
Blinky, as shown on the NBCbayarea.com website.
A rescue scenario many of us can relate to:
A woman fell in love with a dog she met at a CA adoption event in early September. She filled out an application, answering all questions truthfully, including that she had a full time job and no other pets. She was approved, paid the $300 fee and took the dog home. She renamed him, considering him part of her family now. She bought him chew toys and doggie clothes in addition to knitting him a sweater herself. She promised to protect him for the rest of his life.
Sound familiar? I have been in those shoes. But then:
After 3 weeks with her new family member, representatives from the rescue group came by the woman’s home. They informed the adopter that her truthful answers on her adoption application were disqualifying. The dog required someone to stay at home with him every day and he required other pets to play with. His new name was unacceptable, as was the fact that the woman allowed him to snooze on the couch. The woman was stunned. One of the reps asked if she could hold the dog and the owner agreed. The rescue reps then ran from the home, carrying the woman’s pet with them.
The woman is heartbroken and told a local reporter she loves her dog Blinky with all her “heart and soul”. She feels she failed him.
HALO, the rescue group that stole Blinky from his owner, said this when contacted by the media:
“We are taking this matter very seriously but just need to follow the proper channels before we can make a public statement. Please allow us our time to do our due diligence. The adopters check was never cashed and returned to her immediately.”
I have searched for news updates on this story but haven’t found any. I have also found what appear to be a website and a Facebook page for the rescue group but neither had any information on Blinky. If anyone knows what happened to Blinky, please post a comment.
Stories such as this, while they are the exception and not the rule, happen far too frequently. They discourage adoption and turn the public off rescuing. When pet lovers are driven away from adoption, they get their pets from other sources – usually those which rescues like to shame people for using. If you don’t like the effect, stop contributing to the cause.
Human beings are fallible. I hope in this case, the HALO reps realize they were the ones who were at fault, not the owner, and do the right thing to get Blinky home.
(Thanks Clarice.)