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1. westcoastdeb
   Member Profile

   I know this is going to lead to a chain of 'omg how could you' etc. Please dont do that. I need someone to do a huge favor for me, and I will do whatever I can to repay you. Long story short, I took my doggie into the humane society to be put to sleep because he was in pain, etc. He also did not show his symptoms outside of the house and as such they believed there was nothign wrong with him. In a flurry of signing papers (for his euthanasia, which was hard enough) I surrendered him to the humane society. This dog is 12 years old, has only had one family his whole life and we just want him back. Yes, we went in with the intent to put him to sleep, but it was for his good. If he is going to live, his last days need to be at home, with his (lifelong) family.

   Here's where I need you. (Forgive me west seattle, for a little decpetion) I need someone who will go in and adopt this little doggie when he is up for adoption and then give me my doggie back. They will not release him to us because we surrendered him. We have spoken to the shelter manager, admissions,everyone we can.

   now, flog away. I just want my doggy home. I promise not to let him off leash anywhere he shouldnt be, tie him to any poles, lock him in any cars or taunt your chupacabra with him.

   Thanks
   Humbly,

   Debbie
   westcoastdeb@aol.com

   Posted 1 year ago #         

2. The Velvet Bulldog
   Member Profile

   Deb: Just for clarification--is the Humane Society saying they won't euthanize because the dog isn't showing any pain symptoms? And your concern is that the dog is suffering, therefore, if they won't put him down, you want to bring him home?

   Posted 1 year ago #         

3. westcoastdeb
   Member Profile

   They say he is not in pain because they havent watched a change in him over the years. He has been diagnosed with deteriorative arthritis (they called it something different, thats what it was). They did not euthanize him because they did not see evidence of this in the 5 mins he was there standing on flat ground. Yes, I want my dog home. I know, snark away. I want whats best for him. If I was wrong in my decision that he should be euthanized (hey, im wrong sometimes too) I would like him to live his last few years at home. That is correct. Forgive me, for I have sinned.

   Posted 1 year ago #         

4. Garden_nymph
   Member Profile

   

   Westcoastdeb,

   What a difficult situation! Best wishes at getting your fur baby home. No blame, no shame, you are just trying to make things right. To err is human after all! Keep us posted.

   Posted 1 year ago #         

5. westcoastdeb
   Member Profile

   Thank you for at least understanding. It's hard on me, and even harder on mom.

   Posted 1 year ago #         

6. jwws
   Member Profile

   

   OMG - why won't they give him back? A few years ago we had a dog in critical care on and off for over 6 months - at one point we thought it was time but we went to see her and she responded to her favorite treat (we had already signed the papers to put her down) - long story short we couldn't do it and bought ourselves 3 extra special months with our girl who passed away too soon... I hope you can work things out with the Humane Society to bring your companion home for whatever time is left! If you have a vet that has been working with you perhaps they could intercede??? Just doesn't seem right. Keep fighting - perhaps send them copies of this forum..

   Posted 1 year ago #         

7. HunterG
   Member Profile

   

   Deb,

   What humane society, where is it located? I bet if you pay the adoption fee someone will do it for you. I would, but am going on vacation the day after tomorrow and won't be available during normal business operating hours.

   Good luck.

   Posted 1 year ago #         

8. Wednesday
   Member Profile

   I'm so sorry, what a horrible situation. I'm curious.. when did you surrender him (how long has he been at the shelter)?

   Posted 1 year ago #         

9. westcoastdeb
   Member Profile

   It's in bellvue. I am willing to pay gas, adoption fee...almost anything at this point. They wont give him back (I'm assuming anyway) because they dont see the symptoms in him there that he manifested at home. Therefore, they think I wanted to put him down for nothing. As such, who would give him back? I dont know when he will go up for adoption, but I will keep you guys posted -- it would mean the world to me, the dog and my mom!

   Deb

   Posted 1 year ago #         

10. westcoastdeb
    Member Profile

    Oh, and he was surrendered Tuesday (right before my volunteer shift with them, for what its worth!). We have talked with the shelter manager, who just says 'The decision was final' and (see above) I almost dont blame her.

    Posted 1 year ago #         

11. SarahScoot
    Member Profile

    

    Did you take him to the vet for a diagnosis before resorting to the humane society? Just curious.

    Posted 1 year ago #         

12. westcoastdeb
    Member Profile

    Yes, he has been to the vet and put on anti inflamatories as well as prozac. (Yes, puppy prozac). This was fine until he went downhill farther. I had reached out to another rescue who told us they thought his time had come, so we did what we thought was right. :-/ . Retrospect ...oooh retrospect.

    Posted 1 year ago #         

13. SarahScoot
    Member Profile

    

    I'm sorry about your situation. I don't think I'd be of any help (dog allergy; I get asthma attacks from just entering a shelter), but wish you luck.

    Posted 1 year ago #         

14. jwws
    Member Profile

    

    Westcoastdeb,

    You volunteer there and they still stonewall you? How about asking to take him to a critical care clinic for assessment? It seems if you work there someone should give you some slack... ACCES in Lake City Way is awesome and can give you an honest prognosis but I don't understand why they are so unyielding....Keep trying and keep us informed! Best wishes.

    Posted 1 year ago #         

15. westcoastdeb
    Member Profile

    Thank you everyone for your support. It means more than you can imagine. I feel like a villan here trying to sneak around to get my family back. They say they havent even examined him yet
    :(

    Posted 1 year ago #         

16. KBear
    Member Profile

    I can't believe the Humane Society would do something like this to someone they know. I totally get why their policy is not to return a dog that's been surrendered, but having a "no exceptions" policy prevents people from doing the right thing in exceptional situations. It sounds like they're more interested in a power trip than helping your poor dog.

    Posted 1 year ago #         

17. Lena
    Member Profile

    

    I used to be head of the veterinary department at this humane society years ago. In my opinion, the best way to get this resolved would be to see if your vet could talk to the humane society vet. At least when I was there, the vet department was the main department that made the medical decisions.

    We got so many stories from people that were not true that sometimes it was hard to tell the real ones from the false ones. Having your vet involved would go a long way in helping get your dog back.

    Good luck!

    Posted 1 year ago #         

18. JoB
    Member Profile

    lenamegan

    i urge you to ask your vet to contact the shelter and at the very least send them your dog's medical records.
    you could accomplish that this afternoon.

    Posted 1 year ago #         

19. Lena
    Member Profile

    

    JoB -I believe you meant the above to be addressed to the original poster:-)

    Posted 1 year ago #         

20. westcoastdeb
    Member Profile

    They actually had those faxed the fist day he was there :(.

    Posted 1 year ago #         

21. Trisha
    Member Profile

    Deb - this is definitely a sad story! I feel so bad for the dog. Is there a reason that you took him to the Humane Society for the euthanasia as opposed to having your vet that had been treating him do it?

    Posted 1 year ago #         

22. westcoastdeb
    Member Profile

    I am almost ashamed to say this, but like most people we are watching our money these days. I was under the assumption a decision that I had already made (to euthanize him) would cost me 50% less there -- in reality it wouldnt have anyway, and now I am dogless and worried about him. I regret it every second.

    Posted 1 year ago #         

23. JoB
    Member Profile

    lenamegan..
    i meant to commend you for your idea

    i think i am tired today:(

    Posted 1 year ago #         

24. westcoastdeb
    Member Profile

    I'm still looking for someone to help me out. I'd be forever greatful. Anyone? I'll make you cinnamon buns and cookies. I will get my brother to cut your grass. My mom will hug you until you cant breathe.

    Or really, anything you need

    Posted 1 year ago #         

25. jwws
    Member Profile

    

    westcoastdeb,

    Will they let you know when the dog is up for adoption? Why can't another family member adopt? Just curious they can't know all your relations....

    Posted 1 year ago #         

26. westcoastdeb
    Member Profile

    If I had other relations, I would jump on them in a heartbeat! Unfortunatley, I'm from a small family and they want a lease -- and wont release the dog back to my address, so that cuts out me and mom and brother (but I am getting desperate enough to fake a lease...oops). I will know when hes adoptable because he will be on their website.

    Posted 1 year ago #         

27. SomeGuy
    Member Profile

    Call KING5. This sounds like a situation for "Get Jesse".

    Posted 1 year ago #         

28. JoB
    Member Profile

    that's not a bad idea

    Posted 1 year ago #         

29. westcoastdeb
    Member Profile

    I think I have someone. Oh I hope I do. Thank you guys all.

    Posted 1 year ago #         

30. westcoastdeb
    Member Profile

    For all of those interested, he is HOME! Turns out, after a few days he started to show his true colors there. He was on behavior watch, which I intepreted to mean if he didnt act better he may be put down. (somehow, thats ironic!). We didnt know that, though, and actually emailed the shelter supervisor's boss, who was very reasonable. We had to pay 20 dollars a day boarding cost, minus the 65 for his non-euthanasia. He came home microchipped, blood work done, and vaccinated. He had just had his yearly checkup in March, but what the hay -- 140 for a vet check up and 7 days of boarding was a fair enough value. I wouldnt reccomend anyone do it themselves, and he came home in much worse shape than he left in, but...

    WAGAMUFFIN IS HOME!

    (Ugh, I never liked this dog. Glad mom loves him)

    Posted 1 year ago #         

31. miws
    Member Profile

    

    Glad to hear he's home!

    Mike

    Posted 1 year ago #         

32. Sue
    Member Profile

    

    I have to say I'm a little confused by this whole situation. First you show such remorse about what happened and begged to do anything to get your dog back. But when you do, you end the post with "Ugh, I never liked this dog." Why would you work so hard to get back a dog you don't even like?

    Posted 1 year ago #         

33. JoB
    Member Profile

    Sue..
    i get this... it's about family..

    westseattledeb

    next time.. take him to the vets...
    it's cheaper in the long run and much easier on both the dog and your family..

    Posted 1 year ago #         

34. westcoastdeb
    Member Profile

    Next time, he will be at the vet. I promise. As for not liking him, he is moms dog and is notorious for hating everyone but her. I am happy he is home (REALLY!). It's only fair for him to live out his life here. Doesnt mean I'm going to like him ;)

    Thanks guys, for listening, for the suggestions, for all of it.

    Debbie

    Posted 1 year ago #         

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