by rotten1 » March 28th, 2006, 12:00 pm
As the Volunteer Coordinator for a rescue and a trainer I have a few questions:
Maybe Doreen can answer these or if ERic is lurking maybe he can shed some light on this...
1) When D & B were "fostering" this dog, did they sign a foster contract?
2) If yes does it clearly indicate WHO is repsonsible for the dogs actions (i.e many rescues have an insurance policy that covers their dogs in the program in evnet of injury to people, etc)
3) If no, then we are SAFE to assume that all liability for this would fall on D & B and they would be responsible for paying out of their pockets for all the plastic surgery that D and possible B would have to potnetially go through.
-sure they could prob pull a h/o cliam but they'd have a hard time getting coverage again.
If they never had a foster contract ( and I dont know whether they did or not) they were led to the wolves so to speak. Unfort being relatively new to fostering as they have stated (they didnt know to ask about the warning sticker at the shelter) their willingness to help should have been channeled else where (like fostering a few pups once they were weaned prior to permenant home placement.
If they did the SPBR has it in their best interest to make sure these dogs, ALL DOGS are temerment tested. Just becuase eric is an atty and can try to find loop holes to get himself out of throuble doesnt make it right.
Also I cannot believe that a rescue, never mind a PIT BULL rescue is sendings dog home (to foster or otherwise) with a mere shelter eval from shelter staff. I cannot count the number of times I see people in my office who have adopted dogs from shelters that were not a good fit, and some plain dangerous who some peson at the shlter said "oh he shouldbe fine with kids, etc). RESCUES SHOULD KNOW BETTER!!!
Dogs over 1 yr old should be required to be evaluated by SKILLED person. If one is not available then other rescues or trainer should be called in- Eric has connections, there must have been someone who knows how to temeprment test dogs other than the shleter staff. Yes it might cost $ if you have to have someone go out who doesnt owe you a favor (I often go out for rescue who dont have vols in my area or small rescues who dont have anyone skilled enough to do it for free or a nominal fee. It is worth it if your volunteer base doenst have the experienced eval team. Males over 1 and females with litter need 2 evals.
Even in the best situation, a mother is not going to be "herself". some act docile who are hellraisers. Other who arent normally protective act so (but should not to humans they know, poor lila didnt know D or B that well and who knows twhat she had been through before). Once the pups are weaned you really need to get in there and see what you are dealing with.
In my opinion there is noone to blame for this unfortunate situation that the person who arranged for this dog to be pulled SIGHT UNSEEN. This is a recipe for disaster for all involved. Of course it often goes smoothly but when it doesnt, well when it doesnt its not pretty as D can attest.
Yes I know there are many peope who get into rescue for the RIGHT REASON and stay for the worng (the glory, the $ pups bring it etc). The maytrs shine bright in their own minds leaving behind droves of people who "just wanted to help". So sad when the lure of puppies seems to turn good people into shady characters.
As someone who has witnessed a pitbull attack I can sympathize with the feelings of helplessness one feels. My dog was attacked at 8 mo. I watched the life leave my dogs eyes and though scissors were clsoe by and i KNEW I could kill the dog I couldnt bring myself to do it. I finally got him off by using a broom, but I will never forget the look on my dogs face as he caught my eye saying "I'm going to die and there is nothign you can do about it, arent I?" It was horrifing, and yet I know how awful Both D and B must have felt having to kill poor Lila, unless wyou have been aa victim of an attack or it is starring you in the face you will never know, so don't judge so quick.
Bottom line, the good heartedness of people was taken advantage of here by peole who should have known better (or a person). I hope a lesson was learned by all involved.