Question: Can you tell us how you first became interested in animal rescue?
MD:
I
don't think anyone plans on having rescues, they just kind of form themselves when word gets out that you are a softy. I actually
DID want to have a rescue when I was a kid. I had it all planned out by kindergarden. I don't have the big farm I planned.
haha I started out fostering for the NEMO humane Society. Then they just started sending people with certain surrenders directly
to me. So now I take in exotic animals and dogs and cats. Persians and bullies have my heart. And the bigger the dog
the more I like them. I started out only take in five large animals at a time (cats or dogs) so that they can have a home
environment and I can keep up and have everything clean. But with the help of volunteers now I can take in more.
Question: Do you mind that people ask you about
your policies and procedures?
MD:Not at all. I try to keep this as professional
and people friendly as possible. I think everyone should have to answer to someone, but I will not answer to bashers. I have
great references from vets, other rescuers, animal control, shelters, adopters, and I would gladly show anyone copies
of my adoption contract and application for review. I do everything on the up and up and am never afraid of a home visit.
I do tell adoptors to call first, just because this is my home, so I only make appointments if someone is seriously coming
for adoption. Most times, people are approved for adoption before I give my address. It is just to keep me safe. But I am
always happy to answer any questions anyone has about my policies and procedures.
Question: How do you prevent the animals you adopt out from adding to the over-population
problem?
MD:I require that every
cat or dog that is adopted form me be nuetered/spayed and up to date on all shots. I pretty much keep with the policies of
most humane societies, except this is no-kill. All animals that cannot be altered (small caged animals especially)
are adopted out in same sex pairs only. The adopters sign a contract stating they will not breed them. The contract also gives
MamaDori's Jungle permission to do surprise visits after the adoption at any time. If any animal is suspected of being bred,
MamaDori's Jungle has the legal right to take the animals back.
Question: What if a bad
home slips through your screening process and the animal is in a bad environment or not being cared for properly?
MD: I do home visits to the homes wanting to adopt; one before, and surprise visits after.
They are bound by contract to return any animal to me that they no longer want or if I think the animal is not getting
the best of care. I do understand though that sometimes people get over whelmed, and being a good pet owner is also recognising
you are not giving it everything it needs. We try to address that in the adoption application process.
