Archives > Opinion > Star Guests
Print
E-mail
Comment
Rate
RSS
Share
Inhumane Treatment from the Humane Society
By Patti Pfeiffer
Mention it, and months later, a lump still forms in her throat and tears well. It still stings. Annette readily admits, "I loved that dog."
Hers is a disappointing story.
The sad tale of a dog-in-need came to Annette and her husband's attention a short while after losing their long time, beloved canine kiddo. Devoted dog lovers, the story tugged at their hearts so much, the couple quickly made the decision. Opening their arms, hearts and home they put in an adoption application and readied to love on a new family pet.
The empty-nester couple was eager, excited and anxiously awaited approval and their fur child's arrival.
Yet somewhere during the process, correspondence with the local Humane Society became one-sided. The pair was perplexed. Upset, they made a call. Nothing. Finally after several attempts of contact the message became clear.
Silence has a way of sending booming messages.
"The only thing we can think of is that because we both work and are older, they were concerned the dog wouldn't be walked his normal three miles, twice a day, every day. That's all we can figure out. I guess we'll never know," said Annette.
Though heart-broken and upset, they didn't stop looking for another dog. They just looked elsewhere. Unfortunately -- for the plethora of pooches needing a good home -- they purchased a pup from a pet store.
Agony has a way of changing a course.
"It's not what we wanted but we wouldn't go through that again. It was too hurtful and caused us so much pain. We couldn't understand what was happening or why, and still can't," shares Annette. "There was no reason for it. That's what hurts the most. We were never told if our application was rejected. We weren't told anything. They just dropped us, stopped communication."
Thanks to the Humane Society of Flower Mound, I can relate to their experience, understand their plight and sympathize with their feelings.
I'd rather be rejected than suffer with silence.
We weren't looking for another dog after our precious Angel recently passed away after nearly 15 years. Dogs don't' live long enough, no matter the lifespan. I wasn't ready to risk the hurt again.
Then I saw Charlotte. And fell in love. One night while turning pages in the Star Local News a dog's mug captured my attention, called to my heart. A long body, short legs and a huge head, she was incredibly...oh well, cute.
Just thinking about having her in our home, finding a friend for our only remaining pet, seemed to kind of gather the shards of my shattered heart. And hubby said yes --without hesitation!
Having endured an adoption ordeal before, I should've known better. Yet my heart overruled my head. Application was made. In the question asking our biggest adoption reservation, I honestly confessed, "the application process."
We were contacted within a day. Phone calls exchanged. Emails volleyed. Questions lobbed. Verification obtained from every vet our pets (both living and deceased) had seen in three cities across two states. More questions asked. Answers provided. Further investigation. More verification.
I'm not bragging but our two cats lived over 17 years, one dog to 18 and another to 15 which our vet said was rare. I've been a professional pet sitter and was paid handsomely.
Their diligence was understandable. I waited patiently. Then communication stopped. Calls and emails went unanswered.
My tummy turned. Sleepless nights ruled.
Aware a Flower Mound Humane Society adoption event was happening that weekend, I went looking for answers. The discovery prompted this email being sent to the group, "I just want you to know in desperation I went to PetsMart to check on Charlotte's status and maybe, fingers crossed, hopefully adopt her. I went while working, squeezing it in between scheduled real estate showings because it was that important, she was that important to me, to us. I was desperate. And clueless.
"I was scared to go in fearing the worse. My fear came true. The cardboard lamented name above the cage door declared her presence, but she was absent. I walked the store hoping someone was exercising her. No Charlotte sighted. I had someone inquire about her whereabouts. I was too chicken to ask myself. I couldn't bear the news. She was gone. Adopted out.
"To say I am disappointed would be a complete understatement. I just lost one canine kiddo and to have this happen just opened a healing wound. We weren't looking for a dog. We fell for Charlotte. I was excited about meeting her and her joining our family.
"To be kept in the dark and not hearing anything for days despite phone calls and emails was agonizing. I am sad and very disappointed to say the least. I am a pet lover. This was inhumane."
Still I'm reeling over this. Our application was pending. We were vetted. A stranger comes off the street and walks out with Charlotte. It isn't fair. It wasn't right. It sucks. I was mad then and still am.
With such a plethora of pets in need of a good home, I've never understood anyone paying money for a furry friend. According to Annette, they were the only customers not financing the purchase of their new puppy that particular day. I didn't know puppy payments, canine credit plans existed. Puppies are big business. It's no wonder why.
Patti Pfeiffer is a columnist for Star Local News, freelance writer and author. She can be reached at pattip913@msn.com.
The following are comments from the readers.
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
dsk wrote on May 14, 2012 8:54 PM:
" I find this article interesting having adopted three dogs from rescues, two in this area. While the application process may seem tedious as opposed to purchasing a puppy from someone who could care less what happened to the pup after the check clears, it wasn't so bad we were deterred from completing it. Most of the folks involved in rescue are volunteers who work very hard to find the right homes for animals. That's volunteers, as in people who usually have jobs and families who also take some of their time so they may not always be able to provide immediate attention to every phone call or email. Perhaps if you had actually tried to make arrangements to meet the dog at some point in the process they would have felt you were serious. I hope you'll take the energy it takes to be so mad and turn it into something positive - perhaps you should try volunteering with a rescue. "
You must register with a valid email to post comments.
Only your Member ID will be posted with the comments.
Only your Member ID will be posted with the comments.
Registered users sign in here:
Become a Registered User
- Return to: Star Guests «
- Home «
- Top of Page ^
