My...Oh...My. I'm not even sure where to begin with these guys. I completed an application on their website on Friday, January the 29th, then attended the adoption event at the Euless PetSmart the very next day - Saturday the 30th. My girlfriend and I walked into the store, followed the signage, and turned left about halfway into the store. There, we were immediately judged from two overly fastidious and persnickety (older) women. It was the "tattoos" or the "bold hairstyle" where references were made, and southern judgmental-ism rested. Looking beyond their poor approach, we introduced ourselves, and the ringleader of the troupe came forward to exclaim, "I know who you are. I looked you up online. You have a well-paying job but have no place owning a dog. We don't allow anyone to to adopt that works more than as much as you do!"
Stunned at the complete lack of sanity, sheer ignorance and irrevocable (lofty) expectations, I replied, "Well, my family has owned eleven dogs since I was four, and all of them have had wonderful lives. My parents worked normal jobs (six to eight hours) like 95% of the population in the United States, and those dogs never had any issues being alone."
A retort bounced back, "You're just not ideal for owning a dog. Good luck to you."
Completely flabbergasted, my girlfriend and I walked away. It was definitely for the best that we did not adopt from them... I wound up rescuing a purebred Beagle from Lost Paws Rescue of Texas. The owner, Lisa, conveyed some troubling information about the lady we dealt with at DFW Tzus and how their organization is conducted. Even further concerning, the manager of the PetSmart shared his observations with me, to the tune of "their adoption expectations are elitist and close-minded. That's not what adopting is about, and not what our store stands for." Interestingly, DFW Rescue Me is the exact opposite of DFW Tzus as far as their inner-workings and dedication to finding forever homes for animals.
Racism exists not purely and solely in the form of what most people think: skin color. But, more so in the fact that certain styles (fashion) or even lifestyles signify a tattered, sometimes criminal life. I am happy to report that my girlfriend and I both have advanced degrees, excellent careers, strong family ties, and surprisingly Conservative views. Appearances usually are deceiving, and there is no place for judgmental minds or racism in our world any longer. read more