If someone wants to adopt a dog and work full time, it shouldn’t be a problem, right?
I received a sad comment on one of my posts.
“Brett” wrote how he wanted to welcome a new dog into his life. He applied to three adoption organizations only to find they would all reject him because he and his wife both work full time. This man had taken the time to carefully and honestly fill out his applications because he thought he had nothing to hide.
“Everyone I have asked who is a dog owner is shocked I was denied because of that,” he wrote. “We would provide a great home for a dog.”
At this point, most people would probably give up on rescue groups and head to a breeder or to Craigslist to find a dog in need of re-homing.
Instead, Brett is going to continue trying to adopt, which shows how dedicated he is about saving a dog’s life. He is much more dedicated than some of us “rescue” people, if you ask me.
“I’m going to be lying on my next applications,” he wrote.
Something is off. While good people are forced to lie on adoption applications, shelters are killing pets by the millions due to a “lack of homes.” How terribly sad.
Brett, I wish you the best. I’m going to assume that most dogs would love to go home with you.
Have you encountered any difficulties when trying to adopt a dog or a cat?
Ivy
Monday 3rd of June 2013
My boyfriend and I were rejected and harshly judged by one rescue organization because we weren't married. We've been together longer than some married couples I know! I understood why the interviewer was concerned, but we had responsible answers for his questions and the way he was going about it was verging on attacking us. He mentioned if we were engaged it would be a different story, which I thought was ridiculous! I started thinking we might have to start lying too and saying that we're engaged.
Luckily, soon after we found the perfect rescue who were so nice and professional.Just keep looking. It's a relief to not have to lie and to find an organization that continues to provide support even after the adoption.
Lindsay Stordahl
Tuesday 4th of June 2013
Wow, that is unbelievable about the marriage thing. So glad you found an awesome rescue group to work with. Thanks for your comment!
Mel
Monday 3rd of June 2013
I love your posts but it bugs me how one-sided they are.
I have NEVER heard of a rescue denying an adopter simply because they work full time. Were there other issues present? Did the dog suffer from anxiety? Did they need to be let out more often than a full work day would allow? Was the family gone longer than a normal work day?
Sean
Sunday 2nd of June 2013
You'd think the same organizations that prohibit people who work full-time from adopting would count how many dogs are dropped off because someone loses a job or has a financial hardship, like needing to move to a cheaper place due to economics.
I definitely miss having a fenced yard more than my dogs do. They get to go out no matter what, but I'm the one who has to put clothes and shoes on late at night or early in the morning without the yard.
Lindsay Stordahl
Monday 3rd of June 2013
Exactly!
Kimberly, The Fur Mom
Sunday 2nd of June 2013
Definitely don't give up. We had the same experience and then we connected with a rescue group that understood that people have to make a living and we adopted Rodrigo and Sydney (we didn't plan on adopting 2). Our dogs are just fine. We did deal with a bit of boredom, but that was resolved with great toys and stuffed Kongs.
Lindsay Stordahl
Sunday 2nd of June 2013
Good to hear everything worked out! :)
Aisling
Friday 31st of May 2013
I mentioned my experience on a previous post but I went to adopt a dog. At the time, myself and my boyfriend were living with another couple and their dog. I was just finalising the adoption process (they had already done the home check etc.) and the shelter wanted everyone in the house to meet the dog. So one by one, each of us made our way to the shelter to meet the dog. I got a phone call the next day to say that they refused me the dog because my boyfriend was not enthusiastic enough.
We have since got a dog from a breeder and my boyfriend absolutely dotes on our dog....more than I do! Its a pity that the shelter were so quick to judge my boyfriend and that they thought he would not have made a loving owner to the dog. Plus, you should NEVER go greet a dog you do not know (especially one from a shelter) excited or anything like that so I think my boyfriends reaction was spot on!!! Im glad to hear that the dog I was looking at actually got adopted by one of the volunteers of the shelter but still, most other dogs would have been put down if they didnt get adopted. I understand the shelters have to be careful who they are giving their dogs to, but it upsets me to think that they would prefer to have the dog put down rather than give it to a family who may not be 100% enthusiastic, or doesnt have a fence, or who works full time etc.
Lindsay Stordahl
Friday 31st of May 2013
Oh that's right! I can't believe that! My husband reacts calmly to dogs as well, and I can tell that foster owners and shelter volunteers have been unimpressed with him, too even though he is acting the way you should act around a new dog.