I've said all along, AWL is not an adoption agency. We are a
rescue organization. But, because of our rescues, we end up in the mode of
seeking qualified, quality homes for them when they are ready.
We have a lifelong responsibility to these dogs/cats, both a
legal responsibility but more importantly an ethical and moral responsibility.
When adopting a dog (or cat) via AWL we insist that you sign a contract after
some time together with your knew friend. The contract demands that AWL must be
informed and given FIRST CHANCE to take the animal back if you find you
can't/don't want to keep your new family member. AWL must be part of any
re-homing, because whomever you think you have found to take him/her from you
MUST meet our screening and background requirements. The same goes for
euthanization. We state clearly that any behavior problems you are having with
the animal, we will work with you to resolve the problem(s)... but we can't do
that without your involvement and contacting us. And most importantly, without
you meeting YOUR contractual obligations as stipulated in the contract YOU
signed when you committed to your adopted dog or cat.
Bluntly put, if YOU can't live with your obligations YOU will
agreed to in the adoption contract, then DON'T ADOPT AN ANIMAL FROM AWL. We
WILL bring violations of the terms of the contract to the attention of
appropriate legal authorities and your chain of command.
Thank you
Mia Mattsson Mercer
President AWL
