I have two Black & Tan Coonhounds. We adopted them from a rescue organization last September, so I've only had them 10 months. We will be moving soon for my husband's work, something we did not expect when we got the dogs. As much as we love them they cannot go with us.
The paperwork I signed says if for any reason, after any amount of time, I cannot keep the dogs I have to surrender them back to the rescue organization. I am totally fine with that. I know the organization will take great care of them until someone else is willing to give them a great home.
The problem is I have contacted the rescue organization and have not heard back from them. I really want to honor the contract and do things the right way, but the dogs have to be gone before we move. How many times should I contact the rescue people and how long should I wait to hear back from them before I find a home for my dogs?
Edit to add: I contacted them 3 days ago.
I do not know where the rescue organization is located. The lady arranged to meet us at a pet store for us to adopt the dogs so no one had to drive too far. At the time that was great, now not so much. I don't have a phone number for them either. All I have is two email addresses, both to the lady that runs the rescue organization.
**I cannot take the dogs for several reasons. They are big dogs. One is 85-95 lbs, the other is 65-70 lbs. They are coonhounds, stress on the hound part. They bay, bawl, howl, hollar, cry, and bark...LOUDLY. Depending on what has set them off, they may or may not respond to the command to be quiet. While they are well behaved indoors, and most of the time are allowed to go in and out of the house at will, they prefer to be outdoors. We will be living in an apartment for at least the first year. Most apartments do not allow dogs that large, and also we do not believe they would do well locked indoors the majority of the time. We believe they deserve a home where they can run and play outdoors, free to be the hounds that they are. We sincerely believed we would provide a forever home for them, but cannot due to my husband's work. All I want now is to do what is right, which we feel is to return them to the rescue so they can go to another home where they are loved and well cared for.
My paperwork did not have their address or phone number, only the name of the organization. I noticed last night that the name on the paperwork was different than the name of the rescue I wrote the check out to at the adoption. I googled the name (thanks for the suggestion) and was able to find another email address. I sent email to every address I had, and heard back from someone this evening.
I will be keeping my dogs until they can be adopted, or until our move date. These are absolutely wonderful dogs and I am sure a new home will be found soon.
I am surprised at some of the nasty replies I got to my question, especially in private messages. For those that gave me advice without trying to attack or judge me thank you.
For those who felt it was okay to attack me and insult me I am sorry that you feel we are bad pet owners or just plain bad people. We sincerely believe we are doing what is best for our much loved dogs.
I'll never get this really. How many times should you contact them?? How about 50. Call the pet store and see if they are familiar with the organization and might have contact info. Please, please do not get any more pets, it's not fair to them.
You should try to call once a day at different times to see when they are available... you owe it to those animals you took in saying you'd care for them to bring them back to the right people.
WHY can't you take them? You know that you can have them listed as companion dogs, right? So if it's against your lease, you can still keep them...
THIS IS DIFFERENT from any other service dog. Had to throw that out there before people lynched me...
I am confused as to where you would be moving that would not allow you to take your dogs? As military we move all around the world with our dogs in tow. But if you really must give them up, and the rescue has not gotten back to you within 5 days, I would post them as free to a good home on sites like craigslist, but make sure to screen the new family well so you know they go to a good home.
I def would not charge a re-homing fee as some suggest, it just makes it look like you are out to make a buck and will not help you find a good home. Re-homing fees are what have caused a lot of problems around here with people taking dogs and than trying to resell them. It is really sad.
How long has it been since you contacted them?
Can you google other rescues in your area?
How much time do you have before you move?
Emsil every day. Give it a week.
THen put them on Petfinder.com and Fidofinder.com
Put them in the newspaper with a fee. Not free to a good home. Not that you want any real money for them but you want whomever takes them to be serious.
Contact your local humane society. .
Petsmart
all vets in your area
When you email the lady, let her know the dogs must be out of your house by such and such date. That way when she gets back to you next month your email will say July 15th or whatever and you have tried to contact her. Save all your emails to her until the dogs are in good hands.
Maybe they are a small mom and pop, family run rescue, and are on vacation for the week. How much time do you have before you move? Don't let anyone make you feel bad for this tough decision. Good Luck! I hope they call you back on Monday.
Just keep on trying... AND go over there, to actually speak to a human being.
The contract states those specifications.
Just go over there, yourself.
WITH your contract in hand to show them.
My neighbor has two, I am going to contact her! I know hers are from a rescue and so is her Aunts.
Oh NO! I just noticed you are in TX. I used to only get these locally! So sorry! Unless you are moving to CA?
Google whatever the name of the organization is and an address will pop up in the search results. It should be on your adoption papers. Why can't you take them? I'm not trying to be nosy or judgmental. Can't you find a way to take them with you? Kennels in the car are fine with dogs. My cats have moved 6 times and they are happy go lucky.
Just a suggestion: rent a house? A lot of home owners have no problem when a deposit is made and you tell them they are majorly outside.
I mean no offense at all, seriously, but I do think this is unfair to them and do suggest people that don't find solutions to keep their pets not to get another one. I would go way beyond the ordinary to keep my cats, they are family to me.
