I'm putting Axl in his crate right now.
I'm leaving for my local shelter to walk some dogs.

Enough of the internet drama for today

 

Jeez God I wish I could join you!! I'm making my kids dinner and going to watch them swim laps at swim practice while simultainiously balancing my checkbook. I am so done with drama today.

 

ya know, I answered questions on a public forum where some people go out of their way to find fault. You can find fault with ANYTHING you look at. No one who defended DVDPA EVER claimed that they were a perfectly run organization. For those who think that it should be run like a business, I will answer that there are a hell of a lot of business' out there than haven't lasted one year much less the 25+ years that DVDPA has managed to exist regardless of its lack of a professionally run and trained staff. There are a heck of a lot of business' out there that did have all kinds of highly paid and trained staff with big degrees that failed. But truly if someone would like to donate the money to hire someone to do all the training and overseeing for a rescue - please step up. Until that time DVDPA will motor along with a few dedicated people who do what they can with what they have - for free!

It is really easy to sit back and be critical when you aren't plopped right in the middle of it trying to do your best day to day for years on end. Hindsight is always 20/20 because you get to sit and analyze it after the fact - so congrats to all those people who can be critical and like to talk the talk, but don't walk the walk that a rescuer like Sharon or Cathy does.

However, here is the kicker - lets look at numbers of dogs SAVED - yes SAVED... because in the end, it isn't about people, it IS about dogs.

In her post, Cathy made the comment that she has been involved with DVDPA for 9+ years. Today, she made the comment to me that she personally has her name as the DVDPA representative on OVER 500 adoptions. Yeah, you read that right OVER 500 in 9 years. Maybe we could ask all those dogs that came from a less than perfect rescue what their choice would have been ......... ummmmm 1. high kill shelter vs rescue 2. dumped on the street vs rescue 3. inner city shelter vs breed specific rescue 4. Euthanasia by owner vs rescue.............. But oh that is right, they can't talk. Darn.

People like Cathy are heros - and they never ask for a "Thank you". I just want you all to know that the attack here (and yes, we consider it an attack) could have devastating consequences if the person who has personally adopted out over 500 rescues in the past 9 years decides that she has had enough and walks away. You (generic you) can all pat yourself on the back for a job well done if that is the outcome of this - hope you are all proud of yourselves. I'm sure the dogs would thank you too -

And Alyissa - I've noticed that Jovi is still on your avatar info - isn't she the one that you adopted from a shelter and then asked DVDPA's help in rehoming because you couldn't afford her? You didn't foster her for DVDPA - DVDPA assisted you in rehoming her .... correct me if I'm wrong, but my sources are pretty good. I really don't like to get personal, but after fostering one puppy for DVDPA you have IMHO surely done more harm for rescue than good with this whole thread.....feel free to keep making the digs because there is more where that came from. I don't like to play dirty and have refrained from doing so till now..... but we all have our limits and I'm about at mine.

 

And Alyissa - I've noticed that Jovi is still on your avatar info - isn't she the one that you adopted from a shelter and then asked DVDPA's help in rehoming because you couldn't afford her? You didn't foster her for DVDPA - DVDPA assisted you in rehoming her .... correct me if I'm wrong, but my sources are pretty good. I really don't like to get personal, but after fostering one puppy for DVDPA you have IMHO surely done more harm for rescue than good with this whole thread.....feel free to keep making the digs because there is more where that came from. I don't like to play dirty and have refrained from doing so till now..... but we all have our limits and I'm about at mine.

I thought that I had already addressed Jovi but apparently more info needs to be given.

Yes, Jovi is the blue doberman (still on my avatar w/ atcomo's permission) that I adopted from the Cumberland County SPCA on 7/23/09. Yes, I did ask for the DVDPA's help in rehoming her. This is the help that the DVPDA gave me:

They had ONE person call me that they approved as an adopter. The person that called had adopted another dog from the DVDPA, a puppy if I recall, that they returned to the DVDPA because of "aggression issues". This potential adopter and I discussed Jovi and if she would be a good fit for their family, but ultimately it did not work out. Why? Well for one, they only had a broken electrical fence and I wanted Jovi to go to a home with a secure, fenced yard. Also, this potential adopter had also talked to a breeder that she had gotten her previous Doberman from, and was waiting to hear from her because she (the breeder) had a dog that was coming back to her that needed to be rehomed. The adopter said that the breeder rehome was her "first pick" and that she would call me back- she never did.

I found Jovi's forever home because I started a thread about her here on DT. Her forever home is in the Long Island, NY area, out of the normal DVDPA adoption range. As a matter of fact, atcomo had applied to the DVDPA for a dog at one time, and was told to go to DRU.

After atcomo provided me with all of the information that I had requested, and from what they provided to me I thought they would provide Jovi with an EXCELLENT home (they couldn't fill out an application on the DVDPA website because it was "under construction" at this time), yes, I did ask for Sharon's input, because of all of her experience and knowledge in regards to rescue.

I drove to Long Island, NY to do a homecheck and took Jovi with me so she could meet atcomo and his 8 y/o Doberman. My family and I were there for over 3hrs and the visit went wonderfully.

Yes, Jovi did get adopted out under a DVDPA contract- which I now regret. Atcomo and I had agreed on an adoption fee of $125.00- which is EXACTLY how much it cost me to adopt her from the CCSPCA. This fee included her spay, up to date shots and microchip. When it came time to do Jovi's contract, Sharon wanted me to charge atcomo $300.00 for Jovi's adoption fee- I would get $125.00 and the DVDPA would get the rest. I SAID NO. Because the DVDPA did assist me in regards to a contract, atcomo and I agreed on a $100.00 donation to the DVDPA- a donation that I thought was more than generous, considering,IMO, their overall, limited involvement with her was.

Jovi went to her forever home on 12/26/09. As of todays date, Atcomo has spoken to Sharon ONCE, at MY request, on 12/29/09.

Did I rehome Jovi because I couldn't afford her? Not that its any of your business, but I will address your comment. Yes and No. First of all it was NEVER my intent to keep her when I adopted her. I could not, for various reasons, add a 3rd dog to my home PERMANETLY. Did I want to keep her- YES- she was and still is a fantastic dog. But what I want and what I can have are 2 different things. Did I make the statement that I couldn't afford her-yes. Like Sharon says, the Doberman is the "cadillac" of dog breeds and a Doberman is very expensive to own. My biggest fear of owning a Doberman is that they will encounter a problem in regards to their health. I already own a dog with health issues, a rescue Collie, and between her regular vet costs and my other dogs vet costs, no, I cannot afford to own a Doberman at this time, mostly due to the veterinary costs it would take to properly care for a Doberman.

I'm also at my limit and basically done with this thread, but when pushed, I too can play dirty.

I don't want to make this "personal" either but if i have to I will. Let me remind you at this time of the 3 PM's you sent me in regards to this thread on 1/30 and 1/31. I have tried to maintain some element of class through this whole thread, but if you want to see how dirty I can get, I will post the PM's you sent to me.

 

Ethics vs Economics, this discussion is exactly why I rescued dogs on my own. No affiliations with hand tied groups that need public assistance then need to be concerned about scrutiny. Now don't take this the wrong way, again, I support people who donate their time, funds and experience and I do understand proticall when an organization must adhere to the guidelines established but everyone has their own ethics and when they differ it doesn't mean that one group is right or wrong their just different. Baring obvious situations in regards to health, temperament, altering and OVER charging everyone in rescue is hoping for the same thing, a home for an unfortunate animal. VON.

 

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO DO RESCUE?

[Author Unknown]

Your rescue "kit" should include:

A heart of gold to accept those creatures that don't measure up as "perfect" in the eyes of the rest of the world.

The people skills of a salesperson. . . to convince those that are looking for perfection that they will find it in a rescue dog if they are willing to look a little deeper.

A heart of steel to be able to say no when there just isn't any more room for just one more dog.

The knowledge that you can't save them all.

The ability to smile and speak rationally when the 10th person for the day says "I don't want this stupid dog anymore. . . take him or I am gonna shoot him."

Some medical knowledge. . . or your rescue vet bill will be bigger than the national debt.

The fine art of fund raising. . . so your vet bill can be reduced to just under the size of the national debt.

Patience for: breeders who don't care, won't help, turn their backs and say it's not their problem.

Patience for: dogs that were incorrectly placed and come to rescue with so much excess baggage that you think they will never be adoptable.

Patience for: owners who want a quick fix.

Patience for: a world that no longer looks at life as a gift and the lives that we create as breeders as nothing short of miracles.

A sense of humor. . . because sometimes a smile on your face is the only way to hide the agony and turmoil in your heart.

A husband with housekeeping skills that are so outstanding that they could be highlighted in Good Housekeeping Magazine. . . so you can devote your time to all the rescues and be secure in the knowledge that the local Board of Health will not condemn your house.

Personal dogs that will tolerate the never ending stream of four legged orphans, waifs and street urchins that will start arriving the moment you say. . . "I have room."

Children that like being the "token" child to socialize every dog that comes thru the door. . . being able to say "good with kids" is a real selling point.

Magician skills so you can change anything that comes thru the door, from black tri male to long tail and brown eyes, into blue merle female, good with kids, housebroke, crate trained and obedience trained.

The ability to face the paperwork head-on and deal with it. . . or someone you can send it to and say. . . "Here, do something with this mess!"

Grooming skills for those ugly ducklings waiting for their chance to be a swan. . . with a little help from you.

I could go on but you probably get the picture. . . . None of us have all of these things but we all know that the business of rescue is a team effort. Each of us contribute what we can as a team member. Some of us cannot handle the dogs [or cats or birds or horses or rabbits or . . . ], but . . . there are other things that must be done.



Some only want to work with the dogs [themselves, or the cats or . . . ] . . . so. . . leave the paperwork to those that like it. No matter what your situation is. . . it is your willingness to help that is important. ~

 

After reading this thread, and somewhat skimming the last few pages....here is my two cents, for what it's worth -

1) If rescues are over-worked, and over-strained, perhaps it's time to do a gut check and reduce the areas they serve? If they don't have the staff or volunteers, it's not going to do anybody a bit of good if phone calls go unanswered, messages left unreturned, online presence is not managed properly, etc.

2) I know rescues are not considered your "typical" business, but they should be run as one, especially if they are filing as a 501c3. There needs to be accountability and shared responsibility. There needs to be structure, communication, personnel, and an overall plan of attack. If rescues blindly start up without any sort of plan or road map, how are they ever going to succeed or know where they're going? Or even measure where they've been?

 

I've gotta say, Astra, for someone who keeps saying they're NOT trying to discredit the DVDPA, you sure throw some snide little "questions" into the mix, such as "wondering" whether dna testing was done so as to obtain a higher adoption fee. Passive aggressive, anyone?

As far as why these puppies are still in rescue-if even one from the litter came back with a questionable temperament, I think it's reasonable to think they'd all be held onto for awhile just to make sure there were no further temperament issues prior to placement. I'd do no less with a litter of well bred puppies.

I think some people had valid questions. I think this thread would have been short and sweet *if* those questions had been answered right away, this thread took on a life of its own because valid questions were met with vagueness and hostility. Still-the questions have now been answered and maybe it's time to move on.

Everyone might not agree with some of the policies, but so what? It's not our rescue.

 

.

Everyone might not agree with some of the policies, but so what? It's not our rescue.

I agree and when a living breathing creature such as dogs are the focus, sometimes set in concrete policies just don't cover all the eventualities. Seldom is there anything that we ALL can agree with 100% and you just have to accept that and do what is right for the greater good. However, if a rescue is, for instance, releasing unaltered dogs then they should expect questions and be prepared to answer them, as well as explaining the safeguards they have in place. I understand the reasoning and actually don't like altering juvenile dogs myself, but also understand that for some it's the best option, especially for dogs already in a rescue situation.

 

One thing for all of us who love these dogs to think about is we are in a very deep recession which is a long way from over. With home foreclosures and unemployment at all time highs, the need for more volunteers and more money to support rescue efforts all across this country, as well as other countries, will be stressed to the max and beyond.

IMO, this thread was fueled by defensiveness, as well as people asking rather simple questions and then being told it was none of their concern. Hopefully a lesson learned, as ALL rescues are going to need to attract more volunteers and more money for a long time to come.

QUOTE=velmadobe;622705]As far as volunteers, sometimes it is more work for a person to try and organize, train, and coordinate with someone else than to just do it themselves. [/QUOTE]

While in better times this may have been true, I just don't think it reflects the times we live in today. I do realize that volunteers need to be screened as undoubtedly there are the bad apples but there are also good people who need to be recruited, trained and motivated and then utilized. Easy to do...NO...but necessary, none-the-less. Moreover, I think this is something that ALL rescues need to get better at and fast.

I sincerely hope that this thread motivates all of us to get involved in whatever capacity we can, as well as all rescues to re-think about how to better recruit and utilize more people, all the way from foster homes to those who can come up with creative ways to raise additional funds. The need is greater now perhaps more than ever before!

BTW, here are some great ideas from Astra on how all of us can help rescue.
http://www.dobermantalk.com/doberman-rescue/36030-ways-you-can-help-rescue.html

I also think the people involved with this particular rescue need to be commended for all the good they have done over the years as they have made a huge difference for a lot of dogs.

 

My response to velmadobes post #101

I don't know if you are referring to me personally, but it was NEVER MY INTENT to make this thread turn into "some kind of crusade". I am not "gunning for you personally"- I don't know you personally. I don't understand how this thread "is just a good excuse" for a few people "to take a swipe at you". Once again, that was NEVER MY INTENT when I started this thread.

I NEVER tried to discredit the DVDPA. I have said time and time again, that when this thread started, that all I wanted to do was help these puppies find safe, loving and forever homes. You were aware of the thread I had on here about Ike (What a way to start a new year!!!!)- you even posted on it.

Just for the record, I DO NOT want to "take over" the DVDPA and NEVER have. I have been involved in the rescue of both dogs (all breeds) and cats for over 20 years in one way or another. I KNOW HOW HARD it would be to run a reputable rescue and everything it would take to do it , IMO, the right way- which is why I haven't started my own rescue (which just for the record has been my dream for a LONG time-not just recently). I do not have all of what it would take (money, time, connections, etc.,etc.,etc.,), which is why I try to make myself available to reputable rescue organizations.

I agree with RedFawnRising- I also didn't see any "trashing" going on here, and I also have never personally had a problem with you velmadobe.

You commented that "the puppies had funky looking heads when they were little, and there were some doubts that they were purebred". I know you were trying to explain the reason for the DNA test and that is fine. I just wanted to say, funky looking head or not, my family and I LOVED (& still do LOVE and ALWAYS WILL) Ike, and his new family does too! We ALL think he is HANDSOME! I would also like to say that I hope the DVDPA dosen't do DNA testing just so they can ask for a higher adoption fee for a purebred pup. I myself think the $400.00 adoption fee is too high for a purebred, RESCUE, UNALTERED Doberman puppy. I wonder what the adoption fee was for the other litter of "mixes" that you referred to? I would hope not $400.00 and I pray that those puppies were altered PRIOR to leaving the DVDPA, since they weren't "pure" Doberman pups. We all know at this point that my belief is ALL puppies should ALWAYS be altered PRIOR to leaving ANY rescue, regardless of age.

We can agree to disagree on the pediatric spay/neuter "debate". I really don't know why you brought up the point that the DVDPA's Vet will perform a spay/neuter at a reduced price AFTER the puppies leave the rescue. What does that have to do with anything? The cost still falls on the adoptive families. The ONLY reason you are giving as to why the DVDPA does not alter their puppies PRIOR to leaving the rescue is the pediatric spay/neuter "argument" and that it is basically Sharon's personal belief and decision not to do it. I truly hope this is the ONLY reason even though I don't agree with it. We are talking about RESCUE-not breeder- puppies here. I sincerely hope that it is not because the DVDPA does not want to pay the money it would cost to perform the surgery PRIOR to the pups leaving the rescue.

The DVDPA is Sharon's rescue and yes, she has the right to her decisions on what works best. I do not agree with SOME of her decisions, which is why I will no longer affiliate myself with HER rescue. I DO respect her 25 years of "unwavering dedication" to the rehoming of allot of Doberman's (and other breeds) and I DO RESPECT HER FOR THAT. I wish her and HER rescue NOTHING BUT THE BEST. There are allot of Doberman's in NJ, DE and PA that need assistance.

I'll have to trust what you say is true about the kennel that the DVDPA uses, since only certain people are allowed to go there. I will say that, IMO, Ike could have been taken better care of and fed more than 2x a day during the time he spent there.

I'm VERY HAPPY to hear that Sharon and Cathy are working on finding homes for the remaining puppies. I was told by Sharon that only ONE of the males came back from a home due to questionable behavior. I do know that the foster who has "Mike" is providing him with the best care and is an EXCELLENT foster. I know nothing about the other 2 puppies (Clark and O'Henry), because everytime( over the course of the month that I had Ike) I inquired about them to Sharon, she told me that "she hadn't talked to their foster in a long time". I'm sure that she has checked in on them by now, especially since it was discovered on the day that Ike was to go to his forever home, that "some" of the puppies- Ike was one of them- never recieved their 3rd DHLPP vaccination (I had to make an "emergency" appt with my own vet on the day of the adoption to get this vaccination or else his adoption would have been delayed- but no worries- all is well now). I'm just glad to hear that Sharon and Cathy are working on homes for the remaining puppies, regardless of how they are going about doing it.

From the experience I had with the DVDPA in regards to Ike, YES I do think that I personally could have done better had he come to me via another route and if I had him since the "get go", at the appropriate age that he could have been seperated from his mother. I think I have proved how well I can care for a dog with the last foster I had- Jovi the blue dobergirl. I did adopt her on my own and rehabbed her for 6 months with basically no help from the DVDPA. The only assistance I recieved in regards to her was that she was adopted out under their contract, for a $100.00 "donation fee", and I must say that this is a decision that I now regret, because I personally do not like their contract either. I did what I thought was best at the time.

I know that I'm not capable of helping "50 or more" dogs at this time- that is why I don't do it or run my own rescue. But I will say that I KNOW that I have done an EXCELLENT job with the dogs that I have helped to rehome over the years.

I feel very bad, guilty and I am sad that I can no longer assist the DVDPA due to our differences and my personal beliefs. Like you said yourself velmadobe, "good foster homes are not plentiful". I don't "toot my own horn" that often- it is not why I participate in rescue- I do it for the animals- but I know what kind of foster I am. I provide the best care possible for all of my fosters. My family and I fall in love with each and every one of them. We treat them as if they were "our own" pets, and our pets are members of our family. I do whatever it takes and am willing to go above and beyond, to do everything I personally can for them, to make sure they find and stay in their FOREVER HOMES. I wasn't just a "good" foster home, I was an EXCELLENT foster home and will continue to be- just not for the DVDPA.

If you define a "hero" as someone "who despite their imperfections keep plugging away to save one dog at a time" then, IMO, I should be included on that list. That is what I am trying to do as well.

You are right and I agree with you 110% when you say "in the end, it is really all about the dogs".

Once again, I am sorry if you feel as though I personally was trying to "trash 25 years of rescue effort". That was NEVER my intent and, IMO, I have not done that.

Thank you for your post.

PS. for the record, I am not trying to "fan any flames" either

 

Hi, This is Patrick, Ike's new dad.
I'm reading through all of this and I will soon, after carefull deliberation voice my opinion on all of this. But in the meantime, and more important Ike is settling in nice and is doing very well

 

O.k. I just thought of something, maybe there is a legal reason why the puppies DNA is being tested. Which may lead to the reason why they are still in rescue. Again though, all they would have to say is due to legal reasons..blah..blah..blah.

 

FairSky - How sad.
Greenkouki - Your calm level-headed responses are soothing.

RFR - I don't even have words for my level of respect for you and your insanely rational and insightful and focused brain. Dang. :bow:

 

Why pay to DNA test a litter if you need the money for more important things?

 

I can't tell you how out of control this thread has gotten and how some people have decided to make it some kind of crusade. I didn't want to post again because I feel like when I do it just fans the flames for some people. In some cases, I feel that a few people here are gunning for me personally and that this thread is just a good excuse to take a swipe at me. I don't personally care what people think of me, except that it isn't fair to the rescue. BUT, I do feel that I can MAYBE clarify a few things for the people who do listen to reason.... and the majority of the people on here DO listen to reason. Some never will, but I can't help that!

I spent a long time on the phone today with the head of DVDPA - understandably, she is upset that after 25 years of running this rescue some people have decided to discredit a rescue that has rehomed THOUSANDS of Dobermans. She said that if someone wants to take it over to feel free - she would like to retire, but so far, no one has taken her up on it. Hell, take NJ off of her hands.... or Delaware. She gets a zillion calls every day from people, and spent all day yesterday at Canine Learning Experience in Allentown PA talking to people about rescues while her rescue was getting trashed here. Nice huh?!

DVDPA gets very few young puppies - the stray bitch that whelped them came in pregnant and no one knew she was pregnant. The puppies had funky looking heads when there were little, and there were some doubts that they were purebred - hence the dna test. Wouldn't most people like to know if they were adopting a purebred dog or not? We had another litter previously that ended up being mixed and that is how they were adopted out as "mixes" - they had a dna test also. Now that a DNA test is available, there is no reason to guess whether or not a litter is purebred or not. So, I HOPE that answers that question.

As far as adopting out an unaltered puppy I will tell you all this - The DPCA COE does want all rescues altered, BUT nothing is said about puppies having to be altered at the time of adoption - just that they do have to be altered. Sharon personally follows up on every puppy to make sure that it IS done at the appropriate time. This is a woman who has been doing this for 25 years - I trust her judgement on this. When the spay/neuter is done, they can bring the dog to our vet and get our price on it. For the record, our vet does NOT like to do pediatric spay/neuters and would rather do them later. Other vets may be fine with it, but they are not doing spay/neuters at a reduced price for us are they? Most breeders don't like pediatric spay/neuters including me............so is it any surprise that a rescue comprised of Doberman people don't like to do pediatric spay/neuters? They WILL be done at an appropriate age, and Sharon will personally follow up on each puppy. It would be different if DVDPA had puppies all the time, but they don't so it is not hard to keep track of them. So HOPEFULLY, that answers that question - agree or not.

As far as putting puppies on the list, Sharon told me that when that happens, she gets a zillion phone calls for them that come in at all hours of the day and night - she cannot even begin to answer them..... this is in addition to the zillion applications. And I can tell you that maybe one in 10 applications MIGHT be a qualified home. It is her rescue and she has the right to her decisions on what works best. She admits that she is not perfect - but I will say that I think that 25 years of unwavering dedication to rehoming a lot of Dobermans every year is worth a little bit of respect from everyone here. When you have walked in her shoes for more than a miniscule fraction of time THEN try judging her organization. So that is another question answered..... hope I am doing good here cuz I really hate for people 1000's of miles away to not know every minute detail of a private rescue that has been successfully rehoming Dobermans for 25 years!!

Sharon told me that lots of people volunteer to walk and/or play with the dogs at the kennel. The kennel is not ours, it is privately owned and we can't just send people in there. The liability issue for both us and the kennel owner is just too great. As Murreydobe alluded to earlier, it is difficult to separate the potential great volunteers from those that would not be a benefit to rescue. These are not fluffy harmless animals, they are Dobermans and using great caution in choosing volunteers to actually deal with the dogs is a lesson she has learned over the years .... please forgive everyone for not being very trusting because they have been burned before and not just once or twice .... in the course of 25 years she has learned to give out trust slowly. As far as the kennel owner, I've met him many times and he is a good judge of dogs and truly does a good job with them. I have in the past boarded a personal dog with him. They get playtime with other dogs and are out as often as possible - winter is hard on the dogs in the kennel - especially a winter like this one ..... it has been bitterly cold this year. They don't get baths at $15 a pop - especially NOT in the middle of winter.

With volunteers out of our area, Sharon suggests fund raising. One volunteer in Delaware organizes a big yard sale every year and donates the proceeds. Sometimes we need transportation involving a few hours of driving - but most people don't want to do that. So the opportunities are more limited.

The puppies left are all in foster homes and Sharon and Cathy are working on homes. Some of the males came back from homes because their behavior with some strangers was questionable - it is hard to know if the problem was just typical puppy stuff or not (possibly just a fear period) - but more care has to be taken in placing them now. They are all doing just fine in their current foster homes at this time. Just think of all the questions we get here about puppy behavior that is just typical puppy stuff - But rescue takes no chances and took them back immediately. Ike was NOT one of those puppies. These puppies WERE raised by a very dedicated volunteer and were EXTENSIVELY socialized with kids including children living in the home and outside of the home. She did a great job with them .... again, a volunteer raising and ENTIRE litter of puppies and it was a big litter!! Just so you know, I know of a breeder that still has 4 month old puppies left in a litter - she said it was a terrible time to place them with the holidays, and winter - so it is not just rescue that has unplaced puppies.

Rescue is not a job, it's not a company, no one volunteering for it has an MBA that I know of, and no one gets paid. If you (generic you) think you can do better please feel free to jump in and start rescuing. Just remember that rehoming one or two dogs is one thing - try doing 50 or more a year and see how good you are. It is easy to say that a rescue should not take in more dogs than there are foster homes ........... but when they are in kill shelters or the owners are calling DVDPA and threatening to dump them in the street, what would you have DVDPA do?? The ones that are safe in a no kill shelter, stays there as long as possible. The dogs that end up in the kennel we use are there because there is no other choice at the time - it is either take them and put them in another kennel (where they are safe), or risk them being euthanized or worse. Like I said, good foster homes are not plentiful.

It ain't perfect - but everyone who thinks that they have the right to judge needs to take a loooong look in the mirror and truly ask themselves if they could do better. I KNOW that at this point in my life that I couldn't. I would not be even a minor volunteer with DVDPA if I felt that there were serious moral issues in play here. The heros here are the people like Sharon and Cathy who despite their imperfections keep plugging away to save one dog at a time - those numbers add up to a hell of a lot of lucky Dobermans - and in the end, it really is all about the dogs.

To anyone who feels that they have the right to trash 25 years of rescue effort, I can only shake my head because I will never understand that kind of mentality.

 

Sorry, I must have missed your post Velmadobe. I don't know who you think is "gunning" for you? Honestly I don't think anyone is, I know I'm not.

Thank you for answering my/our questions, I still don't see why this was none of our business. I also don't see anyone trashing this rescue, just asking some questions that I think were totally justified.

I said on my very first post that I think for the most part these people are great! I still believe that they truly do a wonderful job.

I honestly think someone needs to stop trying to do it all and take the chance and bring in a few volunteers. Yes people will need to be screened, then trained, but I think it might make a world of difference. Even a few people to handle all the zillon calls and applications.

I wish them the best of luck and hopefully something good will come from all this.

 

I just do not know what to say about all this anymore.

I am off to hug my mutts.

Big Hugz to all Doberman everywhere!!!!

 

I've just read this thread in it's entirely... I'm very disappointed. When it first started I sent my Stepfather and my Mother this thread, the DVDPA website, and the email for the president/volunteer coordinator. My Parents just this summer lost their heart dog, and I have been trying to coax them into volunteering. I've been trying to get them to do something for so long and this is the first time they didn't immediately shut me down. My parents are great people with huge hearts. I had such hope!

*sigh* Now I get to call them and tell them not to bother, if they haven't already sent out inquiries.

Very disappointing. First DARE shadiness, now this.

 

Just for the record, I am not trying to discourage anyone from the DVDPA. I have just stated MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE with them.

 

One other thing that doesn't make sense to me is this: if the claim is this puppy went to a forever home intact because it was too young to be altered..then why not keep it in foster care until it WAS old enough to neuter? This puppy is already 6 months old and has spent its entire life in foster care, what difference is a few more months going to make at this point in time?

 

I would just like to say that there was no "rush" to get Ike out of my home. I would have fostered him for as long as needed. According to the DVDPA contract, per Sharon Schiele, Ike is to be neutered no later than 4/2010. She did say that he could be neutered prior to this, but it was her preference that he not be neutered, so that he could "mature" and his "growth plates could stop growing". I also want it to be made clear that Ike's adoptive family paid a $400.00 adoption fee- this DID NOT include the price of his neuter. His neuter is to be paid by the adoptive family and there is no reimbursement from the DVDPA upon proof of neutering.

 

Oh chootcher - WELL SAID!!! Bravo!

 

I would just like to say that some of my posts were typed in bold lettering and I used capital letters at times. I did not realize this was bad internet etiquette until just now. I wasn't trying to yell or be dramatic(for lack of a better word) or cocky. Just my lack of knowledge.

 

I have never had a problem with a rescue in my area returning my emails when I offer donations. I usually call them as well. Many times they don't have the opportunity to check emails often, that's why I usually follow up with a phone call.

 

caj2013 - mother and daughter -
I have no interest in bashing you, or anyone... BUT it does strike me (and my husband) as odd that any specific question that has been asked has been danced around, not directly responded to. It does seem that, being a 501c charitable organization, your operations should be open and transparent to the public from whom you want donations and support. It also seems to me that telling people that the condition and disposition of the dogs in your rescue is "none of their business" is both VERY bad form and a sure way to make it seem that you have things to hide.

How on earth is anyone supposed to even consider whether yours is a rescue from whom they might consider adopting a dog, when your whole demeanor is one of secrecy, defensiveness, and unfortunately, arrogance and stand-offishness. And that is only what I can gather from the little I have garnered from DT posts, and trying to get any info from your website, which is one of the poorest and least informative I have seen.

You cover an incredibly densely populated and cosmopolitan region - your website could be one of your best tools and fund raisers. Yet it is shallow, incomplete and frustrating. You have people who have offered to upgrade it for free, as a "donation", yet you declined, as you have declined other people who have offered to volunteer their time and services. Can you see that this can convey a sense that you are being secretive? Not saying you are - but impressions are hard to shake off. It also seems that you need a more accessible leadership, so you don't come off as a private club.

I would still like to give the benefit of the doubt, but you can't expect people to give money, or give accolades for that matter, when you won't post pictures or answer questions, and act defensively and reactively. The notion that you don't post puppy photos because you would get "too many applications" is just ludicrous, as is the idea that you decide whether a potential adopter should have a puppy, versus the grown dog they would like to adopt - and we all know that grown dogs are harder to place, so it makes it sound as if you'd deny a home to one dog, by giving preferential consideration to another one. Things like this make no sense. Can you see that? I would think you would welcome floods of applications - once you weed out the chaff, you have a great database of potential homes - that's a GOOD thing!

Finally, the hubris and bizarre pretzel logic in such statements as: "Those of you who have said that you tried to help us and have been ignored you can thank Alissa for that. She, like others, have only hurt the rescue instead of helped it." - is truly mind-boggling, and you should really be ashamed of yourselves for sounding so small and petty - and ungrateful!
It doesn't even make any sense to say that a foster home who did above-par jobs in 2 very successful rehabilitations and adoptions in the last 6 months, in the name of the DVDPA, somehow would want to undermine the rescue organization she is representing. That just makes you sound paranoid - again, something which reflects upon you, not the people you are trying to blame.We all believe yourintentionsare good, and know it can be overwhelming and at times thankless to operate a rescue - but the old saying that you catch more flies with honey, or that sunlight is the best disinfectant come to mind. Be more open - ofcourse it IS our business - and we are people who have lots of contacts, a fair amount of influence in our little circles - it seems that rather than alienating a really strong potential ally base, you would want to befriend and harness that energy, to help you be as successful as possible.

I know you have said this is none of my business, because I am on the other side of the country - but there are lots of national organizations, so that's not a cogent argument. Good practices are not local, they are general, and the rules, recommendations and ethics of the DPCA rescue are for all rescue groups to follow. I'm not trying to be mean, snotty, or support one person over another - like you, I am concerned that the dogs be the main and sole focus and purpose for the things we are doing. Lois

 

Finally, the hubris and bizarre pretzel logic in such statements as: "Those of you who have said that you tried to help us and have been ignored you can thank Alissa for that. She, like others, have only hurt the rescue instead of helped it." - is truly mind-boggling, and you should really be ashamed of yourselves for sounding so small and petty - and ungrateful!

As I said, I understand the logic behind the comment. I'm NOT trying to give Astra a bad time here.

BUT..if there is indeed a legitimate reason why placing these puppies is having to be done with extra care and outside of their usual adoption procedures, whether for physical, temperamental or legal reasons...then Astra had no business even posting that they were available for adoption by starting this thread. That's working AGAINST the organization to which she volunteered at the time. Looking at it from that perspective, I can understand why a bad experience would make the rescue reluctant to give another newbie a chance.

 

Being ignored by rescues happens everywhere - I contacted my local rescue with an offer of foster care, training, and supplies. 3 times. I never received a response. I finally ended up sending medical supplies, medications, coats, and leashes to the rescue out of state who did speak up and say they wanted them. Sad.

 

huge hugs to you, lyn (and your entire family). i know you loved nike and tried everything you possibly could to make it work with her. i will always remember the good times we had with her - but she was a very troubled dog and you can't beat yourself up over that.

more importantly, no one else has the RIGHT to do it, either. i hope that is NOT what cathy meant.

 

Can someone tell me why any rescue would bother to DNA any dog.

 

Since everybody has an opinion on DVDPA let me give you mine. Alissa, I am the adoption coordinator, you sent me pics of Ike, I did not get them up. This is an open forum, here is my business. My husband and I run our own business, I have two children 22 and 20, 3 dogs, and I volunteer for this rescue. I show my other dog but that's my hobby and if you need to know that, fine. Sorry I didn't get the pics up, sorry I don't do more than I can do. I do the best I can, if anyone, including you, Alissa, can do better call me. Get my number from Sharon. Come get all my stuff. Make sure every home is a good home so that the dog doesn't come back and you don't get to put them to sleep, while holding them and telling them it's ok, or try to rehome them after they've been RUINED by a home you thought was good.
Kim, yes I've met you once and I commend what you do. Everybody that volunteers for rescue appreciates what everyone else does. If my daughter has offended anyone because she too has been helping so be it.
I will not ever post on this board and will probably remove myself because you all have opinions and you sure don't want to hear mine of you. Thanks for listening and good luck in all your rescue attempts. As Alyssa (my daughter) said before, I will keep trying to help these dogs because somebody has to.

 

I just have to ask is it really fair to just leave dogs in kennels/foster homes because no potential adopters are good enough and you are basically too lazy to find them the right homes? Let someone else do this if you are already doubting yourself and your abilities. Don't complain to us about it. No one is asking you do to it! The dogs obviously have no voice.

 

My response to caj2013

No, I have NEVER met you or your mother. I DID NOT SAY ANYTHING NEGATIVE about your mother.

I am sorry that you feel that I have "bashed" the DVDPA. I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE for what other members have posted on this thread.

When I took Ike to my own personal Vet, not once but twice, and he was seen by two different Vets in the practice, they BOTH said that there was ABSOLUTELY NO REASON that Ike could not be neutered. As I stated, and can PROVE, Ike was 6 1/2 months old and weighed 53 lbs. when I took him to his adoptive family on 1/29/10.

I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY OR HOW IT COULD BE MY FAULT that those who have offered to help the DVDPA have been ignored. HOW EXACTLY IS THAT MY FAULT?

I DID ADDRESS MY ISSUES AND CONCERNS WITH THE PRESIDENT OF THE DVDPA.

I provided Ike with NOTHING BUT THE BEST CARE and I CAN PROVE THAT.

I LOVE HELPING THIS BREED (as well as others) AS WELL AND HAVE PUT ALLOT OF HARD WORK INTO THE EFFORTS OF DOBERMAN RESCUE AS WELL.

I POSTED FACTS. I am sorry if you do not like or agree with what I have posted but I am a grown adult and can post what I want WHICH IS THE TRUTH.