from them about what we wanted to do to help boxer rescue. After that experince everything was really hard for me because I wanted to work with people I felt good about and that seemed to feel the same way about me. I didn't feel that was the case and that's how I do all of my business, and many people feel this way too adopting a pet should be no different - for some of us it's not always about price, it's about the realtionship you have with the people involved.
After Klee was gone, we still wanted to rescue, I wanted to work with a different group, other state rescues said they couldn't help me get a boxer because they have a policy of not sending boxers into a state where there are so many unwanted dogs already and they couldn't do a home visit. I had explained the reason why I felt I'd rather get a boxer from another rescue and I offered to videotape the house and to let the rescuer come to visit or send friends any time they vacationed near us in FL. I really felt like they felt that I wasn't qualified to have a boxer if I didn't want to work with my state's rescue. The world is a smaller place and more and more people are working across state lines. Really these days, you can determine alot about someone from talking on the phone, asking questions, sending emails, etc.
Rescues don't seem to want to work that way. Rescues all seemed to have the feeling that everything should be through whatever rescue is in your area - period. What if you don't like that one? I never really liked Arlene and never really felt good about getting a dog from her (and later I discovered why those instincts were the right ones, but I ignored those instincts because it seemed like it was the only way I could rescue a boxer in my area.)
After Klee was taken from us, about a month or so later we got Casper from the Dade Co. Animal Shelter instead of a boxer rescue org. It was hard decision for us. And I did not enjoy the shelter visits and seeing all the unwanted animals there knowing I could only take one, we did it because after everything happened the way it did, given the loyalty that rescue groups seem to have to not working with anyone in another rescue's "territory" it seemed the best option available if we wanted to save a boxer. (And we did want to save a boxer rather than buy a boxer puppy from a breeder.)
I think it's great that rescues want to make sure that everything is the best situation for the dog, but it is possible to judge people's motives and situations without home visits, breeders do it on a reagular basis.
I just thought you might want to know that I can understand if these people have a good rapport with the distant potential owners. After all, they may feel that they are chosing the best home they can for the dog. My personal feeling is that if the best home is in another state, so be it.
I asure you Casper is a loved, lovable, and lucky guy and I would have hoped that any rescue would be glad to have placed one of their babies in our home because it is a good one no matter where it is.
Sorry for this being so long.
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mama to:
-Sumi, lab mix "pound puppy"
-Casper, white boxer rescued from the Dade County Animal shelter
First of all, I sincerely hope that the family with the boxer in WA does plenty of research before the dog is placed. I think the dog should go to the best home that matches the dog, regardless of state. That very well may be you, spiritfinder. A dog is not just a possession, it is a life and has feeling etc. Considering that the dog in question is a boxer, I hope that family realizes it is even more human-like :D !