November 13, 2008

Not All Poodle Rescue Centres Are Alike

by Lisa A Collins

Dealing with Poodle rescue groups (or any dog rescue groups, for that matter), is not like dealing with a business, or a government agency. There will not always be someone to answer the phone when it is convenient for you. And money never talks with good Poodle rescue groups, even though they are all cash-strapped and most run with volunteers. The goal of an ethical Poodle rescue group is to make each dog in their care find a forever home ? not one that’s just going to go kick them out again.

This is why it takes a long time to go through the Poodle adoption process. You will feel like you are going through a human child adoption process. This is the sign of a really good Poodle rescue group! You should never be able to pay a fee and have a dog on your doorstep the next morning. That is a puppy mill, not a legitimate rescue group.

A good Poodle rescue centre’s website will only let you apply for a dog, not put one on reserve. The application should be lengthy, almost to the point of making you cry, and should quiz you on your current knowledge of Poodle information on their care and handling.

If you have a problem with the Poodle rescue centre you are working with, you can only get the problems solved within the Poodle rescue centre. Expect to have your background checked, asked to provide character references and maybe even be expected to submit a letter from your veterinarian.

A good Poodle rescue centre’s website will be loaded with Poodle information. They will not do any sales pressure tactics up front (except for “please donate to out charity” or “current news”), but usually sends you a very lengthy adoption application form. Even if you make a preference for a dog pictured on a site, you will not be given the dog if you are found to be unsuitable.

Always get to visit the dog at the Poodle rescue centre before you sign anything or pay any full fees (with the possible exception of the initial application fee). You want to see if you get along with the dog, how healthy he or she is and what conditions he or she has been currently living in. There may be more than one visit required before adoption is finalized.

Check the condition of the foster home to be sure the dogs are getting decent care. No dogs should live in stacked crates, live in their own excrement, or live in overcrowded conditions. This is where you might meet Poodle hoarders, who take in dozens of animals without being able to take care of them.

And that is for no extra charge. They also get to know the personalities of all of the dogs up for adoption, so that you are assured of compatibility.

About the Author:

About the author: Lisa A Collins is a passionate lover of the Poodle and owns a popular website where you’ll discover how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved Poodle. Among other topics at this website, you can also learn all about Poodle Rescue Centers plus a whole lot more.