Semi-Urgent/Difficult Situation

[Myamom]

I'm going to address the question some people have had/ advice given to go with another rescue. This may not be his option. Many rescues require that you do not give your dog to anyone but them if you can no longer keep. It would be in the contract (you may want to look at that)

I ABSOLUTELY understand your concern bodie. I would want a homevisit done and the concern you have that he be placed appropriately is totally understandable and commendable. Two possible options:

1. If they require that the dog is to be returned to them...YOU offer to foster the dog FOR the rescue. Most rescues are swamped and they may be thrilled that you are willing to keep him in your home vs. use up one of their foster homes. If you are fostering for them...they will have control over the final adoption...but this way you can meet adopters, do a homevisit, and at least have imput/express any concerns or disapproval...and ultimately have peace of mind. The dog would still be adopted out THROUGH the rescue...meaning have a contract with them if God forbid something should again happen in his future.

2. If they do not require that the dog be returned to them...then you have the courtesy post option. In this case...you can have him featured on their website (and other gsd rescue websites if you wish). They would only be giving the dog exposure...but it would not be their dog and they would have no hand in his adoption. Basically...interested parties would be directed to contact you directly. You would most likely be in charge of all screening (in this case..you would have to check their references, vet, homevisit)...but would be in charge of adoption choice. Of course...the dog would have no contract with a rescue...so worst case scenerio...could end up in a shelter or rehomed someday if something should go wrong with his next adoption.

[bodie_broadus]

Just to give you all an update; today, I took my dog to the agency's preferred vet where he'll get a check-up and be going into a new home tomorrow. It's been an very difficult day and I can't help but feel like I've failed.

I keep telling myself that with my uncertain future, the best I could do was make sure his was not. The agency has not provided me with much information on the new home he is going to but they've assured me that they passed the screening test, have a yard, and the woman/mom works from home. These are the things I can fall back on to not feel so awful, but no matter what it will be hard to part with how much I care for him.

JeanKBB said something in either this thread or another that dogs soon realize who their new best friend is and that they ease into a new home well. He's a very loving dog and has no issues other than he is excitable and wants to play with everyone. I can only hope the family he is going to will treat him better than even I did.

[JakodaCD OA]

bodie, it is a very unselfish thing your doing for him, don't feel guilty

[katieliz]

i'm so sorry. thank you for thinking of what's best for the dog, even tho it is such a difficult and painful thing to do, which takes maturity and character. take care and i hope things work out for you...what was it john lennon said, "life is what happens while you're making your plans"?

[JennaMae]

Bodie I pull and transport for several GS Rescues in Chicago would you mind sending me a private message and telling me which rescue this was so I do not rescue dogs for them anymore. If they are not carefully screening that is a big concern for me. Thanks!