sorry but..

Dave · Enlightened One

sorry but..

max · Enlightened One

NO! If anything you are all so helpful and supportive. People should try to understand that you only have the utmost welfare of the dogs to maintain and be sure that any home is suitable along with prospective owners, is that being to difficult, I do not think so.

Nora

FAJ · Enlightened One

It depends one whether you want to just get the dogs rehomed quickly, or whether you want to find them the right home that will care for them for the rest of their days. Steve and I had been volunteering for GAL for 5 months before we adopted Pearly, and we still had a house check. Did we complain? No! It was thrilling to meet Nicki and the lovely Janie and ask loads of questions.

Frankly, I don't think you should be letting people like that adopt GAL greyhounds. If they can't be arsed to wait a day for a phone call, how the hell are they going to have the patience to cope with a dog that might be straight from kennels and doesn't have the first clue what life in a house is like? Not to mention the house-training.

Sod them, Dave. Sorry for the language, but I'm really cross. You don't need to doubt yourself.

Ambers Mo

Never having tried to adopt a greyhound from GAL I can't really answer your question, Dave.

But will say that people are very impatient these days and forget that GAL is run by volunteers giving up their own time and cash, and have families, jobs, sickness and their own animals to look after.

These same people will no doubt be just as demanding when they want to unload a dog on to GAL.

Could you not make up some packets of dogs that they could just add water for an instant dog? And then just dehydrate when they get fed up.

TeddysKirsty · Old Hand

I think the GAL way of adopting is fine. When Charles came to the house for a home check before we got Sassy it only took 30min. I also think if you don't already have a greyhound it will give you the opportunity to see one in your house and see that it isn't too big etc. Compared to the SSPCA it is stricter but then its best to make sure the dogs get a home and stay there- ie not returned cause their too much hassle!

Lorna · GAL Shop Co-Ordinator

I agree with Kirsty - my home check was great because it gave me a chance to see a greyhound in the house and ask lots of questions. I was new to owning a dog never mind a greyhound so it helped me to prepare.

I think the process we have is a good and necessary one and has the interests of the dogs at heart. It is very quick and impatient to just go out and get a dog from somewhere else like that - I think most people would understand they delay especially under Sunday's circumstances!

Gail · Big Cheese

Definately not!!! Anyone adopting a greyhound must surely expect to complete an application and be subject to a home check and appreciate that these things take time.

Any dog is a longterm commitment, in the case of most greyhounds you are looking at them being part of your family for 10+ years surely getting the right dog is more important than having to wait a few days. Would they be as impatient if they decided to have a child, however would they manage to wait 9 months!! Personally i do not see this as being any different, as it takes as much commitment.

My home check was done quickly and i would happily have waited longer as i realised there were not that many volunteers close to me to carry it out. The follow up from GAL is excellent and that is more important than anything to me.

I think you are doing a great job and the fact that so many GAL dogs are still in the homes they went to originally speaks for itself.

Slippy · Old Hand

We got Timmy from Greyhound Rescue Scotland. I would have been unimpressed if they had not done a thorough homecheck as we had not owned a greyhound before. Apart from them assessing us, our house and garden, it also provided a valuable opportunity for us to ask them a lot of questions about greyhounds so that we were comfortable about going ahead and taking one on.

I imagine the GAL adoption process is similar - so I would say you are on the right lines.

Sheila

Valerie · Guru

Dave

would have to agree with FAJ here, except with even more colourful language Having a rescue dog is not about instant gratification, like a trip to the supermarket. You are assessing and matching dogs and prospective owners, and really putting the dogs welfare first, which for most of them has never happened in their sorry lives. The dogs deserve the best for the long term, and you and the rest of GAL are doing that for them, as FAJ said - don't doubt that for a moment.

Laura · Master

Absolutely not! It is important that the potential home for a GAL dog is safe and secure. Our home check took about an hour, but we did ask a lot of questions as this was our first time owning greyhound. And just a week after the home check we got Rosie. We were very impressed and if people cant wait one day for a phone call they probably arent suitable to have a dog. Most of the dogs have had a horrific background and need the perfect home to recover.As other folk have said, GAL is run by volunteers who have their own lives to get on with aswell. Owning a dog is a big commitment and being able to ask as many questions as you need and have them answered by greyhound people is a great help, and we have already spread the word to several people asking about Rosie how good GAL is!

Stick to what your doing Dave, theres nothing wrong with it!!

Anyanka · Master

I can't comment on your specific procedure, but it sounds to me like that woman wanted a dog 'off the shelf', a commodity dog. You are right not to supply that, but to put the dogs' welfare first.

emma · Guru

Dave,

All I can say is what the others have said. I am sure that any serious person who has dog welfare at heart will be prepared to wait and will understand the need to assess them and their house thoroughly.

I think the people who are impatient enough to go elsewhere within a few hours are just the kind of people you would not be wanting to home the dogs with in the first place!

Putting my psycology hat on....I am afraid that alot of modern society is now based on 'I want it and I want it now!' kind of mentality (just look at debt) and this goes hand in hand with the easy come easy go belief where things that are no longer interesting are just disposed of without a second thought...

Dave let the toddlers stamp their feet, you are the one with an organisation that has a grown-up attitude that will appeal to grown up members of society who will continue to care for the dogs into the future, be devastated at the loss of a dog and keep coming back for more in years to come.

Don't ever doubt your policies Em and Chad xx

Teresa · Enlightened One

Dave.. NO, absolutely not.

The RGT down here would do a home visit too. The trainer we got Dave and Daisy from also sent his kennel hand to visit our home before we could have them.

Surely, it's only sensible Anyone who is serious about adopting such a beautiful dog should not be surprised that those concerned for their welfare would ensure the home they are going to is suitable. If they are surprised about that then perhaps their home isn't suitable.

Keep doing what you're doing in the secure knowledge that your dogs are going to be safe.

MojoTilly · Master

Definately not Dave, if people are serious about the long term commitment of taking on a greyhound (or any type of dog) then they should appreciate that things have to be done thoroughly and the best forever home is found for each and every dog. If they're not willing to be patient and find the correct dog for them then perhaps they shouldn't be taking on a dog of any sort.

We found when we rehomed Tilly from Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home that they were really "slack" (for want of a better word) about finding out about us. They didn't know anything about where we lived and worked etc or if we knew anything about greyhounds. No home check of any sort was mentioned at all which we were very surprised about. We weren't offered any advice about muzzles etc either. We both worked at Battersea Dogs Home where there are strict policies with regard to rehoming and finding the right home for each dog and catwhich is shy we were so shocked about the rehoming policies at EDCH. We actually wrote to them voicing our concerns and offering some advice from our experiences at Battersea and never heard a thing back. Luckily we did plenty of our own research to find out all we could about greyhounds but not everyone would do that. And luckily for us Tilly is such an easy going greyhound and hasn't any problems.

The most important thing after all is finding the right home for the right dog and that they will spend the rest of their days there.

Certainly while we were at Battersea we regularly got people come in who wanted and expected to pick a dog and take it home, no questions asked. Because of the sheer volume of people we saw we could not home check everyone but we became very experienced at picking out which homes needed checking out further first. All applicants had to fill out a thorough questionnaire and go through an interview at the very least, and they were matched with dogs which, from the dog's assessment, were suitable for their home and lifestyle.

Real, genuine, good, loving dog owners will understand that GAL wants only what's best for their dogs. The dogs come first, not the people and that's exactly the way it should be. A good home will be prepared to go through all of the application process without any grumbles and will appreciate that the dog's best interests are behind it all.

Don't change what doesn't need to be changed!!!!!

-- Edited by MojoTilly at 20:15, 2006-08-15

Santas Little Helper · Master

I can't comment on adopting a greyhound but having gone through (probably) the same procedure for fostering, I think the system you have in place is great. We'd both had dogs before, as kids, but didn't have much experience with sighthounds.

The guy who came to do our home visit help us to fully consider the practicalities and implications of taking on an ex-racing greyhound (i.e there is a chance that a dog with an extremely high prey drive could scale our garden fence to get to the cat next door - fortunately we've not had this problem) but fore warned is fore armed!

When we adopted Ozzy from The Dogs Trust. We went through a similar procedure except we had to go away for a week after meeting and deciding upon him (to think it through fully and await a home check). We then had to go for an induction meeting with the staff at the centre before we could take him home and then we had him on a weeks probation - just in case!

As you don't have a "returns" (I mean that flippantly) policy I think the application form and home check is crucial.

Jennifer · Big Cheese

This is a subject i feel very strongly on and is one of the many reasons why i no longer work at the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home after 9 years of service.

I agree with everything said above especially with Andrew and Debbie. At the dog and cat home the will practically hand a dog out to anyone asking minimal questions and you can come in and leave with a dog 15 minutes later!! Thats why they have such a low success rate. Many dogs are returned to them, days, weeks or even hours later because not enough time has been taken to get the right dog for the right person and situation. I was sick of seeing lovely dogs being rehomed to the wrong people and ending back a while later.

I think GAL's rehoming procedure is excellent and have recommended people go to you for a dog many a time. When i worked at the EDCH, i often advised people to go to GAL instead of the cat and dog home. Shame on the dogs at the dog and cat home missing out but there is such a lack of interest or back up support if anything goes tits up.

I strongly agree with what Fiona said aswell. If people are willing to take on a dog that they may have for 10+ years, they must be willing a few days or weeks before a suitable dog is found. If they cannot be bothered waiting, then they do not deserve one of these beautiful animals!!

silverhippo · Master

I would be more worried about where is giving people ‘off the shelf’ dogs. If they are paying that much attention to assessing the people how well assessed are the dogs? Will some poor unsuspecting cat or dog get a new companion that thinks they look like a great toy.

I have just filled in the on line application form just to see (not sent it in though). I found it easy to fill in, and I would expect a home check. If people can’t be bothered to fill in a form what are they going to do when the dog proves to be hard work because it has never lived in a house before. Hand it back because they wanted a house trained perfect one I suppose.

Claire

Isla · Enlightened One

Hi Dave

As you know, I've got my three. Wills came from the Blue Cross and they did a home check, sent the dog home with you for half a day to see how it got on and insisted on you taking it out in the car for a trip to see if all went ok. They were also very thorough.

Millie was an SSPCA dog and that meant that I got home checked twice for her. The lady who came and did the GAL home check was lovely. She was very supportive, informative and put us very much at ease. Once we had passed that part, she offered us her address and the chance to contact her if we had any questions or problems. The SSPCA were very slow to arrange a home visit however, if someone is serious about taking on a dog, they will be quite happy to go through any checks and paperwork required.

Tigger was easy as we had already gone through checks etc for Millie.

I have filled out the GAL application form twice now and, hopefully, will fill out the form in the future too. I have had no problem with it as I found it very straightforward and easy to follow. It has also been my experience that you were very quick to get back to us whenever we were looking to adopt. The other thing that I like is that there is a fantastic support network available through the website and, particularly, the forum. There are, of course, the Awareness Days and shows where it is easy to speak to yourself or any of the other volunteers if you need advice face to face.

Anyone serious about taking on a longterm friend, whatever the breed, ought to be glad that the welfare of the animal is being made the priority rather than the convenience of an instant companion. Lets face it, part of the problem with dogs being returned that quickly is because they are sometimes handed over far too readily (not necessarily from Rescue centres/charities) and people are not ready for the change in lifestyle. Perhaps if they would slow down, think about what it means to take on an animal and the impact it will have on their life (and resources), this would not happen so often.

God bless GAL and I certainly would be disappointed if you changed your adoption policy for these eejits!

Jax · Master

I agree with all of the comments above. We didn't find it difficult to adopt a dog through GAL, in fact the thorough home check was a comfort as it made us more confident that the right dog would be matched with us! Within about a week of applying we had the home check then another week later we had Dan. Two or so weeks after that Sally came along. It's all been perfect.

There is a big problem with impatience in this world. As has been said before if someone can't wait a matter of hours then are they really suitable to care for a dog who will need patience, care, love and affection for the rest of it's life?

Carol · Master

sorry but....

what a plonker! Not surprised it was an annoying conversation.

C

greyluvver · GAL Membership Co-Ordinator

The GAL homing procedure is 'the best'. I don't need to say why as everyone else has.

Anyone wanting a dog in such haste definitely doesn't deserve one (and their hastiness should raise suspicion)! And anyone willing to hand over a dog so quickly has no consideration for that dog at all!

Time plays a major factor in the homing process especially for people who have not owned a dog before so they have time to think through exactly what a commitment taking on a dog is.

JENNY · Big Cheese

Dave, come on, you don't honestly think this woman was 'the full shilling' do you??

I think people who want to avoid home checks and applications have something to hide.

These are the kind of people who end up getting a dog on a whim without any research or idea what they are getting.
Then a few months down the line they are on the phone saying 'The dug disnae get oan wae the weans', or 'The dugs too big for ma wee semi' etc etc.

This causes everyone heartache and you a lot of work, and the wee dug disnae know if its commin or goin!!!

So no its not difficult to adopt a dog from GAL if you are a sane sensible person who is willing to wait for the right one and answer a few simple questions about how you would care for it.

Isla · Enlightened One

Well said Jenny!!!

Fiona · Master

I also agree it's crucial to match the right dog to the right person. In my place it is very strict, applicants fill out a questionnaire then we go through it with them very carefully, then we advise them on the type of dog we think is most suited to them and let them have a look. If they see one they like they book it, then sign another form and take it out for a walk. They have plenty of "cooling off" time to think about it, then they get their homecheck. After that there is a pre-adoption talk and when they come to pick up the dog they attend a class on training and behaviour. There is also advise and help available for the whole of the dog's life.

We have also been giving special advice on greyhounds that we pass onto people and stipulate that muzzles must be worn, etc.

So, no you are not too strict, as in my opinion if people really do want a dog they will be prepared to go through any checks to ensure they are able to offer the best home to it.

Lesley · Guru

I absolutely agree - the home check procedure is essential.

The most important part of it is actually informing the new home (rather than checking them) about the special considerations of greyhound ownership: wearing a muzzle when out for the first few weeks, the fact that some cannot be walked off lead, the whole "trained to chase and kill" aspect; plus other aspects which result from the fact that they have never been in homes: may not be house trained, may never have negotiated steps, glass doors etc. It is because people are well informed that they know how to care for their new friend properly and get maximum enjoyment from him/her. Those for whom the facts are off-putting need to be put off before they take the dog home.

-- Edited by Lesley at 13:13, 2006-08-17

Calatria · Master

We got our older dog from a rescue organisation - no home check, no questions asked. We found out later that he'd been rehomed before and returned to them after two weeks. Why? Because this four month old puppy messed the floor and chewed some of their belongings.

A home checker would have sussed out straight away that those people didn't have a clue and would either have spelled out exactly what puppies do, or just refused to give them a dog at all.

So I'm on Dave's side. The checks are essential and anyone too impatient to fill out the form and wait for a home visit probably isn't going to provide any dog's "forever home".

Lucretia · Old Hand

I don't think there is anything wrong with GAL's rehoming process. Up here (with the exception of GAGAH, who I only found out about after I got Billy) we have two major dog rehoming charities - the Cat and Dog Home and DAWGS. I refuse to go to the Cat and Dog Home because two members of my family have gone there for dogs in the past and been given little background on the animals, both of whom ultimately had to be PTS for being extremely unpredictable and violent. DAWGS are the opposite extreme. They messed me about for months saying they could only do a home check once they had found a dog that matched my circumstances, and then they would put that dog "on hold" while they arranged for someone to come to my house - they do a home check for every dog, which meant potentially several home checks before anyone can get a dog. They also told me neither of their two volunteers drove, so I would have to drive to their office to pick up the volunteer, take them to my house and back again. I was willing to do this, but on the day I phoned to confirm my first home check was going ahead, the woman who spoke to me told me "people like you are why dogs end up in kennels. They are pack animals, and it is cruel to leave them even for an hour"!!!

So no, I don't think GAL's rehoming process is too much. I think DAWGS are a bit too much (bearing in mind I had to fill in an application and go through a telephone interview every time I was matched to a dog and then go on a list for a home check). Most retired racers have come from people who have been irresponsible and not given them the correct home they need to be a pet, so why just hand them out to the same circumstance? Home checks and applications to match dogs to owners is a very responsible and necessary process, and anyone who thinks otherwise shouldn't be thinking about taking on a dog.

mclarchitects · Old Hand

greyluvver wrote:

Time plays a major factor in the homing process especially for people who have not owned a dog before so they have time to think through exactly what a commitment taking on a dog is.

I think that this is one of the most important aspects of the GAL process. People should be given time to think things over and not rush into a long term commitment without due process.

The GAL system is fine.

Amanda · Master

We were shocked when Edinburgh Dog and Cat home just handed Blue over although the person did ask why we wanted a grey etc (found out later it was Jennifer) We were told about Gal there and thank goodness as we have found the support amazing!

We count our lucky stars Blue turned out to be 1 fantastic dog but would never adopt from EDCH again because of lack of home check and advice. We did ask why they didn't do home checks they said it was due to lack of staff...,.

Dave keep things just as they are anyone who is genuine will be pleased to have the checks and follow up support and it also reduces the risk of having dogs bounced back and lets face it most of these dogs are in need of lots of tlc and being handed back and forwards will upset them even more

Carole2 · Old Hand

I think the GAL process is great. Personally I was getting impatient, but I contacted GAL about 2 months before I was really ready to take on a dog (due to moving house etc). But I think it is best to postpone giving someone a dog straight away, that way they have time to think are they sure its what they want and not just an idea that may fade in a couple of weeks! The home check is great, as said before allows you to ask lots of questions, especially if you are a first time dog owner. I got Brook very quickly after the home check but (only a matter of days!) but I still had time to get things for the dog in preparation (bed, food etc).

I found Dave very helpful on the phone when discussing Brook and he was super quick to respond to questions by email that I had thought of later. Also, the support afterwards, advice from Carol (who brought Brook to me) and reassured me the cats behaviour around Brook was OK etc. Siouxsie is also great when you need that wee bit of reassurance that what you are doing is correct.

The forum, speaks for itself, a wealth of information and advice. I also enjoy the training classes which I learned about on the forum.

I would recommend GAL to anyone looking for a dog, as I think you matched me perfectly to Brook.

Thanks GAL!!