Possible home for Pixie

[Jane Mackey]

Hello everyone!

Met some very nice friends of Brian's last night.  We brought Pixie over & they loved her.  They have filled out the application on-line and I told them that we'd keep her until she was healed up but they are very excited.  No other pets, just some 8 year old nieces.  They haven't had a dog in a while (but their 26 yr old son lived with them for a bit & he had a dog), so they know how it works & they want a dog they can bring places & do stuff with.  When Brian found out they were actively looking at the shelter for a dog, he told them about Pixie & sent them to our website.  They've been showing their friends & co-workers...good exposure for us.  What is the next step?

Jane    

[Jennie Marvelle]

I also have another dog looking for a home...a 3-legged girl. The people that are currently taking care of her own a doggie daycare and she gets along great with all the other dogs but they just can't handle a 4th dog of their own and are looking for somewhere to foster her and adopt her out... more info to come.

As for the adoption process, I think we should all review the application?

[Jenn Howe]

I have sent the app to the Board members to review. I have asked Jane to call references. :)  what a week!

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Jenn Howe

[Danielle Gudroe]

So exciting!!!

[Jane Mackey]

Both references for the Denis's were great.  Brian says Paul Denis is on vacation this week - would be a good chance for them to bond with her if I could bring her over tomorrow night.  She is peeing & pooping normally now & seems to be back to herself.  Does anyone have any objection to me taking her over there tomorrow?  I will make a list of her habits & give them a bag of the food she's been eating.  They know she needs to be on the antibiotics for a while longer.

 

Jane

On Sat, Nov 20, 2010 at 9:56 AM, Jenn Howe <jennb...@gmail.com> wrote:

[Jenn Howe]

we need them to sign the adoption contract, you should have a copy with the notes from the first BUN meeting or I can email you one.  Have them write us a check or make a payment on paypal (link on the website).  This is such wonderful news!

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Jenn Howe

[Jennie Marvelle]

Can we make sure they do obedience training somehow, Jane? I know they said they were open to it. Are they Augusta area or Waterville area? I could put them in touch with a trainer!

[Jenn Howe]

They are in the waterville area.  Perhaps we could offer then a refund of small amount of their donation if we have an obedience class certificate within the next 6 months? What do you guys think?

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Jenn Howe

[Jane Mackey]

I like the idea of offering a refund within a time frame.  They are in Waterville area.  They do seem like they'd be open to it.  I talked to Brian about it a bit, he said personally he'd be put off if "required" to do obedience only because of his experience, but that it is a good idea for new dog owners.  One of the references does remember the doberman they had - but that was a long time ago.  Shall I offer that when I call him? 

[Jenn Howe]

we would only do it for new dog owners. $50 refund?  Thoughts??

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Jenn Howe

[Jennie Marvelle]

JHowe, what do you think? 50% refund on a basic obedience class as incentive? I think where the experience isn't there, it wouldn't be offensive to require it. And really, if they're gonna be offended by that, it might not be the best placement....

[Jenn Howe]

How much would a class normally cost?

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Jenn Howe

[Jane Mackey]

$50 seems fair - but maybe 50% is better.  I can't remember what I paid for Ruca's class.  Definitely worth it to help ensure a better behaved dog.  Maybe we should put that as a requirement on future fosters so people know up front.

[Jennie Marvelle]

I think $50 is fair, and that's usually just a little less than 50%...

[Danielle Gudroe]

Are we going to be giving money away that we need though?  Would it be better to find a trainer to work with to get the owners a percentage off the actual class instead of us giving them cash?  $50 is a lot of money in the non-profit world..

[Jennie Marvelle]

Well, with our area so broad, I think it might be hard to find just one trainer that would work with all of them. Augusta people won't want to drive to Waterville for class and vice-versa.

[Danielle Gudroe]

We could definitely reach out to many!

[Jamie Mulcahey]

I think everyone should take their new dog to obedience class regardless of how much experience in training they have. It's good socialization for the dog and a chance to teach them how to behave around other dogs. A lot of people say they'll work with their dog on their own but never get around to it. Going to class gives me that extra incentive to keep up with training at home. No one should be offended by being required to take their dog to one obedience class. They might even learn something new that could be helpful to them.

As far as paying for people to attend a class---forget it! Dogs are expensive. Food, treats, toys, vet bills, medication, etc. etc. If people aren't willing to spend a little extra money to take their dog to an obedience class they probably can't afford to have one to begin with. I'm sure BURN needs the money that would be spent on sending people to class. If you're going to pay for people to attend class why not increase your adoption fee by $50 and then give everyone $50 back for class. You won't lose money and people will think they're getting something  for free!

[Jennie Marvelle]

good call...

[Jenn Howe]

This was sort of what I was thinking. Thank you for the clarification. I agree completely.

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Jenn Howe