Need to Vent

CHAT has a fundraiser in Buffalo this weekend at the Elmwood Art Festival. We had two locations - an informational booth and an area where we set up a raffle for some doggie baskets. We managed to raise quite a bit of money just in the first day and get some great exposure for the adoptable pups we had with us.

Now the vent - about 20 people signed up as volunteers for yesterday to help with the event. How many showed up = 7.

:mad:

And when will some of these volunteers realize that it is not just about getting them adopted - it is about getting them into the right homes so they don't come back. Not being honest with people about one dog that has dog aggression issues, so needs to go into a home without another dog - or another dog who is very fearful and needs to go into a non child home. Or a dalmation mix that needs someone who is young and active with either a yard or an area where the dog can run - not the 65yr old man that walks with a cane. :mad:

And when will they realize that if they really want to help the dogs - do what you can to teach them manners!! Letting them get away with bad behavior just because they are shelter dogs burns my boat and almost guarantees that they will have problems when they do get into a forever home. :mad:

Thank goodness the adoption coordinator is more savvy, as well as the people that are in charge of the volunteers.

Okay - vent is over.

I understand your frustration totally, Clara! Some well meaning people believe that the most important thing re: rescue is to get the dog into a home; any home. As I have learned after years of working with my resuce group, North East All Retriever Rescue, www.nearr.com the MOST important thing is to place the dog in the most appropriate home to assure that dog does not become a repeat "surrender!" We take great care and sometimes a lengthy period of time, to fully screen our applicants, evalute our dogs thoroughly re: temperament in ALL areas, possbile behavioral issues, special physical and emotional needs, etc. and then, match them up with a family whose circumstances, experience and lifestyles are most suited for that dog. Not always easy, I admit. Fortunately, we are lucky to have many very dedicated, experienced and savvy fosters. Unfortunatley, this thorough process means we can't always accomodate all of the intakes we would like:(

I know exactly what you mean. The lady in Orlando never did come look at that burn puppy and another person fell through on taking the dog so I'm stuck because I have it on hold at animal control. Not in a very good mood right now.