Reply #394: READ THE CONTRACT...this rescue is insane

[Ayesha]

Ellen is an idiot for adopting this dog from these crazies in the first place. I have adopted dogs from rescues before and I would never sign a contract like this:

http://www.accesshollywood.com/pdf/MuttsAndMomsContract.pdf

Read it, basically the rescue keeps all rights to the dog, and can take the dog back whenever they feel like it! Some particularly nasty aspects of this contract:

-Describes the dog as a "living and sentient canine being." That is #1 nutty extreme animal rights crazy warning...and I say that as a vegetarian who is for animal rights. Of course dogs have feelings, but "dog" or "canine" would be sufficient description!
-Microchip has to stay with rescue listed as the primary
-No right to reclaim the dog if it gets lost...the rescue can take it back if they're angry that someone left your gate open, etc.
-Dog can NEVER be shut outside, even for a few minutes. What if you have a scared or allergic relative, a furniture delivery, or the dog dislikes strangers? You'd technically be breaching the contract.
-Dog can never be offleash outside a fenced area for any reason. What if you want to show in obedience or agility? Again, you'd technically be breaking the contract.
-The paragraph about not walking the dog on the dog's tag collar is way over the top. They will take back a dog for that? Give me a break. Many dogs cannot slip out of a properly adjusted collar. Others of us use a limited slip collar for our tags.

Please, everyone, be careful what you sign. Know your rights. I must say that this incident has really changed my perspective on adopting from a rescue group. I will continue to only adopt homeless animals, but I'll be looking more towards shelters and private parties, and reading contracts very carefully. If I can't be the primary on the microchip, I won't be adopting from that group. And if this incident has turned me, a committed animal lover who has rescued, fostered, and placed dogs before, off of rescue, you can BET that Joe Average feels even more strongly. Good job, Mutts and Moms! :mad: