Last week, a local shelter posted a plea to rehome a dog, a lovely little 3 year old Labrador. I have been brought up with Labs all my life so I know them well, I've had one ever since I bought my own property 20+ years ago, so It's fair to say I am experienced in handling them etc. I currently have one in the house - an 8 year old female and, normally I always have 2, but after our old girl during lockdown etc, we left it a while to find the perfect natured dog.
So, fast forward to last week, the 3 year old was advertised and I immediately made contact with the owner of the shelter and arranged a visit for this weekend I had explained the living situation, that we have another Lab, lived with other dogs etc and owner of shelter happy with this, said we sound like the perfect home for the dog and would arrange a home visit if happy at the shelter visit.
DH and I went down and spent quite a bit of time with her, but the owner was not there that day, but other staff and they were happy to show me the dog. All went well and I said we would like to proceed with the adoption, but one of the staff immediately seemed to get her back up when I had mentioned we have an 8 year old lab already. She said "No, this dog must be the only dog". I explained my very long chat with the owner of the shelter who knows my home situation and was happy that there was another dog there etc. History of the 3 year old is that her owner passed away, was an only dog in the household, but attended doggy day care so used to being around others and no known issues.
After explaining this, the staff then claimed another family were interested in her, a family with no other dogs, but they weren't 100% and if they didn't proceed, then I would be contacted by the end of that day (Saturday).
No call came, so on my way into town yesterday, I dropped into the shelter and asked for an update, told the other family had not been in touch and they will chase up today, but if nothing, they will contact me and arrange a home visit, but still said "Ah but you have another dog?" Again, I reiterated the chat I had with the owner who fully knew my situation, highlighted I am always at home (both DH and I WFH, not expected to change as we run business from there) so dogs would never be left alone etc. But again, no call. I sent them a message on their facebook page and the message was read but ignored. Sent a follow up this morning again reiterating the situation and still read but ignored.
We are in the perfect position to offer this girl her loving forever home. I don't want to phone the owner as I know she is dealing with some personal things now, but what should I do? Should I keep at them, or just leave it? Both me and DH are really keen for this girl, she's the perfect temperament and would be a fab addition to our home.
YABU - Don't contact them again, just let the dog go
YANBU - Keep trying to contact the shelter and reiterate your situation.