What would you be willing to do in order to avoid killing a shelter pet? And let me be clear – in this hypothetical, you are getting paid to do whatever it is your answer is going to be. So set aside all those obstacles that sometimes hinder us in life when we are trying to save animals. This is your job. What would you be willing to do?
I’ll go first: I would be willing to do just about anything to avoid killing a shelter pet. The first thing I’d probably do is check the pet’s records to see if any interested adopters or rescuers had placed their names on the animal. If someone had in fact applied to adopt the pet, I’d call that person. If he left two numbers, or six or sixteen, I’d call all of them. If he left an email address, I’d get typing, in addition to the phone calls. If his mailing address was available, I’d drop a note in the mail if I didn’t receive a prompt response to the calls/emails. If he put down his place of employment on the application and I hadn’t had any luck reaching him, I might go there, depending on the type of business. Carrier pigeon, smoke signals, skywriting – I’m not ruling anything out. And while I wouldn’t quickly give up on the adopter, I’d be trying all sorts of other things in the meantime: posting an online plea for a temporary foster to buy an extra day, reaching out to rescuers/animal advocates/person I sat next to on the bus once/lady who made eye contact with me at the grocery store/etc. Like I said, just about anything.
I’m guessing most readers here might give similar type answers. But if your answer is: I wouldn’t be willing to do one damn thing even though it’s my job and if I get called out on it later I’d just lie, you might like to apply at NYC ACC. You know, to be around your own kind.
This gentleman posted on social media that he had applied to adopt a dog named Promise from NYC ACC. He was told he’d be contacted upon approval of his application. While waiting, he tried to check back with the facility several times but couldn’t get anyone on the phone. Finally he emailed and received a response: NYC ACC had killed Promise because she had a cough. They said someone had left him a voicemail but he says that just isn’t true:
I left both of my cell numbers, my girlfriend’s number, my mom’s number, 2 references complete with contact information. I have no missed calls, no voicemails on either of my phones… No email to ensure your transmission was received. No effort whatsoever. Shame on you Animal Care Centers of NYC. You killed my dog for fucking Kennel cough. She deserved better than that. You had a pending application and an eager recipient, yet you took her life anyway.
Her bed arrived last week, she’ll never get to sleep in it. Her new collar with her name on it was on the way, she’ll never get to wear it.
[…]
RIP Promise. We loved you already.
Well done NYC ACC. You must be proud. Same shit, different day.
NYC ACC says there is no such thing as no kill. (There is, of course.) I heard there was no such thing as monsters but apparently that ain’t true either.
(Thanks Nathan.)