Trying to rescue a GSD but getting no replies from groups

centuryhouse · 08-26-2011, 04:52 PM

Hi all - I don't currently own a pet but have wanted a German Shepherd for most of my life. I have finally decided to make the move and get one. I thought an adoption from a shelter or rescue might be a good way to go, but so far it's not working out.

With the shelters, it seems that the GSD's are either misrepresented (not a true GSD) or end up having serious health issues (heartworms, etc).

I have filled out applications, left voice mails, sent emails and Facebook messages to a number of rescues but so far I have not gotten a single response from anyone - no acknowledgement whatsoever.

My coworker said he tried to rescue a dog a few years ago, and got no responses - he finally went to a breeder and got two puppies. He was finally contacted by one of the places he sent an application to OVER A YEAR LATER. I don't want to wait that long.

Any ideas? I'm in the Plano, TX area (Northern suburb in Dallas) and looking for a female GSD, between 1-3 years old.

Thanks.

Jax08 · 08-26-2011, 04:57 PM

You contacted a GSD rescue in TX? How long ago? Remember that rescues are run by volunteers.

Miikkas mom · 08-26-2011, 05:06 PM

There are a couple of rescues in TX. Here are a few I found…..

http://www.austingermanshepherdrescue.org/available.htm

http://ntxgsdrescue.org

http://www.ghgsdr.org According to their web site, they have puppies, too!

I’m sure there are more rescues in Texas but this is a good start. I’ve heard nice things about the Austin rescue (top link).

centuryhouse · 08-26-2011, 05:10 PM

Thanks. What is the typical time frame you would expect before someone acknowledges my contact?

I understand they are volunteer based, but if the dogs are as desperate as they make it seem ("PLEASE contact us TODAY! They need a home NOW!!) I would think someone would be ready to move on it when an offer of a home comes up. Weeks, months or years seems kind of nuts to me - esp when I could just take the option to go out and buy one within a day or so.

Miikkas mom · 08-26-2011, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by centuryhouse

Thanks. What is the typical time frame you would expect before someone acknowledges my contact?

I understand they are volunteer based, but if the dogs are as desperate as they make it seem ("PLEASE contact us TODAY! They need a home NOW!!) I would think someone would be ready to move on it when an offer of a home comes up. Weeks, months or years seems kind of nuts to me - esp when I could just take the option to go out and buy one within a day or so.

I didn't spend much time on their sites but if they list their phone number, I'd call, as opposed to sending an email. Call everyday until you get a reply!!

Edit: Oops! You have called...hmmm. Someone should be calling you...be persistent.

Jax08 · 08-26-2011, 05:14 PM

I guess that's a choice you'll have to make whether you want a rescue or not. I doubt it takes months or years to respond to adopters. A 2-3 weeks wouldn't be out of line though.

You didn't answer my questions. What rescues did you contact and how long ago was it?

msvette2u · 08-26-2011, 05:22 PM

It's too bad we're not closer. A woman near us is giving hers up and I think she's free. Spayed, purebred (with papers I believe).

Maybe you could look into it if you have an idea for transport.
Pilots and Paws is one idea...
Adopt a Pet :: Kasey-CourtesyPost - Prosser, WA - German Shepherd Dog

BowWowMeow · 08-26-2011, 05:23 PM

I don't understand why people threaten rescues with going out to buy a puppy? If you want to buy a puppy from a responsible breeder then the process is similar to adoption: you inquire about the dog, speak extensively with the breeder, give them references, get references, they decide if you are a good match for their dogs and vise-versa, etc.

Please keep in mind that rescues are staffed by volunteers, many of whom have full time jobs on top of their work with the rescue. Rarely do you hear back right away because a lot of work goes into the running of rescues.

Have you already submitted applications or are you just making inquiries at this point?

And just to give you an idea: it generally takes a few weeks to a month between an inquiry, adopting processing, home visit and final adoption.

centuryhouse · 08-26-2011, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jax08

I doubt it takes months or years to respond to adopters. A 2-3 weeks wouldn't be out of line though.

You didn't answer my questions. What rescues did you contact and how long ago was it?

The 'years' comment came as a result of my coworker (and former roommate) having waited over a year for a response.

I don't have the names of the places for the most part as I've just submitted the application / sent the email / made the phone call (whichever is appropriate) and moved on. Good Shepherd Rescue of North Texas is one that I had recently contacted about a GS named "Ava", and not heard back from. That one was only three days ago.

Stevenzachsmom · 08-26-2011, 05:26 PM

Most rescues - at least the ones I have worked with, require you to complete an adoption application, before they contact you. Very often, rescues are inundated with emails from people who just ask a lot of questions and never actually adopt. Volunteers do not have time to respond to people who aren't serious. Completing an application show that you ARE serious and a volunteer will contact you ASAP. Please keep in mind that volunteers are people just like you - who have jobs, families, their own pets and try to fit in email and phone responses in their "Free" time.

08-26-2011, 04:52 PM	#1 (permalink)
centuryhouse New Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 5	Trying to rescue a GSD but getting no replies from groups Hi all - I don't currently own a pet but have wanted a German Shepherd for most of my life. I have finally decided to make the move and get one. I thought an adoption from a shelter or rescue might be a good way to go, but so far it's not working out. With the shelters, it seems that the GSD's are either misrepresented (not a true GSD) or end up having serious health issues (heartworms, etc). I have filled out applications, left voice mails, sent emails and Facebook messages to a number of rescues but so far I have not gotten a single response from anyone - no acknowledgement whatsoever. My coworker said he tried to rescue a dog a few years ago, and got no responses - he finally went to a breeder and got two puppies. He was finally contacted by one of the places he sent an application to OVER A YEAR LATER. I don't want to wait that long. Any ideas? I'm in the Plano, TX area (Northern suburb in Dallas) and looking for a female GSD, between 1-3 years old. Thanks.

08-26-2011, 05:06 PM	#3 (permalink)
Miikkas mom Master Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 827	There are a couple of rescues in TX. Here are a few I found….. http://www.austingermanshepherdrescue.org/available.htm http://ntxgsdrescue.org http://www.ghgsdr.org According to their web site, they have puppies, too! I’m sure there are more rescues in Texas but this is a good start. I’ve heard nice things about the Austin rescue (top link). __________________ Momma to: Miikka, 2-year old F Black & Red WGSL Scout, 5 year F calico cat Waiting at the Rainbow Bridge: Bella, 15 yr old GSD/Chow chow mix Annie, 16 yr old Black Cocker Spaniel Socks, 15 yr old Tuxedo cat

08-26-2011, 05:23 PM	#8 (permalink)
BowWowMeow Crowned Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 14,798	I don't understand why people threaten rescues with going out to buy a puppy? If you want to buy a puppy from a responsible breeder then the process is similar to adoption: you inquire about the dog, speak extensively with the breeder, give them references, get references, they decide if you are a good match for their dogs and vise-versa, etc. Please keep in mind that rescues are staffed by volunteers, many of whom have full time jobs on top of their work with the rescue. Rarely do you hear back right away because a lot of work goes into the running of rescues. Have you already submitted applications or are you just making inquiries at this point? And just to give you an idea: it generally takes a few weeks to a month between an inquiry, adopting processing, home visit and final adoption. __________________ Ruth & the 4 Legged Rescue Gang Rafi the malaroo http://www.dogster.com/dogs/693238 Gio & Varda, the krazy kittens ....In my heart: Cleo Kitty Chama Kai Basu Massie

08-26-2011, 04:57 PM	#2 (permalink)
Jax08 Crowned Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NNE PA Posts: 14,337	You contacted a GSD rescue in TX? How long ago? Remember that rescues are run by volunteers.

08-26-2011, 05:10 PM	#4 (permalink)
centuryhouse New Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 5	Thanks. What is the typical time frame you would expect before someone acknowledges my contact? I understand they are volunteer based, but if the dogs are as desperate as they make it seem ("PLEASE contact us TODAY! They need a home NOW!!) I would think someone would be ready to move on it when an offer of a home comes up. Weeks, months or years seems kind of nuts to me - esp when I could just take the option to go out and buy one within a day or so.

08-26-2011, 05:14 PM	#6 (permalink)
Jax08 Crowned Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NNE PA Posts: 14,337	I guess that's a choice you'll have to make whether you want a rescue or not. I doubt it takes months or years to respond to adopters. A 2-3 weeks wouldn't be out of line though. You didn't answer my questions. What rescues did you contact and how long ago was it?

08-26-2011, 05:22 PM	#7 (permalink)
msvette2u Crowned Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Beautiful Pacific NW Posts: 5,533	It's too bad we're not closer. A woman near us is giving hers up and I think she's free. Spayed, purebred (with papers I believe). Maybe you could look into it if you have an idea for transport. Pilots and Paws is one idea... Adopt a Pet :: Kasey-CourtesyPost - Prosser, WA - German Shepherd Dog

08-26-2011, 05:26 PM	#10 (permalink)
Stevenzachsmom Knighted Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Maryland Posts: 2,494	Most rescues - at least the ones I have worked with, require you to complete an adoption application, before they contact you. Very often, rescues are inundated with emails from people who just ask a lot of questions and never actually adopt. Volunteers do not have time to respond to people who aren't serious. Completing an application show that you ARE serious and a volunteer will contact you ASAP. Please keep in mind that volunteers are people just like you - who have jobs, families, their own pets and try to fit in email and phone responses in their "Free" time.

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