Bella and a playmate

[Shawn & Bella]

So I have thought long and hard and I have decided to get Isabella a sister or brother.....I would prefer a rescue to help someone doodle in need.....I have contacted several people on petfinders and left numerous messages but I never get a return call or email......What is going on???????????????

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The first step in adopting a dog is filling out an application- period. Most rescues are staffed by volunteers and the public shelters are understaffed and have limited hours & personnel. They need to know someone is serious enough to take the time to fill out an application; you cannot imagine how many calls & emails they get asking for particulars about a dog, and about 75% of them are idle inquiries. Messages, inquiries, and anything else other than an application will be ignored, or go to the bottom of the long long priority list. In fact, there is one rescue i know of that will automatically disqualify you if you call them. Fill out an application; if it is approved, they will contact you, and you can ask any questions then. You can also check their website for their hours and policies. Filling out an application in no way obligates you, it just lets them know you are serious and whether you meet their criteria.
Be aware that while there are many dogs who are desperately in need of homes, the demand for doodles and certain other breeds far exceeds the supply. This is a good thing for the dogs, but can be frustrating for those looking to adopt quickly.

[F, Calla & Luca]

That's kind of abrupt, crossing you off the list for a call. I hope they have lots of eager adopters or else a dog may miss a chance just because of a potential adopter's ignorance of the policy.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Except that they say it right on their listings, in bold letters, before they say anything else. It's made very clear. And they also handle doodle-y dogs that are in very high demand.
I will say that I have seen a lot of emails with words to the effect that "before I take the time to fill out an application, I want to know...". The general feeling of the average rescue volunteer is that if you don't have time to fill out an application, you don't have time to take care of a dog.

[Shawn & Bella]

I am going to say this all the info is not right there on the website. I am serious about adoption but they should post that they do not accept phone calls or emails just simply state that you have to fill out application. I think it is very rude not to reply back to someone's emails or phone calls. I would love to adopt a animal in need of a loving family. I feel that if someone is willing to pay the price of adoption they will have time for the dog and not to mention that the adoption fees are quite high.....This is just my personal opionion.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Shawn, you need to understand the nature of a rescue group or shelter. "Rudeness" does not enter into it. This is not like a business where you have customers.
There can easily be 100 inquiries within a 24 hour period, for one single blonde female doodle.
These are volunteers who have jobs, families, and dogs of their own; Also, the priority is the dogs: you have pulling the dogs, finding fosters for the dogs, arranging transport for the dogs, arranging veterinary treatment for the dogs, and figuring out how to pay for all of that. Communicating with shelters, fosters, volunteers. transport companies, and adopters. Keeping up with all financial records, licensing requirements, and reimbursement requests. Soliciting and acknowledging donations. Attending board meetings. All in their spare time, with no compensation.
The price of adoption is nowhere near the price of buying a puppy from a breeder, no matter how high the adoption fees are. Most of the time, the adoption fee does not even cover the money that the rerscue has paid out to care for the dog. In fact, many people admit that they are looking for a rescue because they can't afford to buy a dog from a breeder.
Of course, there are some "rescues" that are scams and not really rescues at all; if you want to message me the name of the ones you are interested in, I may be able to tell you if they are legitimate.

[Shawn & Bella]

I totally agree.

[Lee Seidman]

Contact Adrianne Matzkin with the Doodle rescue. She is always here on Doodlekisses as well. She is a wonderful person and I promise she will find the right match for you and your family. Doodle Rescue can be reached at:

http://doodlerescueinc.ning.com/

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

However, even at the DRC, we also require an application to be submitted before anything else happens, lol. While we do try to respond to most reasonable inquiries, we cannot do it in as timely a fashion as most people would like. We have dozens of people waiting for doodles, who have already submitted applications. We do strive to find the right match for each family, which is one reason the adoption process takes time.