Sometimes, as hard as one rescue tries it is so difficult to find some dogs a special furever home that they can call their own. We, at Im-Paws-Able Dog Rescue (based in MD and PA) fully screen every adopter, to such an extent that many complain that they aren't "adopting a child, they are just adopting a dog"... in our eyes, it is a child. In many cases, a four-legged child who has usually had a rough start in life. We try our level best to be very selective and careful with whom we adopt out to. AND it does not always work.
Bentley is a prime example. Bentley (the dog formerly known as Prince) came to Im-Paws-Able from the Charles City, VA animal shelter. Sweet tempered and smart as a whip, any family would have been lucky to have this boy as a family member. Didn't matter. And in Bentley's case, all the screening the we did didn't seem to matter either, and we screened thoroughly. The first time the adopter left Bentley in his pick up truck, after signing a contract pledging NOT to let the dog off leash. Thank goodness a kind soul saw Bentley, called when they saw our rescue tag on Bentley's collar and waited with him while our volunteer made the two and a half hour trip to retrive him. Then after a few months another adopter stepped up and seemed (again) to be PERFECT! She loved dogs, was planning on having a child, was moving to a larger home, etc., etc., etc. Everything checked out great. She was set to love Bentley FOREVER! Well, until she decided that he was in the way when vacation time rolled around. So, once again Betsy Ritter (the Director of Im-Paws-Able Dog Rescue) was called and Bentley was "returned". Returned broken hearted as dogs do grieve and do morn when someone they gain trust in dumps them. Bentley struck out twice and he knew it too. He was a sad boy.
That was until last week. About a month ago, we had a rescue event at Seven Valleys Vineyard in PA. The "vacation adopter" was to bring Bentley to the event to drop him off with Betsy. Betsy got in touch with another family that was interested in Bentley and wanted to meet him, letting them know that he was going to be at this event. The MacBeths came to the event and waited more than three hours in the heat to meet this special boy. The "vacation adopter" never showed. Finally Bentley was returned to the rescue. The MacBeth's were screened and a home visit was made. Then Betsy brought Bentley over to make sure that he would get along with the dog that was to become his "sibling". To our delight, he did! And more to our joy, this wonderful family has totally committed to Bentley! They are kind, loving people who understand what Bentley has gone through to finally get to them. They have even started a Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/maggiemae.bentleyalexander)
Our mission for Bentley is now complete. Bentley, formerly known as Prince, is still a Prince. And we are overjoyed to state that now our Prince has found his furever family!
If you are looking for a dog to adopt (FUREVER), please consider looking at Im-Paws-Able Rescue's adoptable pups. We have a full listing on Petfinder: http://www.petfinder.com/pet-search?shelterid=PA829 and you will find an online adoption application at: http://www.impawsablerescue.org/impaw_adoption_form.php