BRAT's Adoption Process
Because people so frequently ask about the BRAT adoption
process, I thought I would explain it in a little more detail.
The BRAT process is not a first-come,
first-served process. It is based on evaluating the dog, describing him
fully and putting that information into a public setting for all
interested applicants to consider. After that, the assigned coordinator
goes through all inquiries to find the family whose situation best
dovetails with what the coordinator feels best meets the needs of the
basenji in question. Of course, more intensive interviews follow the
preliminary screening and a home visit is required before any final
placement decision is made.
When we have a young, healthy basenji, it shouldn't
surprise anyone that many of our applicants -- some of whom have been
patiently watching the postings for months -- would be interested in
applying for that dog. They may have been turned down in the past; not
because they are unsuitable but because out of the applicants considered,
someone else's situation was felt to be the best match.
Faster is not always better, especially when re-homing
dogs. People who work in rescue are certainly aware that those who want
dogs can easily visit a pet store, hand over their credit card, and go
home with a puppy in a matter of minutes. Part of the reason we are so
aware of this is that we see many of those puppies later in rescue. BRAT
has an excellent track record for placing basenjis in “forever homes.”
One of the most important reasons for the high success rate is the
thoroughness of the screening and matching process. Because it is
thorough, it takes time. How long a potential adopter can expect to wait
while being screened and approved for a particular basenji varies. The
whole process might only take a week or two, but more typically an
applicant waits a month or more for the right dog to come along.
If you are interested in a dog, e-mail the basenji's
coordinator, expressing your interest. It is helpful if you can include a
brief description of your home situation and perhaps explain why you feel
this particular dog might be a good match for you. After that, wait for
the coordinator to reply (remember that it might take a few days and that
all BRAT staff are volunteers). In all likelihood, the coordinator
will have further questions for you. Think about these questions
carefully. You may even wish to discuss them with your family. As we
mentioned before, BRAT coordinators are not trying to be snoopy or give
you a hard time. They just want a positive outcome for you and the
basenjis. Be cooperative and answer the questions as honestly as you can.
This is also a good opportunity for you to ask
questions. For example, if the coordinator mentions that the basenji has a
particular health problem or behavioral challenge, you may want to request
a more detailed explanation. If for some reason it will be a few days
until you can answer, at least let the coordinator know right away whether
you’re still interested.
One last point I would like to make: BRAT does not
require that people stay at home 24 hours a day in order to adopt a
basenji. BRAT does not do financial evaluations of families. There are
some absolutes in the BRAT process, but there is also great emphasis on
looking at each dog and family on its own merits.
If you have any questions about the placement process,
please do not hesitate to write me. Thank you and good luck in your search
for a basenji rescue.
Mike Swan
President, Basenji Rescue & Transport, Inc.
BRAT-help@lists.basenjirescue.org
http://www.basenjirescue.org
("BRAT"), a non-profit, tax exempt corporation pursuant to IRS
Code Section 501(c)(3).
Click on this link for "Frequently Asked Questions About BRAT"
|
