...are scams??? We contacted three different "DOBERMAN RESCUES" who profess to be "desparate" to find good homes for their so-called abandoned dogs. After four e-mails to each and several voice mails left on their phones over a period of two months, we gave up. We didn't think much of it until while just shopping in a historic little village with our own Doberman, we ran across other dog lovers who, after a little conversation, told us they too experienced the same exact thing as we had. They left many messages and sent e-mails (two were to the same as we had contacted and three in other states) but never got any answer. One lady said, "I believe there is a BIG scam going on with these rescues because their very elaborate web sites focus more on the "DONATIONS DESPARATELY NEEDED AND APPRECIATED IF YOU CAN'T ADOPT!" She "has heard" that some even post photos of their own dogs! If this is REALLY happening, 20/20 or Dateline needs to do an EXPOSE on it! Interested in helping get their attention?

Purchasing or adopting a dog from an unknown breeder and history can be dangerous. If you are having any problems getting information from a dog owner, pass on the opportunity for your own sake.

Many rescue people have real jobs that they work too. You would not believe the amount of calls they get from owners who can't/won't keep their pets. They are at adoption events, cleaning their shelters, running to the vet, buying supplies and trying to raise families and earn the pay.Legitimate rescues are registered with the sate as a non profit group, check 'em out.

Oh please, most rescues are very legit. We are busy people with real jobs and do rescue in our spare time. we can't always respond immediately to your emails and inquiries. we try, but sometimes we also have to weed out the idiots and if your inquiry to us looks fishy, we'll probably just skip over it. not to say that you are fishy, but if you really want to go through a rescue, please realize that the process can take a little longer. we check out our potential adopters before just handing them a dog. the last thing we want to do is adopt a dog to people that are going to return it the next day because it peed on the rug or somthing. the dog has already had a tough time. please be patient and you will find that most rescues are perfectly legit. its not like we profit on this. most of the expences come out of our own pockets! thank you.

I have owned a large non profit rescue for many years. I never work with a rescue group that I haven't personally checked out, and you are right. Some are absolute scams, some are just trying to turn a quick buck (HA I haven't been in the red-ever)! Check them out thoroughly. They should have a well thought out application for you to fill out, request a home check and vet references, and have many, many questions to ask you. With the comments you have already heard, there is no excuse for them not to get back to you.Make sure that you can go to the site to pick up the dog, so you can see the environment he/she is in. The animal should have a current vet invoice with shots up to date, heartworm checked, spayed/neutered, a dental (if needed) etc. On the other hand, rescuers are volunteers. Many do have full time jobs and do the best they can with what little free time they have.

A good rescue will want a detailed application, and insist on references, a home check and a vet check. You should ask for references too, and contact your local kennel club.Most rescues are swamped with e-mails and phone calls, while the volunteers have jobs and familes to look after first. So don't be surprised if it takes them a while to get back to you.