'Alpina' from her facebook page: Give Back Alpina
There is a highly volatile story emerging in the world of Dachshund rescue - a story where such words have been thrown that it is unlikely at this point that a happy ending will ever occur. At the very center of the story is a beautiful chocolate girl named 'Alpina,' or as she was known while being rescued and fostered by All American Dachshund Rescue: 'AnnaJo.'
AnnaJo was adopted by Megan Courtney, where she was to live with Megan's boyfriend, Tony, and a Dachshund sibling, in the Lowell, Massachusetts area. Alpina, as she was now known, got away from Tony and was lost. Luckily, she was found, and a rabies tag led her back to AADR. At this point however, AADR has refused to give Alpina back to her adopters for various reasons, including breach of contract.
We first stumbled upon this story when we found this new petition on-line which as of today has over 850 signatures:
On the evening of June 8th, 2011, one of my sisters beloved dachshunds "Alpina" ran off. She had a collar, tags, she is chipped and of course, she was on a leash. After searching all night and using every resource available in order to find Alpina, my sister received a call from All American Dachshund Rescue.
Instead of being reunited with her family, Alpina is being kept at some unknown location without her owners permission. Rescue leagues work hard to place dogs forever in the care of nurturing, loving, and healthy homes. Her owners are experienced and responsible and in no way have breached their adoption contract with AADR. They have done nothing wrong.
This is a very unjust and heartbreaking situation. Im asking if anyone has any information that will help bring Alpina home to her family, it would be greatly appreciated. Diane Irwin, the president of the AADR has told me that the dog has already left the state of MA, has been fostered by several families, and already place with her "new family"... all of this happened within 24 hours. This doesnt sound very legal to me, at all.
The police don't have the time and resources to search for just one missing or stolen dog. We all understand that. But that shouldn't mean that this gets swept under the rug. I have to ask the question: has this happened before, or will it happen again?
This entire situation stinks like some sort of a scam, in order to recycle dogs through loving families, only to then say those same families are unfit, some time after. Im not argueing that adoption contracts, or the screaning methods of adoption candidates are unfair. Rather, the decision to take away a dog from an owner without any type of process or accountability.
How many times will Alpina (aka Anna Jo) go through the adoption process. How much money will this poor animal make for the people of this so-called non-profit organization. Another adoption "donation", a few shelter fees, vet costs, boardng, transportation... When will it stop? Where is Alpina?
Her owners are good people and the rescue group is taking advantage of everyone involved. Help us make this right. Help bring Alpina home.
Thank you.
If you can, please visit the facebook page we set up. It's main purpose is to show compassion and support towards a family who are missing an important part of their family.
After reading this petition, we were struck more than anything with the word 'scam.' Do you really expect us to believe that a non-profit organization who tirelessly donates all its time and resources towards Dachshund rescue are out to scam anyone? We contacted Diane Irwin, President of All American Dachshund Rescue for any sort of statement against the petition. She gracefully agreed, and we thank her for taking time out of her busy schedule to respond:
Thursday morning Diane [AADR rep] got a call at 7:30am from a vets that AnnaJo was reported found in Lowell, MA and was giving the name of the lady that had her. Diane called and she was found, cold, wet and scared with a leash still attached to her. Diane contacted the person that had her and told that person that someone would be there to get her and to keep her safe until then. Diane then call Megan Courtney to find out what happened she told Diane that her boyfriend, Tony was walking the dogs and the leash slip out of his hands and then he went to step on the leash and she took off (We now believe he was trying to train her to stay with him without him having the leash in his hand and this is how she got loose). She then told Diane that Diane could call her boyfriend and get the story which Diane did and he said the same thing but went on to tell Diane he just doesn't understand why AnnaJo doesn't like him when she will let other men pet her. He also admitted that the other dachshund they have is allow off leash cause she "can be trusted and never leaves their side" but he said he turned to see where the other dachshund was and that's how AnnaJo's leash slipped/fell out of his hand. Then he tried to step on the leash and missed and then she was running off. These are TWO big red flags and encouraged Diane and another board member to not give AnnaJo back to these people that were in breach of their contract for not keeping Annajo safe. They were told repeatedly that it was not the fact that AnnaJo got loose but the fact that if their other dog is off leash so will AnnaJo and more than likely the boyfriend was trying to train her to do just that also we are concerned why AnnaJo is afraid of the boyfriend but has no issue with the man in the foster home that she's at now.
They have unfortunately not taken this well and have posted a petition, set up a Facebook page and even gotten another rescue to agree that what we are doing is wrong by not giving back AnnaJo. We feel they are trying to discredit AADR and all the hard work that this organization has done in the 7 yrs it's been a rescue.
We like all other reputable rescues do not just pull a dog away from a family without good reason and careful consideration. The morning that Megan was called we had plans to let her know where AnnaJo was until we heard that the boyfriend had the other dachshund out without a leash and his attention was diverted to her and the leash slipped fell out of his hand. We are inclined to now believe that he didn't even have the leash in his hand but on the ground to "step on if needed" as we believe he was trying to train her to be and "off leash" dog as well. By his own admission AnnaJo was scared of him and we do not put our dogs in homes where they have to live in fear. She is now in a foster home where the man of the house is able to pick her up, carry her around and she goes to him for attention. Do we want Annajo to live a life of fear and why after having been in the adoptive home for a month would she still be afraid of the boyfriend that lives there daily but at the foster home that she's been in less that a week is very relaxed and happy? We are not just about finding ANY home for our dogs but to find the right home for our dogs, in AnnaJo's case we are just happy that we found out that Megan's home was not the right home for AnnaJo and luckily we got her back safe and sound.
Diane even tried to tell Megan about the dangers of allowing a dachshund off leash even when the owner thinks they have them properly trained, this fell on deaf ears. Then the next day when Diane was talking to Tony again she tried to convince him that Dachshunds should never be allow off leash for any reason and again he could not or would not see reason. With all this there is no reason to believe that AnnaJo would not be kept on a leash. We are here to save dachshunds and put them into loving homes where they will be loved and cared for for the rest of their life not to have their life shortened because someone feels they know the breed better than the experts.
Per her application that she sign to be true:
If you do not have a fence are you willing to leash walk at all times?: Yes
Would there ever be an occasion where our/your dog would be allowed to walk/run off leash?: Only at a fully- fenced in dog park
If you do not have a fenced yard, how will you exercise your dog? This answer is required if you do not have a fenced yard.: In the morning they will be taken for a walk on leash, and since I am a dog walker, the dog will be walked while I'm on my walks in the afternoon and at night the dog will be walked on leash around where we live.
Diane S. Irwin, President
All American Dachshund Rescue
And so, sadness has ensued on all sides of the story of 'AnnaJo/Alpina.' We can only imagine the heartbreak and despair her adopters, Megan and Tony must feel. It takes special people to rescue Dachshunds and offer them the love of a forever home - we're quite sure that Megan and Tony have that love to offer in spades. But on the other side of the coin, we can see how the contract may have been breached. This is where rescue organizations often come into question, but what we've learned over the years is that they are the ones doing the tireless work to save the dogs, and as such, they are the ones who make the rules.
All we can do is support them in their efforts, and if we don't like the rules, we can look elsewhere. Our Dad learned this the hard way when he tried to rescue a Dachshund many years ago. He was refused by organization after organization because he didn't have a fenced-in yard. That was it. No fence? Don't bother filling out an application. Things have changed since the year 2000 however, and we will continue to support the rescues who save our Dachshunds and our animals whenever we can.
For AnnaJo/Alpina's sake, we're hoping that Megan, Tony, and AADR can come to terms for a solution. If only for AnnaJo/Alpina.
While the breach of having AnnaJo/Alpina unleashed is a major factor, the part of the story that is of gravest concern to me is the fact that the boyfriend admits that the dog is fearful of him. Who knows what methods he has employed in trying to train her to walk off-leash! It's a scary thought.
ReplyDeleteWe are inclined to now believe that he didn't even have the leash in his hand but on the ground to "step on if needed" as we believe he was trying to train her to be and "off leash" dog as well.
ReplyDeleteThey Believe ? No Fact just total conjecture on their part, They made it up and are using it as a excuse to justify their actions. The rescue Dog I adopted wouldnt come near me at the foster home , ran away all scared and hid from me. Now he is my best shadow, loves me dearest. I can even say his leash has slipped out of my hand a couple of times, does that mean He has to go back to the rescue under their comments ? And yes my other Dachshund goes off leash while the rescue at times is with us. If your a honest organization then give back their money that they gave you for the adoption.
You got carried away with your reaction on what actually happened and made up things to rationalize your actions.. SHAME ON YOU
I really don't think this is about money though I feel the pain of the adopters... My dog is a rescue and I found that the rescue organization did an amazing job and were dedicated to these little dogs and to finding them loving homes. I only wonder how long was the dog with them and how long she'd been fearful. It might take a while to adjust to a new home but if the fear goes on for too long, there clearly is a problem.
ReplyDeleteMy heart aches over this, but it comes down to what is best for this little dog. My strongest concern is that all of the information on the petition and the facebook pages is not completely honest. So many people are very quick to say their opinion based only on what they read and they do not even know the people or the true story. All American Dachshund Rescue(AADR)was contacted because that was THE ONLY TAG AND PHONE NUMBER that was on this little dog. AADR was the one to microchip her before she was adopted and the new home did not register their information with the microchip company until the day after she was lost. If they cared so very much for this little girl and had claimed her as their own, they would have reistered all of her information the week they adopted her. Rescue never would have been involved with this from the beginning. AADR would NEVER have even known about this! The safety of this little dog is the only thing that matters. I am sure this is so very hard for this couple, or maybe just hard for Megan, but we need to put our emotions aside and look at the facts and not the statements being made that this couple are the poor victims and rescue is being mean and not letting them have their dog back. To this couple - you adopted a dog that is fearful and will run if given the chance. You knew this. You and your family are looking back and are so sad for you...I am only sad that this little dog spent the night alone outside in the city...
ReplyDeleteI never liked rescues after they turned us down because we had a Beagle. (ignored the fenced and secure yard, grown kids, home owners, etc. good, etc.)
ReplyDeleteSad we had to pay 400.00 for a nice little smooth red.
When the Beagle died a couple of months later, we didn't even bother with a rescue.
We got Pokey, our long-haired dapple, from a breeder who got her from a puppy mill back south.
Some seem so sincere.... some not so much I guess.
I think there's a little bit of truth on both sides, but IMHO since Tony is determined to have dachshunds trained to walk off-leash and that is against AADR's adoption contract (and common sense), he could check out his local shelter and adopt another. But a prey-seeking, rabbit- and squirrel-chasing dachshund offleash is disaster waiting to happen.
ReplyDeleteAll American Dachshund Rescue is one of the sincere ones. I have seen dachshunds that have been pulled from death row at high kill shelters and from puppy mills that were living in cages that were stacked on top of each other. The dogs were covered in feces from the dogs in the cages above them. These dogs from the mills had never been outside or felt grass under their feet. AND don't forget, all of the dogs that are given up by homes because of the "new baby", and they just "don't have time" for the dog anymore. AADR volunteers take in these dogs into their own homes, transport them for hundreds of miles and cover all of the medical costs and work endlessly in socializing and training these dogs. Most of these dogs would shut down as soon as they were looked at or picked up. AADR volunteers give their lives up to foster these dogs. I have been doing dog rescue for over 12 years and someone wants to make the statement that AADR "is in it for the money" . . . I want to ask - Have you stayed up all night with a dog that was going to die because they had been abused, have you spent your paycheck on buying food and gas to be sure these dogs were not left abandoned and neglected, have you almost lost your job because you had to take the day off to rush your foster dog to the emergency vet because they were going to die from kennel cough that they had contracted from a dirty, over crowded shelter . . . and someone says that we are in it for the money....we are in it because we are the protectors for these dogs and that is the only reason.
ReplyDeleteI am of course with AADR they had enough breach of contract and genuine concern for the doxie's welfare to rehome her. I would not dream of having Ozzie's lead out of my hand for even a second for a chase after any other animal can occur just that fast as it has but contained by his lead. They put their girl in a very unsafe condition. at least she only became lost and was recovered by the right people, not struck abnd injurd or killed by the original adopters' carelessness.
ReplyDeleteOzzie was off lead once. I fell on the ice while I was walking him and the lead popped out of my hand. I immediately re grasped it still on the sidewalk, but Ozzie was right there waiting for me to get back up, not running away from me. since then the lead is always more securely in my grasp that even in a fall it would not pop out. It would be very irresponsible to do anything else.
ReplyDeleteA dachshund off leash is trouble waiting to happen. They follow their noses and often completely ignore everything else around them (I know--I'm not telling you something you don't already know). My mini has jerked the leash out of my hand once or twice in sudden pursuit of a bird or squirrel. IMHO I think the rescue over-reacted, BUT if in fact AnnaJo was off leash that is a clear breach of contract. Tough call and my heart breaks for the owners.
ReplyDeleteAt least they were honest about what happened but if you are not going to play by the rules then don't sign the contract. Go to a less restrictive shelter or online and don't make a promise hou don't intend to keep.
ReplyDeleteLong day. Android acting up. Last from me. It should never be ok to put a doxie in danger like that. Leash em. And hang on tight.
ReplyDeleteAccidents happen we all know that an accident is only an accident if you learn from it. It doesn't sound like this couple learned anything. Please Megan put your other dog on a leash! Keep her safe so you don't end up losing her too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to present both sides. After listening and researching both, I side with AADR. The adopters broke the conditions of the contact and the rescue has the legal right to keep the dog. The safety of the dog is what the rescue represents and trumps the feelings of the adopters.
ReplyDeleteWow, you guys are amazing. The fact that you make it so clear that Diane spoke with Tony on one single occasion, after she had already told Megan she would not see the dog ever again. At that point, it was because Megan didnt contact YOU right away. She spent her entire night looking for Alpina.
ReplyDeleteAnd who is responsible for stating that Tony was "training" Alpina by dragging the leash on the ground? Nice. Did your friend Mr. Ayers tell you the difference between slander and libel yet? Does Diane want to tell anyone else what she said to other people that day. That she "would not return the dog, not after the way Tony spoke to me. He called me some nasty things and used 4 letter words!"
So what is the reason again?, or do you change the story depending on the audience?
I hope by reading this, many go to the facebook page set up, so they can read the emails sent by Diane herself, stating she, herself, doesn't need to leash dogs. You guys really stretched the lies on this one. Fortunately we have sources and documentation to back our story. What do you have?
Oh, and by the way, is Diane going to get the health cert for this particular transport, or is another twenty something dollars she doesn't "need" to spend? Good try covering your butts.
Hopefully this dog wont get hit by a car while in Diane's care. I would hate to see all these other rescues, have to raise money AGAIN, for another one of those accidents.
Sadly, what this keeps going back to is that this couple did not update the microchip or tags with their information. AADR would NEVER have been called about this if the right steps were taken. I have such a sad feeling when I think about this situation and this couple and I am sure they are missing their dog, but this is about this little dog's safety and nothing else.
ReplyDeleteLooking at some of these comments about Ms. Irwin it seems some have a gruge against her that have noting to do with the dogs, grow up people and act your age, unless you are only 12-13 and in that case you have no say in anything. As for the health certifices, I myself have helped with many of their transports and I see their health certificates displayed where all can see that the dog(s)has/have one. Barking up the wrong tree there people.
ReplyDeleteAbout not changing their tags. I adopted a rescue from Canadian Dachshund Rescue and was given a tag with their phone no. and a ID no. for my adopted dog. I was told not to remove the metal tag so if he got lost whoever finds him can trace him back to me through the tag with his ID. I guess not all rescue groups work the same way, but now 7 yrs later I still keep that tag on him. I do however think it a bit harsh not giving the dog back to adopters who should have another warning about off leash. Everybody makes mistakes and I know of a rescue group who lost one of their dogs while in a foster home, they did get him back but this shows it can happen to anyone. Also, I pet sat a little dog last year and I have a secure yard and this little dog actually got her nose under the fense and lifted it up and got in the next door neighbours yard. I had to get long tent pegs and peg the fense down every 1.5 feet LOL. Yes I agree dachshund off leash is a accident waiting to happen. If this happened to me I would bring the rescue group to court.
ReplyDeleteDear John and whoever else "believes" Tony was trying to "train" Annajo/Alpina to be off leash, please do not assume things, this is not true whatsoever. Having Alpina off leash was not even an option or idea in our heads because we knew what kind of dog she was. Neither myself or Tony would EVER have her off leash. I am distraught that anyone would think we would allow that of Alpina. Yes, we allow our other dog to be off leash, but that is at our own discretion. It has absolutely NOTHING to do with AnnaJo/Alpina because they are two absolutely DIFFERENT dogs. Not ALL Dachshunds are the same nor are two dogs the same. You do not know where we take our dogs, you are unaware of the locations our other dog is in when she is allowed off-leash nor do any of you know her.
ReplyDeleteI am not, in any way, bashing what rescues do, why else would I have tried to adopt from a rescue in the first place? I solely believe in them and my family and friends have all adopted from rescues because of my advocacy.
I am kicking myself for not getting her tags with only my name on them, to as not to have involved AADR, then this nightmare would've never happened.
Also, I absolutely, 100% am sure that the "foster" home she is in now, she is absolutely petrified, and if there is some slim slim slim chance she is not scared, it is because of the work we did with her. Unlike, when we got her, after being passed through 8 or 9 transports volunteer's arms (which was deemed by Mrs. Irwin to be "good for her" which most times is not if they're in an unstable state) she was more petrified than I've ever seen a dog.
Next time, I'm sticking to a non- breed specific rescue, like the one we got our other Dachshund from, whom checks in every once and a while and is ecstatic about the progress she has made.
Oh, and how rude of myself, a HUGE HUGE HUGE thank you for posting this story, I appreciate all of your comments and the buzz!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the time and effort.
This all makes me so sad. Sad for the couple, sad for the dog, sad for rescue. Everyone tries to do the right things and to do what is good. I feel like no one has won here.
ReplyDeleteJust suppose while the dog was out of the owner's control it got hit by a car and killed. Definitely a highly probable occurance. What would you all say then? Who would be at fault? The owner or AADR because based on the information they received in the application placed the dog in this home? It only would have taken a second for the dog to be dead. Where would you be pointing the fingers then?
ReplyDeleteFood for thought.
...But plently of AADR dogs get away all time. Ironically one WAS hit by a car, and several volunteers raised money for vetting the dog. And after all that, the dog went back into the care of the same owner.
ReplyDeleteWhat if this dog is dead right now? How do you even know AADR didnt lose this one too. After all, the dont leash dogs either.
I am repasting anonymous' comment I agree and am borrowing it.
ReplyDeleteThis all makes me so sad. Sad for the couple, sad for the dog, sad for rescue. Everyone tries to do the right things and to do what is good. I feel like no one has won here.
And in the end no one will win here if even a fraction of this spills over many will lose.
Lastly and I do mean lastly are there not bloggers out there to speak up about good things AADR/SSDR has done. I would love to hear from you, but my posting on thias issue is finished.
ReplyDeleteI have been a foster for over 3 years for AADR and have sent 9 dogs to their forever homes. I have never had an issue with getting what I needed for these dogs--only one was returned and that was at the adopters request because he felt that that dog would not do well in a city setting. He had her for a week and fell in love with her but he knew it wasnt fair to her to keep her in that setting-a very mature selfless decsion on his part.
ReplyDeleteAs far as this situation goes -if she had been honest on her original application none of this would have happened as she would not have been approved . With that said I am proud to be a member of AADR and will support it's policies that keep these dogs safe.
This seems like a tragedy brought about by a battle of wills, without taking the dogs best interest to heart. The adopters seems like they welcomed her into a loving home. While mistakes were made, whether by accident or by choice, I have to wonder if AADR is looking at the bigger picture. With the resources this is taking, how many other loving pups are being put to sleep or neglected because of hubris. If these people made a mistake allow them a chance to correct it, rather than slam down an absolutist attitude which throws the dog into the limbo of adoption.
ReplyDeleteOn a side note, wasn't it AADR's responsibility before adoption to ensure the dog was ok with all members of the household? It kind of seems like they are backtracking and trying to cover themselves, while doing a very poor job of handling the pr.
What could have been a pr (and funding) bonanza is now a drain on scarce resources and where no one, least of all the dog, wins.
Very sad that ego seems to win out over common sense.
Well said Scott C, i 2nd your recommendations that the couple should be given another chance. And u made a good point about AADR NOT doing a home visit before adopting out the dog. When I adopted through a rescue, I sent my application in was approved but a home visit had to be approved before I got the dog.
ReplyDeleteJust to keep the facts straight. A home visit was completed. A rescue volunteer made an appointment to meet with this couple. It was made clear that they would both need to be there for the visit. When the volunteer got there, the boyfriend was not present. The volunteer had to give up more of her time and had to go back for a second visit.
ReplyDeleteIf this couple was approved in every way before they got the dog by AADR, then I still highly recommond Megan Courtney get a lawyer and bring this to court. Not returning the dog and hiding the dog from the couple after they paid for this dog, the dog belongs to them and if rescue is not returning money paid for dog and re-selling the same dog THIS IS IN MY OPINION THEFT ON THE PART OF AADR. Also, how petty your comment is about the boyfriend not being there for appointment. Did the volunteer not phone to confirm visit prior to leaving her/his home? After all unexpected things can happen in a day or two before the home visit. Car breaks down, medical emergency, illness in family, etc.
ReplyDeleteI have 4 rescue dogs from rescues here in Canada and if one of them did this to me I WOULD SUE THEIR BUTT OFF. and further more, some rescues do come with a lot of fear of men (I have 2 that came to me like that) so don't assume the dog was fearful of just the boyfriend. MEAGAN BRING THIS TO COURT. good luck!!
Megan and Tony I’m sorry for your lose but this sounds soooooo Diane. AADR is/was a good organization other than Diane. I have had experiences with her being a former member of AADR, but had to leave the organization because of her. I hope you get your pup back.
ReplyDeleteShe's a beautiful little girl and they gave her much love. Tony was never harsh with her, especially because he knew she was trying to adjust to him. She'd been with them for just 2 months and there's no way he was training her to be off leash. He was trying to take her out to do her business with HIM holding the lead and with Jetta along side. (lesson learned to not let Jetta off leash either, I'm sure!) He did that to show her there's no fear to have in being with him. Can you see that? Please ... they want her home again to love and to show her there's no fear there. please..can anyone help here? Some sort of agreement between the parties?
ReplyDeleteSome of the people commenting on this issue do not know the entire story. I do not think it is right that Megan created a facebook page, then got other rescues to join in saying things about Diane and AADR that are not true. This should have stayed between Megan, Diane and the Board of Directors instead of starting up a page intended to tear down AADR and call people names. Diane would never say or do anything unless there was a reason to. I know for a fact she is in rescue for the dogs and has gives a lot of her times to make things happen that are in the best interest of the dogs. As far as digging up those e-mails from the past, that is exactly what they are, the past. People make mistakes and learn from them and move on. Too many times, dogs have gotten away and not made it back. If their other dog is off leash, Alpina would eventually have been allowed off leash. There is no proof of that, but after hearing what happened, I know Diane went with what she felt what was right. I'm sorry, but I don't think Alpina should be returned to Megan.
ReplyDeleteMan, whatever happened here, it has strengthened my resolve to never work with a "rescue" organization. I'm going to get my future pets from a shelter or pet store. This is just frightening behavior.
ReplyDeleteThat's the worst part of this Ridley!! Sadly people don't always tell the whole truth, get other people upset and involved and do tremendous damage. I've adopted two dogs from Diane and have been a foster mom for two years with AADR. I know the rules and standards of this organization. I know what our contract says that they signed and agreed to. They aren't thinking about anything other than what they want. How many other dogs is this going to do harm to, and how many more puppy mills will benefit?
ReplyDeleteThe particular actions of this rescue is deplorable. Disgusting. I can understand that they are interested in protecting the safety of the animal. BUT they have removed an animal from a home with no more than an assumption and a gut feeling. AND in response to the beginning of this article, there are MANY unscrupulous breeders and puppy mills that call themselves rescues because it brings in business. I don't like thinking that AADR will be taking in more money on another adoption to another family. I am not saying AADR is one of these but I don't think they are giving good representation to rescues. If I were the owners, I would hire a lawyer and tie the AADRs hands with their own words.
ReplyDeleteWhat some of you posting here don't seem to understand is that on the original application she misrepresented herself in the issue of being off leash--that pertains to any dog in her possession. If she answered truthfully this dog would never have been adopted to her--she is the the one who caused this to occur with this misrepresentation--it is unfortunate that this has occured but AADR did what needed to be done--we will never truley know how the dog got away but they did admit they let the other dog off leash-Any reputable rescue will do what is necessary to keep these dogs safe--
ReplyDeleteI'd like to take this opportunity to say that I do think some rescues can be ridiculously strict in their "rules" and judging on who is and who is not fit to own a dog.
ReplyDeleteI think that off leash training is a stupid reason to take a dog back from it's owners. We had a dachshund when I was growing up and that's how my father trained her. In her 15 years, I can only recall a handful of times she was on a leash. Now, I understand this might not be a safe option for everyone. We lived way out in the country though, and without a lot of traffic or dangers like that it simply wasn't necessary. My point is, does this mean we were unfit to own dogs? No. It doesn't. She lived a long and happy life and was never put in any danger because we chose to walk her without a leash, because we were responsible.
After her passing, just starting my adult life I decided I wanted a dachshund of my own. When I was about to graduate college I had a bad experience with rescues. I had decided I wanted to rescue a dachshund. I contacted the humane society who had no dachshunds or dachshund mixes at the moment but put me in contact with an area rescue. I was refused adoption. Why? I was a young female in my early twenties at the time of this interview. They told me their policy was not to adopt their dogs to any family with very young children. Under the age of 7 or 8, I forget what the magic number was. They told me that unless I could promise to them that I would absolutely not be getting married and having children within the lifespan of the dog I adopted, they could not allow me to adopt. I was baffled, and outraged. I asked the woman on the phone if she was really serious. She told me that yes, they were serious. If I brought children into the home while I still had the dog, then they would have the right to remove the dog from my home at that point if they felt it was necessary.
I gave up. I contacted a breeder and shelled out $450 for a puppy. I love him to death and he's the best thing that ever happened to me, but to this day I still think it's sad I had so much trouble trying to do something good, and give a home to a dog that needed it. It's discouraging.
In the end, in this situation I think that AADR did the right thing if they have reason to think that Alpina was living with an individual she was frightened of and who wasn't treating her right. The point of my post was to say, though, that some of these rules and regulations like the off leash training rule that AADR gave as their initial reason for removing the pet need to be examined a bit closer, if our best interests really do lie within finding as many suitable homes for as many dogs as possible. If AADR believes that the dog was in a dangerous situation or a less than loving home, then bravo. Job well done. If off leash training is the only real reason for removing the dog from the home, though, well...that's outrageous.
why was the dog, cold and wet? it was hot out that day.
ReplyDeletewhy is it the owners keep telling the same story, yet AADR's story keeps on changing?
Just like their Board of Directors, nothing stays the same...except for Diane. she's always at the top.
I'm staying anonymous. She might take MY dogs away too.
All I have to say is that I'm really disappointed in AADR after reading this. Something seems fishy, it doesn't quite add up.
ReplyDeleteClearly they do not have the best interests of the dog in mind. Of course it's better to keep jerking the poor thing around from home to home so that you can come out on top of a petty argument that spawned from a horrible misunderstanding that got way out of hand.
Way to go.
Again you may want to get your facts straight before you post--in response to this post:
ReplyDeleteAnonymous said...
why was the dog, cold and wet? it was hot out that day.
June 19, 2011 10:18 PM
If you check the the weather from 6/8 to 6/9 there was rain in the area-the dog was found wet and cold from being wet -she was out in the rain all nite. I would be cold if I was wet.
A home visit was done as well as reference checks and a phone interview--we rely on the person to be HONEST during this process. That was not so in this case and unfortunatly resulted in this outcome.
Things happen for reason--Leash your dog!!!!! That's the responsible thing to do. Tell the truth the next time!!!
I was apparently so naive and lucky when we adopted our beloved pup from a rescue. Comments like the one above will make me think twice about going that way again, and certainly be much more careful about the adoption organization. These folks seem to not care a bit about the welfare of the dog but only their love of the power to rip apart families from pets. Their entire argument is that they think they did an incompetent job of investigation before the fact and so based upon no evidence, and because they think they can, they are dognapping the dog at this time. Move over Cruella De Vil. There's a new game in town.
ReplyDeleteHere is a link to AADR's adoption contract. Note that nowhere does it say that their leashing requirement applies to dogs already in your possession. Of course it doesn't. http://www.allamericandachshundrescue.org/info/display?PageID=3737
ReplyDeleteMisrepresentation on the initial application--If she answered the questions with honesty and full disclosure this would never have happened--Placing these dogs in safe homes is a rescues main goal-Place the blame where it belongs!!!
ReplyDeleteHey Fred check out he initial application, if she had been truthful she would not have been considered.
ReplyDeleteHere's a link to AADR's adoption application. Note that it also does not mention leashing of any dog already in your possession.
ReplyDeleteOops. Here's the link:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.allamericandachshundrescue.org/forms/form_edit_nologin?verify=abc123&FormID=465
Third time never fails. That last link to the application didn't work either. Try this. http://www.allamericandachshundrescue.org/forms/form_edit_nologin?FormID=465
ReplyDeleteActaully here is the question on the application:
ReplyDeleteWould there ever be an occasion where our/your dog would be allowed to walk/run off leash
I believe your dog means YOUR DOG!!!
HER ANSWER AS STATED IN THE ARTICLE WAS-ONLY IN A FENCED IN DOG PARK!!!
Our/your dog in this case refers to the probationary ownership of the adopted dog. Nice try though. So they did not lie on the application. In fact, under no stretch of any law or imagination can this rescue exert any rules or control over the existing pet. So Diane/Anonymous, try again. I so hope those poor people hire a lawyer, because you've already ruined the reputation of your organization.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I have absolutely no connection to these people except that I was alerted to this by a friend. Every time I think about it, and how I'd feel if someone dognapped my dog, I feel sick.
Fred-- I am not Diane but I am in a rescue. Your argument is weak--your dog means your dog. These questions asked on the application give the rescue an indication of how this person would take care of a dog--How they treat their existing dogs have everything to with the rescue deciding if they are to be considered--rescues have every right to assure that this home is appropriate for their dogs--to not be honest when answering these questions leads to situations like this--the truth always catches up. Have you ever been involved in rescue?? Walk in our shoes for just one day and see if you feel the same way.
ReplyDeleteThen "Not-Diane", that phrase has no meaning whatsoever. Nowhere in the document is it defined as applying to dogs which exist within your household prior to any relationship with AADR. I never would have interpreted it to apply in the way you'd like it to and I submit that most people would not. Yet another reason why I'll beware of rescues and advise everyone I know to in the future. Thank God everything has worked out with my dog. Either I had a much better rescue organization, or I was very lucky.
ReplyDeleteYou always want the reader to put themselves in the shoes of the rescue organization. How about putting yourself in to the paws of the poor dog who has now been torn away from home, or maybe, heaven forbid, in the shoes of the poor family, for whom you have absolutely no evidence of any wrongdoing whatsoever, but of whom you're willing to to concoct a series of assumptions, some of which totally stretch the circumstances, in order to break their hearts.
Frankly, shame on AADR, and I will continue to tell everyone I know and spread to the four winds the warning that no one should do business with this supposed rescue organization.
Sigh. :( Hopefully some good will come from all of this, and we wish all the parties involved the very best, but comments are now closed.
ReplyDelete