Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2011 7:35 pm Post subject: Rescue volunteering - the thing I've been dreading!
I have been doing some volunteering for one of the lab rescues and recently home checked a lovely dog where there are children in the family. One was clearly upset at the dog having to go, asking if she could visit him in his new home etc. She understood the reasons why this couldn't happen but kept asking if I would make sure he went to a good home where people would love him. It was terribly sad and as I left I couldn't help thinking that I wouldn't want to be the person collecting that dog to take it away.
Tonight I get a call telling me a home has been found for the dog and could I collect him and take him on the first half of his journey to his new home. I have this horrible sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. It's a fantastic new start for the dog but heartbreak for a little girl who clearly loves her dog very much.
Oh how sad.
This might not be allowed - I have no idea, but if it was me, I would take a camera along and take a photo of her and the dog and email it to her when I got home, so she had something to keep and remember and looking forward to receiving with a note on how the dog had got on.
It will be tough I was in the same position a couple of years ago when I had to collect a beautiful yellow lab from a home that was loving but no longer suitable. The family giving up the dog were heartbroken and by the time I left so was I. Will be thinking of you and the photo is a lovely idea if it's allowed
Best of luck
I've been the person to take the dog away and its a horrible experience.
I let the woman take her time to say goodbye and didn't rush her, i was there well over an hour.
Its so hard leaving with someones dog who they obviously love and care for. All the family were there and in tears, i even got a little emotional too. I found once id left the house i didn't feal as bad. I was thinking of what a wonderful like the dog would have in its new home.
Just be careful keeping in contact. This woman had my phone number and email and she hounded me with calls and messages. She even rang me begging for the dog back.
To be honest Norma; I've been in this position. I hadn't met the children but the father told me on the phone that the kids (there were 4 of them) were terribly upset about the dog going.
I suggested that I collect the dog at an appointed time and that he arrange for his wife to take the kids out; so that they didn't have to watch me taking their dog away and putting her in the car.
I think if you can do this; its much much easier on the kids; and also - alot easier for you because you don't have to get involved with the emotional side of things.
I also agree with Kate. Be careful what you agree to. Take an email address - dont give them your contact details. Tell them that you will arrange for photo's to be emailed through the rescue. They shouldn't really have contact with the new family; and also, its not fair for you to be hounded by devastated owners after their dog has left.
____________ Jane - Rosie, Frank, Suki, Lily, Lewis
Like Dawn I have sadly been in this position many times & pulled over in then next road to have a good cry It really is one of the hardest parts of rescue.
I let the family decide how to do things & however they want to handle it is fine by me. I do find there comes a point where you have to whisk the dog away & leave for everyones sake. The worst one I ever had was in a household with a 2 year old child who was screaming the dogs name as I led her to the car as his parents held him back They asked me to ring them to let them know she was ok which I did but I agree re emails etc, be very careful what you agree to & don't let them have your contact details.
I really feel for you Norma, the only way to look at it is that you are helping all involved to achieve the best outcome for the dog *hugs*
The worst one I ever had was in a household with a 2 year old child who was screaming the dogs name as I led her to the car as his parents held him back
Julie x
OMG how absolutely heartbreaking
____________ Dawn
Marley Frank Mack Moose & Roger xxxxxx
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