The writer of the above statement did not take the time to read thoroughly or make an attempt to understand the information that was provided, as it made clear why IW Rescue organizations (and other breed rescues) go to such lengths. 

     I'm sure many of us have run across this before - people who feel it is just "too much trouble" to find a responsible breeder and end up subsidizing a puppy miller, perpetrating further suffering on the part of the unfortunate dogs being used as puppy machines, or those who take offense at being "interviewed" over "just a dog".

     I was asked by the IWCA member what I thought.....

I am intrigued by your statement that people who adopt (human children) do not go through as much of an adoption process. I have friends who adopted an 11-year-old girl and they went through a considerable amount of red tape, I can assure you. Perhaps you would enlighten us as to (human children) adoption policy in your area? If it doesn't measure up to our DOG adoption policy, I'd say that was a failing on the HUMAN side, wouldn't you? 

Let me address your statement about "taking this too far". And yes, we are talking about "a dog" - in fact, let's say ANY dog. Are you aware that between 4 to 6 MILLION companion animals (dogs and cats) are euthanized at shelters each year?

It is estimated that dogs make up 1.5 - 2 million of this number, about 26 percent of which are purebred. These animals are not being euthanized due to illness or old age, they are killed because they were dumped there and no one adopted them, while countless more are arriving every day. Ever worked in a euthanasia room at a shelter? Not a fun place. It is hard to say which is worse - the playful puppies, or the older dog who is bewildered to find himself in a cage, looking for the people that he thought were his "loving family".

Those shelter statistics are conservative, and do not include the dogs hit and killed by cars, or lost and never found, or euthanized due to injuries received while roaming at large because their owners did not provide a responsible secure environment.

How many of those dogs would have ended up dead if every individual that placed a puppy (or adult dog) cared enough about them to make sure that the adopter had the means and the knowledge and the commitment to take proper care of them? Seeing (for example) an Irish Wolfhound at shows, or in books, or owned by a neighbor, or on television, doesn't tell you everything you need to know about the breed. Reading one book or talking to one or two people doesn't tell you everything, either. It depends on which books and which people - some books are better than others, some people are just trying to make a buck off their dogs. Surf the internet and you will find, without much effort, people advertising IWs who will ask you no questions as long as your check doesn't bounce, and shelters advertising IW mixes - more instances of dogs not placed responsibly.

I have worked in IW rescue for over 20 years. Most IWs are turned in by their owners because the breeders were irresponsible and didn't screen the buyers in the first place - just exchanged the dog for money. When I am told, "I didn't know he would get so big" or "I didn't know she would run off and wouldn't just stick around the house like my other dog" or "We're having a baby" or "We're moving", this tells me the people didn't know (and weren't told) what they were letting themselves in for, and were not committed to owning a dog of this breed. Yes, it would be wonderful if people would take time to educate themselves before buying a dog, but many do not and it is up to the seller or adoption group to educate them. And, those are just the "innocent" people - we have taken in abused IWs as well.

What is the point of placing a dog with people that aren't going to be happy with it?  Neither the people nor the dog get any benefit out of that arrangement.

Of course, some IWs come into rescue through no fault of  their owners. Bad things can happen to good people that are beyond anyone's control, and it is a sad situation for everyone involved. 

Other hounds, as mentioned above, are turned in by people who should never have acquired one in the first place, and indeed might not have if the breeder had been a responsible one and taken time to educate a potential owner and make sure the breed was a good fit for their family.

If you feel we go "too far" in trying, as best as possible, to make sure every hound goes to a loving, permanent home, then this breed is not for you. I would recommend that you give some serious thought as to why you want a dog in the first place.

Sincerely,

Patricia Reilley
Webmaster, http://www.iwclubofamerica.org/ - The Irish Wolfhound Club of America, Inc.

P.S.  One of the dogs in the picture is a rescue, in a loving home with a great new friend.