Female vs Male

When I went to get my first dog, everyone I spoke with advised me to get a female. Although I tried, there were no females left in the litter so my first dog as an adult was a male. He was a small black Toy Poodle who was the best dog I have ever had. Later, I got him a female friend, a tiny chocolate Toy Poodle. There was essentially no difference in them other than gender. So from that point forward, I became gender-blind.

Unfortunately, in our society, there is a very strong bias against male dogs. There is an even stronger bias against black dogs. In fact, in a litter of puppies, the last dogs to find homes generally are the males and if the male happens to be black, it is quite possible that the dog may never find a home. Shelters are filled with large black dogs who are seldom adopted and infrequently rescued. Why? Because of the horrible double bias.

When I started Illinois Cocker Rescue, there were many male Cockers in shelters. There were also many geriatric Cockers and ones with health issues. Rescuing them, getting them healthy and adoptable was only one part of the equation. Finding them homes was the more difficult part. With a hope and a prayer, I sought to change how people adopt their pets. In my email to potential adopters who submitted Adoption Applications, I had (and still have) the following verbiage:

"At that time of your adoption appointment, you will meet all the rescued dogs available for adoption. We ask that when you visit, you are age-blind, colorblind and gender-blind, and instead, listen to your heart in the selection of your new family member.

It is our strong belief that it is as equally important for the dog to select its new family as it is for the family to select its new member. . . . If there is mutual chemistry between your family and one of our rescued dogs, an adoption occurs and the dog can go home with you that day. Note that it is not uncommon for an adopter to visit with the intent of adopting a specific dog and to go home with another quite different dog. It all depends on chemistry."

It worked, and over the years, ICR adopted out many male dogs to potential adopters whose original intent was to adopt a female only. Contrary to their original belief, these adopters were and are very happy with their adopted dogs who just happened to be males. Throughout the years, I have received many emails from these former adopters thanking me for the dog they adopted and to state that they would never again be gender biased.

Beau's Story

Hi,

My name is Beauregard (Beau for short). Previously, I was known as Ralphie, but my new family gave me a much better name. Let me tell you my story and maybe some of my buddies with Aly can follow my example in finding a new family:

The first time I saw my new family – a mom, a dad, a grandmother, and a little sister poodle – I knew they were for me. But let me tell you; I had some work to do in order to convince them that I was the right choice. I am a little boy, and they wanted a little girl. So my job was to win over their hearts so I could become a member of the family. [You see, I knew they belonged to me – I just had to convince them!]

On a warm sunny Sunday afternoon, my new family came to visit me and all of my buddies to pick out a new family member. Let me tell you; I beat out all of my buddies, and I ran right up to the Mom and she pet me (for me, it was love at first sight). I then greeted my soon-to-be little “red” sister, then Dad. But then I saw a lady sitting with her foot outside of the car. I jumped right in and sat on her lap – three times I did this, and three times Dad picked me up and put me back on the ground. The last time I jumped into the car, I sat on the seat next to “Grandmother” and looked up at her with my loving brown eyes – now who can resist a good looking fellow like me when I am looking “lovey-dovey.” When all of the rest of my buddies ran off to chase something, I stayed close to my family. I wanted them to see my devotion to them.

Well, they left saying they still wanted a little girl. I was heartsick for a whole day. Then, miracle of miracles, my prayers were answered when Mom called saying the family talked it over and decided that they wanted ME. I was simply euphoric! I couldn’t wait for the day my adoption was finalized. I was bathed, clipped, made to look ever so handsome – I didn’t want to disappoint my family.

Now, I am in my new home. Even guests love me – I am so well mannered I surprise myself! I love to sit on laps – especially my grandmother’s. She loves to play with me and pet me and love me and love me and love me.

That is the best part about my new family – everybody loves me. It only took a week for me to move from a bed in the kitchen to sleeping in bed with my family. It’s HEAVEN! I learned to mind my manners, to not mess in the house, and to greet guests warmly.

Here are some pictures of me with my new family:

That’s me living up to my new name – Beau – trying to give my grandmom a kiss. She really loves me.

I just wanted to tell my story so that the rest of my buddies have hope for a family as loving as mine. Thank you, Aly, for helping me to find them.

Remember, fellow four-legged friends, there is a family out there for you – you just have to stake your claim as I did.

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