February 25, 2008

Interesting email correspondence

with P, who called me to express her interest in adopting Mama Rock, do share with us your thoughts (most recent email at the top):

Project JK
I beg to differ that 'talking more, asking more' to understand the potential adopter is sufficient, because, how am I to guarantee that a potential adopter will not abandon the adopted dog a few years, or even a year down the road, in spite of pre-adoption verbal promises rendered by the potential adopter?

To be honest, we do not personally know those who come forth and express interest that they'd like to adopt so-and-so a dog, unless they're recommended by someone else, or is a friend we personally know.

Animals, domestic or street, are life, sentient beings and need to be treated humanely. We cannot 'operate' an adoption like a business case, or simply cast our faith to the potential adopter, whom we feel merely instinctively is the right owner. Good instincts need to be accompanied with some form of evidence that the dog is well taken care of, hence the imperative of house visits. That's the best we can do, the rest we'll leave it to between the family and the dog.

I'm glad that you're considering adoption instead of purchase - undeniably it's a good deed, as you claimed. Adopting Mama Rock out will not significantly alleviate any financial concern -- we're just doing this because we feel Mama Rock makes a good home pet.

FYI, none of us are full-time volunteers, but full-time professionals/students who are sparing some time, within our means, to help in the humane treatment of animals; that said, this is in no way any form of organisation.

Thanks for sharing your views again, as it serves to further reinforce my view that house visits are even more imperative. Best.

P
A friend of mine had recently adopted a dog from SPCA. Although they did verbally ask if the adopter minds them visiting, but If the answer is no, they do not outright reject the adopter.
Sometimes understanding the potential adopter, talking more, asking more, should be adequate. We are all here to help the animals by going to organizations like yours.
But if there are sufficient funds to keep your cause going, and continue to keep the dogs through their lifetime, then I guess its ok.

regards

Project JK
No worries, you're entitled to your preferences and views -- I respect them. But having met many a adopter who promised a verbal lifetime of 'guarantees' and later either abandoned the dogs, or surrendered them, post-adoption visits are strictly necessary.

In fact, this is the norm for the bulk of shelter dog adoptions, for eg. SPCA, which stipulates a one week, one month, so and so forth house visits. Thanks for being frank with your stand, I'm glad we at least communicated this clearly.

All the best in your looking for a lifelong companion for your family -- should you need any help in dog welfare matters, I'll be glad to assist you.

P
Hi
Thanks for the email.
I do understand your position, and the need to ensure she goes to an appropriate home. I am fully aware, and sometimes disgusted, at how people treat their pets nowadays, especially as Singaporeans get more affluent and have money to spare. Not knowing or unaware of the commitment that is required for the well being of an animal (be it a dog, hamster, cat, bird) for its lifetime. I even have a neighbour that once told me that she left the gate open for her shih tsu to walk out as it was no longer a puppy and not cute anymore.

Both my husband and I grew up with dogs in the family. He even used to show dogs when he was in his 20s. We are both commited and experienced people, who find dogs intigral to our lives, and make them part of our lives. We do not even go on holidays together because of the dogs.

However after discussions with my husband on your requirement of viewing the adopted dog after it being adopted, We feel that it is a little too much to ask. Iam fully aware that you do this for the good of your adoptees but we feel that it is a bit too much in prying into our private lives. I am even agreeable to have my dog meet yours. And am able to answer any of your questions, how many they may be, some of which we talked about yesterday. You are free to ask me more questions but we are just not comfortable with such visits.
If this is your criteria, then I would like to politely decline.

kind regards

Project JK
Hello P, thanks for calling to discuss about pending adoption of Mama Rock. If you're keen to take in her son as well, we'll need to speak with the farmer and also take account a multitude of other considerations, including, if your current female GSD will be ok with both (new) dogs.

Adoption of Mama Rock and/or son is going to be lifelong commitment; as their owners, your family will be their pillars of reliance for the next 10plus years of their life span, hence a serious consideration, definitely.

Also, in light that Mama Rock was badly treated in the previous home, we want this to be her permanent home, if it works out. Take your time to sort this out, we're in no haste to adopt her out, esp. since I've been in this 'business' for some time and witnessed, even experienced cases of outright abandonment.

I didn't mention to you just now that an adoption agreement form will be signed - this also includes an adoption fee which serves as commitment to Mama Rock's lifelong welfare. All donations will be given to the continuing of straywork - animal welfare efforts.

I hope you'll understand that if this indeed works out, I'll be dropping by your home to see how Mama Rock is faring. Don't wish to be in any way imposing on your private life, but just doing it out of concern for Mama Rock's long-term welfare.

Hear from you.

P

Dear
Would be keen to adopt the female rottweiler and her pup.
Kindly contact me at 98******

thank you
P

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I've met people who do not welcome follow-up visits and it takes a lot of time and patience2 understand this situation.
I think its clear why we believe followup visits are necc as we come fr our own experience where we know the reality & possibility that a new home does not necessarily mean a better life4 the dog as there are many who will take in a dog then get bored or neglect the dog or have the dog for backyard breeding.
Its not always clear to me why some are against followup visits. Everyone has got their own concerns- some harder than others to understand, probably some more valid than others.I can see how some people might find a stranger in their home an "invasion" as they don't know who the stranger doing the house visits is going 2B.And I have met some rescuers who are not easy people to relate to.So all this looks like time & patience 4both sides 2understand each other and perhaps grow some trust and respect.
L

Anonymous said...

I think it's important to have "home-visit", but of course it should be in reasonable way, e.g. follow up on once a month basis and not more than 3 times.
This is to ensure the dogs or cats are fine in a new home. Our main purpose is not "anyhow" find a home for the animals but to ensure they are happy with the new envirnoment.
Anyway, I think as a good adopting family, they should be proud and happy to let the organization share the joy with the adopted dogs/cats when we do the "home-visit" instead of afaid other peoples affect their private life. ~~~gL

jules said...

I personally feel there's nothing wrong with house visits. In fact, i would feel very proud to be able to "show off" how well my adopted pet has integrated into the family or i can ask during house visits if something's not quite right but I can't put my finger on it being a new adopter. Well, guess there are people with different ideas and who guard their privacy fiercely.

Anonymous said...

I am an absolute supporter of follow-up home visits. In as much as I would like to believe all adopters will take good care of the dogs, the unfotunate truth has been that dogs were mistreated, neglected or under-cared due lack of experience of adopters of change in their 'love' towards the animals. Porject JK, I support your decision in making careful selection for Mama Rock. Will be great if both Mum and son could be adopted together. Lets pray & trust God to provide the best family.

Mary said...

i would say 'YES' to visitation rights. The adopter(s) must allow visitation rights. Can anyone imagine what would happen to Mama Rock if no one checks on him when he was first adopted.

Rescuers have every right to be concerned about the animals they rescued and adopted out because it is their responsibility, it is love and concern that drives them to find a home for these animals, and it will continue to be for the same reason when they check on them.

They could choose the easy way out - don't bother, i.e. the animals are adopted; their financial and physical 'burden' is one load lighter so why should they still care?

They would still care because of the emotional bond created during the rescuing and caring for these animals, they care because of love, they care because they adopted out these animals-they are not being dumped out, they care because they wants to share and indirectly helps the adoptor to understand the animals better. They care because they are responsible people.

If i am the adoptor, i would be so happy to know they still care, and that i am not alone after the adoption process. i would be happy for them to visit the animals i adopted and hear all the positive remarks because i would have nothing to fear, nothing to hide but just happiness in knowing i have given my very best to my 'children'; above all, i would be happy to see/feel the smile/joy on my animals when they recognise their visitors and know that they are still love by them.

JK said...

Thank you all for sharing your views; I, for one, cannot play God and say for sure every single thing I do for the animals is right. Constant dilemmas, questioning, revelations, a lifelong learning experience.

This little 'case', apart from reaffirming my stand that post-adoption house visits (of course, done appropriately) are necessary, also add more weight to my belief that adoption is an ever tricky, taxing business.

Where humans are involved, things seem to get even more complicated. And difficult.

I guess it's all about human pride. In all of these, Mama Rock's welfare is still my ultimate concern -- no doubt, top priority. It's never our intention to undermine or challenge anyone's ability to take care of his/her pet, or hurt the owner's ego. Just concerned, since I'll be entrusting Mama Rock's life into their hands. For life.

Let's persevere in this constant, unceasing animal welfare education.