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Imagine that you are adopting a dog out of a shelter or a rescue. You chose the dog, not only because of his adorable appearance but because it was a well reasoned, thought out plan to save a furry heart from certain doom. Like most rescues, you are interviewed, fill out forms and pay your fees. But, what if, through no fault of your own, that adoption is no longer working out? You would expect to be able to go back to the rescue and explain the issues without being called out on social media or harassed.
The problem with rescue and shelter dogs is simple: you don't always know what kind of history they have had before you get them. A dog who is completely docile and laid back in the small cage he is used to may suddenly turn rambunctious and even out of control once in a larger, more open room. Taking any dog, whether it is a freebie dog from a newspaper ad, a shelter dog or a pedigreed pooch from a local breeder is a risk - no breed is immune from the so called "bad apple", that one dog that just makes the whole breed look like slobbering maniacs. While we all want to hope that we have picked the fur sweetie that will complete our family, sometimes that is just not the case at all.
Situations change and while it is not ideal for a dog to be given away because of selfish reasons like new carpet or more complex reasons like a new baby, sometimes that is the best solution for both the family and the dog. But, when it is a matter of your own personal health, that is when returning a dog to a rescue should be the obvious, next step. If that health condition is one that makes it painful or even dangerous for you to continue trying to walk the dog that you have come to love, you have to protect yourself and the dog. But, not all animal rescues understand the nuances that go on once they finish their interviews and approve an adoption. They may view a possible returned pet as a failure but it is clear from some of their reactions that it is not going to be their own.
In reality, when a health or personality issue forces a dog to be returned it is no one's fault. The adoption was a good one. It is a good family. It is a good dog. It is just not a good fit. Animal rescues have to remember that it is heartbreaking enough to have to give back a fur baby, negativity only makes it harder, for everyone.
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It is the sad truth that shelters would be so cruel, like the previous owners of the pets they take in! You would think they would be more amenable to taking a pet back if necessary. The other side of the coin is to be sure you are healthy enough to handle whatever may come with the new pet! I know health changes happen and then it's time to maybe find a good home on your own before having to return the pet to the shelter. Great article, Amie!
My friend had RA, which is manageable for her, however, the dog was also showing some real signs of male aggression and protectiveness toward her so he was a liability. She took him back to the shelter that she adopted him from and explained what was going on. They were very nice to her face and then she found out that they were blasting her on Facebook, saying that the dog had been abused, neglected and improperly crated. It was really sad because she struggled with the decision to take him back for weeks.
I am very sorry to hear that! I wish people could be more considerate in today's world!
That's is a very true statement, you just never know. Gayle
Thats very true, I appreciate you bringing it up. The shelter I worked at was awesome about understanding and taking a dog back. But I heard of some shelters that would threaten to euthanize the dog.
A friend of mine adopted a dog but she has RA and the dog was just too much for her to handle. She brought him back and they are posting things on Facebook about this dog like he had been abused and are just being horrible to her.
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