Ask the Hairy Dogfathers: Shelter Stalker?

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT

When adopting a dog, is there such a thing as TMI when it comes to shelters asking questions? Good thing the Hairy Dogfathers are here – they know a thing or two about personal boundaries!

Dear HDFs,

I am young, university educated, well-adjusted adult working a full-time professional job. I am a contributing member of society and an animal lover. I bought a great house in a perfect neighborhood. Since I was little, I wanted a dog, and I kinda fell in love with some goofy mutt at the shelter. But when I went to set it all up, the shelter got all creepy on me.

The person behind the counter kept asking really personal questions. Which vet was I going to use? How long do I work each day? Where was the dog going to sleep?

There is no way that I am going to tell some complete stranger when I am out of the house, or answer their weird questions about my sleeping arrangements. Who do they think they are… the puppy police?

It’s a dog. It’s been at the shelter for 8 months. You would think that if they weren’t just so invasive of people’s privacy that maybe more dogs would get into good homes.

How do I get a dog without having to answer some creep’s prying questions?

Signed, Privacy Please!

Related:How Soon is Too Soon?

There is certainly no problem with being a private person. At the risk of prying… I am curious to know, did you not like the questions because they were too personal? Or did you not have answers? If you are looking at bringing a dog into your life, you have to recognize that your life will change. Before a four-legged fur ball comes through your door, you’ll need to be ready for it. Any half-decent shelter will ask you a variety of questions to make sure that you are ready, and that the dog will be taken care of.

That said; if you really don’t want to answer all these personal questions, I do have a solution… give up. Consider getting a plant or something lower maintenance, you clearly aren’t ready to provide a good home for a dog.

Related:Can You Return A Surprise Puppy Present?

Sounds like you found a great shelter! Now, the question is, are you a great adopter? You certainly got our backs up, and we only had to read your e-mail, not meet you in person.

Honey, calm yourself. You are setting off some serious ‘tude and it ain’t cute.

Now, if you are still reading this… a good shelter or rescue is going to ask questions, not to pry, but to try! To try and facilitate a conversation that is going to make sure that everyone is on the right page. During my years working in a shelter, I often worked with families who came in looking for a certain type of dog, but learned that they were more suited to another breed of dog entirely. So chill out. Swallow your pride, and be thankful that the shelter cares enough to make sure that it’s going to be a good fit for everyone.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

You May Like

Best Remembrance Products for Grieving Pet Owners

We’ve handpicked the most thoughtful remembrance products you can use to memorialize your pet or gift to a loved one that is grieving for their pet – either way, they are a beautiful way to immortalize the beautiful bond between a pet and their owner(
Safety Tips: Flying With A Dog

Nothing is more satisfying than leaving your house and going on vacation - along with your dog. Here''s what you need to know before flying with a dog.
Black Wood Turtle

The Black Wood Turtle is one of many species of Wood Turtle, but it is the biggest of all of the Wood Turtle breeds and have a shell that is black in color.
New “Pig Perfume” Spray Stops Barking Bad Dog Behavior

No, it doesn’t smell like bacon, but “Stop That” spray may stop your dog from acting like a ham Sick and tired of your dog’s endless…
6 Reasons You Need To Camp in Style With Your Pooch in an RV

We had the opportunity to talk with Amy Burkert from Gopetfriendly.com, who shared with some fabulous reasons RVing with your pet is the thing to do!
Upside Down Of The Week – Bim

What a mug! Meet Bim, our Upside Down Dog of the Week from Upsidedowndogs.com. He is a 6-year-old Pointer from Latvia. Here’s what his mom, Laura, has…
US Couple Shells Out $25,000 to Clone Their Beloved Cat

After spending 19 years with their precious pet, a North American couple decide to clone her- Cinnabun now lives on through her kitten replica.
Bluetick Coonhound

A friendly hunting dog, the Bluetick Coonhound loves to chase and corner its prey into trees, letting its owner know of its capture with a distinctive howl.
Upside Down Dog of the Week – Razi

Meet Razi, this week’s Upside Down Dog from Upsidedowndogs.com. He is a 21-month-old Anatolian Shepherd from Boulder, Colorado. His owner James says: &…
Ask the Hairy Dogfathers: Shelter Stalker?

When adopting a dog, is there such a thing as TMI when it comes to shelters asking questions? Good thing the Hairy Dogfathers are here with their thoughts.
Sco-Shi

The scruffy little Sco-Shi brings together the feisty personality of the Shih Tzu and the tenacious nature of the Scottish Terrier for a loyal family pooch.
Beef and Banana Bars Dog Treat Recipe

Beef and Banana - the two together may not sound that appetizing to you, but for dogs, it''s a lip-smacking duo! A great way to re-energize your pup.
Product Review: Gen7Pets Cool-Air Cot

Lounging ain''t easy... but someone''s got to do it. And for pooches who chill full-time, you''ve got to get your dog the Gen7Pets Cool-Air Cot.
Best Cat Enclosures

Have you ever thought about getting your cat an enclosure? If not, it might be worth considering. Check out the information below to learn a bit about the benefits of various types of enclosures for cats, and to access our list of product recommendations.
Dalmatian

Often associated as the kind of dogs who help firemen and police, the Dalmatian is a notoriously good workers and are known as an assertive, friendly breed.