Pure-breed rescues and Humane Societies share similar goals - to ease the suffering of animals and to provide them with caring new homes. So why is there so frequently a lack of cooperation between the two?

Reasons give by the shelter management give us some clues:

1. We don't have a current contact name and number
2. We don't have a local contact name and we can't make long distance calls
3. When we do contact someone, they aren't interested, can't take the dog, or don't show up when promised.
4. We have to deal with too many people.
5. They won't cooperate with our rules.
6. They try to tell us how to run our business.
7. (and the big one) We want the public to know we have good dogs for adoptions too, not just mutts and pit bulls.

Here's some solutions to try:

1. An annual mailing to each shelter in your area, giving current contact numbers, is a good way to start. In Northern California, the Oholone Humane Society makes it its job to contact all rescue organizations yearly and update the contact list which is mailed to all shelters. If your shelter uses a directory, be sure your updated number is in it.

2. Great Pyrenees Rescue of Northern California maintains a toll-free number. That way, the shelter only has to call one number. However, since our area encompasses eleven area codes we try to have a representative in each area who can take the initial calls from that area. The shelters have both numbers on their lists.

3. The ideal is to have the shelter immediately contact someone who can made a decision and take action. If that is not possible - message left on answering machine, no one available in that area - have the person in charge call the shelter back within 24 hours, preferably the same day. When you do call, be specific about the options available and the shelter's expectations. If you agree to pick up the dog, get the name of the person you are speaking to, the name of the person responsible for releasing the dog, and whether you are expected to pay a fee at that time. If you agree to list the dog for referrals, get as much information about the dog as possible, and tell the shelter what kind of pre-screening you do of your adopters.

4. If the shelter tells you that some other person or organization is working them about adoption, don't argue with the shelter that YOU are the only authorized rescue. Get the name of the other person, call and introduce yourself. They may not know that your club is doing Pyr rescue in that area. If they are an all-breed rescue, they will probably be happy to know that ours is one breed they don't have to worry about. If they are a competing, non-GPCA-affiliated rescue, you may not get anywhere. In that case, you need to form a more personal relationship with the shelter so they think to call YOU next time.

5. All shelters have rules. Most Rescue organizations have rules. What happens when they conflict? The dog gets caught in the middle and is not well served. The most difficult "rule" to get around is the policy that says the shelter won't release a dog to a "rescue". While this can be circumvented on an individual basis by having a member adopt the dog directly from the shelter, the better way is education. Arrange a meeting with the shelter director, bring copies of your Rescue policy, your non-profit paperwork, and an attitude of "How can we work together for the benefit of the dogs?"

6. It doesn't help our cause when well-meaning rescuers tell a shelter they can't or shouldn't do something. Diplomacy and courtesy gain friends quickly; confrontation is counter-productive.

7. The urban shelter that originally voiced this concern - "We want the public to know we have good dogs for adoption too...." is one of our best resources today. Their local Pyr rescue representative frequently stopped by, just for a visit and to see if anyone had any questions they needed answered. She was always accompanied by a well-behaved, well-groomed Pyr. When they had a Pyr with a behavior problem, and they asked Rescue to take it, she immediately agreed. And while she was at it, demonstrated an effective method of dealing with that problem. When the shelter had a three-legged Pyr who needed a special home, they wanted to place it themselves. So Rescue cooperated by listing the dog on its web site and referring interested people directly to the shelter. In return, the shelter now gives Rescue the names and addresses of those who adopt a Pyr through the shelter so the Club can send them a newsletter and make them feel part of a larger community.

When the dog (a shepherd-mix) and Pyr Rescue representative arrived at the cooperating shelter, the director explained to a new volunteer, "We have a good relationship with this Rescue; they help us whenever we call, so we return the favor." Music to any Rescue's ears!