I thought it would be a good time to let some people know how
our
rescue application process works, since there has been alot of
phone
calls to many reps by potential adopters lately.
1. When you download the application from the ig web site and you mail it to one
of the addresses in Michigan, you must understand that it could be a two-three
week turn around time before that application is sent to a rep in your area. The
reps in Michigan are volunteers, just like the rest of us. The mail service can
be slow too. It may take five days for it to reach that state, then the rep has
to mail it to the rep nearest to you.
2. After the rep in your state receives it, they will usually
contact you ASAP in order to make arrangements for a phone
interview
and a home check to be done.
We like to have ourselves, or a friend with an Ig come to your home
with an IG to see how you and your family and other pets interact
with it. Some people after they actually see an Ig in person do
not
want one.
Many after reading the application change their mind also.
3. After your home interview , you are put on a list.
Some of us have long lists, some have short ones. There are
usually
more people waiting, then dogs available.
4. We honestly do not know when one is coming in. I have received
a
phone call five minutes after hanging up with someone by a person
who
wants to give up their IG.
We do not have rescue dogs all over our houses waiting for homes
or at least I dont !!
5. After your home has been approved,( very very few are not
approved, and those that arent' usually change their mind within
the
time their homecheck is complete.)
6. Everyone wants a young female. The females are far and few between. I have
had 1 in 20 be a female. The males are just as sweet and some say, they are more
huggy and clingy than females. The males that were neutered young usually do not
lift their legs to mark. They squat to pee and don't know what marking is.
7. The older ones can be taught not to mark with a conscientious
effort of crating and watching the dog when it is loose.
Weenie wrappers are a temporary thing and should never be left on all the
time.
A sharp tone or loud noise made when the dog sniffs and starts to
mark can make the dog quickly change its mind and the dog can be
trained by this to never mark again.
8. Once your home is approved, your name is on a list and the next
dog that will fit your lifestyle will be given a trial period in
your
home. We try to fit the dogs to the people. (I would never place a
country dog in NYC for example.)
9. PLEASE have patience. We cannot pull dogs out of the thin air.
We
"want" to place a dog with you in good permanent loving homes, but
have to wait till one comes in first !!
I have had people wait less than two weeks, then go buy one from a
ad in a paper, magazine or a pet store. Then when I call them and
tell them I have a dog for them, they dont' want it and the one
they
bought turns out to be ill or too much for them, and guess where it
winds up?!
10. If you do go buy a dog somewhere or you decide you do not want
one, please call and let your rep know,so we can remove your name
from our list.
We usually foster the dogs that come in and get to know their
personality and try to find the right dog for you. A profile and
innoculation paper is sent with each dog. The dogs are
spayed/neutered and up to date on all shots.
11. Keep in touch with your rep. Call or email them every couple of
weeks and let them know that you truly are interested. Even if you
justleave a message on their machine, its nice to know that you
still
really want one of these wonderful dogs from us !!
I hope this has answered some questions about how this process
works.
