Telephone Interest in Adoption
First Steps
Begin with a warm welcome and thank them for wanting to adopt a rescue Pyr.
Questions to be considered:
- Why are you interested in this breed?
- Why are you interested in adopting vs. purchasing a Pyr from a breeder?
- Have you read any information about the breed on the internet or in books/magazines, etc?
- Yes - - What have you read?
- No - - Refer to our website: www.nepyresq.org; Great Pyrenees Club of America: http://clubs.akc.org/gpca; Books: (Breed, obedience, training)
Breed Basics
Explain honestly about the breed (the good, the bad, and the ugly):
- Universal Pyr behaviors include barking, wandering, digging, big time shedding requiring routine grooming, drooling with some Pyrs.
- Higher vet costs due to size/weight so they need to be financially prepared for the lifetime of the dog.
- Obedience methods that work and the importance of consistency with training and house rules.
- Most Pyrs need to be leashed for walks due to wandering.
- Fencing is essential. Solid fencing works best (keeps dog in and stray dogs, etc. out!). Underground electric is not respected by all Pyrs and doesn’t keep dogs and children out of your yard.
- Client seems to be a good match for a Pyr: Yes - - Continue to adoption process below.
- No - - Encourage pursuit of another breed.
The Adoption Process
Adoption starts with completing the adoption application and ends with signing the adoption form. There must be a paper trail for these critical steps:
- Home visit required. Fee is $25.00 and payable at the time of the home visit.
- Complete application on line. If the applicant does not have internet access, call Judy Tatro and she will contact the applicant and fill out the application over the telephone.
- Adoption fee is $300 for adults and $400 for puppies. Additional donations to cover medical are very helpful and encouraged.
- Explain we are totally voluntary and operate exclusively from donations. MUST be paid in full when adopted. NO exceptions!
- Ask them to keep your e-mail and phone number and call if they have not had any contact for a home visit or if they are getting impatient. Sometimes numbers or e-mails get lost.
- Explain that we match the person/family to the dog. Patience is key. It may happen quickly or it may not.
- If approved, the entire family must be willing to drive to see the dog at the foster home. We don’t do deliveries. More importantly it allows us to carefully assess the dog/person interaction to see if this is an appropriate match. Let them know it may take more than one visit.
Note: There will be a signed contract and phone contact with us is ongoing. Dog must be returned to NEPR if they need to surrender it. This agreement is for the lifetime of the dog.