Subject: Re: CLASS: lets continue/housechecks
Date: Sat, 12 Sep 1998 21:44:48 -0400
From: Judy Marion - iluvdogs@HUSKYNET.COM

Bloat is the right answer! And that is so very dangerous! I also have this habit of taking down tag numbers if the adopters reside in one state and are driving with out of state tags. Now this may be my own phobia, but I have done alot of intensive work on the stolen pet theft network and you have no idea how slick people can be. Wish I could go into this more but not on the list. OK. If there is another dog in the home, take a good look at it as you chat and casually pat the other dog. Look for fleas, inside ears, etc. This will give you some idea of just how well they will care for your dog. Check the yard. Are the gates secure? With Rottweilers I require locks on gates. This is partly because the dog is smart and can often open the gate. Also because children open gates, and so do dog theives. I also mention that in my contract there is a clause about having to extend the fence higher should the dog find out it can jump over, and until that is done the dog cannot go out in the yard unattended by the owner. Check the inside of the house for plants. Many plants are poisonous to dogs. The kitchen and outside trash should also be put away. Has anyone heard of dogs choking on chicken bones found in the trash? Suggest babygates for areas that are "off limits".You can put one gate on top of another. Stuffed animals, plastic toys, plants, all these things and more that a dog can ingest are things to look for. Anyone have things to add?

NoVa Rottweiler Rescue League, Inc/MD,DC,VA
http://waikaloa.huskynet.com/rottirescue/rescue.htm

Subject: CLASS: Don't stop now
Date: Sat, 12 Sep 1998 21:46:40 -0400
From: crabtree - jakekc@INFINET.COM

I'm listening. I'm learning. I'm busy with 2 rescues now and my own 6 dogs. Barely have time to take a shower or wash my clothes, but the dogs are always brushed and walked. They are fed, happy and growing healthier every day.

I think perhaps all of us are feeling the pressure of a busy summer and worrying about the winter months. It must be much harder on us all then.

Any time there is change we have to take time to adjust.

Jenny Crabtree

Subject: CLASS: Homechecks
Date: Sat, 12 Sep 1998 21:48:56 -0400
From: "Beth E. Widdows" - bew1234@TIR.COM

Judy
Please do not think I am not interested and following along even when I don't respond. In the case of the home checks, because we are a referral, we don't do home checks. But I am very interested in case we succeed in moving to the next step of becoming a real rescue. I am learning a lot from you and making copies of the parts that I want particularly to remember and be able to refer back to later.

As far as why the dog should not be able to get at its food, I can only guess that some dogs will overeat if allowed to.

Beth Widdow

Subject: Re: CLASS, CHAT: re: one VERY important question
Date: Sat, 12 Sep 1998 21:59:35 -0400
From: Judy Marion - iluvdogs@HUSKYNET.COM

At 09:33 PM 9/12/98 -0400, Les Maier wrote:
This is a really timely topic:) I have a 6 year old sheltie of my own - she's wonderful with all people (she's a therapy dog). However, she does NOT accept most dogs and it seems that she is protective of food, her space and me - not necessarily in that order. I am about to obtain a male sheltie pup of mellow temperament (I hope my temperament testing skills work!) and know about introducing them on neutral ground. Are there any other suggestions for helping this to work?

I would suggest taking your time in the introduction part BEFORE you actually bring this new dog home permanently. Have your 6 year old spend time just playing with this dog somewhere else. Not just for a couple of hours, but give it time. From what you are describing, your sheltie is probably going to resent the intrusion. Have the dog introduced on neutral territory and come over just to visit a few times and play. Then if all goes well the length of time the new dog stays can gradually increase. Then it may work.

Judy NoVa Rottweiler Rescue League, Inc/MD,DC,VA
http://waikaloa.huskynet.com/rottirescue/rescue.htm

Subject: CLASS: Homechecks
Date: Sat, 12 Sep 1998 21:58:18 -0400
From: crabtree - jakekc@INFINET.COM

You bring up a valuable point about the door closing securely. At our animal shelter the door does not. People come in and those who are used to having dogs or cats or small children will close it till it latches. Interesting to watch the reactions of people when you tell them to close the door. They really don't know why. You see, many people really don't know how to dog proof their homes. It's a lot like having a toddler around and I always ask people if they are ready for the terrible 2's.

Patience and persistance and consistancy. I watch as people interact with their other dog/s and or cat/s. I watch how they interact with children. You can learn a lot that way. If they are open to learning a "better" way to teach a dog how to live with them, I'm more encouraged. If they are "closed minded" I often look elsewhere.

Jenny Crabtree
Australian Cattle Dog Rescue/OH
CUR # 354

Subject: CLASS: Home check, dangers
Date: Sat, 12 Sep 1998 22:14:50 -0400
From: crabtree - jakekc@INFINET.COM

Look for sewing kits, push pins, bobbi pins etc. Some people have those things in easy to reach places for many dogs. You have to think like a dog. If it looks like something to tear up they might just decide to eat it. It's not the sharp objects they are interested in (usually), it's the container they are in. Make sure any bottom cabinets have closures that work, if they store chemicals there. Look for razor blades etc. in the bathroom. Dogs do weird things with some objects. "no they don't shave:)"

If children have toys laying about, remind the parents that the toys will be trashed in a couple of days if the kids don't learn to pick them up or close the door. And most important: Tell them that if the dog does chew something up it is not the dog's fault, it is their fault and the dog may never be scolded for doing what comes naturally. Best to avoid that sort of thing altogether. Later on when the dog is comfortable with these new people and home, a firm no will be understood better. I think it's important that adoptive parents know that how they treat that dog in the first few weeks will impact the whole relationship, negatively or positively, whichever they choose.

My biggest fear is electric cords, by the way. I tell people to try and unplug anything not in use and to block the path to the cords that must be plugged in.

Jenny Crabtree

Subject: Re: CHAT,CLASS:
Date: Sat, 12 Sep 1998 19:09:34 -0700
From: Karen Greene - flowerhill@HARBORSIDE.COM

HI---I may speak for more than just myself- but I am a learning lurker. I have signed up to work in bulldog (& bull breed ) rescue and have just been 'listening'- since I dont feel like I know anything yet. But I am here!

Subject: Re: CLASS: lets continue/housechecks
Date: Sat, 12 Sep 1998 22:22:16 EDT
From: Laurie Wilson - LWilson333@AOL.COM

Ask where the dog's food will be stored. Be sure that it is not where the dog can easily figure out how to get to it. Anyone know why?

I know of one VERY GOOD reason. My brother's 7 month old puppy got into a small bag of dog food that wasn't stored properly out of reach and she had to be rushed to the vet a few hours later. Her stomach had gotten twisted - they had to operate to save her. When dogs binge like this they can cause the food to sit at the bottom of the stomach making it bottom heavy. When they run and play the stomach can then flip over causing a blockage - sort of like a twisted gut in a horse. I have a lab that will eat just about anything and my vet always warned me about this. He said if she ever did get into anything to keep her still until the food has had a chance to pass through her body. Better yet - KEEP ALL FOOD SAFELY OUT OF REACH!

If the dog is kept outside, unattended while they are NOT at home then they are violating my contract.

What does your contract say about dogs being kept outside while owners are not at home? I'm assuming that when you say "unattended" you mean not contained.

I have not had the chance to do any home checks yet but plan to do some in the near future. I have such a hard time letting a foster dog go because I always feel the dog is safer with me. I have fostered dogs for the local shelter and although they do a better job than most shelters with the screening of potential adopters they still don't do a good enough job to please me. I took in a GSD mix pup that was going to be euthanized and I had him for 3 weeks. I fell in love with him but knew I shouldn't keep him. Right before I took him home some people had come through the shelter and had seen him. They called back a couple of weeks later to ask about him and were told he was in foster care and still available. They came into the shelter, filled out the paper work and payed the fee. I was notified that he had been adopted a couple of days later. I was very surprised because I thought I would be able to meet any potential adopters (figured they would come out to see the pup) and I would be involved in approving them. I wasn't particularly thrilled with the people when I turned the pup over to them. I hope I am wrong about them because there really isn't anything I can do now but I left the shelter in tears that day because I wasn't sure this was the right home for my little guy. I want to make sure this doesn't happen again so I'm going to ask the shelter to let me do some additional investigating of potential adopters of the dogs I foster. I don't think they will mind me doing this so I am anxious to learn more about how to do a good housecheck and anything else that needs to be done to assure the dog is going to the right owner.

Laurie Wilson

Subject: Re: CLASS: lets continue/housechecks
Date: Sat, 12 Sep 1998 22:33:08 EDT
From: Laurie Wilson - LWilson333@AOL.COM

Has anyone heard of dogs choking on chicken bones found in the trash?

What about neighbors who like to feed the nice doggie over the fence? I just pulled a chicken bone out of my dogs throat the other day because the neighbor's housesitter thought it would be nice to give the dogs a treat! I am soooo careful to keep the trash (inside and out) put away where the dogs can't get it and my dog still almost choked on a bone. I guess we can't interview the neighbors but...

Laurie

Subject: Re: CLASS:Doing the housecheck
Date: Sat, 12 Sep 1998 21:23:39 -0500
From: Tracey Rentcome - traceyr@ix.netcom.com

Hi,
this is my first response to one of the "class" questions. I help with Great Dane rescue. When doing the housecheck I "expect" to find a certain amount of dog hair, slobber and general signs of a large dog "occupying" the house - a pristine house is a red flag to me as our contract requires the dogs be kept inside. I want to find a raised area for feeding (if they already own danes) if not, I want an idea of how they will handle the practical aspects of feeding, storing large amounts of food and crating such a large breed. I want to find a completely fenced area for exercise, preferably at least 5 feet high. I want my prospective adoptors to be aware of bloat, its symptoms and urgency of treatment (bonus points if they know how long it would take them to get to the nearest emergency clinic in the middle of the night). If they have a truck in the driveway I want to see dog hair on the ceiling our dogs are NOT allowed to go to a home where they will ride in an open bed truck. I think the most important part of the homecheck is your own instinct. If something "feels" wrong then hold off on the adoption until you can put your finger on it or just go with your own instinct I have yet to hear of a rescue person wishing they "had" adopted to a family they turned down. We've all heard the horror stories of someone adopting to a person despite a "feeling" that later wished they had relied on their own judgement.

Tracey Rentcome
Houston Texas
traceyr@ix.netcom.com
ICQ 234592

Subject: Re: CLASS: lets continue/housechecks
Date: Sat, 12 Sep 1998 22:45:59 -0400
From: Pam Rudd - pamrudd@GATEWAY.NET

Can I say, that it appears to me as if many of you have a very advesarial attitude toward potential adopters. That attitude is what has kept me from associating with a recognized pet rescue organization before now.

The exchanges I have had with the Aussie rescue folks here in South Carolina have convinced me I can work with them. They are warm, friendly, and refreshingly willing to work with potential adopters.

My own personal experience tells me if you treat pontential adopters with enthusiasm, and warmth, you get better results. They're more willing to work with you over things like food storage, fencing, and doors, etc. I believe instead of a rigid set of rules or a contract, each case should be examined on it's own merits. Guidelines are fine, but rigid sets of rules and conditions scare me off, much less potential adopters

I'm sorry if I sound too critical, but people who come to us for pets are just as important as the animals. Suggesting that some people aren't "serious" about wanting a pet just because they're daunted by the obstacles you throw in their way is a not the way to go, IMHO.

Personaly, if I find a home I think is right for a dog or cat I have, I court 'em! Maybe because I have always worked with mutts and ally cats and don't have waiting lists, I've learned to be a bit more flexable. I spend a lot of time getting the animal settled in its new home.

This is of course, merely my .02 worth.

Pam Rudd
South Carolina

Subject: CLASS: Home check, dangers
Date: Sat, 12 Sep 1998 21:43:30 -0500
From: LSM - iggys@BELLSOUTH.NET

I have not posted but am really enjoying the class and hope it will continue.

Because of my breed (Italian Greyhounds) I look for places one could squeeze under a fence, a securely closing gate (recommend a lock for theft deterrant), a baby gate enclosing the dog's area without spaces at the side where a head could get wedged, slats on the back of chairs where a head could get wedged, and MOST IMPORTANT, jumping-off places that are too high - decks, upper balconies, etc. Many of our rescues are from puppy mills and backyard breeders who do not breed for bone density and do not offer the puppies or adults an opportunity to run and develope the muscles needed to support the leg bones. They are sighthounds and would plunge happily off a cliff if one were available.

Also, I look for doggy doors because I hate them. They suggest to me someone is not supervising as closely as I think they should.

Shannon McClure
Res Ipsa IGs
Memphis
iggys@bellsouth.net

Subject: Re: CLASS: lets continue/housechecks
Date: Sat, 12 Sep 1998 21:46:01 -0500
From: gryhndmom - gryhndmom@earthlink.net

fell in love with him but knew I shouldn't keep him. Right before I took him home some people had come through the shelter and had seen him. They called back a couple of weeks later to ask about him and were told he was in foster care and still available. They came into the shelter, filled out the paperwork and payed the fee. I was notified that he had been adopted a couple of days later. I was very surprised because I thought I would be able to meet any potential adopters (figured they would come out to see the pup) and I would be involved in approving them. I wasn't particularly thrilled with the

First off, I haven't posted much to the class topics, but I've been learning alot.

Secondly, in response to this - I too was very worried about this with my first rescue foster..and I did ask the group I was fostering for WHAT IF. They were great about it, listened to my what if fears...and were quite happy to let me have my say so. As it turned out, the family that adopted was wonderful, and I liked them immediately.

Talking to my group did two things. I knew my voice would be listened to, and secondly, allayed my fears in the first place.

As for housechecks, I've done a grand total of one for another group. I was asked to look for 1. fenced yard. 2. payment book or some form of home ownership (this would have been embarrassing, except they'd been told to expect that question and had it all waiting for me! *grin*) and 3. how the other dog in the house "looked and acted".

So, those were the things I looked for. I now know a whole lot more to look for, and ask about. Jenny Crabtree's comment about the terrible 2's is a very good one. I treat MY house this way, and my dogs...but I don't think about it. I've lived this way so long it's second nature to me.

Something else about closing doors - make sure the "lock" on the screen door works. All it would take is a dog jumping up and hitting the handle, and out they go! I never leave my front door open w/o locking the screen door. Just another of those little things *I* do w/o thinking about it.

Betsy (GryHndMom)
Visit us at:http://home.earthlink.net/~gryhndmom/

Subject: Re: CLASS: lets continue/housechecks
Date: Sat, 12 Sep 1998 21:13:28 -0700
From: Audrey Bowman - glow@cwnet.com

Dear Judy and Classmates,

Anyone have things to add?

I would want to feel that the "type" of home was appropriate for my breed of dog, Labrador Retrievers. A person with a white carpet and pastel furniture is not going to be very happy with a big black dog shedding (and they shed ALL the time) all over the house. If they have a manicured garden, that is in danger of being messed up by Labs. I have a bluegrass lawn and my Glow skidded across a good portion of it when it was wet tearing it up. I don't really care but others may! Everyone loves Labs but they have to have the correct environment to thrive!

Audrey Bowman & Ol' Glow (The Best Black Lab)
mailto:glow@cwnet.com ICQ#8375400 Citrus Heights, CA
Gold Country Labrador Retriever Rescue