Bad rescue?!!!
13 post(s)
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Thu 10 Jan 2008 12:29PM PST
swalburn
23 post(s)
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Since adopting Lucky I have wanted to get involved in pit bull rescue. I contact a group and they said they would be glad to have me. However I sent them several emails and they wouldn't tell my of any opportunities to help, except fostering. So I sent an email asking questions about fostering since I am still new to rescue. Here is the response I got from the leader of the rescue group. Be prepared, caus it really made me angry.
So, to answer your question, if you want to foster puppies, you would need to be prepared to vet them. I just cannot take on any more expense. After today at 5:30 p.m. (picking up Amie at Berclair) I will have two puppies to care for plus 8 adults,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, and I constantly get a stream of calls and emails. I just received one for a 5 month old that needs a home. Same old story. Her female got pregnant and she found homes for two puppies but still has the one and must get rid of her "yesterday." I warn you - you will hate people after you start fostering dogs. You will see the darkest side of humanity that you can imagine. If I were you, I would sponsor and not foster - it will be MUCH cheaper in the long run. Sponsorship is a one time donation. Fostering is a long draw out process, ranging from one months to several months (for puppies) and 8-10-12 months fostering an adult. Sometimes I regret that I ever got involved. It is literally breaking me down physically and mentally dealing with so many dogs and I can help so few.
It just bothers me that some one would offer to help and you give this kind of reply. Is it just me or is this somewhat wrong? I appreciate the info
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Thu 10 Jan 2008 12:46PM PST
TinaValant
845 post(s)
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How about opening with, Thank you for your interest!
The rescue person sounds very stretched to her limits. It happens a lot ;-( Maybe she was just having an off day? You might contact her next week, and say you are still interested in helping, but are looking for a hands-on opportunity.
Typically, when you foster (I have 3x) you pay for food and care of the dog. In a few of the bigger breed rescues, they give you a monetary allowance and/or food, HW preventative, etc.
There are many ways to assist: evaluate, transport, donate (not just money, but used collars, leads, bedding, towels), attend/organize fundraisers. I applaud your effort and enthusiasm.
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Thu 10 Jan 2008 12:52PM PST
swalburn
23 post(s)
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Well this isn't the first time she has kinda sent me an email like this. Everytime I ask if there are any upcomming opportunities she acts like I am bothering her. I did find a newly forming rescue who is more than happy to have me help with fundraisng, writing their newsletters etc. She also got snooty yesterday with someone who had five pit boxer mix puppies told the man she was not going to "enable him" its not the dogs fault, she didn't even give him other suggestions, the humane society or other rescue groups.
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Thu 10 Jan 2008 01:00PM PST
TinaValant
845 post(s)
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And rescues/shelters WONDER why they can't get/keep volunteers? Sorry you are having this trouble. On a happy note, it just means that group is not the right one, for you. What about your local shelter/humane society? Often, they offer incredible training.
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353 days ago
aussie6pk
147 post(s)
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WOW....I am with you, Tina! I have done rescue for quite some time and I would NEVER have written such a thing even on my worst days. While it is true, you do meet some real sub-humans, the vast majority are the best people you would ever want to meet. I always found that my foster homes, volunteers, and adopters enriched my life, giving me more than I ever anticipated.
You are too kind, Tina... She needs to get out of rescue if that is how she thinks.
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353 days ago
TinaValant
845 post(s)
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Thanx for the laugh, A6pk, you "doing rescue" is the UNDERSTATEMENT of the decade (this lady is a rescue MACHINE).
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353 days ago
aussie6pk
147 post(s)
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WAS, Tina...was....now I am an old injured Grandma who keeps her hand in rescue as best I can. (Like you don't???) My experiences have garnered some decent advice though. Experience is a good teacher but we all have something to learn and something to teach, don't we? :))
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352 days ago
qbstacy
2 post(s)
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I am replying to this group for the first time, and I have to say Tina, when I think of rescue, I think of you... you have such a big heart and are such a doer... now onto the rescue person being not so nice, that isn't acceptable...I have been on the receiving end of that before, with our local shelter and I have never gone back to help... they were so rude and wouldn't give me the time of day... yet these people beg for help in the local papers etc... strange!
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352 days ago
itsallmine
114 post(s)
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I've seen this before in volunteer situations, both dog related and others and I think what happens is that while most people mean well and really have good intentions, sometimes it is just not meant to work out.
Society tells us quitting is bad, especially when they truly do want to help so they stick with it, dealing with the stress. They hear all the stories behind each new arrival and it sickens and angers them and of course it comes out eventually. I'm not even involved in the hands on dealings everyday that go on in rescue but some of it angers me to the point where if I did what Tina does and some others do here I would end up in jail. I'm not making a excuse for anyone, just trying to see both sides. I once answered a petfinder ad "Is there any hope for this girl?" it was a humane society and they never returned a e-mail or call so I'm not defending these actions. |
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352 days ago
aussie6pk
147 post(s)
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Excellent post itsallmine. Having recently run the gamut of those emotions myself, they are all valid. And yes, we put more pressure on ourselves than society ever could. To be honest, the dogs are the easy part because they are so unconditional. It's the people and the politics, and for those who try to go it alone, the financial aspects as well as lack of support. If anyone has ever worked retail, or any service type of industry you know what I am talking about. Some people just can't be pleased.
It's easy to get overwhelmed with the magnitude of the problem. I can't count how many people have asked me how I can go to a shelter and not come out in tears. We each have our own coping mechanisms and mine was to focus on what I CAN do, not what I canNOT do. I have a particular breed that I work with and would go there looking for that breed. (Even that elicited slams, but once again, each person has to do what their conscience and heart tell them to.) While in a shelter I make eye contact with each and every dog and speak to them. It's a very small thing, but it might have be the first and last kind words they ever hear. It's all I could do as an animal-loving human. We have to accept the fact that we can't save them all....it's just not humanly possible.
As far as you doing what we do....believe me, if it's what is in your heart you won't be arrested. You just turn that energy around and put it all in the dogs, because THAT is what it's about.
And in reference to this particular rescuer, maybe Tina or I can contact them (if the info is provided to us) and give her some resources so she won't be so burned out. It's sad that she spoke to someone in that manner....on my worst days I never would have done that. So maybe we can help, even if it's to let her know that possibly rescue isn't for her and that is okay too. It's not for everyone.
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345 days ago
TinaValant
845 post(s)
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A6pk, again you are the voice of reason ;-) ~ There is only so much any of us can do, and certainly every tiny bit helps, from donating your towels, dropping off bagels to the volunteers, walking shelter dogs, evaluating, transporting, fostering, attending fundraisers, and promoting rescue/adoption.
It's a sad, sad day when a rescue reaches the level where good people (willing to help) are turned away.
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344 days ago
sanchodixie
141 post(s)
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I have never and will never even come close to the level of rescue that you guys do but what aussie6 said about giving each dog a look in the eye and kind word really hit home. Even the days I don't really feel I can possibly walk them all I always take time to talk to them and hold their face in my hands. I tell the shelter manager that we are having a ''heart to heart'' before we go out. I guess if you get to the point that you get nasty maybe you're burned out. Guilt that you can never do enough is just part of the whole thing.
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344 days ago
aussie6pk
147 post(s)
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It's not how much you do; it's the fact that you make a difference. Obviously you make a huge difference in many dog's lives, and when you follow your heart you make a difference in your own life as well.
Have you ever read the story about the starfish by Loren Eiseley? http://muttcats.com/starfish.htm
I have also found the words from the Garth Brooks song, "The Change" to be a great source of inspiration. While many have tied it to the Oklahoma bombing, I find it running through my head whenever I am on the way to a shelter... http://www.planetgarth.com/lyrics/the_change.php
In fact it probably sounds insane, but I even have a tattoo based on this line.... This heart
Still believes
The love and mercy still exist
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