Thoughts on Rehome Puppy Ads?

[Adina P]

This issue is not dealt with in our community guidelines, per se.
So I would like to get the opinion of our members. What do you think
about owners starting forum discussions in order to rehome their doodles?

Do you feel differently about various situations?

-- longtime member who now is in a dire situation and needs to find a new home for their dog

-- brand new member whose purpose of membership is to find a new home for their dog

-- a doodle who will be given away free or almost free

-- a doodle who is being sold for a significant cost

Should there be a group for posting rehomes? Should they add their listing to the doodles in need?
Should it be not allowed at all? Any other thoughts on how we should handle this?
If the dog is being sold, should the member be directed to the puppy sales groups?

On the one hand we don't want this to be a doodle dumping ground, but on the other hand we have nearly 3000 people -- a HUGE audience and if someone needs to find a home for their doodle it sure is helpful to post here!

[Maya]

I vote for a separate 'rehome' group! Here are my reasons and suggestions:

1. This group would be for those who are looking for a dog and those who are looking to place their dog with another family - that's all. No judgement, or back-and-forth argumentative posts allowed... we do not want to become a dumping ground for Doodles, but we also do not want to turn away people from this site, because our main interest is in helping those Doodles get a good home, and we can only help if we hear about them. (Now I am not sure if it would be just better to refer them to Idog... what are the pros and cons of either option??? Not sure. Any thoughts?)

2. I wouldn't allow owners to charge ANYTHING. If they want to sell the dog, there are plenty of newspapers and Internet sites, where they can advertise. That way we'll get fewer people who become members just to make a quick buck (knowing we dog lovers are suckers for a sad dog story). However, we'll still be open to those families who, for whatever heartbreaking reason, cannot keep their dog any more, but instead of dumping it at a shelter, want to put in some effort to find a good new forever family for it. If a family decides to post with us instead of let's say sell it on Craig's List, we'll know their main concern is the dog's wellbeing.

I had a couple more things in mind, but it's going blank right now... I, too, am conflicted about this topic, and have strong opinions and even stronger feelings, but I am trying to 'turn them off' right now, and just turn on the analytical side of me - think how we can help the dogs, think how we can help the dogs, think how we can help the dogs... in the meantime I forgot what other suggestions I had :-) Oh, well...

Take care, everybody!
Maya

[2SCdoodles]

Adina,

I understand both sides of this issue. I think the questions you ask are good ones.

We have two doodles and the second was a rehome. We likely would not have two doodles now if it were not for a posting on another chat forum almost a year ago. I was viewing a chat page for the breeder where we got our first doodle when I ran across a post from someone who paid a breeder for a labradoodle, but just was not pleased with the transaction. She decided the dog needed a different home after 4 weeks. I never thought my husband would want a third dog (second doodle) but he initiated the idea. I sent the owner an email, and she gave me the dog. All it cost me was the airfare. The former owner stays in touch even though she lives thousands of miles away. Java Joe, the doodle, Cinnamon Cappuccino, the first doodle we owned, is happy, the former owner is happy, and we are thrilled with this addition to our home.

I think all the situations above warrant a posting that can help a dog find a good home. If they are selling the dog, then I do think it should be directed to the sales group. I think this is a good idea. :)

[Adina P]

We are writing an article about this right now that you can help with. Check it out / add to it here:
What To Do If You Know Of / Have a Doodle That Needs a New Home

[sandy b]

First, I don't find DK sad and am so glad I found all of you. I have learned so much and since it's been 15 yrs since I had a puppy believe me I need the help.
2nd I have no problem with posting rehomes. I've actually thought about getting a 2nd doodle when Max is a little older and would really like to get one in need and I've even thought about fostering.
3rd as other people have stated people are losing jobs, homes and cannot care for their beloved animals. If this group can help save some doodles from kill shelters or being out on the street then I'm for whatever help we can give them.

[Deena Womack]

Thank you Sandy!! As they say you took the words right out of my mouth.... lol. I had typed a whole post basically saying the exact same things and somehow hit the wrong key and it disappeared.

Anyway I just want to say I enjoy Doodle Kisses very much. I laugh at the funny stories and look for new ideas or thoughts on behaviors or tempermants of doodles. This forum has helped a lot as a new doodle owner.

I feel strongly that during this tough economic times and desperate measures, that if we as a group can help "rehome"doodles then I am all for it.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

I have just spent the past hour reading and rereading the comments in this discussion. I wasn't sure which side of the fence I was on until Samatha asked to lay with me on the sofa, put her head on my lap and gave me one big fantastic Doodle sigh.

If god forbid I ever had to give her up I hope that it would be to someone in DKland. (I am sitting here in tears as I write this). I have never 'met' such a warm, giving and loving group of people. Their #1 concern, is the happiness, health and a wonderful life for their own and stranger's doodles. I would hope that there would be place for me to tell my story. I would not want it placed in the main forum because quite honestly, not every is looking for another doodle or cares about a soon-to-be homeless Doodle, the sad story about their Human family.

I think it should be a totally seperate area of DK but it should be here. There needs to be a place where someone who actually loves their pup but for whatever their circumstances just can't have a dog in their lives, can go to find a place where they can feel that their Doodle is going somewhere where they will be well taken care of and LOVED. Isn't that what we here in DK are all about?

But on the other hand IF I want to look at the Doodles out there that need a home, I want to go and look for the Group. I don't want to see it everytime I open the Main Page.
I don't want to seem stupid, but I really don't understand what happened to make this such a major discussion - haven't been on-line much for the few days. I thought that the Groups where started for just this reason. Please someone, update me.

I do not want to see DK become the dumping ground either but I would rather have new members join to rehome their pups through our contacts then send them to a shelter. DK is the place for information to make the correct decision for our dogs. maybe as the IDOG letter says, we could share info for someone to help their doodle though their issues and the rehoming wouldn't be necessary.

When our GR passed, I had to reach my husband on the golf course. I was hysterical. It was 4th of July weekend, the kids were very young, We took them to the Bar B Q at the golf club. I was asked what happened, why was I hysterical earlier. I told them why and I can't begin to tell you how many people said to me 'oh, it's just a dog'. It's unfortunate most people to not feel about their dogs as we do.

I

[Lynne Fowler-Oodles of Doodles]

Adrianne, Relax, things are as they have been. This belongs in the groups and hopefully we will keep it there in the future. It should not have gone on the way it did and I am saddened by today also. You know our hearts here at DK are good and most of us only care about the welfare of these dogs. That still remains and will continue to be. Have peace in your heart. Today, was a full moon thing or a fluke and all is well in Doodledom, once again. We continue to be here for each other.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Thanks Lynne, I was feeling a little guilty that I have been so busy this WE that my DK time has been a bit short.

I do know that DK is a place of sincere, warm and loving people. But everything has its place - like the Recipes being seperate from the Food Group. Simple, no????

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I am conflicted about this area also. I really have enjoyed this site and have gained so much knowledge about dogs - especially doodles. I have found most people to be upbeat and helpful and much of the fun stuff entertaining. If I am tired of an area, I click to stop following for a while or forever. I don't click on what doesn't interest me. I think it has been a good thing to increase my awareness of the need for rescue/rehoming but I agree it can be sad. I think that it would be good to include a section for people to request a re-home. But I can see some real pitfalls - liars, backyard breeders, dogs not screened, people who want money, did I say liars. However, I would feel comfortable looking at a section on this site to try to find a doodle if I were looking, so...... I will support whatever you choose to do. I do think it should be grouped into a section of Doodles in Need.... I am a big one on fewer groups with subgroups.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

Dogs that are being "SOLD" should either place an ad for money with DKor go in a special group similar to the breeder's puppies for sale page. This needs to begin with Buyer BEWARE as nothing can be known of these doodles.

Rehomes for free are another issue. I really think that a special group should be allocated to them for the dog's benefit. People looking for a doodle of any doodle kisses members that are good at helping to rehome could easily find them without sifting through the forums. Even with the search it would be easier to find a doodle in need if there were a special group.

[Missi]

My thoughts are wavering on this topic too, but I pretty much agree with Adrienne. If for some reason life changed and I couldn't keep my beloved doodle, someone on DK would be my first choice, hands down to raise her.
Also, DK is a GREAT community that I have learned so much from. I think even "temporary" members who need to find homes for their doodles should be welcomed as we can point them in the right direction to education or rescue groups. Might even change their minds, but at least we can support them in making the best decision for the dog. In agreeance with IDOG, if we don't make them feel welcome, the health and well-being of the dog might be at stake.

And to add a layer of confusion, if we were to separate "re-homes" vs "for-sales" in different groups, how to do differentiate? Do you list out rules such as a max re-home fee like craigslist? Then how to differentiate those from the DIN group?

And hopefully the site will self-regulate to prevent a doodle-dumping ground. If our existing guidelines are followed, this hopefully won't be a problem. What if existing breeders were the only ones allowed to post "for-sales" and must answer all of the same genetic questions we ask of our puppies-for-sale group?

Some some more questions to an already fuzzy area.