Saturday, October 22, 2016

Surrendering "Great Dogs"

As an animal advocate and canine rescuer, there is very little more frustrating and heartbreaking than turning away a dog in need into our ITV Shelter. We live, breathe and dream rescue. Our goal when our feet hit the ground every morning is to rescue and find forever homes for any dog in need irrespective of breed, location or circumstance. There is practically nothing we aren't willing to endure to be able to save canine lives. Sadly, sometimes even adding our sheer willpower and last drop of energy just isn't enough. It's heartbreaking.

ITV Rescue has grown in the number of homeless dogs we've taken in. We get photos and pleas every single day from at least a dozen people who need to re-home their dog or a stray that can't be reunited with the previous owner.  We are a young shelter. We are still learning from our triumphs and from our mistakes. We share on social media the winners who find homes or a kind act from a volunteer. Unfortunately, we have been reduced to tears when we are over capacity and another stray or surrender comes through our doors and we can't accept him into our system.

As an individual who has given hundreds of volunteer hours to rescue dogs, I am usually upbeat and take on a positive attitude. Recently, it's become so overwhelming that worry finds me before I drift off to sleep, and stress builds as I know what bills are still unpaid. I am a volunteer, a rescuer, and a board member. If I fail, a part of our machine isn't working which may cause any number of dogs to miss a chance for a happily ever after. I take rescue as a huge responsibility. This comes from my parents who taught me to do things right or don't do it at all.

Here at ITV, our policy states that any adopter must return the dog if they can no longer care for him/her.  In my mind, if you are going to adopt a dog, then you are making a commitment to care and love this dog until he dies.  I tell this signed contractual agreement to each adopter when I am finalizing an adoption. I also tell the adopter to NOT use that as a safety net.In spite of that legally binding contract, we have found our dogs on craigs list, social sale sites, yard sales and dumped in animal controls in far off states. Every time, we track down and re-rescue our dog.

  It's so easy to adopt a dog and not have worry about true responsibility when its so easy to return the dog if it doesn't work out.  Adoption is a huge responsibility. A commitment. You are adopting a life. A life that is trusting you to home, love and keep him.  Any person who shows relief or excitement in this policy will not get an adoption approval from me.  Especially puppies. Puppies adopt the instant they are ready. Everyone wants puppies. Puppies are cute. Puppies are sweet. Puppies are so much fun. Puppies also grow up into full grown adult dogs. If you don't train and take seriously the time consuming responsibilities a puppy takes to become a well behaved adult, then you are going to have an adult dog who misbehaves and disrupts your life. At that point, the dog is very less desireable than when a cute fuzzy puppy.

Our adoption application is six pages long. It is a legally binding contract. Why?  Because each and every set of paws that we rescue needs to find a forever home that matches their needs. FOREVER. Not a home that satisfies a gift request. Not a home that loves that puppy stage but not training that puppy. Not a home that is ready to give up on a dog because it is slow to house-train or transition into the new environment.  We want our homeless dogs to never see the inside of a shelter or animal control ever again. Some of our rescues have been through horrid conditions, abuse and trauma from the ordeal of becoming homeless.  Most are resilient. Dogs are amazing in that way. They just want to be loved.

Like I said, we always take back our adopted dogs no matter the reason. For me there aren't many convincing reasons as I find the majority of our dogs to be amazing and great potential companions with some effort. Nothing good comes with little effort, sweat or responsibility. If we returned our children as easily as we return dogs, most of us would be childless. How many mothers have washed wet sheets and clothing from their child who had potty accidents?  How often do our children get corrected and taught a new lesson? How many times have we pulled out our hair trying to figure out how to help our child overcome an emotional or physical obstacle?  I can only speak for myself, but I can say : "MANY times."

Not once did I think of turning my children over because they were too much trouble.  Not once did I think of giving up my children when finances were tight. Not once would I EVER have given up my child for any reason. I have the same philosophy with dogs. Not everyone does, and everyone has the right to their opinion. However, MY opinion is this: if you are going to commit to a living canine to give him shelter, love, and all the responsibilities that come with him until he passes, then you need to step up and do it.  I realize there are life changing situations and honest reasons that a furry family member should be returned to the shelter. Sometimes, there is an acceptable reason.

A woman had a stroke and could no longer care for her very large breed dog. Of course we are going to take that dog and match him to a suitable home. Fortunately, we had a kennel space large enough to house the sweetie. This woman kept her small breed dog because she physically could keep him. I cried as she cried when she had to leave a member of her family behind. She had no choice. Months later, we also took the small breed after the woman had a second stroke and was being evicted from her home. My heart still breaks for this woman. But, a small consolation...we found good homes for her dogs. It was what we could do to help her help herself in this gut wrenching life changing circumstance. She had a good reason to give up her dogs.

There are acceptable reasons to return a dog. There are also reasons that are weak and pitiful and so annoying to rescuers.  When a previous adopter shows up without prior communication with a large size dog to walk away from him without a second glance, it puts great stress on us as individuals and the rescue as a whole.  99% of the time, we are at or over capacity and our fosters are all in use. Our core of regular volunteers, employees and board members double and triple on our fosters just to save another set of lives. We then have to  turn away amazing dogs who's only violation in life was having guardians who didn't step up to continue care.

With every call from those trying to surrender, EACH dog "is such a good dog, it's a great dog."  If the dog is so great, then why does he have to be surrendered? If you knew you were moving, why didn't you find a location that accepted your dog? When you adopted or bought your dog, you knew you wanted to have children. Now that you are blessed to bring a child into the world, your dog can be tossed aside? Summer passed and school started. A dog takes time and can fit into your schedule. For me, the worst reason to give up a dog is the oh so common...I just don't have time for him and he deserves better.

Well, that dog you walked in with without prior notice is now living in the crate he normally only slept in.  Until a larger kennel opens because a shelter dog is adopted or goes into foster, your dog will be living in that crate. I'm pretty sure you and the home your dog has grown comfortable in,  would be much better than in a shelter environment. And I'm going to give kudos to our staff and regular volunteers. Our dogs get many walks a day.  They get time in our outside play areas. We rotate dogs to spend time in our office. This gives them more human contact and us better quality time to get to know our rescues. We take them on  field trips to a park for fresh air and grass. We take them on overnights in our homes just so they can know they are loved and they are wanted.

As an animal advocate and rescuer I try my best to help find and work out a solution. ITV always goes to the ends of the earth to try to keep a dog in its home environment. If we need to donate food for a given time or help with behavior issues, we will do what is needed to keep that set of paws in his home. There is only so much we have control over, and for me, personally it can be so frustrating. There are a few easy solutions. Spay and neuter. Only adopt or buy if you are 100% dedicated to that life for the REST of his life. Think it through. Our animal controls and kill shelters are always running out of space. We are NO KILL. We MUST find space when an ITV adopted dog is returned. It is kind and polite when we are given notice and some working time to find a foster or space within our non-profit almost 24 hour operating shelter. That notice is so simple, yet so helpful and oh so needed.

ITV wants to save lives and help those dogs who were thrown out as if they weren't important. With the stress, also comes great reward. The rewards have to somewhat balance the stress. Burnout is inevitable in this higher quality type of rescue ITV strives to be. I don't want to burn out. I don't want us not to succeed. Our dogs are counting on us. Paxton waited 3 long years to find a home. We never gave up on Paxton. Others have been with us over a year- even two, and are still waiting for their happily ever after.

Isabella is beautiful and kind and has so much personality. I love her smile and that she comes close to the kennel door so I can give her a nice rub. She's a larger dog and sheds. I guarantee sweeping or vacuuming will be a small sacrifice for the payback Isabella will give as your loyal companion. Max doesn't get along with other dogs. Some UNKNOWN factor in his past now doesn't allow Max to mingle with other dogs.  But- Max LOVES people! A family with no other dogs will get a great new best friend in Max.  Bruce was surrendered and adopted into a great home. The neighbors raised chickens. Bruce LOVES chickens.  He loved them so much and kept finding a way to escape under the fence. Someone without chickens as neighbors will get a spunky brown Chi Mix who just wants to bond to his person. Bruce barks at me every time I enter through the rescue doors. I must greet him by name, and then he's perfectly content...now that is tenacious personality! Suzy Q is particular in what dogs she likes. She'd be great company and protection for a single person or anyone who only wants one dog. Bubba has high energy. He's gorgeous, extra large, and just needs that strong pack leader and an "only dog" home.  He loves leash walks and would thoroughly enjoy a backyard to run in.  We have dozens of rescues who've been with us way too long...whatever the reason. They all need a forever home or someone who can at the very least foster to help them through a few issues and become more desirable. These lives matter! They are definitely worth it.

Like I stated earlier, ITV is packed with homeless dogs again, which is our new normal. Adoptions continue to increase. Unfortunately, we still have to say "no" to many wanting to get rid of their "great" dog. Every person trying to "get rid of" their dog promises a great dog who will make another person very happy. ITV would love for you to come and learn about our foster program. We pay the bills...you provide the love and training.The dogs reward you with what is equal to a pot full of gold.

We always need donations. Monetary donations.  Items on our wish list.  Did I mention MONETARY donations? We don't have government funding or 60 years of operation, endowments and company backing.  We are at a growing point, but we need volunteers, donors and new supporters. We must succeed.  There is no other option. Not for me. Honey, Presley, Smokey and 100+ other ITV rescued dogs' lives depend on it.

Please think about supporting us with items from our wish list or a continuous tax deductible donation. A one time donation would also be greatly appreciated. Please try fostering.  Please sign up to volunteer.  Look for ITV Fosters and Volunteers on Facebook.  We are at events to raise money or adopt dogs all of the time. Walking dogs is not the only help we need.  Without you, we don't have a Village. Please check our website at ITVRescue.org. Follow us on Facebook.  Tell a friend about us. Please adopt if you are ready for a lifetime commitment and want the reward of a furry best friend. ITV needs you. I need you. I love these dogs with all my heart and soul. Come on in and see why. Come look in the eyes of our rescues and give them a plausible excuse why they aren't good enough to foster or adopt and see if you can walk away without a tear.   If enough of you make an effort, then maybe I can start sleeping at night instead of writing blogs,  worrying about our dogs or brainstorming new fundraising ideas.

ITV gives our dogs the best care possible. Our rescue dogs sometimes get more attention than our personal dogs.  That's because we are stretched thin and our rescue dogs are deserving. I'm personally asking you to help. However you can, please help.  I, we, the dogs, will greatly appreciate it. For those of you already involved.... Thank you!  I know that your heart feels the reward that hooked me over four years ago.  The moment I saw too many homeless but deserving dogs needing help. Those rescue dogs are still searching for a new forever home with the help of animal lovers---in the brightly painted teal building on Stockwell Road.  I can't wait to meet you!

Sincerely from the bottom of my heart,

Lori Martin

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