Shelter rules cost a dog a home

Lately I have been on line looking at local animal shelters to find a dog for adoption. As a dog lover I was excited to be in our new townhouse and out of an apartment.

Understanding the overcrowding at shelters, I decided the best place would be a no-kill shelter or rescue operation that saves these animals. Upon going through the adoption process I was shocked to find many things: strict guidelines for adoption, including demands for nonsmoking homes and fenced-in yards. Home interviews made the process laughable. I was told dog comfort came first or the organization has the right to reject the adoption. Questions about income, training methods (positive reinforcement only), homeowners association bylaws, address verification, and if I would ever leave a dog alone at home for more than three hours were common.

Upon rude treatment from numerous volunteers questioning my "pet readiness" I viewed other shelters with a similar outcome. I was given many contrary statements regarding posted advertisements. Those listed as lab mixes resembled pit bulls and those house-trained were anything but. When I confronted them I was given two answers respectively: "We list our dogs as house-trained because all dogs can be house-trained." "Breed and temperament are just guesses, we take no responsibility."

I really wanted to help the shelters, but due to very strict guidelines, unreasonable adoption fees, misleading practices, adoption applications going before a board and rude volunteers I will consult a breeder.

For the sake of the animals, rethink your policies

Brian Wilson

Cary