Before you read on, please note that I'm not trying to say anything bad about one organization vs. another ... I am simply stating things the way I see them. If you have different opinions, please feel free to post them ... but please back up your statements with facts - not feelings.
I feel that every dog should have a good home but that's not going to change anything because it is simply a stated "feeling". I foster because I can change things for that dog. This is a fact. I may not change the world, but I changed the world for that dog.
It never ceases to amaze me how Rescues, SPCA's and Humane Societies refuse to actually work together. It is something that really infuriates me. It will send me over the edge within seconds.
We're all in this together ... right?! WRONG
Let me explain a bit.
I look at animal rescue as something that needs to be done. You are there to help the animals. So why is it that these organizations refuse to work with other groups unless they need something?
SPCA's and Humane Societies are quite happy to send their dogs through Breed Specific Rescues because the rescues are helping them. The SPCA and Humane Society gets angry at the Breed Rescue that refuses a dog. The Breed Rescue gets angry because it feels that the SPCA and Humane Society is using them. It is a vicious cycle.
The Breed Rescue refuses to take on a dog for a multitude of reasons; all of which are valid ... but will they cross post a dog that is "their breed" on their website to direct potential adopters to the SPCA or Humane Society? No. That might take away from people who would adopt from them.
Do these Breed Rescues, SPCAs or Humane Societies actually do anything to HELP each other?? No. Why? Business is Business.
If you have a different experience, please share with the group. If you have an example of a time when one of these organizations helped out the other WITHOUT the motivation of "how can this help me", please share. Or perhaps multiple organizations got together and did a fundraising event where they helped each other get attendees, then split the profits??
So if we're all out there to help animals and we all share a common goal, then why the tension between groups?? Why don't we work together? Why aren't we helping one another for the animals, if for nothing else??
No matter how you look at things, these organizations are trying to pay the bills at the end of the month; just like any other business. And just like any other business ... well ... "business is business".
Here's a question no one ever asks ...
Why are there some shelters with dog kennels and space for 20 dogs but they only have 3 in the building? Why are the "shelters next door" still euthanizing for space if there is so much space elsewhere? Why are the kill shelters screaming for rescues and shelters to help them? Why aren't these shelters working together?
Why are the animals not the number one priority?
Business is Business.
Why are there some shelters with dog kennels and space for 20 dogs but they only have 3 in the building? Why are the "shelters next door" still euthanizing for space if there is so much space elsewhere? Why are the kill shelters screaming for rescues and shelters to help them? Why aren't these shelters working together?
Why are the animals not the number one priority?
Business is Business.
7 comments:
DDF:
You are spot-on. Thank you for bringing this tough subject up.
I started to write my comment, then realized it needed to be a post. You can check it out.
I wish I had a great story of group cooperation to share, but I don't. Perhaps in the future.
And, thanks, too, for the thoughtful advice for Tucker, my foster challenge. I'm grateful he isn't a big Rottie! I plan to share your tips with his foster. She has decided to adopt him, which is great, but I think she might need to implement the no-furniture rule for him. Little dogs can be tyrants too.
Cathi (Calsidyrose) at "We Don't Rent Puppies."
I do actually know of a (very) few shelters that work with rescues, rescues that work together and shelters that work together. But they are a minority, by far.
Besides, business is business, I think ego plays a part in these decisions.
Here in Hawaii the only two organizations that you see working together in any meaningful way is the Humane Society and the wild bird rescue. When a wild bird is brought into the Humane Society they will contact the wild bird people and have them come pick it up. The only reason even this happens is because the Humane Society doesn't really do birds. They have recently approached our parrot club to take on pet birds since they no longer want to do that either.
A year or so ago we had a serious hoarding situation here and the HSUS came in to help get the dogs and cats out. All of the rescue groups worked together to get them out and situated. Once the actual rescue was over all heck broke loose and the fighting began. The result was 2 key people leaving 2 of the rescues and starting their own and now none of the rescues talk to each other. Wonderful!!!
I produce a dog video conversation and would like to know if you would post it on you blog. We have some great people involved (Dr. Robyn Barbiers from Anti-Cruelty Society, Bernie Berlin from A Place to Bark, Amelia Glynn from SF Chronicle). If you are interested in contributing to the show as a panelist, I would love to speak with you regarding that as well.
Info:
The title of our video is – ‘What is Your Dog Breed Bias?’
The description is – ‘Is your childhood dog your favorite breed? Are you scared of pit bulls? Do you agree with the rest of America that the beagle is the best? Join our awesome team of dog bloggers in a conversation about your breed bias.’
The embed code is:
The url (where you can get the embed if your program screens it):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxriEAHqLUk
Thanks,
Bill Soule
The Doggie Dish
wpsoule@gmail.com
You are correct! I think it must be political. I don't understand why the dogs just don't come first. I adopted my big guy from the Humane Society and my little one from a Bichon Rescue. I wish more people would rescue and adopt rather than breeding...but don't get me started.
Thank you everyone for your input on this!
CalsidyRose ... good blog post you published! You detailed a very real problem in rescue.
giantspeckledchihuahua ... I think you're right - ego does play a part. I didn't consider that being a motivator as well but it certainly makes sense.
Flo ... I have seen that here too; though I'm usually the one that gets the pet birds! Any wildlife goes to the "wildlife department" or to a certified rehabilitator. However, even when they send animals through these rehabilitators, we still wouldn't even consider sending the organization a donation to help care for that animal. That bugs me.
Bill ... I will check it out and email you.
bichonpawz ... Politics play a part, yes ... but I don't understand why there are so many different agendas ... aren't we all working towards the same agenda? "rehome animals; prevent them from unnecessary euthanasia; sterilize to control population". So glad to hear you adopted your dogs!! My sister has had 3 rescue bichons now and LOVES them! She recommends the breed to everyone looking for a small high energy dog who doubles as a cuddle-bug. :)
Business & ego/personalities.
Thanks for writing this.
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