Dog Adoption Woes

I've been looking into adopting a dog recently. I always thought that a rescue dog would be an awesome idea. Who wouldn't want to help a pup in need of a home? So I've been looking into a few rescue agencies...and man. It's like pulling teeth. I understand the need to place a dog into a loving home that's not going to turn around and breed the dog to death or mistreat it in any way. But for serious?? I feel like I'm being judged...and not in a good way. I answered all of their billions of questions honestly on their application forms as best I could. Then I answered their questions again when they called my house for a phone interview. I thought, do they think I'm adopting a baby? It's a dog, people.

No Means You're A Horrible Human Being

I made the mistake of answering, "no" to one of their questions during the phone interview. And really, I have no idea what the hell the question was, but she was recording what I was saying and my "no" answer seemed to take very long on the keyboard (I could hear her key strokes). That's when I thought...they think I'd be a bad dog owner.

I had a dog for 17 years. And don't get me wrong, he was my baby. He was spoiled rotten and I took very good care of him. We went for walks everyday. I brushed him. I gave him treats. I gave him doggie massages when I knew his body was sore from old age. We were forced to put him down when his little body began to shut down and he was in pain. I'd never let that dog suffer and I know I did the right thing.

They ask you if you've ever had to put a pet down and it's like you've committed murder or something. I can't imagine EVER giving up on a dog when they're old or giving it away if I got sick of it. I really think this is what they think I'd do.

You Sound Great...But....

I just got another email back from another rescue organization. They said no to me adopting one of their puppies (who's quite young at 2 months) because I work. Um...don't most people work? And I'm working part-time at 3 days a week. I thought this was a perfect time to get a new dog. Being on such a light work schedule, I'd be able to spend a lot of time with my new dog. I was envisioning day adventures walking around the bike paths. Going to the park and teaching the dog to fetch. Teaching him that the backyard is an awesome place to go pee (and not my floors). I thought I'd come home on lunch and let the pup out to go to the bathroom. I was even considering a doggie daycare because I heard that little pups need more attention (and can't hold their pee all day long).

I told this organization this and they still said no. They want someone who will be with the dog all day. I was asked if I'd leave my baby alone all day. Um...no. My dog was left alone when I worked 5 days a week and he survived. We left out plenty of food and water for him. We made sure his toys were out. And we made sure to walk him and play with him when we were home. How realistic is what they're asking? Who can stay home all day with a dog nowadays? Are these organizations only giving dogs away to childless house wives (they said no to having kids under 5 in the home too)?

Puppy Mills Are EVIL!!

So my main concern is there are dogs out there who need loving homes...and people like me are getting rejected. This is why people get dogs off of Kijiji...and we all know Kijiji dogs, although very easy to get, are coming from puppy mills. And I freaking HATE puppy mills. I just want a dog to adopt from a rescue who needs me. I'll be an awesome doggie mom. Guess I'll have to start looking into breeders...sigh.