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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