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