Utah Bluey for adoption.. **REVIVED THREAD**

[Trogdor]

Here is my latest email from her. And the others below to sum up whats happened so some of you don't have to read this whole thread.

I am sorry again about the misunderstanding and the confusion of my employees. I am going to hold on to this little guy until another home comes along. He is one of our V.I.P.'s (very important pet), I am able to charge a higher adoption fee for him. This helps to leave a financial legacy for the animals we have in our program for much longer. You may understand that you would not pay the same for a Lexus as you would for a Pinto. Don't worry I will make sure his new home is well informed on his needs and also if they can at some point not care for him he can come back to us. Hope you had a good Holiday, and sorry we were not able to see eye to eye on this matter. Heather Beck - Owner Cottonwood Pets 801-277-****

Soo.. I guess she isn't willing to meet me on this one. Ohh well. Sucks for me and the bluey. I am not too sure what she means by the lexus car comment.. I do realize that you wouldn't pay the same for a pinto as you would a luxus.. I am not making the connection here.. Is she calling the bluey for adoption a lexus? (Yes they are the luxury lizard, but this little guy was far from luxury) Or was she calling him the pinto? If that's the case, I haven't got a clue what she is talking about there.. Lost me.

She failed to address my main comments though, (stated in the text below) about how the paper work adoption process should be used as the screening procedure, not the ammount of money you are charging for the poor thing.

Well I got a reply..

Matthew-I'm sorry you felt misled and I understand. This lizard is for adoption, but with all adoptions the adoption fee must reflect the value of the animal. Yesterday someone offered me $10 for a cat that we have for adoption, I was very insulted. I need to keep the prices realistic to keep people from getting pets just because they are cheap. I would be willing to work with you if you are still interested in adopting this lizard, I know he would be very happy with you. So let me know what would be affordable to you, and we can work something out. Thanks again- sorry for the confusion- Heather

What do you think?

This is my response, however I have not sent it yet.. Tell me if you think I should word anything differently.

Heather,

Thanks for the reply I appreciate it. I don't want you to take any offense to this, as I mean none by it, however I work in law enforcement, so I tend to shoot from the hip and tell people my honest opinion on thins. I totally agree with you that the price of an pet should reflect the quality and breed of an animal. However I tend to only feel this way when it comes to retail. When it comes to adoption I believe that the care the animal is going to receive is more important than the price charged. I believe that the screening process, not the price should decide who gets to take an animal for adoption home. If this does not weed out the kids who are looking for a cool new pet for cheap then what is the adoption application for? So I think that reading over someones information on previous and current pet history is a better way to keep things realistic, and stops people from getting a cheap pet.

The other issue for me here, was when I walked in, I said I am here to see a blue tongue skink. I didn't catch the name of the gal that was helping me, but she just pointed around the corner and said he is back there. When I got back there, there was a price tag above his tank. Nothing was posted about him being for adoption. So then I walked back up front, she asked me what I thought.. I asked her what was involved in the adoption process, she then said, Adoption? With him? He would be a straight sale. So if I wanted to buy him then and there, all I would have done was whip out my AmEx or Visa and pay and off I go with a new skink no papers nothing. But I said straight sales huh? I thought there would be some sort of adoption fee instead of a straight sale. She said let me ask, she then attempted to call you to no avail, and then asked someone else there if the bluey was for adoption. She came back and told me that I was in fact right, that the lizard would be for adoption not for sale. So now at this point, I have to fill out an application for adoption, and if I am deemed worthy, I have to sign a contract promising to take care of the animal, and if at any point I can't provide for the animal, I have to bring it back to you.

Now why is it harder to adopt rather than to just buy the animal right out? Shouldn't it be the other way around? I don't understand why there is more paperwork with no price cut to adopt. I would understand the paperwork if there was a price cut... The paper work should be the screening process, not the size of a persons bank account.

As stated in the previous email, I would be willing to pay up to $60 for this lizard, that's it. I don't think you should be offended by this at all. I belong to a blue tongue skink forum online with over 600 users across the world, and usually when people turn to us with a lizard, they want someone that is willing to take care of and tend to the animal... Not money. So often they are offered for nothing other than the price of shipping. I understand that you have incurred the cost of keeping this animal alive and well while it has been in your care, but keeping BTS's for the past few years, and knowing what they eat, and what kind of light schedule they are on, I know this cost can't be anywhere near $145.99.

Like I stated earlier, I don't aim to offend here, I am just a straight shooter, I would rather get to the point than beat around the bush for a few days here. It's the way I am.

If my offer is way out of your ball park, I truly do hope that you can find a great home for him. He deserves it. There are only a handful of BTS owners here in this whole area I know about, but I hope someone that knows about them gets the little guy, they can have so much personality, and are a joy to play with out of their enclosures.

Thanks again for your time.

Matthew

[Nir]

I think her answer politetly meant: I can have more money than 60 $ ...Sorry

[Edward]

I believe Nir got to the heart of the matter: It's all about $$$$ for most people.

[buffalocityherpx]

wow!
i cant believe that was her answer......
and its christmas and all too.....
im actually kinda depressed, some bratty ass kid will probably get it cause " its cool mom, please?" and the thingll go for a lot more to some snot nosed brat with $$$$
sorry matt.

[Lisa]

sorry, Matt, but you tried . Good for you, but you'll never be able to compete against the almighty $$$$. Sarcastic, but true. Let's hope that the little dude goes to a good home.

as buffalocityherpx says, it kinda puts a dampener on the whole christmas spirit. that's business I guess *sigh*

[Zach]

Hmm.

This was said, but that price is definitely a sale price. Not an adoption price. Anyone can sell an animal and call it an "adoption". I think I feel a new article coming on that should be added to the carepage....

This adoption is a front. The employees don't even know about it, and the simple word "adoption" brings in calls and customers. It's sneaky and dishonest in my eyes.

I think Reptscue spoke it perfectly when she said many turn rescues into businesses.

[Pooka]

I think Zach, you have nailed it on the head. I see the word 'adoption' flying around more and more these days and its being used as a buzz word to generate interest for those who don't want a brand new baby pet. I believe this establishment is using the word 'adoption' as such and getting the free advertising petfinder.com offers when 'adopting' an animal out. My mother actually went to get this guy also (she lives in North Salt Lake) and was floored by the dollar amount. He is as full retail cost as I can buy skinks for either from the breeder here in Tucson or from a store. I really hope this little guy finds a caring home but at his cost and in his condition and age I am doubting he will unless she drops the price.

[Marie]

This makes me mad. Petfinder is supposed to be for non-profit organizations. This lady is definately making a profit. Seems like she's just using Petfinder so she can list her animal for free! She may be doing a legitamate job with cats/dogs, but her reptile adoption is shady. Here's a statement from the Petfinder website:

"Our mission: to use Internet technology and the resources it can generate to 1) increase public awareness of the availability of high-quality adoptable pets and to 2) increase the overall effectiveness of pet adoption programs across North America to the extent that the euthanasia of adoptable pets is eliminated.

From the comfort of their personal computers, pet lovers can search for a pet that best matches their needs. They can then reference a shelter's Web page and discover what services it offer. Petfinder also includes classified ads, discussion forums and a library of animal welfare articles. Petfinder is updated DAILY.

Organizations wishing to participate should register. A contact person should be responsible for direct communications with Petfinder. Only nonprofit organizations will be included (but Federal 501(c)(3) status is not necessary)."

If she is the non-profit organization that she claims, she should remove the reptile listing and stick to just cat/dog adoptions.

Right now, there's another BTS on petfinder. BTW, it's sad, it was found walking the streets of FL. Anyhow, the organization says reptile adoptions are typically $10-$50. That seems a lot more realistic.

[Dragontears]

since she is obviously making a profit, can she be reported or flagged so she has to remove her ad? People are so aggravating!

[Trogdor]

Agreed with all above.. And Zach, I do think you got it right.

This adoption is a front. The employees don't even know about it, and the simple word "adoption" brings in calls and customers. It's sneaky and dishonest in my eyes.

If her employees didn't even know it was for adoption.. That seems real fishy. Which is why I brought it up. She didn't care to comment on it.. I feel bad for the bluey way more than I do for myself not getting him.

She probably wanted my to offer her $130 or something. That is just not going to happen.

[Zach]

Might be a good idea to let her read this...might be just what she needs, I don't know.

Either way, it will make an excellent addition to our site on the carepage.

[DixieDiana]

Might be a good idea to let her read this...might be just what she needs, I don't know.

Either way, it will make an excellent addition to our site on the carepage.

I was just thinking the same thing...some how she needs to read this thread!

She isn't adopting out needy pets at a nominal fee....she is out and out trying to sell them for a profit!

She couldn't have asked for a better, more caring person to have adopted the bluey than Matt!!

She needs to be reported for running a 'NON-PROFIT' organization at an 'ABOVE RETAIL PRICE PROFIT'!!

I am going to hold on to this little guy until another home comes along. He is one of our V.I.P.'s (very important pet), I am able to charge a higher adoption fee for him.

What she is really trying to say is... I am going to hold out for more money than you are willing to pay!

The more I read this thread...the madder it makes me to think that we have people like that in charge of an organization where the best interest of the animal should be top priority, not how much money they can get for it!!

As John Stossel of 20/20 says....GIVE ME A BREAK!!

[Arkangel]

Zach wrote: I think Reptscue spoke it perfectly when she said many turn rescues into businesses.

Did you mean me?

Unfortunately, some people run "adoptions" and "rescues" and make a business out of it. It makes those of us who take in animals and provide vet care and rehab at our own cost and adopt back out for free, bristle.

I have been involved in animal adoptions and shelter work for many years. It is very easy to spot those who operate under the guise of adopting, but are running a business. As Edward says, it really boils down to $$$.

Many shelters hold onto pure breed animals and charge high fees for them, while euthanizing mixed breed puppies and kittens. There will always be those who are willing to pay higher fees to have a pure bred animal or "something different" for their money. (in their mind) It is a sad fact of the animal trade.

Some shelters will charge higher fees for an animal that is highly desirable simply because the money can be used to offset the cost of housing so many that aren't placed quickly and for upkeep.

But it sounded to me as though the skink you wanted was not truly for adoption, but was "for sale" under the guise of an adoption. That is wrong.

[Trogdor]

As Edmund says, it really boils down to $$$.

Edward

[Arkangel]

That's what happens when you haven't had any sleep for two days and saw Chronicles of Narnia.

[Trogdor]

That's what happens when you haven't had any sleep for two days and saw Chronicles of Narnia.

Did you like it? I did.

[Arkangel]

I LOVED IT!!!! It will be one of my all time favorites.

[MartinsPerson]

I just wanted to point out the 145. *99* part of that "adoption" fee. I don't think I've ever seen an adoption fee that wasn't a round number. Just an observation. This whole deal screams of selling that poor skink for an almost 100% profit. I agree with Renee, that woman should be flagged on petfinder as abusing the site. She's using it to sell animals.

[Tigergenesis]

I LOVED IT!!!! It will be one of my all time favorites.

Me too!

[Zach]

Zach wrote: I think Reptscue spoke it perfectly when she said many turn rescues into businesses.

Did you mean me?

Unfortunately, some people run "adoptions" and "rescues" and make a business out of it. It makes those of us who take in animals and provide vet care and rehab at our own cost and adopt back out for free, bristle.

Oops!

Trog, go ahead and email her here since we're talking about it. If we tell her to come explain herself, we're not talking behind anyone's back. She deserves the right to defend herself.

If she has some good reasons, we won't have to take any action. Otherwise, we can all write petfinder and/or anything else we need to do.

As far as I can tell right now, Matt was duped into going to the store.