Re: BUYING ADOPTING....Is there really a difference? (long)

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Posted by jiffypop on March 20, 2003 at 07:37:05:

In Reply to: BUYING ADOPTING....Is there really a difference? (long) posted by IGUANA JOE on March 19, 2003 at 20:55:53:

Here's my opinion, coming from someone that does rescue and adoptions. I think the major advantage of adopting an iguana from a rescue organization is that you get a very good idea of the personality of the animal being adopted. We try to match our adoption animals with the situations at their new home and the personality and habits of the new parents. Depending on the organization, you will likely be getting an animal that is in optimal health and condition and is most likely well socialized. I took offense for about 2 seconds to your comment about adoptees getting only slightly better care than they would at a petstore and not the care a loving home can provide. I'm sure in some instances this is the case but I pride myself on the care I provide and any iguana that is in my home is treated as one of my own. I have iguanas that have been here for 6-7 years because the right home didn't come along or they have ongoing health issues that make them unadoptable.

Another reason to adopt may be that you are supporting an organization that does education. I do an adoption and education table at at least one herp expo a month as well as dozens of presentations for schools, societies and youth groups. This wouldn't be possible without the help of volunteers and donations.

Just like purchasing a pet store iguana makes room for and encourages the business owner to get more, adopting a healthy animal from a rescue may provide space for an injured, sick or mistreated iguana to be taken in and given the care and medical attention it needs and deserves.

One last point I'd like to add...supporting a local rescue could help in their fight against poor pet stores. Sometimes it's the rescue people that have the resources, contacts, knowledge and even the "clout" to put these places out of business or at least shape-up their husbandry practices. In the past we've been able to convince a couple of stores to no longer carry iguanas and we've even talked some of the vendors at the expos not to sell them.
Believe me, my heart breaks when I see the iglets in some of the stores. I talk to the staff and try to convince them to provide the necessary care. But, I learned a long time ago that we can't save them all. I'd love to take them all and find caring homes for them. But I have to value the lives that are in my care already. I know my limits, I know how many animals that I can be responsible for at one time.
Interesting post, Joe. We can always count on you to liven things up when they get dull.

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