By Susan Johnson
I am writing in response to an October 8 article written by Marie Leotta regarding transporting and adopting dogs from the South.
I cannot begin to tell you how heartbroken I was to read so much misinformation about programs that are not only finding deserving dogs a forever home but also ensuring that these dogs are well cared for, clean, vaccinated and spayed or neutered before adopting them out.
My family recently adopted a wonderful dog named Stella from Vermont Dog Rescue and in light of the article, I knew I had to share our story:
My family lost two beloved rescue dogs almost two years ago to old age. Replacing longtime pets is never easy! Our family was searching for just the right rescue to bring into our home.
I am on the development board of Animal Rescue Rhode Island (ARRI), a terrific, no-kill shelter that has had a very successful “Bark and Ride” program for several years. This shelter works closely with partners in the South to find and transport dogs in need of a home. The ARRI takes great care in making sure that all animals in their care are well taken care of and they carefully screen applicants before allowing them to adopt. Having been a witness to this program for several years, I have very high standards when it comes to adopting.
Although the AARI has had opportunities to adopt, finding the right dog for the right family is important. We had not had found a perfect match. My brother, who fosters rescues for Vermont Dog Rescue, introduced us to Stella, a lumbering, loving Pyrenees-shepherd-golden mix that had been brought up from Alabama. At 10 months and 70 pounds, she needed an active, loving family that had experience with big dogs. We were looking for a sweet-natured, big dog to fill our home. From the moment we met her it was instant love!
Carole Moore and the Vermont Dog Rescue were wonderful (remember, I have high standards). We had to fill out an application and our references were carefully checked. They made sure we would be an appropriate adopter for the dog. They asked questions about housing and schedules and made sure that if for any reason we did not want to keep Stella that we agreed to contact them. We knew they truly wanted to ensure they were making the right placement.
Miss Leotta mentioned in her article that the dogs being brought up were sick and ridden with heartworm. Really? We were given a folder with all the background on Stella including vaccinations, a negative heartworm test and complete vet records. She was clean, in great shape and had been well taken care of.
I cannot imagine where the woman who wrote the article got her information from. Did she do her own research on local programs? Better yet, if there are puppy mills or worse nearby, why haven’t they been reported?
Organizations like Vermont Dog Rescue rely on the generosity of donors to help keep them in operation. Operating clean, well-run establishments takes time and dedication and can be filled with heartache as they help overcome situations like ones described in the article. This was a terrible disservice to Vermont Dog Rescue as they will feel the effects of this poorly written article.
I suggest that your paper write an article featuring Vermont Dog Rescue and other organizations like them. Let people see what an amazing opportunity rescuing a dog can be for a family looking for a forever companion. Something positive will surely come from it!
On a side note, Carole has checked up on us to make sure we were all (Stella included) adjusting well. I only have very high praise for her and her organization! My family will be eternally grateful to Vermont Dog Rescue for getting the approval to adopt Stella. It would be great to know that others will get the same incredible opportunity.
Susan Johnson lives in Wakefield, Rhode Island.
