Why Rescues Have Rules!

[Richard Crowe]

Heidi is a four month old Maltese-Poodle mix.  Her owner called Judy before the owner found Heidi at a backyard breeder.  The lady wanted to adopt a puppy from us but, she was in her eighties.  Judy suggested that a puppy might not be a good match for her.  In fact, her doctor and her vet had recommended against her getting a puppy. Judy said that if she had a family member as a back up in case physical conditions prevented her from caring for a dog, that an older dog might be a better idea. Judy told her that we would not allow her to adopt a puppy from our Maltese Rescue organization. She became quite huffy and said that she only wanted a puppy, not an older dog!

Judy received a call from the lady who said that the puppy she purchased from a local backyard breeder was "just too much to handle" and asked if our rescue could take Heidi and find a home for her.

We are glad that the lady was responsible enough to swallow her pride and contact us to help her.  However, we are also glad that we did not adopt a puppy to this lady.  People often complain that rescue rules are too strict.  However, it is cases like this that illustrate how necessary rules are.  After all, we are advocates for our dogs.  We want each adoption to be successful!

[Richard Crowe]

Joyce, I think that rescue groups have stricter rules than breeders is that our dogs have already had one loss of a home and we want to do everything to ensure that the second home is as secure as possible.  I realize our policy is age discrimination but we are advocates for our dogs and cannot be politically correct.  If we deny our rescue dogs to ten homes in order to prevent one dog from needing to be re-homed, so be it.

However, in your case we would not have needed to make an exception.  We usually judge the age of our adopters by the age of the younger of the two partners.  

[Joyce (Casey & Cody's mom)]

I just hope that everyone realizes, though that should occasionally be exceptions to rules. My husband is in his early 80s and I am in my mid 60. When we had no luck with a rescue group, we purchased Casey and Cody. They are almost 7 months old and we don't regret a moment of the time that we have had in their puppy silliness. Just like we did with our children when they were young, we certainly have made arrangements for their care should something happen to us to revert our caring for them. We never had to invoke that arrangement with the children, and hope to never have to take advantage of it with our puppies - but it is there if needed. When anyone looks at my husband, you would NEVER believe that he is a day older than late 60s. He is extremely active, jogs, takes the boys on long daily walks, and in general is younger looking and more active than any 70'year old that I have ever met. I'm happy that this featured puppy has a happy ending, and I applaud rescue groups for taking such care with placement of their charges, but It also concerns me that people see that someone is 80 years old automatically enter "age discrimination" mood.

[Leslie and Halas]

She is adorable!  I'm glad the woman contacted you, instead of just dumping him.  My mom's rescue, Barley, a maltese-poodle mix, was just left in a shopping cart.  It's so sad to think of him alone and scared, so I'm glad this pup didn't have to go through that.

[Amy & Albee]

I can't imagine taking in a puppy in my 80s, I barely have enough energy in my late 20s :) Glad she reached out for help.

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

She is too cute!  Glad that the lady saw the light and did the right thing-at least in the end!

[Camilla and Darwin]

So true Richard! 

[Pat and Traveler]

Good call, Richard!  Oh what a cutie!!!

[Gail and Bailey]

One more lucky pup rescued by the Crowes!  She is adorable and very lucky that the woman swallowed her pride and called you!  Rules rule!! :)

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I always wonder what people were thinking in the first place. Makes no sense to get a puppy at her age, but I am glad she called the rescue. What a cutie!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Heidi is adorable and you are right about the rules.