Wednesday, August 07, 2013

Thanks. But No Thanks.

So here's a rant of a different flavour:

We've been missing our dog Maggie.  If you missed that part of my blog posts, you can read about her Here and Here.  David and I have given it great thought and decided that we have so much to offer a dog, but really want to wait to adopt.  We're busy and are enjoying not being tied down for the moment. 

Since I'm in rescue, I hear things.  I knew there were several dog rescues that interest me,  and filled out a foster application for one of them.  I was really careful about what I wrote - knowing what they were probably looking for and wanted to be diligent and honest.  "Yes, I can drive the dog to vet appointments;  Yes, I can have adopters to my home;  "Yes, I can meet adopters at THEIR home;  Yes, I can give medication;  Blah blah blah blah....

I received an email response 4 days later:

Dear Beth,
 I am writing to you in regard to your application to foster for ****** dog rescue.  Although we appreciate your interest, and thank you
for applying to our foster program. It has been determined that at
this time we are unable to use your services.."
They went on to say that I was DECLINED to foster a dog.  Seriously.  Me!!!    I feel angry, humiliated and incredulous.  We have a fenced-in GORGEOUS yard the size of a fucking football field and they think that we're not suitable as foster parents???  
They didn't even have the courtesy to CALL AND TALK TO ME.  

David thinks most rescue people are nuts and even he raised an eyebrow. 

Somewhere there's a dog that needs out of a shelter, or is going to die that needs us and THIS RESCUE didn't think we were good enough. 

I'm too pissed to write any further.  I'll post comments - maybe somebody has some  insight.  

17 comments:

Judi said...

Maybe they don't like cats?

Really, that is one of the most absurd things I have ever heard--I'm sure there are other rescues that will be glad to have your help.

Connie - Tails from the Foster Kittens said...

wow.. simply wow..

the part of my brain that was bullied as a kid says that maybe someone bad mouthed you to that shelter at one point.. Even if that was the case it still seriously floors me..

Connie - Tails from the Foster Kittens said...

maybe it is 'at this time'?? Maybe they are so lucky they have more homes than dogs??

yup grasping at straws

Debbie said...

Well if you wish, I know you will definitely be able to foster for Golden Rescue !
That other rescue is missing out on a wonderful foster home :)
Sometimes I think they think cats and dogs don't get along!!!Silly people

Connie said...

I'm simply shaking my head. I also remember when I moved here I applied to adopt a cat from a popular rescue in the larger city - I was turned down. Yet many years later and after being known to them through you - I was 'wanted'. Goes back to the old age statement - not what you know - but who you know. I see constantly in my professional life that peolpe who are truly UN-qualified make decisions everyday based on nothing other than their ignorance. I am sure they are other places that indeed have a dog who needs you and David and will fill your home and hearts with continuous gratitude and love.
Keep looking - I did - and see where I ended up!

Crystal said...

What right do they have to judge before meeting us and speaking to us in person...it is really really sad. I remember when I first decided to get involved with cat rescue I too was "declined" by two rescues because I already had 2 dogs and 2 cats and even because I had 3 children and a husband lol:( No one even offered to come out and meet my crew or visit my home. I am so grateful that you and your rescue gave me and my family a chance to "save" some lives...6 years later and nearly 150 fosters forever home. We are so thankful for your open mindedness and never ending support:) The right rescue is just waiting for you to find them..there is one out there just as you were for me:) *hugs*

Random Felines said...

that is just wrong!!! and honestly, the reason rescues get a bad rap. I have had so many people tell me that "so and so rescue" turned them down - and these are people that, after a nice conversation, I would let have one of mine (OK - not really....but you get my point). one more point in the "you can't fix stupid" column.

shannon said...

you know when I was trying to adopt a dog four years ago I had the hardest time. All because I didn't have a yard and lived in an apartment. I understood that I couldn't get a huge dog. I was looking for a small dog. I searched at least 15 rescues locally and couldnt find anything. They all turned me down because I didnt have a yard. One even asked if I smoked cigars. I understand they want the best for the animals but I think I am one of the most loving caring animal owners out there. I do anything for them and even though I ddnt have a yard at the time I lived very close to a park and am very active. I assured them that the dog would get plenty of exersice regardless of a yard. I just couldn't get anyone to adopt to me. I know many dogs died while my home was ready and waiting. I think they need to be more realistic. Not everyone has a picket fence and a huge yard. I know people here wont agree with this but I was forced to find a dog from a breeder. I did my research and made sure they were reputable. I like to think Idid everything right. I am madly in love with the dog I have today and think it must have been fate. She is such an angel. The perfect dog for me. I just wish they would give more people a chance

Heather said...

Who the hell are they looking for???? That's just crazy.

T said...

Oh Beth! How gross. I foster dogs through Speaking of Dogs Rescue. You can google them and go on their site and they have an application for fostering. We are always looking for awesome homes. I have fostered 5 dogs with them, and Lorraine, the director of the rescue, is amazing. They are very diligent, they will come to your home to have a look, maybe make some recommendations on some changes, and they are an absolutely fantastic resource if you need anything! Please check them out, and tell Lorraine I referred you. And I do agree with David, a lot of rescue people are a little crazy :)

Caroline said...

Hey Beth, do not give up, I know you won't! Try another rescue group. Each rescue has different experiences with different people, we don't all look at things the same way so it was probably just a misinterpretation of something they read on the application and related to previous experience. The right foster dog is waiting for you. Not all rescues are legit so maybe the refusal was due to their knowledge that you knew too much and might catch on to them!! Keep trying, you'd be a treasure to any rescue!

Anonymous said...

Beth, if you ever want to take Luna off my hands, let me know. She's great with cats now. :P

Sorry you had a less than stellar reception in the doggie fostering world. But don't give up! I'm sure another rescue would be thrilled to have you! You know better than most that the right fit between volunteer and rescue is super duper important, so you're still just looking for your perfect match. :)

The Lady said...

Sometimes rescues shock me. Then again, they don't.

I mean, no call, no follow up questions??? It's just weird.

Monica said...

Adopt-a Dog Save a Life in Toronto is always looking for foster homes and I am sure they would be happy to have you as a foster parent. They are an excellent rescue as is Speaking of Dogs as T mentioned.

Devon said...

YOU? Of all people. I have no insight for you. I just think they're nuts.

Christine Gittings said...

holy crap!!! you have got to be friggin kidding me?!?!?!! This rescue has no idea what a fantastic foster home they have just given up. I'm stunned, I really am. Wish I knew the name of this particular rescue cos I would love to mock them publicly.
I've heard all sorts of tales from people who've tried to adopt from these rescues. I know some wonderful people who have declined. Believe me I get it, I really do, but sometimes they're a little too rigid. They want the help and they want the dogs adopted but often times they shoot themselves in the foot.

Strayer said...

Oh my gosh, that is nuts! I'm stunned! You'd be like the best fosterer ever for any rescue.