About 4 weeks ago I adopted a dog from a rescue organization. This is an adult dog and he has some behavioral issues. At the time I did not know I was pregnant, obviously or I would not have taken this dog in.

I've been so sick with morning sickness and he is so unruly I decided it was best for him and me that he go back to the animal rescue that I adopted him from. It's in our contact that for "ANY" reason that the dog doesn't work out for us that we would be able to return him.

Well guess what happens when I try to return him...

First I emailed the foster mom I got him from. She said she would come out to my house on Sunday. I said great.

Then she emailed me back this morning saying she couldn't make it. Could I make it out to her house instead. Since she's 2 hours away and I don't feel well enough to drive that far, I asked if another rescue person could meet us half way. They agreed and everything was set up for tonight.

I thought everything was settled.

Then I get this hateful, and I mean hateful email from the rescue organizations leader saying what a bad person I am for trying to give the dog back and if I want to give him back I'll just have to make the 2 hour drive MYSELF or they will call their attorney. WHAT???????

After trying to reason with this person for the past 4 hours they still won't agree to anything I suggest. I can't believe this.

In hindsight I wish I would have just secretly taken the dog to the pound so I wouldn't have to deal with this nonsense. (The dog is purebred, I'm sure it would be adopted in 2 seconds else I WOULD NEVER consider a shelter.)


I've been so upset today I've been shaking. Its not that I'm an animal hater, I love the dog, its just I physically can't handle him right now. He jumps on me HARD and has left bruises on my arms and legs. He snatches the leash out of my hands when I try to walk him and he barks non-stop and he chases my cats. What if he jumped up just right and hit my stomach???? Or pulled me down while walking him??? He's STRONG!

She told me "I'm sorry the dog comes first over you and your baby. It's not fair you are bouncing him around between people." WTF?????????

What else can I do?? I was doing the right thing, by eating crow and asking that they take him back which their contract says I'm supposed to do!

Well she FORBID the lady that was going to meet me tonight to help me so now I'm stuck. I told her at what point I felt well enough to make this 2 hour drive over to that foster moms' place I would do so but until then the dog would remain in my care.

Can you believe this????

That's horrible!! People can be such jerks sometimes, who did you rescue the dog from?

Hi, that is ridiculous where did you get him from and what type of dog is he. You should write the centre a letter and send it by email and fax (if possible) and advise them that they are being unreasonable and confirm in writing the problems you are having with the dog, stress your are pregnant and that you are considering taking this matter further, the press would have a field day with them. I have a lab he is brilliant he is 5 and we have been training him since he was about 11 weeks old. It was hard work no doubt about it but, he knew from day one who was boss.

Thats awful they are being completly unfair... YOU and YOUR baby are what should come first. You obviously dont hate dogs or not care or you wouldnt have adopted him in the first place... you circumstances are different now and its not practical for that dog to be in your family home. I would keep ringing or emailing... you have a contract so surely that counts for something if you can take this matter further hope everythings sorted soon xxxxx

The dog comes first over you and your baby??? What??? Uhmm....NO!!

I LOVE dogs, but give me a break! These people are taking it way TOO far. What if the dog did jump on you or knock you down and something happened to you or the baby? The two of you are just as important, in fact - MORE important than the dog, sorry to say. The Center is probably just glad they got him adopted and now they don't want to deal with the hassle of having him be returned. But if your circumstances change, then that's not your fault! You have to look out for yourself and your baby first.

What an awful situation to be in. I would send a firm email with a copy of the contract attached highlight the clause where it states the return policy and say that they have to honour this within 48 hours or you will be taking legal advice xxx

I have to say that this is outrageous. The rescue kennels are clearly cowboys. I do some voluntary work for a rescue kennels and if anybody calls with a problem with either a rehomed dog, or one that they just can't handle, we try and remove it asap. It is important to gather as much info as possible as to why the dog is needing a new home, but the claims these people are making are ridiculous.
Did you sign any contract at all when taking the dog? If so, what does it say about returning it? I am pretty darn sure that legally they're having a laugh.
I'm sorry this is happening to you, try not to stress out too much, it's not good for you
xx

Yep far as i know if it's a proper rescue, when you sign a contract the dog legally has to be returned to them & that if you sell the dog on or give it away i think you can get done for it. I've been in your situ before , I rehomed a greyhound with me from a so called manchester rescue & wasn't told fully about the dog or its history, This greyhound should not of been with children at all but yet this rescue placed this dog with me & my then 2yr old! And yep she went for him luckily though my staffy i also had went for the greyhound in defense & my son was fine. But after getting in touch with this "rescue" they argued about it saying i was messing the dog up, But after threatening them with legal action he apologised & i recieved an email to state that the dog should not of been with me in the 1st place & the rescue had only had it 2 days!!
I then rehomed the dog with a greyhound rescue centre who travelled for i think around 3-4 hrs to come for her. I'd had her around 4-6wks & was devastated to confuse the poor girl & to give her up but the greyhound rescue were so nice & made me feel i was doing the right thing. This manchester rescue still operates!!

I never signed a contract, I was brought the dog in the back of a staff members punto who met my dog outside & 10 minutes later the staff member went.

The attitude of the staff towards you is disgusting & they have no right to be like that, ok they have the best interests of the dog at heart so when someone calls to say they can no longer care for an animal they got from them their 1st thing should be getting the dog back not having a go at you.
If you didn't sign anything i would contact another rescue personally & tell them what's happened .

awww
thats horrible!! what an ignorant mean person!!!
you could maybe ask to talk to someone else from the dog place and see what they say cos thats out of order!!!!
xxxgood luckxxx

I hope you get this all sorted. I can't believe the way that they have treated you. I agree that the press would have a field day with this rescue centre. Other people considering adopting an animal from them, need to be aware of their residence to honour the small print in their own contracts. Absolutely disgraceful.