A Question about Rescue organizations

On another pet board I read, there is a woman that adopted a 3 year old chow from a rescue organization. She has had the pup for 6 weeks and it has been displaying aggressive behavoir to both other animals as well as her husband. The way she described it is very sudden with little or no advance warning. Apparently the dog has become very fixated and protective of her (which chows are prone to do). She also has a 6 year old daughter and although the dog has not shown any aggression to the little girl, she is very upset and worried that it could turn on the baby as well. (With good reason I think) She called the rescue organization and they would not take the dog back and suggested she muzzle and keep him crated! :mad:

She is now faced with a dilemma - what to do. She is apparently a very good hearted person and is in agony about this. She is in the process of calling Chow rescue organizations for help/advice and possible placement. My heart just goes out to her - I pray that she will find a solution.

My question is this - I know there are several people on this board that do rescue. I am always reading on Petfinder things like "Not good with children" or "will not be placed with children under 12" or "not good with other dogs or cats". What kind of behavioral testing do most rescues do on placements? and what kind of screening process do you use for potential adoptive families. I know when my sister adopted from a GSD rescue, they did all kinds of reference checks as well as a home visit. They also asked a great many questions about their lifestyle so they could match her what they felt was the best dog for her.

I know this is a sticky subject and I am totally aware that most rescue organizations make sure that dogs are placed in appropriate households. I ask because if I decide to adopt from a rescue organization in the future - how can I tell the difference between a good one and one like the woman with the Chow went to - with people with more heart than common sense.

It really depends on the individual rescue group, although most are very thorough in screening and placing dogs.

All of the rescue groups (cat and dog) that I work with do home checks, vet checks, and personal references along with the normal application. They also make sure the animal's needs are met in the new home and its a good match.

I think if you know a little about rescue groups, its very apparent if it is a good or bad one. Contact them to see about meeting some of their dogs. You will be able to tell fairly quickly how well they screen, etc.

I feel bad for the woman who adopted the Chow. I'm very glad she's exploring other rescue groups for the poor sweetie.

Also ask to see their adoption form. The group I work with has a form that plainly states that a dog can not be taken to the pound or destroyed. The dog is to be returned to them. The adoption form is a legal contract that has a penalty of $300 if breached.

Some people have said that it is just like adopting a child......which it should be.

Mary

I am the applications coordinator at North East All Retriever Rescue...www.nearr.com As Aly has said, the "standards" for placement and requirements for adoption vary with each rescue group. We at NEARR are very careful and descerning in making our decisions as to which dogs are placed with which families. For example, younger, high energy Retrievers are never placed in novice Retriever families with young children and no fenced in yard. We evaluate their "dog experience," knowledge of the breed, time able to commit to the care of the dog, number and ages of children, lifestyle, home setting etc., before making a match. Often our applicants find the process very frustrating, as we take great care, and a lot of time, to match each dog with that family best suited for that dog's temperament, energy level and needs. First there is a VERY lengthy, detailed application with required references, then a phone interview, then a homecheck. All of our dogs are temperament tested before being accepted into our program and none with aggression issues are accepted. But as your friend has sadly found out, aggression issues may still arise after a seemingly well adjusted dog has been adopted. At NEARR, each adopting family is required to agree, by written contract, to return the dog to NEARR should they EVER find the need to surrender the dog. A hefty penalty is levied should we find out that the dog has been otherwise placed. As well, we work with our adopters indefinitely, requiring of them regular updates and assisiting them with any and all issues that may arise. We also require them to attend obedience class with their dog within 6 weeks of the adoption. And we DO check to make sure that has been done, requiring the name and address of the facility, then later, proof of "graduation."

I find it unconscienable and disreputable that a "rescue" group would recommend that one of THEIR dogs who is exhibiting aggression, remain in a home with young children. Muzzling is NOT the answer. The dogs suffers; the family cannot enjoy their companion. I would suggest your friend continue to contact Chow resuce groups. Hopefully one them will help once again, rescue this dog. And thanks to your friend for doing the responsible and loving thing...both for the dog and her family. I only hope this doesn't turn her off to the concept of dog rescue.