Solicitations

[raysmom]

Not rying to start a war here, but I'm just wondering why this forum has a rule against soliciting funds for GSD's in need?

As in the recent case of Highway/Pharoah, there are many dogs who would be euthanized if the funds were not available to save them. It just seems that in a case such as this, a GSD forum would be the most logical place to inform people about the need for funds to save his life.

I understand that we wouldn't want everyone and their brother whose GSD needs financial help to solicit for their personal dogs, but in some cases, like in Highway's case where originally there was no known owner, it just seems like it's the right thing to do.

Maybe with the new owner the rule can be changed a little to benefit these dogs?

[JeanKBBMMMAAN]

There have been many instances where board members have been scammed by people, money has been sent and not used for dogs, etc. It is not going to stop - as long as there are people capable of these things, there will be people using the board for this reason unless it is totally forbidden, which it is.

However, you can see in the board rules that people who want to present a case to the admin PRIOR to posting about it, CAN ask. It doesn't mean it will be granted.

People can also do things via PM, or their signature line. But blatant fundraising is not allowed.

People who want to help all the time can help by donating to a rescue that uses their money to help the animals - you can ensure this by checking out the rescue carefully, or asking if you can send donations directly to the vet office being used by the rescue. This will enable rescues to help more dogs in need.

An organization like IMOM carefully screens individuals to determine need to prevent donors there from being scammed. This is another way to help pets in need.

We can see from past experiences - let's say FlyingHaden, how easily people can be fooled over the internet.

It would be unwise for any board to be a fundraising board, especially when there are organizations like IMOM desperate for donors, and things like Chip-In for those trusting souls out there.

[raysmom]

I understand - I contribute to many rescues, organizations, etc.

It's just that it would be nice if the board would allow maybe a statement about where people could go to contribute if they chose to - to me that's not soliciting, but rather getting the word out that the dog needs help. I totally understand not wanting this to turn into a "fundraising board", but it would be nice to be able to say something on this forum like:

"If you would like to contribute toward the care of Dog X, please see Chip In, IMOM, the shelter's website, or whatever reputable funding source is being used to make a donation" and possibly be allowed to provide a link to do so - or even just a statement letting people know that without funds for vet care the dog will be euthanized.

I think it's really up to the person wanting to make the donation to decide whether or not they trust the person or organization and to determine whether or not they are legitimate before donating.

I've contributed to IMOM, but I was under the impression that IMOM was more for individuals needing help with their personal dogs rather than for shelters or vet's offices needing funds emergently, but maybe I'm wrong. IMOM is definitely a great resource, just not sure IMOM, Chip In or Care Credit would be able to help a dog like Highway/Pharoah in an emergency situation.

[JeanKBBMMMAAN]

Behind the Scenes Emergencies

The pets you will find in this forum are those who were in immediate danger of death or euthanasia. Because of your generosity in making monthly donations to our General Emergency Fund we were able to offer financial assistance.
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What you are suggesting in the top part of your post is more of an endorsement than most would be willing to give, I would bet. I sure wouldn't feel comfortable - how would you tell rescue X they could do this, but rescue y with the skitchy practices no? The individual who picks up a dog from the road and wants help, from someone who is "known" but may in fact be less trustworthy?

People need to understand - and I guess maybe rescues can help to educate - how important it is to be aware of the opportunities to help. In every way - not just with money.

Besides people can put something like Want to help XXXX, Click here! in their signature. Not exactly limiting!

[raysmom]

OK.......you win!

The forum is just too big for everyone to "know" everyone - as we found out not too long ago.

Thanks for the info on IMOM emergency funds - I guess I don't go there as often as I should!

Also, I guess it's not too hard if someone reeeaaaallllyy wants to make a donation or otherwise offer assistance for a particular dog, to contact the vet clinic, rescue or shelter that the dog is at to find out how they can help and take it from there.