Quote: Kiersten Lippman

The right pup is out there.

Aww Kiersten. I hate to sound philosophical but you know these things happen for a reason.

I think we’ve all learned a lot from your experience - how closed minded these rescues can be; despite what they feel are good screening processes, animals are losing out on good homes; how much more educating needs to go on regarding the decisions we make for working dogs.

This was a tough process for you. I how disappointing it can be when you get your sights set on something and there’s some unrealistic set of circumstances standing in the way, making it impossible to transpire.

When I’m faced with these situations, I have two choices. I can either fight to try and right this wrong or I can move on, knowing what I know, sharing my experience with all who’ll listen and hope that something happens along the way to change it.

I feel like writing those folks and telling them what a grave mistake they are making. Perhaps a flood of emails from around the world would shake them up a little. “Too many concerns about adopting a puppy”… my ass. But that’s my anger speaking, may not be the right thing to do.

You’re perfect puppy will come – beautiful and healthy and intact.

Feel good about the process and chalk it up to an eye opener. I know it sure was for me. Wow. And thank you so much for posting about it.

Kiersten, You tried to do what you believe is the right thing and that is all that anyone can do. No doubt the dog was coming to a great home... I'm sorry this one did not work out for you!

I've stayed out of this conversation until now, because I know my view will be different then many others. I'm with you on leaving a dog intact as long as possible.
I CAN understand why the rescue said no, coming from the standpoint of a rescue worker. There are SOOO many liars, fakes, and idiots out there in the world. They'll say anything to get what they want, even if it's just an intact dog vs a neutered dog. Koenig was intact until he was just over a year old. At that point he was surrendered to the rescue I managed. Even though I had already 'spoken' for him, and had a long, trusting relationship (even friendship) with the owner, she had him cut before letting me take him home 2 days later. He never would have been out of my sight, never would have had the chance to breed. The owner knew that I would never let that happen. BUT, if anyone saw me out and about, with a FurryTale dog that was intact, it raises questions. Why did I deserve an exemption to the rule? Why was that dog allowed to leave intact? Is he better then my dog? (Well, yes, of course he is- he's a DUTCH! lol) Will she breed him, and try to make money off a rescue? It was not worth the potential public headache of letting a dog leave intact. With that particular rescue, we did let puppies go intact if they were young. The adopters had to leave us a ridiculous deposit ($200) which was returned to them when they brought us proof of neuter/spay. The contract also stipulated that if they dog was still intact at the age of 8 months, the contract would be considered broken, and we (the rescue) had the right to come and get the pup.



They (the rescue) have to set rules in stone for a reason. Make an exception once, it'll happen over and over again, and then the rules just dissolve, never to be seen again.

That said, I'm also disappointed in that rescue. I'm sure you're a responsible owner, and that you presented yourself as such. Having clear reasons for wanting to delay a early neuter, with medical proof that is was a valid concern didn't seem to make a difference to them.


Regardless, I'm sorry that they passed you over. That was a mistake on their part. They missed out on placing a nice dog in a WONDERFUL home, which should be the priority.

Like CJ said... you'll find your pup. Healthy, beautiful, intact, and everything thing else you could dream of! It's out there. Try and be patient.

A few more interesting links:

http://www.naiaonline.org/pdfs/spayneuterage.pdf

http://www.theriogenology.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=59

http://www.gpmcf.org/respectovaries.html

From: http://www.theriogenology.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=59

"The ACT and SFT do not believe that mandatory spay/neuter programs will significantly reduce the pet overpopulation problems, since most animals that are abandoned are relinquished because of behavior, health, economic and life changing conditions and not due to their reproductive status.

In fact, in some European Union countries where gonadectomy is illegal unless deemed medically necessary (such as Norway) there are no significant problems with pet overpopulation, indicating that the pet overpopulation problem that exists in the United States is due to cultural differences on the importance of pets, the responsibility of pet owners, and the ability of the government and national agencies to properly educate the public."

Thanks Niomi. Interesting read! (Norway is also the skijoring capital of the world)