THE APPLICATION

As soon as I arrived home, I logged onto the Rescue site, paid my non-refundable $25 for the application form (serious contenders only!), and was informed that it would be sent to my email. Two days later and there was no form, so I made contact by private message, then tried not to panic while waiting for the response. It didn’t take long before the answer came back. ‘Have you checked your junk mail folder?’

Duh! Of course I hadn’t, and that is exactly where I found it. It had been sent the day after my request was made. I hit print, then stared as page after page rolled out. Great Scott! It was like a marriage contract! I gathered it up and began to answer the numerous questions, some of them quite personal. Why did I want this dog? Would my financial situation permit me owning and providing adequate care for the animal? Did I have a fenced yard, and if not, would I be willing to have a fence installed? Where would the dog live, outside or in the house? How many people lived in the lodging – and were there children? Where would the dog sleep? Would the dog be caged when left alone? How would I deal if a dog misbehaved? Could I promise the dog would get regular exercise? And it went on and on..... . I was also to forward a list of each animal I had ever owned, where and at what age I had obtained the animal, if I still had the animal and, if not, why not?

After being warned that unannounced follow-up visits would happen, and that sterilization was absolutely required, I was asked to give 3 reference names; a friend who has known me for a long time, a member of my family, and a vet I had used for at least 4 years. If I was accepted, the cost would be $565, which included all the necessary vaccinations and the sterilization fees, and was to be paid on signing the adoption contract.

It took me more than three hours to complete and return the document. Then I sat back to wait...and wait...and wait. Neither my son, who was the family reference, nor my friend had been called, and it was over a week. Could it be that I wasn’t accepted in spite of all my experience with pit-bulls? I sent another private message – please tell me what is happening. My answer was nearly immediate: This is July 1st in Quebec. We are extremely busy, but Pitiful Mom is on hold for you until we can complete the investigation.

Of course! Those familiar with Quebec will know that each July 1st is the ‘official’ moving day throughout the whole province. If you are changing addresses, you have to be out of your lodging by the end of the day on July 1st. Sadly, it is the worst time of the year for pets. Many are left behind, either surrendered to Rescue organizations or just kicked out into the street, because the majority of landlords will not accept animals. People working in these types of organizations, often volunteers, spend hours and hours combing the cities, helping out where they can, finding and providing shelter and food for the poor animals until they can be re-homed or worse, put down.

Relief – the little lady was on hold for me, and that was all I needed right now. Finally my son called to tell me that the Rescue had been in touch. The questioning was quite long, and very thorough. “But don’t worry, Mom,” he said. “I told them that 95% of humans won’t be as happy or as well off as that dog if she ends up with you. And I’m a good salesman!”

With the events that were to follow, he would upgrade his description to ‘a damned excellent salesman!’

(To be cont’d)

UGH! Still feeling terrible, still on antibiotics and still not able to go to the office. This so-o-o sucks! A bright note? Hockey games have started! And that makes me SMILE!!! Sending your share...big and warm and real!

Luv from the Bush in Quebec.