In this episode of Sit Stay Rant, the crew looks ahead to exciting changes, working with a new online platform they will be able to have guest appearances and even call-ins from listeners and haters alike. But the heart of the episode digs into a common frustration in the rescue world: unnecessarily rigid adoption processes that scare away good families.

Amy shares the story of a warm, responsible family who recently adopted one of her foster dogs. They were exactly the kind of adopters every rescue hopes for: kind, attentive parents, dog-savvy, and committed. Yet, shockingly, they had been rejected by several other rescues after enduring a grueling gauntlet of phone calls, video chats, and home visits. The final “red flag”? Their youngest child simply preferred calmer dogs over jumpy ones.

This sparks a bigger conversation: where’s the line between important due diligence and outright gatekeeping? When rescues go too far, they risk not only losing great homes for dogs but also pushing frustrated families toward breeders or pet stores. The team reflects on their own streamlined but thoughtful adoption process at Canine, emphasizing balance, trust, and common sense.

Episode 18 shines a light on how rescues can unintentionally sabotage their own mission and calls for a culture shift that makes adoption more welcoming while still keeping dogs safe.