Thanks to those who offered up their opinions, still on the fence but deffinately leaning hard to one side now.
Fair enough, but if you visited the booth on Sat and saw me why wouldn't you ask the questions to me instead of posting something like this? If you met me (I was the guy with the shaved head and goatee), then you saw my demeanor and how I am with all the folks who stop by the booth. I've had folks actually have a lot of questions answered just by listening to me explain things or answer questions to others there (it does get very crowded when we have the dogs out for the folks to meet and interact with). If you are planning on getting a GSP in the near future and took the time to stop by a GSP Rescue Exhibit - and DIDNT ask these questions then I'm not sure what to tell you. We have adopters approved right now who are waiting for a specific dog, whether it's a pup or one who has already had gun training or whatever. As I would've explained to you there, we get in dogs with all types of backgrounds, and make a point to place the right dog with the right adopter.Dave, I visited your booth on Sat with my two sons and do appreciate the work you guys do. A GSP is in our near future.
I think if you reread my initial post the only negatives where towards the people dumping the animals.
No idea where you came from but yet again - another poster with absolutely nothing meaningful to add to this thread. If I take offense to something I'll reply as I see fit. I was clear, forward and passionate in my wording. As I mentioned earlier feel free to read through my previous posts on any other thread - I have never insulted nor ragged on a single person on here. This one hit home and I responded. Deal with it. If you cant deal with it then back out of this thread and read something your a little more comfortable with. If you had actually taken the time to READ the my reply you would have understood that the shelters which you speak of have basically nothing to do with what's being talked about here.Nothing wrong with the OP's views.
Some of you guys need to learn that not everybody has to agree with your views on every subject. My experiences in hudson and essex county shelters will be different that what you would be seeing in cumberland. Which means is some ways, i would agree with the OP.
Seems as though Dfile75 needs to learn about forum etiquette, or how to get his point across without personal insults.
No problem Sunsign, As I said earlier I'm here and happy to answer any questions you may have on this. I do apologize to you for the insult in my original reply. If you did meet me on Saturday then you already know that my wording in my original post does not reflect my personality.Dave,
I understand completely.
I don't consider what you do and the service a shelter provides even remotely the same thing.
Got it - maybe next event! Hope your boys had a good time at the show.We didn't meet. It was crowded and the boys were on a mission to find the TU booth and show off their fly tying skills.[up]
My observation exactly. Most rescue dogs I've seen have "issues." On top of which, most rescue dogs are "rescued" by people who are clueless on how to raise, train & handle a dog. The Disney crowd of liberals. The reality of a rescue often is far from the romantic image they harbored. A unacceptable combination. By the same token, if you make it onerous to get rid of the dog they can't control, they'll just drive it somewhere, open the car door, and let it run free. You'll wind up dealing with packs of feral dogs and trying to control them with being chased by taxpayer dollars to capture & put them down.I can think of 8 families with adopted pets of the top of my head I see routinely throughout the week.
3 got kicked back for good reason, totally out of control.
3 are still around but have that spooked out panicked rescue dog air about them. Hair on end, ears back….I just don't trust them and would not want them in my house.
2 are sets. beagle mixes and are totally normal.
I'm mostly curious as to where all these dogs come from and how so many people have them?
and here we go again - I'm sure you can cite your extensive experience with rescue dogs and site the examples of the savage rescue dogs you speak of. I know I can cite a large number of rescued dogs I've ACTUALLY had the opportunity to spend time with / been involved in the process and the number of nightmare dogs you speak of is miniscule. Yet again, someone who clearly knows nothing of how the process works. Any 501c3 rescue organization has a thorough screening process for potential applicants which includes them showing clear understanding of the breed prior to adopting. The screening process is significantly more stringent than most job interviews even for the actual rescue volunteers.My observation exactly. Most rescue dogs I've seen have "issues." On top of which, most rescue dogs are "rescued" by people who are clueless on how to raise, train & handle a dog. The Disney crowd of liberals. The reality of a rescue often is far from the romantic image they harbored. A unacceptable combination. By the same token, if you make it onerous to get rid of the dog they can't control, they'll just drive it somewhere, open the car door, and let it run free. You'll wind up dealing with packs of feral dogs and trying to control them with being chased by taxpayer dollars to capture & put them down.
Nine out of ten times these dogs are abandoned because of irresponsible owners. Rescue is a way to give these dogs a second chance who were most likely given up through no fault of their own. There is a chance that a rescue may have issues which is why you must choose carefully depending whether or not you have children, etc. . That is the reason i have only adopted puppies. There is a chance of dangerous behavior from ANY animal but i think getting a dog as a puppy eliminates some chance of post trauma behavior.Growing up my father raised and bred beagles. We adopted three from a women who's hunter/husband passed once, all good dogs. We also took one in from the pound once…..seriously screwed up animal. He was back there in 3 days.
Nothing wrong with compassion. I'm just not sure getting behind shelters fostering the bad behavior is the responsible thing to do.