Tonight's picture was taken in July of 2007. We took Mattie to Roosevelt Island that particular weekend and Peter encouraged Mattie to walk out with him on a log into the woods. Which meant they would go off the boardwalk. As you can see, I stayed on the boardwalk and photographed these two in action. Mattie was like Peter in that sense. They both like adventure, experiencing new things, and exploring. Of course, I am a bit different, but people like me are needed, because I was the family photographer. Capturing all these adventurous moments!
Quote of the day: I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive. ~ Gilda Radner
So last night, Peter and I met with the home inspector from the adoption agency. Needless to say we passed the visit with flying colors. I figure if we had Mattie in our home and knew how to keep him safe, how much more complicated could it be for a cat and a dog? I certainly understand the need to be cautious when giving people cats and dogs to rescue, mainly because these animals are already traumatized, but I assure you the process is JUST not easy.
I thought it was only me who felt this way, but then Peter was talking to people in his office who had the same experience. So much so, that they gave up on the rescue option and opted to seek a breeder to purchase a dog. Which is really a shame, because so many animals need to be rescued. There needs to be a happy medium here, where adopters are assessed but that the process is streamlined and less complex. I should also mention that I filed MANY applications with different rescue groups since February! Unfortunately what I found is they really did not want to deal with me because I live in Washington, DC, rather than a suburb of the city. One agency even said to me..... "well the dogs may not like city sounds, and therefore will go with other people living outside the city first!"
In order to rescue a cat and a dog, or either animal for that matter, I had to fill out an EXTENSIVE application for each. I had to supply the name of three non-related people to me, who could be contacted to write a letter of reference! They then wanted to talk to our complex personnel to make sure I was allowed animals in our home, and finally they also spoke to our vet. To learn about our history with animals. Once those hurdles were met, then a home visit was scheduled!
We learned last night we passed inspection but then more still needed to be done. There were handbooks to read, contracts (I mean very legal ones!!) to be signed and initialed, not to mention paying the adoption fees for each animal. I have been working on these things all day. The condition of adopting the dog is that we have to foster him first for a week, before officially adopting him and we have to attend a training class on Sunday. Are you getting the picture?
The funny thing is today I met up with two women for lunch. What I quickly assessed is having a dog gives you a whole other topic of conversation. Conversations that can go on for hours. It is like people talking about their children! I really had no idea! Cat parents are not like this at all! Now why is that???? I guess I will find out soon.
1 comment:
Wow Vicki, That was quite a process to get Sunshine. I don't believe Michael had to,go through as much but I could be wrong. I do plan to ask him. They have rescued two dogs. Rounder, their first dog was bought from a breeder in 2004. Then they learned about rescuing dogs. So Brunson & Biscuit were rescued by them. They are miniature Shnauzers and all 3 were very different colors of gray.
I love your adventure stories of Mattie. He had a great curiosity streak. Being the great photographer, you were then has given such a beautiful picture of your life to those of us who read your blog!!!!
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