3 For the Dogs
The case against dual membership/dual fostering for Papillon rescue groups:
Somesay "it is about the dogs". But it really isn't. It is an illusion that has been perpetuated over time – for a reason. It is about taking short cuts, looking for the easy way, quick fix, and so on, for deficiencies from within.
In our case ... it is for the Paps. But here is how being a dual member, i.e., a person holding membership in more that one Pap rescue group,hurts both groups.
Here is why those of us in "management" of this organization are so heart broken when a valued member decides to become a "dual" member. We don't recruit from other group's membership as our philosophy that propels our choice of action isthatwhen "you take from one you hurt us all".However,our membership is routinely recruited by others.
Rescuetotals over all are reduced by about 1/2 when othersrecruit our foster homes.
When theyrecruit ourmembers and foster homes that are NOT dual members, this diminishes our ability to rescue by that same number --- that member is now only available part time; that foster home is no longer there for us although we may have Paps waiting to be “taken in” and need to go to that location. When the same fosterhomes are in use for more than one group, then the numbers of Paps rescued over all will FALL. Not increase. However, if other groups would find foster homes outside of the existing rescue groups, the number of Paps rescued would increase. If each group found their own foster homes (and not take ours), then twice as many Paps could be rescued.
It is simple math. We have 4 foster homes. Two are coaxed away. Now we have two foster homes. There were 4 Paps waiting to be rescued by us (and two but the other group = 6 paps). Now we only have homes for two. So you say, yes, but 2 Paps were placed by the other group. Ah Ha! but those were not the same ones that now have to be turned away - that may be facing death.So they have helped themselves but hurt our group -- hurt Paps.
Example: I have Paps needing rescue in one of our Regions... we have open foster homes in this region... the rescue is in progress, we contact our foster home in this region.. Well they are sorry, but they are fostering for another now and can't take this one. So what do we do? transport this Pap across the US to another open foster home? Maybe that one will still be available, maybe not. But it has now doubled/tripled the expenditure in human effort and financial cost and placed the rescued Pap at risk.
Our Team Leaders and Officers have spent an enormous amount of time and energy providing our members and foster homes with support resources and operational needs. We check references, do home visits, and screen to make sure we have the best for our rescued Paps.It is no wonder others would want them... But when you leave you "hurt" this group, and when you "hurt" the group's ability to rescue, you"hurt" the Paps. You reduce our ability to fulfill our Mission and do our job -- save Papillons.
All Papillon rescue groups are not alike.
Difference in Mission and philosophy:
In one group they buy Paps at miller auctions. Although that is a deeply emotional and stressing situation, that is not rescue, that is brokering. However, it has become quite popular, but the legal definition is still brokering. Those Papsare in dangerof a terrible life in a horrible breeding facility.It is commendable to want to stop those inhumane practices. Those that buy Paps at auction say it will help stop the puppy mills. This has proven quite the opposite as the millers now look upon this kind of "rescue" as a market for their animals. This is not hearsay, I was personally told this by a miller.They now count on the rescue group to help bring in funds for their breeding operations.If putting millers out of business is the objective, then they need to stop buying from them. Stop pet stores from selling them. Elect officials that won't cave in to the miller lobbying groups. Petition AKC to stop selling registration to puppies in mills. Enforce and beef up legislation for more human conditions...... Put the expenditure of energy in the right place.
Our mission is to rescue any Papillon in Need. We do not buy from millers, but we do rescue puppy mill Paps that are culled or surrendered by breeders.
Members of the Board stand ready to answer any questions or comments you may have.
Jan Jorolan –
Sharan Cole –
Bonnie Bias –
Advisory Board
Liddy-ann Everett –
Tammy Stephens –
Donna Moore –