My first shelter pull

I have been getting lots of mixed information about this little guy:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=149319848503631&set=a.140781499357466.21654.120830141352602&type=3



First, I was supposed to pick him up on Tuesday, then they said he was gone, now they say he is still there and is at risk of euthanasia tomorrow morning! All of this is online, I am having no luck actually reaching someone at the shelter.

I am calling first thing tomorrow morning...at like 6am on. Joe and I discussed me going up there tonight and staying at a Motel 6 so I can be there pre-7am, just in case.

What would you do to build a positive relationship with this shelter? Other than bring donuts, which I plan on doing.

what a cutie! I don't have much experience with shelters as most on here, but I do know that the nicer you are to people, they more they are willing to help you.

good luck!

Here's a few tips-first, it will be hard if you go, but walk around the shelter, even if they say they pug isn't there. We have had a few times where we were told that no, the pug wasn't there (they insisted it was either adopted out or euthanized) and then when we walked around, there it was!

Sometimes they just can't/don't track the dogs very well. We have our share of runarounds-there is a thread on PV where we were dealing with a CA shelter where they told us they adopted out a female (part of a pair), and then lo and behold she was somehow found the next day, but no one had any idea where she was!

Persistence pays off. Be nice, but you also need to be firm about the fact that you are there to save a dog on the euthanasia list, and won't leave until you figure out where the dog is. Oftentimes, it's not their fault, but they are just understaffed and overwhelmed. Go with as much info as you can-id number, picture, contact name, etc.

We have a good relationship with the local shelter now (they call us, and even transport pugs to our vet!) but it was years in the making, of being nice, building a relationship and really them just realizing we weren't flakes. Sadly, a lot of people say they will show to get a dog, and then never do.

Good luck. It is hard and frustrating; going to a shelter is one of the hardest things to do. I still have a really hard time with it, but the payoff is worth it.

I very much appreciate the advice. Will definitely drive up there regardless of what I am told on the phone. I've agreed to be the liason for the Casa Grande/Pinal County Shelter and want to go up and introduce myself. Will bring some donuts, say hello, meet whoever I can, and then walk around the facility, just to check it out. Might just take a "glance" to make sure Mr. Pug isn't there.

This is basically a rural area. I believe there is an outlet mall in the area, so will check that out as well and see what kind of facilities they have up there in case I every have to spend a night or go up early. It is three hours round trip so the road trip will be fun.

I plan on being friendly, firm, businesslike and somewhat casual at the same time. I am really kind of excellent at diplomacy and also can be a very straightforward, firm talking person who wants what she wants. I generally start out nice and move onto firm. Learning not to ask was a large part of the battle for being assertive. I love speaking to new people in person so am all for making nice-nice. But don't mess with me.

Wish me luck. Will post in the AM when I hear get more information. I'm pretty sure his release date is Tuesday IF he is still there.

Saira wrote:Here's a few tips-first, it will be hard if you go, but walk around the shelter, even if they say they pug isn't there. We have had a few times where we were told that no, the pug wasn't there (they insisted it was either adopted out or euthanized) and then when we walked around, there it was!

Sometimes they just can't/don't track the dogs very well. We have our share of runarounds-there is a thread on PV where we were dealing with a CA shelter where they told us they adopted out a female (part of a pair), and then lo and behold she was somehow found the next day, but no one had any idea where she was!

Persistence pays off. Be nice, but you also need to be firm about the fact that you are there to save a dog on the euthanasia list, and won't leave until you figure out where the dog is. Oftentimes, it's not their fault, but they are just understaffed and overwhelmed. Go with as much info as you can-id number, picture, contact name, etc.

We have a good relationship with the local shelter now (they call us, and even transport pugs to our vet!) but it was years in the making, of being nice, building a relationship and really them just realizing we weren't flakes. Sadly, a lot of people say they will show to get a dog, and then never do.

Good luck. It is hard and frustrating; going to a shelter is one of the hardest things to do. I still have a really hard time with it, but the payoff is worth it.

Wishing you (and this little dude) the very, VERY best of luck. Looking forward to a good news (whatever way) update.

Wishing you lots of luck - and hopefully he'll come home with you!

I hope that you get him, Kim! He is SO cute!!

PugLady3 wrote:I hope that you get him, Kim! He is SO cute!!

I hope you get him too.

monkeypigs4eva wrote:Little
Pug is still at the shelter. His release date IS 11/22/2011. Someone
else is interested in him, but it is "first come, first serve" so I will
be waiting outside the doors tomorrow morning when they open. Think
positive thoughts, please!

Good luck! And it's nice you offered to be the liason. It's much easier when they only need to contact one person!

Saira wrote:

monkeypigs4eva wrote:Little
Pug is still at the shelter. His release date IS 11/22/2011. Someone
else is interested in him, but it is "first come, first serve" so I will
be waiting outside the doors tomorrow morning when they open. Think
positive thoughts, please!

Good luck! And it's nice you offered to be the liason. It's much easier when they only need to contact one person!

I've been looking for a job and I think this might be it...without pay, of course

Good for you. And I hope the pug has a lovely new family.

As long as he ends up with a good loving family. He looked so scared in that picture.