Topic: Home visit needed ( Lowestoft ) (Read 19141 times)

CC & The Pussycat Guys & Dolls · « **Reply #44 on:** December 06, 2009, 19:13:33 PM »

Quote from: Gill (sneakiefeline) on December 06, 2009, 19:01:04 PM

But you are also wise with it and know that some houses on the face of it are not brill to look at but the owners are wonderful carers of their cats

When did you see my house?

JackSpratt · « **Reply #43 on:** December 06, 2009, 19:07:41 PM »

I think that's something we can all agree on.

Mark · « **Reply #42 on:** December 06, 2009, 19:03:31 PM »

Quote from: Gill (sneakiefeline) on December 06, 2009, 19:01:04 PM

But you are also wise with it and know that some houses on the face of it are not brill to look at but the owners are wonderful carers of their cats

Which is the bottom line

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #41 on:** December 06, 2009, 19:01:04 PM »

But you are also wise with it and know that some houses on the face of it are not brill to look at but the owners are wonderful carers of their cats

Mark · « **Reply #40 on:** December 06, 2009, 18:57:31 PM »

Quote from: Gill (sneakiefeline) on December 06, 2009, 18:29:59 PM

Mark you were once and not too long ago a new home checker, and all home checkers have to get there experience from somewhere!

I guess 3 years wasn't too long ago - but I had the advantage of being able to phone experienced people straight after a visit listing all the possible things that concerned me and the final decision wasn't mine. It took a while for me to be confident enough to give a home a thumbs up without conferring (trust me, I am strict -I am totally against homing cats where people smoke in the house as I think it is cruel making animals passive smokers)

There is even recent technology that can help - you can check an address on googlemaps and see how close it is to railway lines & roads before deciding which type of cat is suitable.

JackSpratt · « **Reply #39 on:** December 06, 2009, 18:40:46 PM »

Quote from: Mark on December 06, 2009, 17:20:30 PM

I don't think purrs should allow posting like the other forum.

Trust me, Mark - Purrs doesn't.

Being a member of both due to being told quite some time ago the other site was safe I posted some of Nickys cats on there. I won't be doing again; the site is less than professional and not at all welcoming like this one.

Quote from: Gill (sneakiefeline) on December 06, 2009, 18:29:59 PM

BL you are the one that has to make the decision, we cant do it for you, so make it and stick to it, its either yes you go for it or no you wont!

Entirely true. It's ultimately bonnielass decision and whatever she decides she won't have come to the end result lightly.

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #38 on:** December 06, 2009, 18:29:59 PM »

The paranoia BL is just because of the Willow and Oliver case and I think you alone , as I said before can make the decision on whether you think Helena has enough knowledge or you can advise what to put in her report to you.

Purrs has no poicy as such on this but we would not want to be seen as a forum that is just the facilitator of transport and home checkers, thats not what we are about at all.

Mark you were once and not too long ago a new home checker, and all home checkers have to get there experience from somewhere!

I think we are all very sensitive and wary at the moment, rightly so but BL you are the one that has to make the decision, we cant do it for you, so make it and stick to it, its either yes you go for it or no you wont!

CC & The Pussycat Guys & Dolls · « **Reply #37 on:** December 06, 2009, 18:27:17 PM »

Quote from: Mark on December 06, 2009, 18:23:10 PM

I think it is only because of what happened last week - nothing personal against you BL .

Agreed

Mark · « **Reply #36 on:** December 06, 2009, 18:23:10 PM »

I think it is only because of what happened last week - nothing personal against you BL

.

bonnielass · « **Reply #35 on:** December 06, 2009, 18:16:28 PM »

Hales has agreed to whatever checks need to be made ,be it vet ref. and HC or anything else thats needed.

Hopefully someone can answer me why other people can ask for HC etc and people offer to take in cats to help (which ive done frequently) and everyone is prepared to help but i have asked for the same thing and have got nothing but critisim from people (apart from a few ) because im trying to find a home for a special little lady.

While i can understand the points raised i dont see why my trying to do the best for Lacie should have caused such paranoia

CC & The Pussycat Guys & Dolls · « **Reply #34 on:** December 06, 2009, 17:34:43 PM »

As said I dont think purrs would have a policy as to this as it's down to the rescue to do their own checks- which they do. Purrs is just a forum (sorry purrs

) to helped rescue folk out, not take on their tasks but I do believe no person on purrs would lie about anything with things relating to this.

Am I getting into a family dispute here?

Bazsmum · « **Reply #33 on:** December 06, 2009, 17:29:44 PM »

On the other forum the said rescues had been told (given false) information....The said person had not had a valid homecheck in the past 18 months!

I dont know what Purrs policy is with ref to this? One thing for sure I know they certainly would not hide any information that is vital, or try and sweep it under the carpet!

CC & The Pussycat Guys & Dolls · « **Reply #32 on:** December 06, 2009, 17:29:13 PM »

I agree Mark , but you also have to take into account that purrs is very different to the other place, in the fact that this has never happened and I doubt will happen here.

I think a vets ref is a very good idea as they can give you an insight as to how the owner acts, not just to which meds/ treatment an animal had had.

For me personaily you can tell how a person is by the way they conduct themselves

But do agree in light of everthing thats gone on you cannot take the chance (no offence to anyone there)

Mark · « **Reply #31 on:** December 06, 2009, 17:20:30 PM »

I don't think purrs should allow posting like the other forum. I am only thinking of the cats. I know most people on here take welfare very seriously but this is the exact same thing the other forum did and animals died because of it.

JackSpratt · « **Reply #30 on:** December 06, 2009, 17:14:13 PM »

Mark, I think that comes across a little harshly. A large percentage of people on here would certainly not "dabble" where the welfare of an animal was concerned. A few I can think of go above and beyond as much as a rescue. (More, in some cases......)

Ultimately, the decision is bonnielass' to make anyway. The thread wasn't asking for opinions, it was asking for a home checker.

Whatever decision's made will be made with Lacies best interests at heart, I'm sure.

Mark · « **Reply #29 on:** December 06, 2009, 17:10:04 PM »

Quote from: Jasmine on December 05, 2009, 13:38:20 PM

I may not be in possession of all the facts here, but...

Do you think it's a good idea for someone in principle (and this could apply to anyone - myself included, so please don't take this personally Tigerbaby) who you only know over the internet, is not affiliated to a local bona-fide rescue, has no local knowledge or experience in home-checking, be responsible for assessing the suitability of someone adopting a cat - yet alone one with special needs?

In light of a very sad thread this week, I felt I had to mention this.

I quite agree Jasmine and was about to post something along the same lines. No offence to anyone but I think all homechecks should be done by experienced homecheckers who are used to it and get gut feelings about things as well as picking up on issues at a glance.

I think lessons should be learned from what happened to Willow and Purrs has a responsibility to not behave like some other forums.

A vet check can't possibly cover eveything - it just says people take their pets to the vet - nothing more.

Bazsmum · « **Reply #28 on:** December 06, 2009, 16:10:43 PM »

Yes that sounds good...Obviously BL will have to confirm this not us lol!

Hales.....Do you have a spot light as I hear Helena has the thumb screws!!!

And please dont anyone take this personal on here.....Everyone is just an extra bit cautious at the mo!!!

JackSpratt · « **Reply #27 on:** December 06, 2009, 16:08:30 PM »

I meant both.

Helena doing a home check (if someone in rescue sends a list of what constitutes a safe home check) and a call from BL to the vets.

Bazsmum · « **Reply #26 on:** December 06, 2009, 16:04:29 PM »

The vet ref is a good idea, but I also think to actually visit the place and being able to view other animals etc is just as important!!!

What do you think BL?

JackSpratt · « **Reply #25 on:** December 06, 2009, 15:52:57 PM »

The RSPCA are an odd bunch with it anyway. When I got Mog (14 years ago) noone checked my home, they asked what area I was in and deemed me fit to take on a cat entirely on that basis....but when I took on a rat, someone came to check. And that was only a couple of years later! (The rat was also a sweetie, by the way. A soft as grease brown boy called Orion who was a tea addict!)

Maybe if hales were to send BL her vet details for a reference that would put peoples mind at ease.

Bazsmum · « **Reply #24 on:** December 06, 2009, 15:50:47 PM »

Just wondering for this situation Julie.....Seems a shame Helena up or down that way that's all!

I am already a homechecker btw....I have to constantly check mine cos me little puds are always laying traps for me!

Pinkbear (Julie) · « **Reply #23 on:** December 06, 2009, 15:47:13 PM »

Bazmum, if you're being specific then email our Sharon and she will send you a copy of the guidelines she created. They give a good insight about what you should be looking for.

If you're being hypothetical then the RSPCA is the only organisation I know of to give special training to home checkers. Everyone else (CP or any other rescues I know) relies on a mentoring system - accompanying experienced checkers until they get a feel for things. Some rescues will require you to fill in paperwork and issue you a check list but not all of them do. I've had vastly different experiences from doing doggie home checks!

Basically, there is no set requirements as policies will be different nearly every time and every rescue will vary in proceedure.

CC & The Pussycat Guys & Dolls · « **Reply #22 on:** December 06, 2009, 15:44:49 PM »

Here here!

I hope Helena can help you out tomorrow Hales

Kay and Penny · « **Reply #21 on:** December 06, 2009, 15:40:03 PM »

I agree

putting cats first means not only making sure potential homes/fosterers/homecheckers are suitable, but also making sure that good ones are not turned away because everyone trying to place a cat has become paranoid

Bazsmum · « **Reply #20 on:** December 06, 2009, 15:34:08 PM »

Been thinking about this!!!

If I were to want to be a homechecker then how would I got about it... ie is it just telling me what to do when I get there or do you have a check list etc?

This is different to recent events as there was no homecheck in place!

I think if its just a case of being told what to do then Helena is that way tomorrow and Im sure is more than capable of the job, she does not even know hales!

hales · « **Reply #19 on:** December 05, 2009, 19:25:35 PM »

hello everyone.
well.......................
i do understand everyones concerns. i suppose in light of the recent events with willow i can totally understand this.
what can i say?
i have contacted local rescues to ask to foster for them. each time i have been turned away (without them meeting me or asking my circumstances) as they have enough foster carers for the cats they can afford to keep.
i am quite prepared to have as many home checks as required both before and after having lacie come to live with us.
believe me i wouldnt offer a home to a special needs cat if i didnt think we could look after her completely.
we have ordered a cattery run to come straight off our back door 9ft x 9ft so that lacie can adventure outdoors in a safe and secure enviroment. her happiness and health will be our most important concern. (as with our other pets)
we hope to foster in the future as i am a stay at home mum after having a stroke, (indoors for the most part of the time and unable to work but want to help animals.

i dont see the comments as being personal as i know that people are still emotional about willow, as am I. i think it was a appaulling case and made me upset. but unless new fosterers and rehomers are given a chance then there will be many other cats who will not find the help they need due to rescues/foster carers having room.

i hope to make friends with many more of you over the coming months and i hope to become a helpful and worthwhile member of the cat care community xx

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #18 on:** December 05, 2009, 16:04:53 PM »

Thank you Julie I think that gives a good prospective. Thanks also Trigger and Liz

Pinkbear (Julie) · « **Reply #17 on:** December 05, 2009, 16:01:31 PM »

To answer some of Gill's questions...

CP doesn't have a set standard or course but our Sharon has actually been instrumental in creating a home checker's book of guidelines which I think has been adopted across other branches. No one gets 'selected'to do home checks as such and most people who voice an interest in home checking will be taken on. Often a new home checker will shadow someone experienced for the first one or two until the feel comfortable.

Home checking is more about the suitability of the home, hazzards, the attitude of potential owners and they ability to care for the animal financially. Home checkers don't and shouldn't go in trying to guess whether the person they are checking is an animal abuser. That is putting far too much responsibility on a volunteer and something even the best psychiatrist is going to get wrong from time to time.

I think we are all becoming paranoid after the Willow incident, which is understandable, but as long as people exist in the world that are prepared to lie or mislead to obtain an animal no pre-adoption home check is going to detect them. In cases where new owners don't readily keep in touch a follow up visit is the best way to avoid another Willow case.

Liz · « **Reply #16 on:** December 05, 2009, 15:58:22 PM »

Just to say I do homechecks for both Cat and Dog rescue - and sadly the home may be perfect but things happen to change that and as unpaid voluteers we do the best we can with the Guidelines we are given

I an quite bad as I like folks to visit me after I have visted them - seeing my lot and the dogs can soon make you change your opinion - we never let folks beu=yond the family room area don't want to scare the ferals but folks who don't want a cat on furniture won't get one from me - I have friends who automatically sit on the floor so not to disturb the cats!

I fo followups for about 5 months where I can but due to life can't always do it for a longer period

I have 3 of my former fosters back here as when folks mentioned former feral rescues got a bit cagey and mention PTS - so home they came - Oscar sleeps on the chair next to our bed, Amber between our pillows next to her daddy

and Sailor got the hang of domestication for 10 weeks before he sadly was PTS in May - not everyone can take back but we always say we will take them back if it doesn't work out and home on where we can and let them stay if they need to

BL Lacie is

and bearing in mind Helena took on Bear from the "internet" would say she knows what to look for and would be honest in any report back to BL

Kay and Penny · « **Reply #15 on:** December 05, 2009, 15:49:08 PM »

Tosker was handed over to me without any check, nor did I see him before he arrived - though I did discuss him with the vet treating him so knew the medical history I was given was genuine

leaving aside pedigrees and unneutered females, though, I would have thought it very uncommon for anyone to offer to foster or adopt a cat for sinister motives, so must say speaking entirely for myself I would be giving the benefit of the doubt to most parties

after all, it would need both a naive homechecker and/or a devious home offerer to cause a bad situation - which obviously can happen but surely not often

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #14 on:** December 05, 2009, 15:37:45 PM »

There is nothing personal in this BL as was said but right now everyone is just wanting toi be certain that all the right steps are taken because in Willows case it was thought they were and look at the devasting effect on everyone concerned, especially Andrea.

From now on I think many forums helping animals will tighten their guidelines, which initially will stop animals being rehomed but tightening up must occur.

I am interested in how CP select their homecheckers, do they have a check list of things to look for or ask? I know all branches work different bur we have a number on Purrs.

I like Moira have said I woould never transport a cat again unless i knew about the person and situation the cat was going into but of course then transported Tina cos in a moments blink I lost many of my worries about people and my worry was over the cat.

However I decided in my own mind that I knew enough about what Moira did, especially in relation to truman and I transferred Tina to Moira but of course I could have just as easily got her to a wrong person.

WE have tried once before on maybe Cat Chat to tighten up and get a system of transporters ets in place but we couldnt do it cos a bit like other forums we all only know each other from the web and have never met,

This is a very big problem BL and I think the original posters comments were valid in light of the last week but it is you in your own mind that has to be sure that you have everything buttoned down and take all actions inline with what is the best way forward in your opinion.

bonnielass · « **Reply #13 on:** December 05, 2009, 15:18:59 PM »

While i agree this is a valid point especially in view of the tragic events of this week .,may i also point out that there are people who are supposidly experts who get it wrong .as Willows sad death has proved

I would NEVER home any animal without first going into every possible detail throughly including vets reports and checking things from every angle and until i am completely satisfied that this person and their situation is right for the cat.

I do have experience of working in cat rescue and doing home checks and do work with the local rescues have done for many years even tho im not a rescue myself so i do know what is involved and i do take it personnally that Im considered unsuitable to assess someones suitability to home a cat.
I have taken in several cats ,from this site without people knowing me personally( altho they do now ) and have also fostered 2 cats whose pictures have appeared on here fequently for a Purrs member and she was on the other side of the world so i think that point is irrelevant.

And while Lacie is a special needs cat her wellbeing is my first priority and until im absolutely sure this is her perfect home then she will stay with me

I cant speak for Tigerbabe or for Hales but no doubt they will add comments at some point

Bazsmum · « **Reply #12 on:** December 05, 2009, 15:07:52 PM »

Helena this has nothing to do with you btw!!!

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #11 on:** December 05, 2009, 14:58:51 PM »

Isnt there a cp branch who could help with this in the area?

bunglycat · « **Reply #10 on:** December 05, 2009, 14:57:21 PM »

Quote from: Jasmine on December 05, 2009, 13:38:20 PM

I may not be in possession of all the facts here, but...

Do you think it's a good idea for someone in principle (and this could apply to anyone - myself included, so please don't take this personally Tigerbaby) who you only know over the internet, is not affiliated to a local bona-fide rescue, has no local knowledge or experience in home-checking, be responsible for assessing the suitability of someone adopting a cat - yet alone one with special needs?

In light of a very sad thread this week, I felt I had to mention this.

I totally agree with this .

Janeyk · « **Reply #9 on:** December 05, 2009, 14:16:26 PM »

I think that's a valid point Jasmine, certainly in the light of what's happened and as you say, not to say people we know aren't capable but when things happen it does you make you more cautious if not just to protect those we know.

Jasmine · « **Reply #8 on:** December 05, 2009, 13:38:20 PM »

I may not be in possession of all the facts here, but...

Do you think it's a good idea for someone in principle (and this could apply to anyone - myself included, so please don't take this personally Tigerbaby) who you only know over the internet, is not affiliated to a local bona-fide rescue, has no local knowledge or experience in home-checking, be responsible for assessing the suitability of someone adopting a cat - yet alone one with special needs?

In light of a very sad thread this week, I felt I had to mention this.

hales · « **Reply #7 on:** December 04, 2009, 21:41:18 PM »

ohh ohh i hope this works out xxx

JackSpratt · « **Reply #6 on:** December 04, 2009, 20:57:29 PM »

Don't see why not - get in touch with Bonnielass via PM and see what she says.

tigerbaby · « **Reply #5 on:** December 04, 2009, 20:41:25 PM »

I might be in Lowestoft on Monday. Would I qualify as a home-checker?

Author Topic: Home visit needed ( Lowestoft ) (Read 19141 times)