Are Rescue centres over cautious

[Illyria54]

I can fully understand the need for rescue centres to closely 'vet' prospective adopters, but do you think they are too cautious? The reason I ask is this, this afternoon i was talking to a lady who like myself has kept dogs (all rescues) for over 40 years, she recently lost an old dog and decided to adopt another, she visited 3 local rescues all bursting at the seams and was turned down by each and every one of them and the only reason I can think of is that they thought she was too old, she is in her early 70's but still quite able to walk a dog and to look after it properly, she is financially able as well so vets bills not a problem, and she has a well fenced in garden, she wanted a small dog to keep her company since she lost her husband, she got so upset about it that her son took her to a Jack Russell breeder and bought her a lovely little dog, so a poor rescue dog has really dipped out, it is such a shame, i know not all rescues are so narrow minded, but how many do you have to visit in order to find one.

[vicky2498]

Yes I think that they are over cautious, ive been trying to rescue a kitten or cat but they didnt want to give me one because I have a 12 month old baby. It is down to the owner of the animal to be responsible and decide whether it is right for them to have a certain animal. I bought an 8 week old kitten instead and she is brilliant with my baby. I NEVER leave them alone together and have had no troube yet. Although I do agree that if an animal has a disabilty or has been living in the wild for some time I think they need some who is fit and healthy and has the time to look after them properly.

[Illyria54]

It is so frustrating, I have brought up 2 children around dogs without any incidents at all and I have always had German Shepherds and various large crossbreeds, i have taught the kids to respect animals, and to leave them alone if they are eating or sleeping and also when it is very hot, dogs get crotchety in hot weather, it's good for children to grow up with animals obviously you have to be watchful, I just get so angry that good people are being told they can't adopt when there are so many animals in desperate need.

[elaine33]

Last year I wanted to get a kitten or cat and tried Cats Protection. I made nine phonecalls and not one of them was responded to. I tried the Blue cross but they turned me down as we live 500 yards from the main road of the village. I live in a cul de sac and to the back of the house are fields and a wood. Even though I told them the kitten/cat would not be allowed out at night they just did not want to know, but were very keen to steer me towards a 12 year old cat with health problems who could be an indoor cat. In the end I got two kittens - brothers - via my vet who let me know about them. They were going to be given to Cats Protection but I got them first. They are lovely little chaps, They play in the garden for a couple of hours in the morning before I go to work then they come in for a snooze and have another couple of hours in the garden in the afternoon before coming in for their evening meal then it is upstairs on mummys bed for the night. I know these centres have to be careful and I myself hate the thought of any form of cruelty but I do think their strict criteria puts people offf and then people who let their cats breed indiscriminately find a market for the kittens. (I hope all that made sense)

[Illyria54]

It made perfect sense elaine33, I have answered a question the other day along similar lines, I wanted to rescue a German Shepherd 2 years ago, because me and hubby had a lot of experience with them we were welcomed with open arms and could have taken our pick of all the dogs we were shown, however, 2 of them were ex guard dogs (trained) 1 wasn't good with children and the other 2 were bad fighters!! The ex guard dogs in my opinion should never have even got to a rescue centre they should have been put to sleep as you would never be able to trust them and probably the others should have been as well, so that resources could be used on dogs that have a good temperament and would be able to re homed without worries, some people slate the RSPCA saying that they put healthy dogs to sleep, but if those dogs also have aggression issues, then they are doing the right thing and also if other rescues are being so 'picky' then of course there will be overcrowding so the RSPCA have to prioritise, this situation will never get any better all the time these places are discriminating for no really good reason.

[woofgang]

well I reckon if an organisation trains a dog to guard then it has a duty to support it in retirement, not dump the poor thing in rescue!
Quite a few years ago now DH and I considered rescuing a dog. It was the beginning of december (around the 7th, we had long leave can't remember why) and wouldn't have been going back to work until after new year. I worked part time, we were longtime dog owners, our old chap had just died, large secure garden, no kids, financially stable, not wild socialites....and we got turned down because "we never rehome during december because of christmas" We carefully explained that we would arrange our christmas around the dog...no parties, not go out, let alone away, but no "we never rehome in december........"

[suzi-q]

I think they are a little over stringent. We wanted to adopt an adult cat from a rescue centre and weren't allowed because we have a dog. (Who incidentally has been bought up with cats). It was a straight no from the centre because the cat had been bought in as a stray and they didn't know if he was used to dogs.

[meltoadhall]

we tried to get a red setter (already have one) from several rescue places that rescue setters and were told - wait for it - we were too young !!! wouldnt even give a home check, all done over the phone.

Both of us in late 30's early 40's, too young ?? they wanted people who had no children (we have 3) or grown up children, people who would spend every waking hour with the dog - my husband works - just not allowed !!

these centres say they want to rehome but are silly about their criteria, we now have a gorgeous collie cross bitch who needed a new home.