About 18 months ago, TLC implemented a program we call "Foster-To-Adopt" or otherwise known as an "FTA". In a nutshell, it allows a potential adopter to 'test drive' the rescued dog for up to 7 days. It is our hope that every adoption "sticks" and we believe we have been making better adoption placements since we instituted this program.
And at the end of the seven days? The potential adopter either outright adopts the dog or returns them. Of course, the potential adopter can adopt earlier in the 7 days if they feel it is a good fit.
Dogs are situational creatures. Once the initial three days passes in a new environment, the rescue dogs figure out the new rules and 'layout of the land'. In the next few days, they relax and show off their 'best paw forward' outside of the shelter or rescue environment. Day four through seven become observation days for the adopters to make sure they fit the dog, and the dog fits their lifestyle.
During these seven days, the rescued dog still belongs to TLC and there is no financial investment in the dog by the adopter (we send the dog home with food for 7 days, collar, leash and harness, etc.).
It has become a great program for us at TLC and many dogs have found their furever home through this program. If you are interested in this program, please ask one of the TLC volunteers when inquiring or looking at a dog.
The 'rules and regs' of the TLC FTA program:
- Puppies are never eligible for the FTA program - they are a 'blank slate' and you write on their slate how you want the story to be (more or less).
- An approved adoption application is required prior to beginning an FTA. A copy of the adopter's drivers license is required with the adoption application.
- We ask that you give the dog at least three days to acclimate themselves to the new surroundings, rules, smells and changes before making your decision one way or another.
- Any dog placed in an FTA will be spayed/neutered prior, be up to date on their vaccines (including rabies) and microchipped.
- TLC will supply the potential adopter with enough food for a week, a harness, leash and halter. All other needed items will be supplied by the potential adopter.
- Rescued dog is the property of TLC until an adoption contract is signed. We ask that our dogs be treated like one of your own, receive love and affection, are kept safe and not taken to dog parks. We ask that their name not be changed during this time (to lower the potential confusion on the dog's behalf). We are not responsible for any destruction or liable for any damages by the rescued adult while on an FTA.
- Any needed medical attention during this 7-day period is with approval (in advance) by TLC's Director. Any medical care not approved by the Director is at the potential adopter's expense and can not be used to lower the adoption donation.
- Any known behavior or medical issues will be made known to the potential adopter.
- FTA agreement will be filled out at the time of placement with the dog's vaccine record, microchip, adoption donation, other information, etc. The agreement is signed and a copy is given to the potential adopter.
Human beings are very much visual creatures... There is a process from the eyes to the brain, stopping off along the way for opinions (based on fact or not), so you tell me.... Would you let this man date your daughter?
Odd question to ask, I know...
But it brings to my point... What we see and then think - or judge - is not always reality...
Sometimes our visuals, combined with our opinions, keep us from some of the better things in life... Now, maybe this man does look like he might be on a poster at the post office, but look at the same man with his beard and hair cut...
While you might be one of those folks that likes the 'wild and wooly' look, there are others that believe this appearance would not be someone you'd want to see your daughter with! Especially if you did not have the chance to get to know the guy without the visual appearance clouding your mind...
A few weeks ago, I was in a tool store and the gentleman in front of me was dressed in coveralls... An older gentleman with gray hair that was going in many different directions ("bed head"), he had a piece of some tool in his hand and I guess (?) needed to make sure he had the right fitting... The gentleman is sorting through pockets, looking for money to pay and I heard the women behind me sigh, whispering underneath their breath that he probably did not have the money to pay for his purchase... That he was holding them up from getting checked out at the register...
Judging his financial means by his appearances, there were a few other derogatory comments made that I happen to overhear by these women... And as he found his money, and then pulled out a $100 bill from a solid wad of more $100 bills, I stepped back so the women behind me could see this large pile of bills as I said, "Hmmmm.... guess he can afford what he is buying, huh?"
You would ABSOLUTELY be amazed at how much we rescue folks run into this same mindset and way of thinking...
Some dog breeds (especially those that grow into platinum) are born black... As they start growing from puppyhood into adulthood, they develop the platinum coloring, such as Poodles and Schnauzers... But if someone sees 'grayish' around the muzzle, they usually assume it is age... We have a puppy now that was jet black and tan at birth and although she's only about 4 months old, her muzzle is almost completely gray!
What you see is not necessarily age at all!
I wish I had a dollar for every time I have heard someone say they picked this dog over those dogs because their choice was not barking but the others were... When in reality, the rescue center is these dogs' home and there are OMG STRANGERS in their home... One would expect any small dog to bark when a stranger comes into their house, right?... Usually (7 out of 10 times), the dog barking first is the one most alert and with the most self-esteem in any of the communal living areas we have set up... Many times the dog NOT barking is somewhat fearful of strangers and has lower self esteem levels...
Again, our eyes (and ears) are making decisions upon what we see and not on fact... Take that same dog, put them in a loving home and give them reason to protect what they think is theirs a few months from now?.... They are going to bark when a stranger comes in...
Finally, black dogs are the last to be adopted and the first to be killed in high-kill shelters... This FACT is directly related to humans seeing the color black and subconsciously linking it to something bad or evil... We have seen it so often at the rescue center - a litter of puppies and the black one will be the last one adopted... Or that the black adults will take longer to adopt - ALWAYS... No matter the breed, the age or the personality of the dog...
That is the one advantage of adopting from a rescue center like TLC's... Our volunteers spend a LOT of time with our dogs and puppies... We tend to know their personalities a lot better than at a shelter (especially a high kill one)... Most dogs and puppies cannot be painted with a broad brush - few things are guaranteed to be true in every dog of that breed... So we will ask a few questions about YOU first and then fit our dogs' personalities with your lifestyle and environment...
So before judging a dog's outward appearances, ask a volunteer for their perspective of the dog's personality... Regardless of what they look like or their age, they might be the PERFECT choice for you (or to be your daughter's new BFF!)...
Just sayin!
