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My Life as Adoption Coordinator
by Cheryl Bennett
This whole episode of my life started approximately two years ago when Mary Freeman cornered me at playgroup and innocently asked if I would like to be an adoption coordinator. Having the sense of a turnip, I replied sure. Actually, this experience has been a positive one. I have met a wide variety of people and seen a good sampling of real estate. My zone covers the eastside to the foothills so the people and places run the gamut.
My most memorable experience has to be the one where the adopting couple brought home a new greyhound that had recently been spayed and was still quite sedated. Their cat took one look at the dog, had a heart attack, keeled over, and died. I walked in on this whole unfortunate scene. At first I was wondering where the hidden camera was, not believing that this was indeed happening.
What does one say to these poor people? The cat had an underlying heart condition and was living on borrowed time. The positive part of this story was the owners were glad to be home when he met his maker. The remaining cat and dog became great friends. By the way, the hound never woke up during the entire ordeal.
So, I have learned to ask questions that would have never occurred to me two years ago. Has your dog/cat ever seen another animal? Does s/he have any preexisting cardiac conditions? I also learned that I am not the best nor the worst housekeeper. Good owners come in all shapes, sizes, and outlooks. Trust your gut. Most importantly, never make eye contact with Mary at playgroup.
Cheryl Bennett is the proud greyhound adopter of Quinn Jose, Mo, Mamie, Josh, and Quint/Chevy. She is not allowed to foster any more.
As of this posting, March 2008, AGR is looking for two adoption coordinators, one in Midtown and one in Green Valley. Please email azgreyhoundrescue to inquire. Thank you
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