Rant of sorts. Any suggestions?Question:Hello Hoping someone here might be able to point me in the right direction in regards to an issue surrounding adoption of "Bully Breeds" from the Humane Society here in my hometown of Montgomery County, Maryland. We recently had to put our 11yr old APBT down due to congestive heart failure. We had adopted him 10 years ago from this very same Humane Society, as well as a female APBT who had to go back because of over aggressive playing and this was pert of a contract I signed at the time stating I would bring her back for whatever reason as opposed to re-homing her. Time passed and we figured we were ready to adopt again, so we go to the shelter (Humane Society) twice during the past week to see if something there caught our eye. Now we're not breed snobs, but we've both had "Bully Breeds" pretty much our whole lives and we tend to favor them for their ruggedness and despite the bad rap, their excellent bahviour and eagerness to learn, not to mention their steadfast loyalty. We found a nice Staffordshire Bull Terrier that couldn't have been sweeter and decided we'd give it a try. Well, we filled out the paperwork on Saturday and were actually second behind someone else, and this AM we get a call saying we've been moved to the first spot, BUT because we're renters they have this absurd policy that they won't adopt to renters. Now I understand there are people out there that they're trying to prevent from adopting these types of dogs for whatever reason, but unfortunately it's also lessening the chances of these types of dogs getting good homes. I called after hearing the news from my fiancee and spoke with one of the adoption coordinators who was very nice, but she unfortunately wasn't very helpful when asked whom I could speak to in regards to this matter, apparently not really knowing who was in charge of policy for this particular branch. She claimed it hurt not to be able to adopt to us because she thought we would make perfect candidates (as had been the case the two prior times) but her hends were tied, and I understood that. I emailed the Humane Society in hopes of a response as to whom I can address some questions/concerns regarding this policy. Does anyone know if it's possible to contact a rescue and handle the adoption via them, adhering to their policies which may not be as tough? We have renters insurance through a company that does cover these types of dogs, and the landlord is fine with us having the dog, so I really don't see a valid issue and I realize I'm a little miffed, but I think it's unreasonable? Any suggestions, pointers? Thanks for taking the time to read, your time is much appreciated. Regards, Todd Answer: There are several people in my area who have rescued Staffordshire Bull Terriers. I am not sure where they got them, but I can ask. I think in this area it is possible to adopt them. These dogs that I have seen in the park are well behaved and gentle and very cute, but they are not bully dogs. They play with the other dogs off lead and do just fine. If you want me to check with their owners, I will see what I can do. Brenda Answer: My suggestion probably won't fly, but I do have some suggestions. 1. get a written statement from your landlord that states he is ok with you owning a pet. 2. write a promised agreement that if anything should go wrong that you have a Godfather, or Godmother (Please do it, and get the documents in order, don't just say, Do it! that if any unforseen circumstances change that would jeapordize the dogs home and welfare that the dog automatically goes to its godmother or godfather, and grant them the right to check up and follow up on it. Other than that if they still say no then if you still want a dog in need, and a dog of that breed you'll need to look elsewhere. what counts is giving this pet all that it needs. Good luck |
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