So angry at local pet adoption rules I could spit (declawing, breeder)

[momof2dfw]

I've also run into obstacles trying to adopt a dog from the rescue groups. We have had dogs long before we had kids and even those 2 were breeds that some people think don't like kids. We had a Dalmatian and a Lhasa. Both LOVED the kids. The Dal especially. OMYGOSH! He was a hoot w/ the kids even as babies. Then we got a Chihuahua after the Dal passed away at the age of 14. She came from a friend that had the parents. LOVES KIDS! OHMYGOSH! She can't get enough of kids - ANY kids. Babies, better stand back and if you DARE even think about touching a baby in our house she will make sure you are NOT going to harm that baby. After the Lhasa passed away at 17 we looked into adoption since all of our fur babies had been free and been either "mixed half breeds" or rescues. Because we had children in the house - NO WAY! The local city animal shelter was not a problem but the rescue groups - forget it. Even though we never bred our doggies and always got them fixed it was because we had kids (at the time 12 & 8) and we allowed our doggies to go outside in our fenced in backyard whenever they wanted and come in when they asked. They were NEVER allowed to stay outside at night or while we were gone. I even told one of these people this: Tell me how this is. Here I am sitting inside working and cleaning house when the temp outside is a lovely 80 degrees and sunshine. I'm looking outside at my dog snoozing away ON THE CHAISE LOUNGE happy as can be. I'd rather be out there MYSELF! We ended up finding a mixed "designer breed" (love that term for mixed breed dogs now some try to make a killing off of ) for FREE! He has turned out now after 2 months to be a wonderful dog and has fit right in. This morning after I got the kids to school I came home and went back to bed - horrible sinus infection and lost my voice. I woke up to find BOTH of these pathetic mutts curled up on MY BED with me. Right...... I'm such a BAD dog owner.

I also had to add this. This story happened last month here locally. When it came on the news I about DIED! Supposedly this woman was a RESCUE person and was TRYING to find homes for all of these PRECIOUS kitties. Right....... that is why there were almost 200 dead cats in her freezer!
Fort Worth woman who kept 185 dead cats loses custody of 100-plus live animals | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Breaking News for Dallas-Fort Worth | Dallas Morning News (http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/DN-catlady_14met.ART.State.Edition1.4a3d3cd.html - broken link)

[njkate]

Unfortunately to many but not all involved in rescue border on fanatical with a power trip ego to boot.
I've done home visits for rescue but won't any more as it's almost a waste of my time, energy & gas. I've seen to many wonderful homes passed over for stupid reasons.

Especially with dogs..if you don't have a fenced in yard they are going to reject you..doesn't matter what you tell them about how you will manage they pass you over....a fenced in yard does not insure that you will or will not be a responsible pet owner.

I have 3 cats and they all came to me being an outdoor cat and there is no way I can convert them to being a house cat and the bull crap that out door cats live shorter lives...my one cat is now 16 years old

Keep looking if you want one and don't tell them about Hammy..if you've never had a pet how can you have a vet

[GypsySoul22]

Before we got our dog, it took several rescues and a few shelters. I saw one dog I wanted locally but they never got back to me. He was adopted out faster than I though and we were frustrated.

Eventually I found the right one and got the best dog ever!!

Hang in there if you want to help a life. You could always advertise on Craigslist for a kitten. I am not a big fan of 'getting pets' off craigs list but if someone has a litter they may have a kitten for you.

I know where I live, if you go 20 miles out of this area, people have a lot of kittens (no one bothers to spay). Can you travel a bit to get a pet?

I'd like a kitten as a friend for my dog but my husband would not like a cat that has to be inside all day...he says it is not normal for cats.

[njkate]

Just went back and read all the posts..congrats on your new kitty

Have you picked a new name yet???

[normie]

Originally Posted by njkate

Just went back and read all the posts..congrats on your new kitty

Have you picked a new name yet???

We named her Georgia, in honor of moving to GA. And the vet called--our new cat's sister is also available, so I think we'll adopt her too. Her name is "Hillary Clinton" but if we bring her home we'll be calling her Virginia, in honor of the state we left. Ginny and Georgia--sounds like a cute pair.

[njkate]

Originally Posted by normie

We named her Georgia, in honor of moving to GA. And the vet called--our new cat's sister is also available, so I think we'll adopt her too. Her name is "Hillary Clinton" but if we bring her home we'll be calling her Virginia, in honor of the state we left. Ginny and Georgia--sounds like a cute pair.

Oh wow that is awesome and I like your choice of names and the reasons behind the choice..big congrats..can you post a pic of Hammy & Georgia and Ginny too when you get her

[normie]

Originally Posted by njkate

Oh wow that is awesome and I like your choice of names and the reasons behind the choice..big congrats..can you post a pic of Hammy & Georgia and Ginny too when you get her

Sure--I just happen to have a photo of Hammy online already. I'll try to take one of Ginny and Georgia this weekend. Here's Hammy:

[njkate]

Originally Posted by normie

Sure--I just happen to have a photo of Hammy online already. I'll try to take one of Ginny and Georgia this weekend. Here's Hammy:

Oh how cute is that Great pic

[LML]

Normie, As you know, I volunteer at my county's Humane Society. Your story could be told by hundreds of people and it has driven me to tears and near the point of giving up my volunteer work because I don't know how many more broken hearts I can take. I understand that the "rules" they go by are there to keep animals "safe." But common sense should come with the rules and they just don't seem to. Take your case. WHY would she not even call your vet? Would you not think saving a cat's life would be worth a simple phone call. I swear, I sometimes think the "boss" at our shelter delights in finding reasons NOT to place animals in homes. They don't want to place an animal with people who rent, even if the landlord says it is okay to have pets. Etc. etc. As a result, many healthy, loving animals are euthanized who might otherwise be in loving homes. I'm glad you were finally able to find Georgia. I know she is a lucky cat.

[gentlearts]

We, too, have been turned down for a cat because our other cat was a month overdue for her shots. These shelter people are nuts, and I would never admit to having any other animals or to having a relationship with a veterinarian in the future. It's too bad to have the animals suffer because of the people in shelters who are on a power trip of some kind.
Also, I think there should be privacy laws regarding information from veterinarians, the same as with humans.
Friends of ours were turned down for a dog for some similar reason which I forget, but if I were an animal I would love to belong to either of us.