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PetHobbyist.com
Rescue Panel
A panel discussion with guests representing TLC Lab Rescue,
Adopt a Husky Rescue,
the Dane County Humane Society,
Specialty Purebred Cat Rescue,
Wisconsin Chinchilla Rescue,
Small Scale Reptile Rescue,
Mid Michigan Herp Rescue.
March 2, 2007
PHAbymom: On Behalf of Jeff Barringer, myself and all of us
at Pethobbyist.com, we welcome everyone to our Rescue Panel Discussion
this evening as a part of PetHobbyist's 9th Annual Chat Week.
Tonight we have a wide spectrum of rescues represented. We would like
to welcome the members from Adopt A Husky Inc, Specialty Pure Bred Cat
Rescue, Mid Michigan Reptile Rescue, and Small Scale Reptile Rescue.
With this eclectic collection of rescues, our topic this evening will
go further into what exactly a rescue is. Many people aren't really
sure what the difference between rescues and humane societies are. Who
does neglect complaints? Who does special needs? Why are there rescues
when there are also humane societies? Why are there such a difference
between requirements of each rescue? How do you raise money? The government
funds everything you do right? Why do you charge so much!? Are you no
kill? If not, why? Where do your animals come from?
All of these are questions that are common to both shelters and rescues.
Tonight we would like to give the panel the chance to address them.
You will see many different perspectives to the topic depending on who
you ask. With representatives from so many different areas, we hope
you will learn a bit about these groups and their passion for animals,
and why they do what they do.
PHAbymom: If all the groups could take just a moment and introduce
themselves for our audience that would be wonderful.
MMRR: Mid Michigan Reptile Rescue has been in operation for
12 years. Located in Bay City, Michigan, we are primarily a mother/daughter
operation. We will aid in the rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption placement
of all reptiles with the exclusion of venomous. We are board members
of the Michigan Society of Herpetologists and members of the Chicago
Herpetological Society. www.michiganreptilerescue.org
PHAbymom: Thanks, MMRR
PureBredCat_nr: Hi I am one of the board members of Specialty
Pure Bred Cat Rescue. We have worked with shelters and rescues nation
wide to assist in placement of pure bred cats. We are one of the few
pure bred only cat rescues in the US. Last year we placed over 500 cats.
Our website is www.purebredcatrescue.org
SmallScaleRescue: I am a volunteer for Small Scale Reptile Rescue
which is located in WI and serves the state of WI and IL. SSRR has been
in operation for 12 years starting initially in iguanas and slowly expanding
out to all reptiles and inverts. We work closely with local humane societies
and animal control facilities to aid in placement of reptiles. We also
work closely with breed rescues in our area to assist as needed.
iresqsiberia_nr: AAHI: Adopt A Husky, Inc. is a 501c3 Siberian
Husky rescue that came into being in September, 1998 when a dozen people
sat around the picnic table in my backyard and decided that together
we could do more for our chosen breed than we could individually. We
now number over 100 volunteers in MN, WI, IL, IN, OH, the St. Louis
MO area and the Pacific Northwest and eight years after beginning we
placed our 1,000th Siberian Husky. www.adoptahusky.com
fireladie: Is there any reason people pass over perfectly adoptable
pets? Some great animals seem to stay in shelters for so long... just
to be passed over for another dog/cat/ect... Even if these animals are
perfectly well behaved, great beautiful animals? I used to foster, and
that is one thing that got me... that alot of the dogs, no matter how
adoptable, just couldnt find homes.
PureBredCat_nr: Its personal preference... Cat wise people are
looking for certain things... age, if they have claws those are always
factors for people choosing cats.
KMS: I live in southeastern MI and I have several pure breed
Exotic short hair cats. I'm having a hard time finding a rescue that
I can take my cats too. I want to find a place that is a no kill, so
that these CFA cats can be placed into another loving home. Please point
me into the right direction. These were once show cats.
WiChinRescue_nr: sorry im late I had an adoption.
PureBredCat_nr: YEAH! ADOPTION
iresqsiberia_nr: Why do they need rescue?
PHKeeper: Wic Great
PureBredCat_nr: What is the reason for surrender?
KMS: We are expecting our 2nd child and my wife and son have
developed allergies to them.
PureBredCat_nr: You can contact the CFA pure bred adoption program
or you can contact us through our website. However there is always a
space issue as well as getting the cats to their rescue location.
KMS: So I should email you.
PureBredCat_nr: yes
KMS: Thanks I'll lookup you site - is there a phone number as
well on your site?
PureBredCat_nr: We are a low kill group. However we are not
no kill.. We euthanize for SEVERE behavior or health issues only.
KMS: No longer showing them haven't in a few years.
PureBredCat_nr: Visit our website.
KMS: Thank you I'll email you over the weekend.
PHAbymom: KMS, I'd like to invite you stop in to our rescue
chat on Monday evenings at 10, we can perhaps help you better there.
MaryNY: For those of us who do general rescue, what is the best
way to get advice on specific breeds that come to us that we are willing
to help, but aren't very knowledgeable about.
WiChinRescue_nr: Ask questions.
iresqsiberia_nr: Contact the breed specific rescue!
WiChinRescue_nr: Vets and other shelters are willing to help
PureBredCat_nr: Contact the rescues! We are here to help as
much as possible! While we cant take in what you have always, we can
help educate
WiChinRescue_nr: It is part of our code of ethics to have people
knowlegdable help out.
MaryNY: Is there anywhere I can find a decent list of these
without spending valuable time searching?
WiChinRescue_nr: What particular breed rescue are you speaking
of Mary?
iresqsiberia_nr: We will help with information, education, support
of virtually any kind. We cannot always take the dog, but we also offer
another rescue a spot on our website.
PureBredCat_nr: Look for email groups for breed rescues in your
state.
MaryNY: Right now I have a baby sibe, but other times it's been
other breeds.
iresqsiberia_nr: Where are you located, Mary?
SmallScaleRescue: Also talk with local shelters and humane societies
- they often know of breed specific groups you could talk with
MaryNY: Rochester, NY
WiChinRescue_nr: One specific animal type? such as only dogs?
iresqsiberia_nr: If you will email me offline I can point you
toward support in your state. Not right in Rochester, but definitely
in NY.
MaryNY: Thank you. How do I e-mail you offline?
iresqsiberia_nr: Check out our website for the generic email
address, and indicate in the subject line that you are seeking Lois.
PHAbymom: What makes a rescue different from a shelter?
WiChinRescue_nr: Rescues are privately run and maintained. They
are geared more to a specific species as well.
iresqsiberia_nr: In our case, the dogs are fostered in a home
situation allowing the rescue to both evaluate their temperament and
suitability for one type of home or another, as well as provide basic
obedience training, housetraining, and other things that make the dog
more adoptable.
SmallScaleRescue: many, many things...rescues are usually privately
run - meaning NO state/local funding, all people involved are volunteers,
and are specific to a "type" of pet - specific breed etc
PureBredCat_nr: Rescues have more of a specialty... With our
cats often breeds like persians are more prone to illness in shelters...
WiChinRescue_nr: We deal more with the socialization of an animal
as well.
PureBredCat_nr: We can get them into a home environment and
get them in a quiet place... Cats breeds like Abys and Siamese often
stress heavily in the shelter.... so that they can be adopted out as
a more well rounded animal
iresqsiberia_nr: And because a rescue is geared to a specific
breed, the volunteers have a depth of knowledge about the breed which
a shelter that handles all dogs simply cannot provide.
PureBredCat_nr: exactly... We can suit special needs a bit easier..
Shelters are heavily overcrowed at times and the one on one many animals
in rescues gets put aside when taking care of a herd
PHKeeper: Small Scale Do you just take in rescue Aquarium fish
or others also?
SmallScaleRescue: we have taken in fish in the past, along with
inverts like tarantulas, however the majority of our animals are reptiles
- snakes, lizards
KatieKalico: PureBredCats, do you require proof they are purebred
? I have done transport for Maine Coon Rescue and they will often take
in any cat that has MC characteristics regardless of no paper work available.
PureBredCat_nr: We will take cats in that look pure bred. There
are several things we look for but yes as long as they are majority
pure bred we take em
KatieKalico: Well, my 2 sisters and I have taken in "Siamese"
that were questionable....look Siamese, but one we know for sure had
a black DSH mom.
PureBredCat_nr: Siamese we take in when we can... they are up
in our top three breeds - persian, himmies and meezers are the most
common breeds we see.
WiChinRescue_nr: I just wanted to let you know who I was and
what I do as i showed up a bit late.
PHCatByte: please do, WI Chin!
WiChinRescue_nr: I run a small animal rescue in WI.We are geared
towards chinchillas, but will take in most nocturnal furries - Degus,
ferrets, sugar gliders. Most are nocturnal animals that don't do well
in shelters, with the normal visting hours while they are sleeping.
Degus are rodents - they are diurnal.
PHKeeper: Generally speaking do rescues that are turn into you
dogs, cats reptiles etc need to come with any supplies or vet papers?
WiChinRescue_nr: I ask that if someone is surrendering an animal
to me that they surrender all supplies associated with that animal.
PureBredCat_nr: We request any vet paperwork we can get and
anything the people are willing to give with owner surrenders.. When
taking from shelters we require Feluk and FIV testing
WiChinRescue_nr: first of all because I cannot afford to go
out and purchase cages each week and second if they can not care for
the animal now they do not need the supplies to have on hand to perhaps
go out and get something "new"
MMRR: We request any supplies that can come with surrendered
reptiles such as heating, lighting, dishes, etc, but it's not a requirement.
SmallScaleRescue: We require a $100 donation for crocidillians,
but other than that, we don't require anything. We do ask for donations
to help cover the costs of feeding, heating etc. Usually the animals
don't have vet paperwork, but we ask for it if they do.
iresqsiberia_nr: Because of the number of Siberian Huskies that
end up in shelters, we are rarely able to accept an owner surrender.
The exceptions are (1) death of the owner, (2) loss of home, (3) critical
illness of owner or other in the family -- basically a situation that
is not of their choosing.
iresqsiberia_nr: In those cases we won't ask for a donation,
because the life situation is already terribly stressful.
KatieKalico: Are sugar gliders hard to raise ? I keep seeing
people selling them at flea markets here :(
WiChinRescue_nr: Gliders are hard to maintain yes and expensive
to care for. A pair of glider will cost you between $100.00 - $150.00
per month to care for they need 2 types of food and part of their diet
is cooked foods.
KatieKalico: I bet the flea market sellers don't tell the buyers
that
WiChinRescue_nr: They are not the easiest animal to handle and
socialize either. Flea markets are a horrible place to get an animal
from.
iresqsiberia_nr: HAH! And shelters don't "bother"
to tell the unsuspecting buyer of the special needs of our breed, either!
WiChinRescue_nr: But thats a whole different can of worms
iresqsiberia_nr: Oops, I meant PET STORES!
MaryNY: thank you. our downtown shelter really works at that
iresqsiberia_nr: The shelters we work with in Wisconsin are
awesome about restricting adoptions of Siberians to those who might
actually have a chance of success!
WiChinRescue_nr: Pet stores and flea markets are great at selling
nocturnal animals to unsuspecting buyers. They see this cute furry thing
sleping in your arms cause it's broad daylight and then when you get
them home and they are up all night and running crazy.
iresqsiberia_nr: They're great at selling anything to anyone...never
mind that it might not be the right home or the right person.
WiChinRescue_nr: People end up turning them over to me
WiChinRescue_nr: as well with giving the life spans of animals,
not many pet store or flea markets let you know chinchillas and gliders
live 15+ years and then after having them for a few years they want
to move on to the next exotic.
iresqsiberia_nr: And what about the store that sells that tiny
iguana without saying how big it is going to get!
WiChinRescue_nr: BINGO
WiChinRescue_nr: lol
SmallScaleRescue: No kidding on that one!
MMRR: or monitor or RES for that matter!
SmallScaleRescue: We have over 100 owner surrender requests
active on file for that reason
WiChinRescue_nr: ok I need a drink
WiChinRescue_nr: brb
iresqsiberia_nr: No swearing on this chat room
WiChinRescue_nr: I didnt swear did I?
PHKeeper: If a may take a moment of your time. I also work with
local rescue groups where I live. I also have the privilege of being
Site Coordinator for Rescue Locator http://www.pethobbyist.com/adoption.html.
We list Rescue Groups by State and Species. We also have another site,
that I call affectionately, People to People Adoptions. Where people
can list their own pets for re-homing. I want to thank each and every
one of you that has done rescue, whether one or a hundred. Take pride,
you are speaking for those that cannot speak for themselves. Thank You
ga
WiChinRescue_nr: if I did sorry
iresqsiberia_nr: I was being facetious!
WiChinRescue_nr: i have a tendecy to do that once in a while
WiChinRescue_nr: lol
iresqsiberia_nr: I read what you'd typed wrong, as byb meaning
backyardbreeder!
WiChinRescue_nr: making sure I watch my ps & qs tonight
PHAbymom: How do your rescues obtain funding, beyond the surrender
donation or adoption fee?
PureBredCat_nr: Some grants, some people will donate for special
causes... Expo booths.... Sales of items...
WiChinRescue_nr: WE do a car wash each year, wrap gifts near
holidays and take all my husbands money.
MMRR: We get the occasional unsolicited donation, have collection
cans at educational events, and have some awesome vendors that donate
food and supplies regularly.
SmallScaleRescue: Looking pathetic at expos - just kidding!
Attending events will get donations, along with sales of items, and
also the kind vets that give us discouts
iresqsiberia_nr: We exhibit at local expos, sell items, but
our biggest fundraiser is the Husky Hike, where upwards of 300 dogs
and their families come with pledges, walk a 3 mile trail, have lunch,
do a silent auction, etc.
SmallScaleRescue: Photo booths are always popular for the large
snakes etc as well
WiChinRescue_nr: Most of our funding is me and my family - we
spend alot more then we get back in adoption fees.
MMRR: I will agree with WiChin that most of our expenses come
out of our own pockets.
iresqsiberia_nr: If we didn't have the support of several vets,
we'd ALWAYS be in the hole, since we cover all medical on the dogs,
whether it be the run of the mill vaccinations or complicated surgery.
WiChinRescue_nr: WE HAD BABIES
fireladie: baby what?
PureBredCat_nr: Im glad my things get altered!
Buckeyeherp_nr: Yeah... these internet contractions are horrid...
PHAbymom: How do people who might want to adopt find you?
WiChinRescue_nr: 2 baby boy chinchillas
Wiscats: awwwwww
Topaz_nr: Congratulations!
WiChinRescue_nr: From a surrender mom that was preganat
SmallScaleRescue: Internet and word of mouth from shelters or
previous adopters
iresqsiberia_nr: Some are referrals from previous adopters,
others surf the internet using the accepted methods (husky, Siberian,
etc.).
WiChinRescue_nr: petfinder
iresqsiberia_nr: Also, shelters send people to us. At the same
time we lend a helping hand to the shelters who can post on a separate
page on our site.
PureBredCat_nr: Internet! Referalls from vets, pet finder, rescue
network, meeting us at pet expos! Our foster homes are walking billboards
as well.
MMRR: Most of our inquiries come thru our website but we do
get some from petfinder, KS rescue site, and word of mouth.
iresqsiberia_nr: And volunteers drive around with magnetic signs
on the cars. I've been stopped in traffic and had to pull over because
someone wanted more information!
MMRR: We also get referrals from zoos, nature centers, and herp
societies.
iresqsiberia_nr: We also do school performances, especially
this time of year (Iditarod 35 starts tomorrow morning).
PHCatByte: If people want to get involved with rescue, without
adopting a new family member, how best can they help out? (other than
with money, of course?)
WiChinRescue_nr: Volumteer. I have previous adopters that come
and help socialize the animals - they assist in cleaning cages, helping
with transport is another BIGGIE.
iresqsiberia_nr: Transport, vet visits, working the expos.
MMRR: Volunteers can do things that don't necessarily involve
animal care also. Paperwork, application screening, fundraising help,
etc.
WiChinRescue_nr: Most rescues and shelters would love the help
MMRR: We are always happy to have volunteers help with education,
also.
SmallScaleRescue: Even people willing to design or print out
flyers can be a big help!
PureBredCat_nr: Transport! Work at educational events or pet
expos. Assisting in reaching out to possible donors
iresqsiberia_nr: Home Visits is a BIG ONE!
SmallScaleRescue: Although we love help with transports, most
people aren't comfortable transporting our animals. They're quiet riders
even!
KatieKalico: Yes, CatByte, I seem to recall YOU begging me to
do a Maine Coon transport a few years ago and look what happened......
WiChinRescue_nr: tee hee, did you get suckered into rescue
PHCatByte: Yeah, I got you hooked on.... nothing like being
a bad influence, I always did say.
KatieKalico: I even ended up driving dogs..........
iresqsiberia_nr: We call that the potato chip syndrome.
PureBredCat_nr: We are stationed in se WI and we have shelters
literally over the country tryign to get cats to us
MMRR: The dog people have been quite helpful to us when it comes
to transport. As long as it's in a sealed container and they can't see
it, they're fine! :)
PHCatByte: I just sent three to you last month, purebred....
WiChinRescue_nr: I get chins from all over
PHCatByte: How did rescue exist before the internet, i wonder?
WiChinRescue_nr: Transport assistance is the most needed in
my opinion.
WiChinRescue_nr: How do you screen your applicants
PureBredCat_nr: good question... I cant remember! It wasnt this
easy
iresqsiberia_nr: FOSTER HOMES are our biggest need!
WiChinRescue_nr: or volunteers for that natter
SmallScaleRescue: we use criminal background checks, require
home ownership and home visit, also previous vet references if available
SmallScaleRescue: we also use statewide DNA databases if availble
PureBredCat_nr: WI Chin we check vet records, DNA Data bases,
homevisit, personal references and our gut when we meet the people
WiChinRescue_nr: me too
iresqsiberia_nr: Applicants are required to fill out a detailed
form. It is available online, includes vet and personal references.
If it passes that, a volunteer does a home visit, and files a VERY detailed
report. The Adoption Committee either passes or fails it. Sometimes
further questions. We will deny people. And yes, we ask the volunteers
to provide their gut instincts!
SmallScaleRescue: I need to adjust what I said...not all animals
require home ownership, but a lot also has to do with local laws
SmallScaleRescue: larger snakes, such as burmese pythons, require
home ownership
MMRR: Cindy is correct. We need to check local laws and ordinances
to see if it's legal to own the type of animal requested
WiChinRescue_nr: some places require USDA liscense to have certain
animals
iresqsiberia_nr: If an applicant rents, we contact the landlord
to ensure that a Siberian Husky can live in the apartment or house.
Many rental properties limit the size of the animal.
SnowtaMom: I'm a foster mom for a purebred rescue group. I usually
do my own screening for applicants for my foster cats .... what do you
do if you just 'feel' someone is not right for that particular breed,
or even that animal itself? How do you tell the applicant ... ?
WiChinRescue_nr: You say exactly that. Just tell them that their
application has been denied.
SnowtaMom: and if they ask why?
PureBredCat_nr: you dont think that this is a match for both
the cat and person...
WiChinRescue_nr: You do not have to go into specifics
MMRR: It's always best to be truthful but tactful and maybe
guide them in a better direction.
iresqsiberia_nr: That's why we have a "committee."
When we have to refuse an applicant, having it done by a nameless and
faceless entity is a lot easier.
SmallScaleRescue: exactly - just be honest with them. Not all
animals are right for everyone - and we, as rescues, need to ensure
our animals go to home that are prepared to care for them and will be
the best possible homes
WiChinRescue_nr: Maybe steer them towards a different type of
pet.
SnowtaMom: Thanks. I always have a hard time when it's just
a gut feeling, and no real hard reason.
WiChinRescue_nr: use your discrection - these animals depend
on us
PureBredCat_nr: Tut instinct is always important...
WiChinRescue_nr: If we are not comfortable with the person
think of how the animal will feel.
iresqsiberia_nr: Also, it depends on when they're denied. If
it is as a result of something in the application itself, they are sent
a generic listing which states that they are being denied for "one
or more of the following reasons." This avoids their going to another
rescue and changing the answers to our specific refusal reason, because
they don't know what that reason was.
PureBredCat_nr: For our foster homes, if something is "off"
we tell them that the cat cant go home and have them contact our director
rockitsgang: what do you look for in a home visit?
iresqsiberia_nr: We have actually gotten to the point where
the applicants are approved and are meeting dogs, and then "something"
is wrong...we tell them they are required to have a 24 hour waiting
period. That avoids a direct confrontation.
WiChinRescue_nr: Home visits basically are looking at how the
home is maintained
SmallScaleRescue: when home visits are done, we require that
the caging be set up and ready to go - we inspect it and make suggestions
that would be necessary to properly and safely contain the animal
WiChinRescue_nr: are these people responsible people
PureBredCat_nr: We get a feel of the people. How the home is
maintained. If it is cat friendly. Million dollars of knick knacks on
shelves.... ;)
WiChinRescue_nr: do they live in a 600 ft apartment and want
a 200 pound dog
SmallScaleRescue: also that there are locks on the caging if
there are children in the house
PureBredCat_nr: For dogs it can be more extensive depending
on what the rescue requires...
WiChinRescue_nr: For us we look at where the cage will be placed.
MMRR: In our case we check for an appropriate enclosure, all
lighting and heating needs, proper foods available. We also try to determine
whether this is an entire "family" desire.
WiChinRescue_nr: And I quiz the children involved on what it
takes to care for a chin or other animal
iresqsiberia_nr: Oh, boy, that's a biggie! Yes, how the home
is maintained...we check how they intend to contain the Siberian (keeping
in mind that this breed was bred to run). Is the home safe for the curiousity
of the dog (they're very catlike ). If they have another dog, is that
dog in the right weight, does he wear the proper kind of collar, is
he wearing tags, how is his behavior (mannerly, out of control).
WiChinRescue_nr: and children are a great way to tell how responsible
a parent is
dogmacatma: do you take back rescues that do not work out in
their new homes?
PureBredCat_nr: YES!
SmallScaleRescue: Always
WiChinRescue_nr: yes it is in our contract
MMRR: Yes, it's in our contract also.
iresqsiberia_nr: ABSOLUTELY! It's part of our contract!
SmallScaleRescue: without exception - the animals MUST come
back to us
WiChinRescue_nr: if they are unable to keep the animal for any
reason that it is returned to us
PureBredCat_nr: And when dropped off at shelters, we go to the
shelters and reclaim our cats are microchipped and registered to us
for life.
WiChinRescue_nr: They are not allowed to sell or give it to
anyone else
dogmacatma: good thing...thanks
iresqsiberia_nr: All of our dogs are microchipped, so if it
gets loose and ends up in a shelter, we get the call.
cannonbawlfranci: I wondered if you consider climate as part
of the adoption criteria
WiChinRescue_nr: I do
iresqsiberia_nr: We do not.
WiChinRescue_nr: Our animals have special needs when it come
to humidity and weather
PureBredCat_nr: Nope
cannonbawlfranci: lots do, I've seen some pretty miserable animals
in the sunny south
MMRR: In most cases it's not relevent for us but with large
animals, like some tortoises, it does come into play.
WiChinRescue_nr: chins and gliders can die of humidity
SmallScaleRescue: for large tortoises, yes we do
WiChinRescue_nr: I get applications that i have to turn away
regulary from southern states
PHCatByte: MMRR, you had a question?
PHAbymom: Yes, I recently adopted a cat from a purebreed rescue...
PHAbymom: I was curious as to the criteria they used to take
in animals...
PHAbymom: As the cat I adopted had been pulled from a shelter...
and was adopted out to me with no microchip. How do you decide which
animals you will take in?
WiChinRescue_nr: we take in all
SmallScaleRescue: we take everything except from shelters. Owner
surrenders, we often have to wait on iguanas and large pythons due to
space available
WiChinRescue_nr: medical conditions, surrenders. abuse, neglect
PureBredCat_nr: We take in as many as we have room for. They
must be primarily pure bred. We will take from shelters over owner surrenders
and will take in on need to get in basis.
MMRR: In our case, if we are not full, we will take any animal
in need. If we are full we judge on a case by case basis and only take
those animals that may be in immediate jeopardy.
iresqsiberia_nr: We require that a knowledgeable volunteer do
a behavior evaluation, unless it is a shelter or animal control that
is savvy about the breed and can do it. For example, we will have a
shelter say that such and such dog failed a particular test, and it's
one that we feel is easily rehabilitated, so we prefer to test ourselves.
PureBredCat_nr: meaning if a cat is in a home and ok to stay
for a while, that cat waits. A cat on the shelter up next for euthing
is coming in first.
PHKeeper: Do a lot of foster home end up keeping their fosters?
ga
PureBredCat_nr: We require GOOD pictures to determine the cat
is pure bred. I cant tell you the number of grey kitties we get requests
as being russian blues that are not.
PureBredCat_nr: Usually at least once.
iresqsiberia_nr: Siberian Huskies are usually dog friendly (keeping
in mind they were bred to work in a TEAM). When one is so dog aggressive
that he might be a danger to the general population, we have to refuse
it. That happened recently.
WiChinRescue_nr: Most foster homes will take in that one foster
and keep them
PureBredCat_nr: and usually we end up having our adopters becoming
foster homes.
SmallScaleRescue: our foster homes get first choice at what
they take in. We do ask that our foster homes assume any medical costs
that are associated with the animal, but we don't require adoption fees
for them
WiChinRescue_nr: but the realize that if they keep "keeping"
them they will not have room to help any others
iresqsiberia_nr: Oh, yes, thanks Kirsten. PICTURES! And we are
getting picky about those -- not only do I want a photo of the dog,
I want a front and side view from the dog's level, and I want a human
in the picture to get the perspective. Why? Because I took one a couple
of years back that looked like a Siberian and when she arrived she was
an 85 lb. Malamute!
Topaz_nr: How many follow up visits do you do, and how often?
WiChinRescue_nr: its always hard to let an animal "go"
that you have cared for and helped out, but we realize that there are
so many in need of help as well
SmallScaleRescue: our follow up visits are on a suprise basis,
we however keep in email/phone contact regularly
PureBredCat_nr: We usually dont have to! Our email box overflows
with wonderful stories from our adopters.... With special cases, the
foster homes may check in occasionally to see how things are going
WiChinRescue_nr: We generally will do one pop in or with short
notice, but most of our adopters keep in contact with us and volunteer
here so we are lucky in that aspect
iresqsiberia_nr: Our follow-ups are by phone. We have a checklist
and questionnaire that the volunteer uses. If problems are found, we
will do an in-home visit to see for ourselves what the issue is and
what is needed to fix it. But honestly, we are so doggone picky about
the PLACEMENT that we get very rare issues afterward.
PureBredCat_nr: We love getting the emails telling us life is
good for our kitties and share with our volunteers regularly.
MMRR: We usually get email or phone call from our adopters too,
making it easy to follow up. A lot of our adoptions are long distance
where home visits are difficult.
iresqsiberia_nr: Email, pictures, they come to our events, many
attend the hike. And once a year we have a picnic for them.
cannonbawlfranci: from the other point of view, what should
one look for in a rescue if one is going to adopt
WiChinRescue_nr: the animals are healthy and happy, well maintained
cages or crates, knowledgable on the particular animal they are adopting
SmallScaleRescue: We encourage applicants to check OUR references
- humane societies/shelters, vet clinics, animal control facilities.
iresqsiberia_nr: Condition of the dog, behavior when meeting
a stranger, obvious good health, surroundings the foster lives in
WiChinRescue_nr: you should be able to ask for refrences of
previous adopters
MMRR: A healthy animal, socialized if appropriate, responsibility
in matching animal to adopter.
iresqsiberia_nr: One thing our adopters compliment us on is
the thoroughness of our process, and the fact that they can always contact
us with questions -- there is no such thing as a "stupid"
question!
PureBredCat_nr: Knowledge. References. Make sure that rescue
is caring for the animal and not farming out upon intake. Vet records.
Vaccines, Alterings. References from other rescues, shelters.
PureBredCat_nr: Rescues should have a good reputation among
their own. They should have a good set of ethics in operation.
WiChinRescue_nr: and you have to compare apples to apples
iresqsiberia_nr: And rescues for the same breed should be able
to work TOGETHER for the common good of the dogs!
WiChinRescue_nr: I can tell you kristen is a great person...
WiChinRescue_nr: but I know nothing about cats...
WiChinRescue_nr: so when looking for refrences you need the
people they aere giving you to be knowledgable on the breed itself
PureBredCat_nr: People who have a passion... Rescues who work
well with other rescues and shelters are usually stand up people....
SmallScaleRescue: Also people that are looking to find the right
animal for you, not just place any animals. They need to be able to
help you find what would be the right match for you
iresqsiberia_nr: And beware of a rescue that has developed a
negative relationship with multiple shelters!
WiChinRescue_nr: Also if they do not have exactly what you are
looking for they should assist you in finding that perfect pet
SmallScaleRescue: Also - look for rescues that help those in
their own areas. A rescue that ignores animals in their own state, but
transports in from all over the place isn't always the best
WiChinRescue_nr: well, I get chins from everywhere but I always
make sure I can take in the ones here as well. There arent that many
chin rescues out there.
iresqsiberia_nr: Ah, but Cindy said "ignores animals in
their own state." THAT'S where it becomes questionable.
SmallScaleRescue: Also, if we know that there is an animal in
a shelter and needs to get out and we have an applicant, we encourage
them to apply at the shelter for adoption and help that animal get into
a safe location.
WiChinRescue_nr: just wanted to clarify
WiChinRescue_nr: lol
SmallScaleRescue: exactly :-)
iresqsiberia_nr: The bottom line is that a dog finds a forever
home, not WHICH shelter or rescue he came from!
WiChinRescue_nr: I probably get more out of state chins then
here as we do not have that many hobby breeders in WI and not many pet
stores carry them.
SmallScaleRescue: which is good news!
WiChinRescue_nr: which is a blessing
WiChinRescue_nr: lol
SmallScaleRescue: wish we could claim that
iresqsiberia_nr: You aren't COMPLAINING, are you?
SmallScaleRescue: LOL
WiChinRescue_nr: Do all rescues spay and neuter they animals?
PureBredCat_nr: Yes we do!
iresqsiberia_nr: We do!
SmallScaleRescue: We don't. Spay/neuter is non-necessary for
our animals. Especially as it is a major hazard for them
MMRR: That can't be applicable with reptiles but we do have
a "no breeding" clause in our contract.
WiChinRescue_nr: We neuter the males, but spaying is too difficult
on the females
SmallScaleRescue: The surgeries aren't simple like many mammals.
They are very invasive.
iresqsiberia_nr: We spay/neuter, provide all vaccinations, and
microchip all incoming fosters. Do a heartworm test and place them on
preventative.
SmallScaleRescue: However, we keep a close eye on our adopters,
and if we find they are breeding, we take the animal back, take all
the offspring
WiChinRescue_nr: As do we
SmallScaleRescue: And we'll go after the profit made if the
offspring was sold.
WiChinRescue_nr: for the females
PureBredCat_nr: We do microchips, alters, vaccines, in some
cases dentals as well as full medical panels on our older cats.
WiChinRescue_nr: I havent tried that one yet, but ill keep it
in mind now. lol
SmallScaleRescue: glad we could help
WiChinRescue_nr: For someone that wants to get into rescue
WiChinRescue_nr: How do you choose the right type of animal
to rescue?
PureBredCat_nr: I think they kinda choose us. :)
SmallScaleRescue: I agree with PureBred
WiChinRescue_nr: me too
WiChinRescue_nr: lol
cannonbawlfranci: Yes, thanks, is there any sort of central
agency, like a better business bureau one could chick with?
PureBredCat_nr: There are animals that I think are in our hearts.
And we work with what our heart drives us to.
WiChinRescue_nr: but get asked that question all the time
iresqsiberia_nr: Yes, I agree. Siberians chose me!
WiChinRescue_nr: franci I am not sure many rescues would be
listed with the better bussiiness bureau.
SmallScaleRescue: franci - there are some online groups (like
on yahoo) that are self-policing to better the reputation of rescues
PureBredCat_nr: Franci, there is a code of ethics in the rescue
network membership. Things like that are good
iresqsiberia_nr: Unfortunately, there is no central bureau that
keeps tabs on rescues. However, we've interacted with many groups and
internally we find out who is good and who is not.
cannonbawlfranci: I was thinking of something along those lines
but for rescues or shelters
SmallScaleRescue: Part of being a reputable rescue is learning
from others and helping new groups learn
WiChinRescue_nr: Each state has a rescue list with reputable
rescues.
SmallScaleRescue: Wisconsin has a couple good groups that are
available to rescues and shelters. All need to work together to create
a better world for the animals
PureBredCat_nr: And as you can see we work closely together
Wiscats: SmallScale, what are the Wis groups you mentioned?
WiChinRescue_nr: widogrescue is one
iresqsiberia_nr: AWARE and WI Dog Rescue
iresqsiberia_nr: Search online and you'll get to both of them.
SmallScaleRescue: :-)
Wiscats: Thank you. I, too, am in Wisconsin and doing rescue
through our shelter
PureBredCat_nr: Wiscats we would love to have you
Wiscats: TY
PHAbymom: Wis, tell all... Wiscat's rescue group took over the
city shelter...
iresqsiberia_nr: Check with your shelter, because someone might
already be a member of one or both lists.
Wiscats: yes, we did in 2001. We now run the city shelter and
do our best to find good homes, to have foster homes, etc
PHMeowzers: And Wis is a wonderful KITTYMOM!!!!
Wiscats: :-)
iresqsiberia_nr: What city?
Wiscats: Superior
WiChinRescue_nr: where?
Wiscats: in the middle of a blizard these last 2 days
WiChinRescue_nr: congrats
Wiscats: by Duluth, MN
iresqsiberia_nr: WAY NORTH! Been there for sled races many times
in the past
PHAbymom: On behalf of Jeff Barringer and PetHobbyist, I'd like
to thank you all for joining us tonite, especially our Rescue Panelists.
Thank you all!
PureBredCat_nr: Thank you for having us!
PHKeeper: Thank you all lots of great info
iresqsiberia_nr: It's been a pleasure. Thanks for the invitation!
WiChinRescue_nr: glad I could help
cannonbawlfranci: thank you all, very interesting
SmallScaleRescue: definitely, many thanks!
MMRR: Nice to be here.
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