VT Dog Rescue

My experience with VT Dog Rescue has been anything but positive. Throughout the process, it has been an emotional roller coaster, and is a ride I am so thankful to have gotten off. It all began 12 weeks ago, when we originally filled out their extremely lengthy application, which asks very personal and intrusive questions, and even went as far as asking us who would care for the dog if we died from Covid. I understand the need for dog rescues to be thorough with the applications to ensure the dogs be placed in the absolute perfect home, but their screening process and grilling of their applicants are preventing dogs from going to good homes. After filling out the application, I found it odd we never received any sort of confirmation or correspondence that the application was even received. The original dog we were interested in and whose name we had put on the application had been adopted, so I sent an e-mail with another dog's name who we would like to learn more about. I never received a response from my e-mail, and did not receive any communication from them until about the 6 week mark. At that time, an email was sent, stating that our application was under review and they will begin processing it and contact the vet of a previous dog. Days pass, and we hear nothing. I finally received an e-mail that said they had concerns with our vet history. After that was cleared up, they moved on to the personal references. Again, days pass and we hear nothing. I would send e-mails asking for updates and get no response. Then we get an email saying our references were fine and we would need to fill out yet another application. She asked for us to fill the application out how we would answer it, and how our children's grandmother would respond since she occasionally stays at the house and watches our two children. Weeks pass, no communication. Finally, I call them, and she tells me that my application was dismissed because they didn't feel enough information was given on my children's grandmother and how she would feel about caring for both children and a new puppy . Did they communicate to tell me that not enough information was given- No- of course not - just decided to throw out the application and not respond to my e-mails. On the phone I explained to her that my work schedule had changed and my mother-in-law was no longer at the house watching the children and they would soon be back at school. She said that changes things and they would reactivate my application. Then I received multiple e-mails grilling me about my work schedule stating that my 5 hour work schedule was too long for a dog to be home by itself, so I assured her my husband would come home from lunch and walk the dog daily. Now they were finally ready to show us a dog. We got to pick our top five dogs, and was set up with our top choice! We were so excited! Finally, I thought things were looking better, and all of this was going to be worth the wait. But little did I know, what I was about to experience was the biggest drop in our roller coaster ride of emotions. After the visit with the dog, late that night we receive an e-mail that said we need to discuss the visit. I called her first thing in the morning and waited all day for her to return my call. She finally calls, and said we could not get the dog or any dog from them because my daughter appeared "fearful" of the dog and it would not be a good fit. I think it is unfair to determine if we are a good fit based on a 20 minute meet and greet in the pouring rain. I am sure my daughter is not the only child who is a little nervous about meeting a new dog for the first time. During these uncertain times, we have been very strict with our children seeing people and other dogs, so perhaps she was more fearful of seeing new people and unsure how to act during Covid. Or perhaps she was timid due to the large dog that approached our vehicle when we parked who was barking and growling at us. We have taught our children to not run to dogs and give them big hugs. We have told them to ask before petting a new dog and make sure it is safe. I think my daughter's actions were appropriate under the circumstances especially due to the fact my husband was bit by a dog whose owners told us he was friendly and okay to pet. Since then our children always ask if a dog is friendly. My daughter did not run away, hide, or cry, but rather just ask questions making sure it was safe. She even brought a ball for the dog to play with. After we left, we went to the pet store to get everything we would need, and my daughter picked out a butterfly toy and a purple bone for the dog because the foster mom had said she likes butterflies and bones. I have seen my daughter with dogs before, including this dog's sister and she is fine with them after the initial greeting. Myself, and the kids are very disappointed and heartbroken. We have a large fenced in yard, a home with plenty of neighborhood dogs to play with, and huge hearts looking for a dog to love. I apologize for the long review, but I don't want another family to have to go through what we went through. So unless, you don't mind waiting 3+months for a dog, don't mind a rigorous screening process, don’t mind ignored e-mails, work less than 4 hours a day, and have children that run up to strange dogs and snuggle them, I suggest you look elsewhere! I sure wish I had!!