New England Old English Sheepdog Rescue, Inc.
 

 

One way to efficiently contact a shelter or animal control
about an Old English Sheepdog in their care

Things to remember...

  • The OES you are calling about is just one of several dogs the shelter or animal control is handling and trying to find homes for.
  • Some shelters will refuse to work with rescues.  Note however you may be able to aid in the release of a dog by sharing your own experience with that rescue. You can be a liaison between rescue and a shelter and achieve some good results! Introduce yourself politely and state what Rescue you represent. Offer to have the Rescue placement director fax the IRS EIN number as proof of the 501(c) (3) status if the shelter requires it.

Below is an example of some of the key questions...

  1. Ask if you can speak with someone about the specific dog.  Provide the name and ID number if one is available.
     
  2. Write down the name of the person you're speaking with. 
     
  3. Ask if they would like any help in placing the dog... if they would be interested in assistance from an OES rescue.
     
  4. Ask if the dog is in any danger of being euthanized. If yes, ask how long you have to try to find assistance.
     
  5. If they do not want assistance from OES rescue, ask if you can at least leave them with your telephone number should they have any problems finding the dog a home.  You can also offer to email your contact information to them so you don't tie up their phone.
     
  6. If they would like assistance, tell them you will TRY to locate an OES rescue that will help... but make NO promises.  Remember that we as volunteers do not make decisions for individual rescues.
     
  7. Get the name of the person rescue should speak with and a telephone number (if different).  You might also ask if there is a good time to call.
     
  8. If a situation is urgent, CALL the rescue with details.  If not, send the details to rescue in an email with a "read receipt". If you do not receive the acknowledgement that your email was delivered/read, call the rescue to follow up within 12-24 hours.
     
  9. Then back out an allow the two organizations to work out the arrangements... too many people trying to assist one dog is too confusing and can be very frustrating to both rescues and shelters.

As you make more contacts with shelters and animal control, you will find ways that work best for you.  Please share your ideas with us so we can help others to achieve your same level of success!