As long as there are too many pets and irresponsible people, there will always be rescue groups. What started out as a few local folks here and there has morphed over the past couple of decades into behemoth groups reaching across state lines and in some cases, the country. While most rescues are good groups, there does seem to be a certain faction of them who are in "the business" of saving dogs. That it's now considered more politically correct to adopt than to purchase a puppy from a breeder has only fueled the rescue craze.
Before I go further I should say that I was involved, very involved, with several rescue groups for a decade in my younger, pre kids and business life. I stepped away from rescue when the placement of foster dogs became emotionally too much for my young children and the business became too demanding of my time. I've fostered, trained and placed over a hundred homeless dogs. In short, I've given my pound of flesh to the effort. I've done my time.
As the "new groomer" with a fledgling business I began to be contacted by a large assortment of people. They would show up at my door. They would corner me at the grocery store. Wouldn't I like to be their friend? Wouldn't I like to donate a groom for their fundraiser? What a coincidence, I had a small farm and a kennel license and they had so many dogs needing foster homes, wouldn't I like to volunteer? They'd just saved ten matted solid dogs from a mill, wouldn't I like to groom them for free?
The truth is, there are times over the years that I've wanted to say yes to their requests. I just can't. Why not? Because I know all too well from experience how these situations turn out.
It begins with a phone call. A rescue angel notes that there is a new business in town and of course, they'd love to bring in one of their rescue dogs. A sweet face with a sad story and they're off to the races. They know that you love animals or you wouldn't be doing what you do.... "I'm just fostering this dog you see, she really isn't mine, I just wanted to do the right thing. How much would you charge me to groom her? Oh, that much? (Sigh) Ok, I just couldn't afford that. The most I could afford would be (insert ridiculous amount here)" The other scenario is that they DO book the appointment and then go into their song and dance whilst acting like you are snatching the food from their table. What is a groomer to do? Well, if you are gullible you think "of course I want to do the right thing and if she's a foster home then she has dogs of her own and she might be a valuable client. She will refer her friends. Perhaps even the adoptive owners of this dog will come back." You agree to groom the dog at a ridiculous discount and the lady gushes about what a wonderful person you are.
They've got you.
The next week, she has a new foster and she's referred you to her friend, who has two fosters. They show up, singing your praises, pay their newly negotiated fee and then head out for lunch and shopping while you wrestle with unmaintained dogs who are not used to being groomed and who are not excited about the process. Your afternoon is shot, you've made half what you need to meet your own needs and your reward is that when your new friends come back, relaxed and full after their girls' afternoon out, they promise to tell all their friends. They keep that promise.
Congratulations. You are now the newest, least appreciated, member of their rescue group!
The new friends refer their friends and soon you are losing a days' income every week. When they pull dogs out of a puppy mill, you are their first call. Dogs infested with fleas, ticks, mites? They call you as an emergency before taking the dogs to their facility. They gossip while you work and are long gone before you finish sanitizing and cleaning the entire salon to ensure that tomorrow's clients don't go home with parasites. They've run out of foster homes? Who better than a groomer to foster their dogs? You say you have vet tech experience? You're invited for lunch and oh by the way, could you please clean these ears and trim those nails? It will only take just a few minutes....
The dogs run together and "fosters" reappear again and again. One day they slip up and tell you they adopted the dog. Six months ago. Their personal dogs start slipping into appointment slots and they come
with their check made out for the exact amount - the discounted "rescue"
amount for their dogs too. You cringe when you see their name on the caller ID, because you know that if they're calling you, they're about to ask the unreasonable. Of course, the more you do the more stretched their funds seem to be. If you try to set boundaries they will try them like a velociraptor testing an electric fence. They are constantly on the look out for a breach, no matter how small, that will allow them a firmer foothold on your time and energy.
One day, for the sake of your own sanity (not to mention your wallet) you must put an end to the freebies, the deeply discounted work, the space they are taking up in your business and your life. If they can get you to show any weakness at all the cycle continues. If you do stick to your guns they disappear as soon as they can find someone, ANYONE that will agree to charge them $2.00 less than you do.
There is no appreciation for what you have done. There is no loyalty to you or your business. The entire episode will transpire without one viable client to show for it. They have used you for what they could get and since they are no longer able to feed off of your resources, they are headed down the road looking for the next gullible soul....
This is why I don't offer discounts to rescue groups. Why I can't be the rescue groomer.
Please be assured that this is not an indictment of all groups but rather an explanation of what I've learned through my own observations and why I refuse to combine business and rescue. My most recent experience is with a HUGE group that spans the entire eastern seaboard. They exclusively rescue fluffy toy dogs. Shih Tzus, Maltese, Yorkies and mixes thereof. Because these darlings are in such high demand they charge ridiculous adoption fees. In my dealings with one of their foster homes, I have been told that they don't reimburse or build in any funds for grooming and that it is the sole responsibility of the foster homes. Thus, in her mind, it is my obligation to share her noble sacrifice. Perhaps it's just me, but how can any group charge north of $500 for an adoption fee based on the fact that it's an adorable fluffy toy dog but have no resources for grooming?
I'm just not buying it....
Some day I will probably be active in rescue again. At a date, time and place of my own choosing :)
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