Adopters
Akita Picking
The fact that there are so many breeds to pick from, akitas seem to be the dog of choice for adopters for the same reason.
I love their intelligence, loyalty, and overall characteristics that make up their personalities, said Kelly Hanson, a two time akita adopter.
We like the size, disposition, and impressive appearance of the Akita , said George Wong, a first time adopter. In particular, we wanted a very loyal dog that would seek to become part of the family, but also independent.
On important factor was of course their unique beauty, said Robyn De Shields, a first time adopter. The traits of loyalty, protectiveness, little or no barking and moderate exercise requirements were important to me too.
The breed, the look, the attitude, said adopter Lauri Wright.
But the look and the personality of the breed are not always the reason people pick a specific dog.
I have to say that it was their situation more that characteristics that caught my eye, said Hanson. Both adopted dogs were days away from being euthanized before she took them into her home.
I met about seven or eight different dogs during my adoption search with Akita Rescue over about six weeks, said De Shields. I met Chili and her boundless energy and very demonstrative personality was so different from the other dogs that I was instantly drawn to her. The other dogs were stand-offish, and the fact that Chili took right to her affected her decision to adopt her.
The Process
But the process tends to get mixed results.
First, the would-be-adopters must fill out a form. Then there are interviews, a house inspection along with calls to vets and personal friends to find if you are “adoptable.”
“We now interview at least twice with prospective adopters to get as good a feel or their personality, knowledge and ability to work with the breed as possible,” said Puller Lanigan, president of ARMAC.
“Anyone interested in adopting from us must first submit an adoption application and a telephone interview,” said Lisa Gray. “If the application is approved than a home interview house check are performed."
And most previous adopters react to it in the same way.
“The process will be long but it will be worth is in the end,” said De Shields.
“It has worked out very well and would consider doing it again,” said Wong.
Advice
And, like foster parents, previous adopters have more then one piece of advice for future adopters.
“The akita might not be a good first time dog for those who do not have precious experience with dog,” said Hanson.
“Learn about the breed,” said Wright “Study it, learn it, talk to people about the breed. We read books to know what we were getting into.”
“Visit with the dog, talk to the rescue folks and make sure everyone in the household is totally committed to providing a home for the dog,” said Wong. “These dogs shouldn’t have to experience repeat bad human judgment.”
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