Thread: They are taking my dog!

When we moved into our new home, with a great big backyard, we decided we were going to get a dog. we did not want to go to a pet store, when so many dogs need good homes, so we went to Golden Retriever Freedom Rescue, and adopted Jake in April of this year, and he is a great dog. We ended up adopting another dog from them, but the second dog was not a good fit, as it was nipping and jumpping up on my two daughters, ages 5 and 3. I called the rescue to say that they needed to take the second dog back, and they started asking us some question about the dogs. One question was how often they are outside. I said that when my wife and I were at work, and when the weather was nice, (ie above 45 degrees), they go outside and play for 4 to 5 hours, tops, and then my wife is home.

They flipped out. they accused us of neglecting the dog, of abusing the dogs, becasue they were outside when we were not home. Nevermind the fact that these dogs have a bed in front of the fireplace, which is on every night. they sleep on the couch, and get regualr, great, exercise. No, they are taking the dogs, or they are going to do unscheduled, supervised vitists, to make sure that we are taking care of the dogs, and if they knock on the door, and no one answers, and the dogs are outside, then they take the dogs. I feel like they are treating us like child abusers.

I am dealing with complete nut jobs, fanatics. I am taking them to court, and forcing them to hire an attorney, and incurr the expenses of it. My legal fees are free. However, even if I win, I will still have this nut job outfit in my life.

I will not be subject to Big Brother looking over my shoulder. These dogs are the most spoiled dogs in existence, and my dad, a veterinarian of 40 years, agrees with that. I AM ****ED OFF!!!!

Matt

Wow Matt that stinks. I hope you can do smething about this.
EDIT: I just saw that you are taking them to court. Good on you. There is no way they should be able to do this.
I don't see the problem with the dogs being outside. They're dogs for crying out loud... Are they even allowed to do this if the dogs are declared healthy and well-fed by a vet?

Is there a law against dogs being outside? I agree that they have to have shelter (the dog house) available to them outside, in case it rains / snows / whatever. But being outside is a good thing for dogs, no?

Especially for big dogs, it is much better for them to be outside where they can roam in a large area, vs being cooped up inside where they cannot run, jump or do other energetic things.

That is a bunch of crap! Dogs need to be out in the yard periodically and it's the most natural thing in the world to let them out as long as the weather isn't bad so they can have dog fun. (A lot like regular fun, just with more sniffing...) I've not had a bad experience with rescues myself (we got one from a breeder and the other from a rescue) but this just solidifies my position in favor of reputable breeders. I'd be mad as hell if I were in your position. Good luck, I hope they don't mess with you.

Originally Posted by Bruno

Wow Matt that stinks. I hope you can do smething about this.
I don't see the problem with the dogs being outside. They're dogs for crying out loud... Are they even allowed to do this if the dogs are declared healthy and well-fed by a vet?

Is there a law against dogs being outside? I agree that they have to have shelter (the dog house) available to them outside, in case it rains / snows / whatever. But being outside is a good thing for dogs, no?

Especially for big dogs, it is much better for them to be outside where they can roam in a large area, vs being cooped up inside where they cannot run, jump or do other energetic things.

We are rational people. We agree. They are not!

no there is no law that dogs must be kept inside. They have shelter if they are outside. They are well fed and cared for.

In this instance, the contract states that we agree to care for the dog, feed it, exercise it, and provide adequate veterinary care and exercise, "to the satisfaction of (the rescue)." it is the whole, to the satisfaction of the rescue clause that they are relying upon to say that we are neglecting the dog. They are not satisfied with the care we are providing, as so they are alleging a breach of the contract, and are taking the dog.

Matt

As long as you provide shelter, some form of exercise, and food I don't think they have a case! Most dogs I know prefer the outside most of the time anyways!


Good luck my friend!

I am sure they will love the publicity, make sure they get plenty of it! I am an avid dog lover, but they are still dogs, being left outside in above 45F is in no way detrimental. Sometimes these people seem to be more about themselves and their sense of self righteousness than they are about the animals. As Dennis Miller once said "these are the kind of people who would step on a homeless person to throw paint at a fur!". Its their self righteousness thats important. If the dog nips at the kids, there is a problem. Good luck and God bless!

Originally Posted by mhailey

In this instance, the contract states that we agree to care for the dog, feed it, exercise it, and provide adequate veterinary care and exercise, "to the satisfaction of (the rescue)." it is the whole, to the satisfaction of the rescue clause that they are relying upon to say that we are neglecting the dog. They are not satisfied with the care we are providing, as so they are alleging a breach of the contract, and are taking the dog.

Matt

What a scam!!! They give you the dog and take your money, then they deem your care wasn't adequate, so they take the dog and give it a new home, collecting the necessary fees of course!
Do I read the situation correctly?

...Unless they are trying to build a case against you in case you would sue them for the nipper biting your daughters?

I suspect that these doers of good deeds, those who are the dolers-out of dogs, take their lives very seriously and you must know well that they are not only the dolers out of deeds good, but also the few who are the holiers-than thous. It is most likely they don't, like you and I, retire to a bed at night, rather they hang themselves on crosses to prepare for another day of dealing with the riff and raff.

You can't win arguing with them. The invitation to discourse only provides polish for the halos.

best of luck,

Originally Posted by JMS

What a scam!!! They give you the dog and take your money, then they deem your care wasn't adequate, so they take the dog and give it a new home, collecting the necessary fees of course!
Do I read the situation correctly?

...Unless they are trying to build a case against you in case you would sue them for the nipper biting your daughters?

Believe me, i'm going to get all of their financial statements in discovery. They are a non-profit organization under the statute, and supposedly an all vonteer organization. if they have made a cent, or paid any person any money, then I am going to referr them to the Attorney General's office for ciminal prosecution.

Matt

I have regularly volunteered at animal shelters of all types and still do occasionally. I have a dog and a cat, both were adopted from animal shelters (im a sucker, they were both close to their expiration date so i adopted them). I have had to go do inspections and its amazing what you will see.

With that said, i can't believe a non profit organization would spend that kind of money coming out to your house and doing these visits and repo'ing a dog. If the dogs are having their all their needs met i do not see why they would do this. seems wasteful on their part.