Shari,
I have been there. I don't think its fair for a rescue group or shelter to turn you down just because we have small children. I mean I understand not all parents are good parents and can allow the kid to become unruly and hurt the puppy HOWEVER there are plenty of good parents who actually understand the word SUPERVISION willing to work at making a dog and a child work. I mean they don't even bother to ask about the kid or do a home visit, like we are all unfit puppy/dog parents. That is SO untrue....here is a willing forever home for a dog and they won't even consider you because you have kids under 12? Well guess what are they even giving ANY thought that kids over 12 or whatever can misbehave and think its funny to tease a dog (teenagers are just as dangerous) It annoys the heck outta me, can you tell.
Fletcher came from a shelter, sure I had to provide personal references and they wanted to talk to my vet, but because of the distance a home visit was not going to happen, but they spent time interviewing me on how I would handle this or that. I'm so glad they would at least explore the option. Not just stereo type my 4 yr old or my parents skills.
Again I understand why groups screen families their main goal is to provide forever homes however labeling EVERY child under 10 or 8 or 5 unfit to live with a dog so completely unfair.
Years ago, I offered to foster rescue beagles, I got the same response because at the time my older kids were 2 and 5. I called the coordinator in my area and gave her my two cents and she agreed to do a home visit and met my children. Actually she wanted to come several times. Well, guess what after being in my house for one visit she agreed that I would be great at foster work. I ended up becoming their go to foster in my area to deal with shy dogs. Unfortunately, I got divorced and had to move to a smaller house with barely a back yard so I stopped doing foster work. But I did it with 2 small kids for almost 3 years.
Sure, I have had some problems with Fletcher and my 4 year old monster, however I NEVER leave them unsupervised and I am willing and able to resolve any issues that arise including crating my son
no just kidding. My 4 year old now is WAY more wild than my older 2 were however, I have to keep the kid and the dog so we are just going to have to do whatever is necessary to train them both to live together in harmony.
Sorry that was rant-ish but it's my opinion.
Melissa