Question about typical "Dog Rescue" protocol...

2256 Views 14 Replies 9 Participants Last post by camig, Feb 24, 2016

camig

Discussion Starter · Feb 22, 2016

Hi guys, I will try to greatly condense this! I have had an incredible 15 month old dog for 4 weeks now. I got him from a man who had him for 6 weeks and had adopted him from a rescue. He did not want to return to rescue as he said he could not bear the (very large) dog being in a cage all day. I asked for medical records, he did not have them, but told me the dog was in perfect health. I noticed the dog had something going on with his eye and asked the man who said he never noticed. I researched and found out it is a corneal dermoid. Also noticed the dog’s gait was a bit off. I found out it is going to cost over $2000.00 to repair the dermoid. Insisted on medical records, finally got them. The vet the rescue used to examine the dog mentioned the dermoid and also right front paw has valgus deformity. What the heck? I thought when a rescue took in a dog, they provided all needed medical care before adopting that dog out... I really love this dog, but I in no way can pay these medical bills… is this how a rescue works? Plus, I would greatly appreciate any advice...thank you!!!

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kmes

· #2 · Feb 22, 2016 (Edited)

Not always the case...
Some rescues will pay for all medical expenses, but some do not for stuff like this... Instead they tell potential adopters upfront and should they decide to adopt, they are expected to pay for treatment.

My guess would be that the man you got this dog from was not honest with you...

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Kwenami

· #3 · Feb 22, 2016

I'd also say this is only typical of a poorly run rescue. Most in my area at least will provide everything they can, information-wise, and do slightly more than basic vet care depending on what is needed (typically teeth get cleaned and pulled when dogs get spayed or neutered before being adopted out, for example...though this isn't always the safest route, it does mean less times going under anesthetic for some dogs/cats). Some do behavioural assessments as well, at varying levels of accuracy.

traciek88

· #4 · Feb 22, 2016

From what you've said it sounds like this man you got the dog from just lied to you or did not disclose all the information to you. Many rescues will adopt out special needs dogs, with the new owners knowing they have said special needs. If it was on record that the shelter vet had examined the dog and he had this issue, then I'm sure they were aware and told the first adopter. It's possible he was told about the problem, but did not fully understand what they were. Then he found out, and pushed the dog onto someone unsuspecting like you. Have you contacted this rescue and asked them about this? If you cannot afford the healthcare for this dog (and I admit I don't know much about these problems or the prognosis for a future), then the rescue might very well take him back.

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Aspen726

· #5 · Feb 22, 2016

I would contact the rescue. It's possible that they did disclose this information to him. They may be able to help you in some way.

Grabby

· #6 · Feb 22, 2016

Return the dog to the rescue if you can't afford the medical care. Dog should have gone back to them in the first place.

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RockApChamp

· #7 · Feb 22, 2016

I have 3 rescue pups, and they all came from rescues that do everything in their power to make sure a dog is fully ready for adoption before adopting them out, period. This is to lessen the chance they end up with them back in rescue or worse at animal control with a risk of being put down. I agree with the others most rescues would be willing to help you out to make sure the dog receives the care it needs to ensure that it stays in a loving situation. Please contact them and see if there is anything they can do.

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camig

Discussion Starter · #8 · Feb 22, 2016

I appreciate your responses. The man contacted the rescue and emailed me their reply. They said they would just let eye issue go until it started to bother the dog. Also said to trim the hairs on the corneal dermoid (!!) So, apparently the man had a good reason for not returning the dog, and no Grabby, I will not return the dog back to this rescue. I am trying to get in touch with rescue to talk with director.

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Grabby

· #9 · Feb 22, 2016

camig said:
I appreciate your responses. The man contacted the rescue and emailed me their reply. They said they would just let eye issue go until it started to bother the dog. Also said to trim the hairs on the corneal dermoid (!!) So, apparently the man had a good reason for not returning the dog, and no Grabby, I will not return the dog back to this rescue. I am trying to get in touch with rescue to talk with director.

Based on this more detailed information, I wouldn't either. If you had posted this originally my response would have been different. Maybe you just recently heard back from the rescue and that's why you are just now sharing this info.

Good luck to you with your dog. I hope you find a way to afford the medical care he needs.

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camig

Discussion Starter · #10 · Feb 23, 2016

Thank you for the best wishes, Grabby! I did receive that new information shortly before posting it. Still have not been in touch with director of rescue. I did talk to someone who volunteered with this rescue for almost a year, who said rescue has a history of dumping unadoptable dogs on people. I am not sure what is going on...with the rescue, or with the man I got this dog from...
I am this dog’s 4th placement in 15 months. People have done nothing but fail him (and now it looks like I might be put on that list.) He came to me an untrained, out-of-control, frustrated 105 lb wreck. I devoted the past few weeks of my life to him, still a long ways to go, but he has made such a transformation. It breaks my heart to think that if I can’t get rescue to step up (highly doubtful) his progress could be ruined, and he might have to go to yet another place (and how will they treat him...)… all because I messed up and believed some guy I didn't even know and took the dog before reading his medical report. Yes, I have definitely learned my lesson and will never make this mistake again... hopefully not at a price this dog will have to pay….

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Rain

· #11 · Feb 23, 2016

Try contacting different rescues, and your local animal shelter, and see if they can help you get him the medical care that he needs if you are willing to keep them. Explain how you came to have him, and that you'd love to keep him but know that his special medical needs are beyond what you can financially handle. Some of those places are willing to help an owner with emergency medical cost rather then have the dog end up at a shelter or rescue.

There's also CareCredit, it's a medical credit care that can be used for vet bills.

I wish you and your poor dog the best. It's horrible that happened, and I can't imagine how difficult it must be.

RockApChamp

· #12 · Feb 23, 2016

If you don't mind me asking where are you located? And what type of dog is it? And I might be able to recommend some rescues to reach out to for help.

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TiggerBounce

· #13 · Feb 23, 2016

That doesn't surprise me :\ There are a lot of ethical rescues that will absolutely raise money and fix a dog completely before rehoming. But rescues that aren't as well funded and county/city shelters don't always have the money to do a procedure that isn't life saving. They do usually disclose the health problems to potential adopters so they know what they're getting into.

I would suggest doing fundraisers to try and earn money. Carwashes, a gofundme page, making and selling crafts etc. You can also try other things like buying and reselling items.

At least you have time to raise the money and it isn't a surgery he needs right this very instant!

camig

Discussion Starter · #14 · Feb 24, 2016

@RockApChamp...I am in DE, US. And he is a cane corso.
Thank you. I really appreciate your help!

camig

Discussion Starter · #15 · Feb 24, 2016

Thank you everyone for all the advice!

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