Here is the email that I eventually sent to the woman referenced in my post. I never heard back from her and I don’t know what happened to her Shiba.

Hello Ms. X,

I know this email is a bit after the fact, but I still wanted to take the opportunity to explain how non-profit organizations work, just in case you ever find yourself in another situation where you could benefit from the experience and resources of a group like NYC Shiba Rescue, Inc.

To be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, an organization must be organized and operated exclusively for exempt purposes set forth in section 501(c)(3), and none of its earnings may inure to any private shareholder or individual. The organization must NOT be organized or operated for the benefit of private interests. There are all sorts of laws and reporting checks and balances in place to guarantee that non-profits follow their mission statements and ONLY use donated and earned funds towards that mission.

NYC Shiba Rescue’s mission statement says "NYC Shiba Rescue (NYCSR) is an all volunteer group dedicated to contributing to the quality of life of Shiba Inus in and around the New York City metropolitan area. To that end, NYCSR actively works to rescue Shiba Inus and Shiba Inu mixed breed dogs from dangerous environments and shelters in order to find them loving, permanent homes. We will, among other things, foster and evaluate Shiba Inus in order to prepare them for adoption and seek out proper adoptive homes for the dogs. NYCSR also promotes responsible dog ownership by educating the public in the selection, care and training of dogs."

NYCSR actually spends MUCH more on vet bills, transport costs, and supplies than we collect in adoption fees. The only way we stay in operation is because of donations by caring individuals and the hard, free work of our volunteers. NYCSR has a lot to offer Shiba owners who need help with their dogs; we provide free training and behavior advice, referrals to great breeders and trainers, help with medical care, courtesy listings for owners who must rehome their dogs, and, when absolutely necessary, we take dogs into foster care and ultimately find new homes for them. There are similar rescue groups for other breeds and for non-purebred dogs. I hope that if you, or anyone you know, find yourself in a difficult situation with a dog again, you will take advantage of the free assistance available from one of these groups.

–
jenna gates
“it’s all about the inus”
nyc shiba rescue, inc.

Unfortunately, it is very difficult to educate people. Most people operate on media bites only. And some get very angry when you point them to factual sources.

And unfortunately, there are non profit animal rescues that do make a lot of money by obtaining and selling pure bred dogs. These rescues usually will only take highly adoptable dogs–not adults with problems. Most of the income generated from the sale of these dogs goes to the executive’s own salaries and to sophisticated marketing agencies–not to the dogs.

Because most people simply will not do any type of research, they will adopt either one of two views: (1) All animal rescuers are saints; or (2)All animal rescuers are opportunists.

Animal rescue organizations are just like all other organizations. Some are good and some are not.

M

I’d like to create a new definition for rescue and let Mike define it, listing all the ways we give of our time and money to do what we do.

Jaqi or Ts last blog post was Where in the World is Jaqi G?

She should have carefully researched the breeder and researched what healthy traits and characteristics a healthy pup would have. She should realize that while some breeders take steps to get puppies used to being handled and in a home environment – at 8 weeks they are far from socialized. I would definitely be concerned about the pup refusing food or water and not deficating.

Maybe someone who didn’t know anything about the rescue program spoke to her and changed her mind, and she didn’t take into accounts the facts: 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Either way, it seems she has good intentions but isn’t making sound informed decisions. That combination paves the way to a very bad place for the poor pup.

prajantrs last blog post was Romantic Getaway – hubby time and lobster

Have her explain to me just exactly who is making money. Is it our great volunteers who give up their time, gas and tolls to pick up your dog? Is it our fosters who pay for food and toys for your dog? or is it the rescue who pay to vaccinate, chip, neuter/spay, and provide all the supplies for your dog?

i think she’s upset or her husband is upset that she gave money to a puppy mill and got something other than what she felt she purchased. there may be a ray of hope of she actually reads up on what rescues do.

i think she’s looking for compensation most of all.

poor shiba baby.. and a designed mini? how very very sad.

Jenna~thank you for letting me vent