Can't believe we were denied a pet adoption because...

belovedsoul

our youngest son is under 2. Seriously?! We have a big home, with a huge yard, and tons of love to give to a dog. They told us we should think about getting a puppy or getting a bigger dog. I feel like calling or emailing them and expressing how upset I am. The dog we wanted was absolutely loveable and fit perfectly into our family. Anything I can do? thanks

Jodi&Joe

Honestly, if they are telling you this dog isn't a good fit b/c you have a child under two, they are probably telling you that for a reason.    Stinks but you have to trust them.  They (usually) know what they are doing.

Why not get a puppy?  Or a bigger dog?

What kind of dog were you looking at?  How old?

jessicaclare

Jodi&Joe:

Honestly, if they are telling you this dog isn't a good fit b/c you have a child under two, they are probably telling you that for a reason.    Stinks but you have to trust them.  They (usually) know what they are doing.

This, exactly. Places that adopt out pets have strict criteria for a reason. Sorry it didn't work out the way you hoped. 

dnagal

Not unusual for a pet adoption to have a minimum age for a "second family" dog.   They don't want to accept the liability of an injury to a little one if the adopted dog behave unpredictably (or if the baby/toddler behaves unpredictably).  Sorry for the disappointment!  

PinkPiano

That stinks.  We wanted to adopt a pet before we had kids and had a tough time.  Everyone wanted us to do really long intense q & a's as well as a home visit, etc...  We were more than willing but they were all a pain in the hiney to work with and didn't keep up on their end.  We ended up going to the humane shelter and had a much better experience.  I'm not saying I'd never adopt through a rescue group, just that they are kind of difficult. 

Anyhow, I understand their concern only because I have witnessed some young children that are too rough with pets.  Some of my dd's friends have come over and right away want to man handle our dog and I always forget that some kids aren't taught to not be rough with dogs.  My girls have just never been interested in more than the occassional head pat and they usually run from other people's pets because I've taught them that dogs can bite.  Unfortunately it's a case of a few bad apples spoiling it for everyone.

Have you checked your local shelter? 

JOEBunny

Yes,  It is a pretty common rule at many rescues and shelters.  It is a rule because there are 880,000 dog bites in the US each year, many of the more serious ones are in little people.  People tend to get rid of dogs when they bite their kids.  Little kids are much more at risk than older kids.  Many dogs are not good fits for little kids.  I personally know a number of families who have given up their dogs because of problems with small children.

Littlejen22

They are worried the dog will bite your sons.  My friend had to give back a small dog after over a month b/c the dog got increasingly aggressive (the dog was about 6 lbs) and she was told by a behaviorist that the dog will never be trusted with small kids.  They are doing it for your benefit as much as the dogs, it is not about your love and yard and not trying to be an insult to you but they are worried and I understand it even if it sucks.

caitlinsmom

Were you denied for any dog or just that dog?

If it was just for that dog then it's likely that they know the dog's temperment and know that the dog does not do well with small children. 

DandelionMom

I foster tiny dogs and often can't adopt to people with small kids.  It is a safety issue for the dog (they're so delicate) and for the kid (a couple of my fosters will nip if they're anxious). 

Most rescues are run by volunteers that are doing the best they can and the policies like that one are put in place for good reasons based on many past experiences.  Just keep looking.  You'll find the right fit for your family soon! 

ETA: Sorry about the disappointment.  (((hugs)))  It sucks when that happens.  We weren't able to adopt the first dog we were really interested in but that means that we were able to adopt our Suzy and she's been the most wonderful dog and it has been a great 10 years with her!