Comment

Comment by Cheryl Lyons on March 29, 2011 at 7:22pm

I currently work with Lakeshore as a foster home.  I will tell you that there was a falling out with some members of the group and some are working on their own. I don't know all the details.  Lakeshore does run under "new management" if you want to call it that since they are all volunteers.  The current Lakeshore is being run in my opinion very professionally and my experience with past members was less than professional, but this is just MY opinion.  I do know the Current Lakeshore has some males available and if you would like to contact me privately please do so. I just recently transported a beautiful Male who was young and ADORABLE!!!

Comment by Amy Freed on March 23, 2011 at 10:30pm

Thank you for your posts.  They will give me more information to use so I can make good/wise decisions.  I had hoped this dog might be the one and was preparing for it until I got the "real" information.  I think when one doesn't get their questions answered or things don't seem to be in order, it's wise to walk away.  He's probably a good Corgi, but I don't have the skills to work with him.  I want a companion, not a project:)  This site is so great!!!

Comment by Julia on March 23, 2011 at 8:32pm

Beth, I, too, have issues with the word "rescue." I meet SO many people who call their dogs "rescues," that it seems half the dogs in the world must be strays!

I volunteer with the Humane Society, so I would say all our dogs are rescues. Only once have I dealt myself with a private rescue, and it is the first type you described. I agree some of these groups can be too picky, and I wonder if they really live in the same "rescue" world that I do. Almost any home is better than a kennel in a shelter. The private group I worked with asked about open stairways and how tall is the fence around my yard.

But both my shelter and this group made sure that the dog is appropriately matched to its new home. We would steer away an owner who would not be "strong" enough, as you put it, for a particular dog. The rescue clearly steered me away from some, which I appreciated. The dog's personality and needs is one of the first things we discuss, not the last.

I think you did well to pass.

 

Comment by Jane Christensen on March 23, 2011 at 7:56pm

Hi Amy, I can only tell you about myself and I have a small private rescue. There are 2 members on MyCorgi that have gotten dogs from me and if you want to send me a message I will tell you who they are. I do not foster mine out but they live with me until they are ready to leave and move on so they are part of my family for months or longer. For me I need to know that they will go to good homes and have a 2 page application with everything from references to vet's that they will use. I am very specific and ask the questions before hoping that the new home will work. As for money...it all depends as I have to pay the bills for neutering/shots and other vet expenses so they may be included in what you are asked to pay and others are free. So to me it depends. I have many email conversations and some phone conversations also. Send pics and try to get to know the interested party. I also have in my contract that I will be able to visit the dog in his/her new home. I am very happy with all my placements and keep in regular contact with them. They can email me with any questions/concerns they may have also. I'm maybe not a typical rescue as I do this only once in awhile when I happen upon a corgi-in-need. Good luck and don't be afraid to ask questions:)

Comment by Sam Tsang on March 23, 2011 at 7:15pm

Hi Amy, not all rescues are created equal, some are great smaller private operation, some are more established with 501c3 status. Some rescues do an okay job, others go above and beyond. Just like any for profit company or profession, management, talent come and go, at some point once passionate volunteers become burn out, rescuing for the wrong reason.

 

Before you pick an organization to support, do some homework, search public records, do they have proper license to solicit funding? do they file taxes and maintain their non profit status? What is the % and Where does the money go? Who is holding them accountable? Interview the volunteers, foster homes and adopted parents, rescue goes beyond a transaction, you want to make sure you are supporting the right people, with a genuine heart in the right place.

 

Don't rule out smaller private operation, there are great people who does an excellent job. Don't believe everything you hear from one side and take it as final. If you have doubt, move on to the ones that truly deserves your help.

Comment by Jane on March 23, 2011 at 1:48pm

That sounds very shady to me as well. I've never dealt with the Lakeshore rescue myself, but I do recall someone on another board not being very happy with one of their foster homes a while back.

If you're not having any luck finding a rescue in your area, I would try contacting a reputable breeder near you and ask if they know of any older dogs looking for homes.

Comment by Karen & Blackjack on March 23, 2011 at 1:21pm

Amy, I would have to say that is you feel uncomfortable about the whole thing that your gut reaction is probably correct.  I feel bad for the Corgi and it sounds like he needs a strong owner.  He will find one eventually and hopefully it will work out for him.  But I agree it sounds really fishy and this doesn't sound like the avenue for you to take to find your next furkid.

Comment by Beth on March 23, 2011 at 12:04pm

I am sorry for your frustrating experience.

 

The word "rescue" is loosely used.  There are official rescues that are set up as non-profits, do fund-raisers, pull dogs out of shelters, etc.   They usually have applications and guidelines for adoption, and some sort of method for matching animals with homes.  We got our most recent cat from a rescue such as this, that operates out of PetSmart.  Much like a good breeder, they have a lifetime return policy on the pet.  Some of these rescues do home visits, others just do interviews, most will ask for references.  Some are really picky (too picky, IMO), others more reasonable, but in general you will feel like you are dealing with an organization that has set policies in place.

 

Others are people who just rescue on their own and absorb the costs.  These are likely to try to find homes thorugh networking of some sort.

 

Still others are breeders, trainers, etc who occasionally pick up an unwanted dog.  Mostly they won't identify themselves as rescue per se, but will say things like they have a dog that needs to be rehomed.  

 

And then there are some shady people who aren't rescues at all.  They may have a dog of their own they want to get rid of and don't want to admit, they may be a backyard breeder with leftover pups, etc.

 

I guess I'm saying anyone can call themselves anything they want to.  I know it's frustrating but I would move on from this experience and write off that particular "rescuer", whoever she may be.

Comment by Cindi & Twinkie on March 23, 2011 at 11:56am

Sounds a little fishy, huh?  I don't have any experience with this but I wish you good luck finding your new best friend!