FIDO’s Companion had an unfortunate situation this past weekend with one of our dogs we were hoping to successfully place in a new home.
We set up specific guidelines weeks ago with the family who were planning to adopt him about how to make the transition to their home the most successful. This is a good dog, but a dog we have had in our rescue for almost 1 year because of his high energy level, his need for strong leadership and some resource guarding issues he has displayed.
FIDO’s Companion would never place a dog into a home that we did not feel comfortable having in our own homes. By the same token, we expect that the people who look to adopt from us will take the care and welfare of our dogs as seriously as we do.
The specific guidelines for this adoption process included both family members being present for a training session with one of our dog trainers the first night of the trial adoption starting which was provided at our expense. It included organizing their weekend so they would be home with the dog to bond with him and would start to establish leadership. It included following our trainers recommendations for proper exercise and leadership establishment. It included buying certain basic care items for the dog such as a leash and crate prior to taking him into their home.
Unfortunately, the family did not follow thru with their verbal commitment to our rescue on doing the things listed above. Therefore, we opted to take the dog back into our care after speaking with our entire Board. We believe our number one priority in our rescue work is placing dogs into homes that are ready and willing to do what is necessary to make the lifetime commitment of adopting a dog “work”.
The last thing we want or need is for these once homeless dogs to be carelessly adopted and then returned at the first sign of a minor behavior issue or lack of basic obedience.
We regret if our actions hurt anyone’s feelings or if this will cause our rescue unnecessary negative media attention or ill will in the community. We are and always will be committed to finding the right fit in an adoptive home for all of our dogs.
Michelle Reichlin
Executive Director
FIDO’s Companion Rescue, Inc.