 Barked: Mon Feb 15, '10 9:27pm PST |
 | |  | | Sophie....we are "Southpaws" - is part of that word in this rescue's name as well? That was my guess as they have a total saint down there who is able to foster a very large number of dogs. Assuming so, let me continue on.
First, they have been so giving and generous with us......we really wouldn't have had near the success we have without them. They have an exceptional relationship with a vet nearby the shelter, so the first thing they do is pull the dog out of the shelter and put him in the vet clinic, where he receives whatever care is needed. Not until the vet is satisfied do they move into the foster situation. She herself is an extremely dedicated woman, who really does her best with all the dogs there. Dogs that can be kept together and help heal each other are allowed to be friends to each other, but a full attempt is made to know each dog as an individual, and they do a really good job with that. They also are extremely dedicated to the dog for the lifetime of that dog. The slightest hint of a problem will find them more than willing to take a dog back.....they are very understanding and the well being of the dog is their foremost concern. If you are not happy, the dog does not stand to be happy either, and that matters to them.
The overwhelming majority of their fosters are actually people who adopted from them, and simply from meeting the dogs on the van, seeing them, seeing the people involved and how much love and compassion is involved in the whole process inspires them to offer as much outreach as they can. We actually had a litter of Chihuahua pups I fostered here, and I brought them to my mom's Assisted Living for some socialization. While there, a physical therapist was drawn to them, and when she learned the were southern dogs said she had one, too. I asked her from where, she said PAWS and spoke of how extremely happy she was with her dog.
I do know they struggle with volunteers being prompt.....it is a frustration to the directors. It is very hard for them to know, through the rather complex chains of command, how prompt everyone is being. It is a matter of trust, but sometimes people are slower than they'd wish, only they do not KNOW that things are moving slowly. It upsets them very much when they find out.....certainly, they do not want people to feel slighted or not treated respectfully. At the same time, lots of volunteers are trying to fit their duties into their own lives and fall behind. If this is taking longer than you'd wish.....if it is a part of what is working on your nerves.....please send me a pmail. I can contact JoAnne, one of the founders, who certainly would like to know and I am sure would expedite things.
Several of our adopters really required me to roll up my sleeves and gain their confidence. It IS a risk, but I can assure you that people who involve themselves in the best of these interstate rescues, a title for which PAWS most assuredly qualifies, take this very seriously. They really make an effort to know their dogs, do their best, and are always there for the long term. Other interstate rescues are good hearted, but don't quite have their heads screwed on straight. They pull too many dogs (often out of the gassing shelters), don't have the structure for assessment, and load up too quickly. PAWS has an exceptional structure with a great vet clinic and a marvelous foster who wants the best for every dog and puts no pressure in terms of when they find the right home. She'll love and tend to them for as long as it takes. Those sorts of things make a huge difference.
You are in good hands. Please feel free to pmail me with any questions, concerns, or if you'd like me to alert the directors as to your frustrations  Edited by author Mon Feb 15, '10 9:28pm PST
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