Applications are emailed out. I do this for a couple of reasons. All applications, once received go into a file in my Hotmail account for that dog or pup. If they are scattered it is not only inefficient for me, but you may lose out on your place in the cue. By emailing [email protected] it ensures that Oops! is on your safe senders list and the attached application won't trigger a spam response by your email security. The last thought is that I don't keep a pile of applications on file. An application is for a specific litter or dog, once placed all applications are deleted.
Can I come and Visit
A very common request! I run Oops from my home. It's a seven day a week job and having a volume of random people coming into my home is not comfortable or practical. So, because pups are placed based on what they need in a home there really is no point in having a lot of strangers in my space. People do not come and choose a pup. Once an application is approved for a dog or pup an invitation is then extended to visit!
Where are you/the dogs located
I live near Wolfville in the Annapolis Valley. The dogs stay with me, that way I can assess them and know what they need in a home.
What is the adoption fee?
The adoption fee is $475, fifty of this is refundable once you spay/neuter the pup. If a dog comes into Oops already altered the fee is then reasonably $425.
What does the adoption fee cover?
The pups stay with me for a minimum of 14 days. They are given numerous doses of worm meds, often with a dose to go home with them. They are flea treated, and other parasites as needed (like coccidia, a common parasite they come in with). They see the vet and are given a health certificate. They receive their first vaccine (protocol is 8, 12, and 16 weeks, the last two being boosters and the responsibility of the adoptive home). They are micro chipped and the fee also helps cover the cost of spaying Momma. Momma dog stays with her family typically. The costs for gas, cleaning, food, grooming, laundry, supplies etc also come from the fee.
Why was the dog given up?
This is a sticky wicket for me. I feel that sometimes people ask this because they want to adopt a story rather than the dog. I need homes that are going to work the dog and make sure it becomes all it can be! I don't adopt aggressive dogs. A sound temperament dog will continue to be a sound temperament dog, no matter what has happened in its past. I've had personal dogs who got frightened of a broom falling, and for his life was afraid of brooms, it never even touched him. The truth is I don't live with the dogs, I don't know what their story is. I know a family approached me and asked that I care for and find an appropriate home for a dog. I assess each one and place them based on that assessment. No story needed.
How are they with cats?
My house would be the worst life for a cat. There are always new dogs and pups coming and going. Different temperaments, different energy, different manners and behaviors. If a dog or pup has lived with a cat I'll note it on their web page, otherwise it's safe to say that I don't know how they are with cats.
Can I get Pre Approved?
Nope! Dogs and pups that come in are matched based on their temperament requirement with potential homes. So that means I could have a Great Dane and a Chihuahua that are both great with kids, easily trained, low energy and not touch sensitive... which may match your home... but likely not your heart. I feel you should be attracted to the breed/look/size and that it's infinitely better for 100's of applicants to each look after their own application, rather than me sort extras each time a dog comes in! You are welcome to email and have an application that you can keep and email whenever there is a suitable dog for you!
Is the dog spayed/neutered
Some are when they come in, and others aren't. Because we know there is enough demand as it is for charity dollars through worthy causes such as the Canadian Cancer Society, the War Amps, local women's' shelters and so on, we don't solicit donations for our operations. That means that at $400 per adoption, our margins are very tight after vet visits, transportation, food and other operating costs during their time here, and spay/neuter isn't possible. Adult dogs are not always adopted quickly, so their stay could be several weeks or months.
The dogs of age to be altered also typically need time to adjust, time for behavior modification, time to let go of coping skills. It can be a hugely stressful time, adding surgery to a dog in a fight/flight/fret or freeze mindset is not in their best interest.