Comments on: 3 Ways I’d Really Change Dog Adoptions

By: Greyhounds CAN Sit

Greyhounds CAN Sit — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 11:13:02 +0000

Great post and equally awesome comments, Pamela. I think it needs to go viral. So much sound advice and wisdom that should be taken on board by all manner of dog adoption/rescue whatever organisations.

I got Beryl on a Foster to Adopt programme to make sure she and Frankie were compatible.

By: Donna and the Dogs

Donna and the Dogs — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 21:01:39 +0000

First, I did not realize you got flamed for your other post. I had read it and thought it was cute, and I did not think you were 100% serious – but I certainly understood the point you were making. Sorry to hear others were offended by it.

I have to say this post is full of really good ideas, and as much as I am an advocate for shelter dogs, I think adopting from rescue groups or purchasing from a reputable breeder is often the best way to go for a first time dog owner. Rescue groups and reputable breeders often make themselves available for the very things you state, especially mentoring, as I’ve experienced it myself.

Two of my dog came with mentors in the form of their former foster moms, (Meadow and Harley), and both of them were invaluable in helping us figure out how to handle certain situations that we were not equipped for. Plus Meadow’s foster mom watched her for us when we went away and we’re too nervous to leave her with anyone else.

I try to pay that forward by helping others, and have even had others email me for advice which I’ll gladly give – but I won’t offer advice anymore without being asked, because (1) Some people take offense to advice and (2) When they don’t follow I advice and things go wrong, I often find myself frustrated. It’s happened several times. 🙁

By: Pamela

Pamela — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 16:42:37 +0000

In reply to RumpyDog!. Such a great comparison with religious proselytizing. Especially since the most effective missionaries are not those who argue people into believing but who make people feel part of a community. Gee, Rumpy, I guess dogs really are smarter than humans. :)

By: RumpyDog!

RumpyDog! — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 13:01:33 +0000

What I have learned is that I really have no control over what other people do. So while in My perfect world everyone would treat their dogs the way I would like them treated, this world isn’t that way, and so I really have no control over what you or anyone else does.

What I DO have control over is in speaking my mind, and in doing my part to try to influence others to be more responsible. I also have control over reporting people who abuse or neglect animals to authorities. Other than that, if you want to trim the coat of your long-haired dog, or walk him on a retractable leash, or feed him store-brand dog food, then that’s on you and your dog. If you ask me (or read my blog), I’m going to tell you why I don’t care for that (and why the leash is unsafe), but you’re not breaking any laws.

I am afraid that some people take the same license with animals as certain religious sects do with proselytizing. I don’t care for either, and I feel in both cases, more people are turned off than on.

By: shanendoah@life by pets

shanendoah@life by pets — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 20:13:58 +0000

I had a very long reply about mine and C’s dream planned dog community, but I decided that it would make a better post over on my blog. 🙂
But I do agree, community is key.

By: BentNeedle

BentNeedle — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 19:06:11 +0000

Yes, yes, and yes. I think things like this are slowly coming to fruition in more places, but as another commenter mentioned, a lot of adopters may not remember or even realize that they are available. A lot of people are sadly still in the mentality that providing food, water, and shots are all they have to do for their pets…I know when I was a kid, socialization for a dog was something my parents had never heard of, and even anything other than Wal-mart dog food was out of the question because it was “too expensive to spend on a *dog*.” I found other dog mentors, thanks in most part to the winsome and gregarious nature of my dog, but not everyone is so lucky.

By: lauren

lauren — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 18:09:11 +0000

In reply to Pamela. That's another great idea!

By: Julie

Julie — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 17:22:48 +0000

We have several different friends that have adopted a puppy and then used us to bounce questions off of (we are in NO way experts, but we tell them what we tried and techniques that we have read about). I think the main thing is to let adopters know that they are going to have questions and that they shouldn’t feel bad about asking them and reaching out for help when they need it. I love the idea of a “foster to adopt” and I often suggest that people foster a dog before they actually adopt if they are on the fence or don’t understand the commitment that it takes. An Adopting 101 class would be great too! It sounds like it would also be a great on-line course to offer 🙂

By: Pamela

Pamela — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 16:31:59 +0000

In reply to lauren.

I love the Adopting a Dog 101 class. I’d take it!

Our trainer also has a service where he’ll accompany a family to a shelter or rescue to help them evaluate a dog to make sure they find a good fit for everyone. I thought that was a very interesting service and one I would definitely take advantage of. Perhaps that might be a side offering for you as well?

You have a lot going on in your life, don’t you? You’re a trainer in training and your dog is on his way to becoming a stuffed animal (hopefully)! It’s a big year for you!

By: lauren

lauren — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 16:27:24 +0000

Great post!

I fully intend to offer classes very similar to what is mentioned here once I am officially a dog trainer. A sort of Adopting a Dog 101, about how to prepare and maintain, etc. And I hope that I can become the somewhat-official trainer of the rescue we got Desmond from (that I’m still very much in touch with), so they can encourage adopters to make me their next call after the vet. 🙂 I would offer a discounted package for them and everything.