Ranting about rescues.

natenqen

Dispite what some of you might think on this, it has nothing to do with people who complain about not being able to get the help they need from the rescue or can't get ahold of anyone about a certain dog because something wasn't done right yada yada yada. No this is something new. No one in the lower 48 or even in Canada has this problem because everyone can "drive" down.

As most of you know, I have been researching a certain breed for a while now. (The papillon) And almost every reputable breeder has told me I should try for adopting a papillon from a rescue first. In which I reply with Papillons are so rare that the rescues in Alaska don't have papillons even mixed papillons.

See, the thing that pisses me off is when I go to Petfinder, the only area closest to where I live have nothing but huskie mixes, lab mixes, germanshepherd mixes, ect.

I actually had found only one, ONE papillon in my area and that one papillon was adopted out. Sure there are tons of Papillons in the lower 48 (mixes and all) but rarely do they ever allow their dogs to be shipped out of state. (Of course I see there reasons, but if they want to get these dogs to approved homes, they might as well look into shipping as well.) How many reputable breeders out there ship their dogs to potention owners who meet their requirements? Many. Why not rescues?

So, for someone who really wants to own a Papillon, (a rare breed here in Alaska) can't except to go threw a breeder. Do I really want to go threw a breeder? Not really. At first thought yes, but that was because there were no adoptable papillons in my area.

So, for people who want to adopt from a certain rescue can't because of where they live. Even Canada and that's close to Alaska than Washington or any of the other 48 states.

I guess I'm just ranting and need to let off some steam. So, yeah what are your thoughts on this?

pawzaddict

I dont blame them for not wanting to ship a dog....what if you got the dog and did not mesh well with it? Then what? Now you turn it over to another shelter. This is NOT what shelters want...they want people to come meet the dog so they can determine if its demeanor and personality are good for them. Also think of how stressful a flight would be on a dog who has been in a shelter for who knows how long awaiting a home.

Why are you having a hard time with a breeder? Have you thought of contacting your shelter about maybe allowing you to be contacted when they get one in? They are NOT a common breed found in shelters anyways, maybe find a home who has one and needs to rehome theirs.

natenqen

Funny you should say that. Here, go on Petfinder.com and type in papillon. You will get many papillon and the papillon mixes and all are based in canada and lower 48. (there are tons of them that I would love to adopt, but can't because of where I live.)

And I understand the reason why they don't do it. I really do, but still it's frustrating. As for the breeders, they mention it because there are many out there in their neck of the woods that need homes after all, the only thing the reputable breeders are interested in is getting the best quality dog for themselves, not for others and the ones who don't make the cut, get put into forever homes on a spay/neuter contract. (Which is fine by me.) and they usually have a waiting list. (Again fine by me.)

I'm just frustated is all. (It doesn't help that Animal Planet has hosted a new show Last Chance Highway.) I wish they could help those in alaska to get pets.

Mikey

I think you should consider going yourself. I would never expect a rescue to 'ship' to me, I've adopted in Calgary (3 Hours) Saskatchewan (6 hours) and Vancouver (14 hours)-I never asked once if they would ship. When I look for a new furbaby, I serach within a 15 hour drive radius as I can do that in a weekend round trip. And I wouldn't ever ask a rescue to foot the bill etc to ship (not that your asking them to foot the bill but rescues are busy they can't look into shiping)
Your next option is to look at truckers with love or soemthing-its an org that will drive an adoptable dog to the home with a volunteer trucker who is making the commute themselves.


And to boot. If you cannot find one to adopt re-contact the breeders and let them know. And let them know your also interested in retired breeders (if youll rescue why not buy an older dog too?).

Anyways what I'm saying is, the drive is worth it, and don't expect too much from rescues. They aren't mcdonalds or any big business. Most are completely volunteer run and cannot even look at options like shipping. Not to mention shipping an animal doesn't sound good at all.

pawzaddict

Yea most are mixes, thought youi wanted a pure bred lol sorry. They aren't very common where I live except in the rescues that charge 300 for then.
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Mischief

There are rescues who do ship but I doubt you have an easy time finding one with a Pap that they cant find a home for more locally. If you were looking for a beagle, there are many rescues that will work with you to get the dog to you.
Once you pass their screening process and provide them with all they need, including the shipping costs, upfront, they will make the arrangements for you to pick up your new dog/pup at the nearest major airport. They even have a return policy if it doesn't work out and they will take the dog back, but again, that is usually for dogs that are plentiful in rescues and I wouldn't think that paps are.

I'd also suggest a retired breeder as well. Often those dogs get overlooked and it's unfair because they are every bit as wonderful as a pup and usually have many many good years left in them and they deserve a forever home just as much as any other dog. So if travelling isn't an option for you, and the rescues wont work with you because of your location, then working with a reputable breeder would seem like a good alternative.

Criosphynx

FWIW I have never NEVER seen a pap in a shelter here, Iam in a highly populated area with lots of small dogs. And there are alot of dogs in the system here, of nearly every breed, maltese, poodles, pugs, yorkies, poms, pekes, you name it. In fact I've only laid eyes on a pap in real life once that I can recall right now.

Heres my take, I work with animals, and we ship worldwide. Shipping an animal on an airline is not easy peasy honestly. I don't know whats required for dogs, but lets just say its probably not as simple as tossing them in a crate and shipping them...

First you need to go out and buy the correct crate (time/money) then drive to the airport (more time/money) and keep your fingers crosssed it all works out...rescues are run by volunteers, they barely have enough people/time/money to keep fosters fed/vetted....IMO its likely a "too much effort" / not enough resources sort of thing...all for a high risk adoption (since you've never met the dog and they can't check on it).

anyway, I understand your frustration, this is why I never set my heart on a specific breed anymore Iam always happy with whatever comes along anyways.

Joe

Done "rescue" more years than I probably care to admit.

First question is why do you have your heart set on that breed of dog? Did you own one before?

Ditto. I don't have expectations, and I've never had an animal dissapoint me.

I've never shipped a dog (we always do a home visit), but if a dog were to be returned, who pays for the flight back to the rescue?

ScentHound

mmmmmmm, Papillion on whole wheat toast with melted provalone cheese. I think I will make some gumbo now.

Ditto Paws.

Mischief

The same person who paid for the flight there - the person adopting.