We have rules too- we don't adopt our labs to people who live in apartments or those who don't have fences.
Here's why
-most apartments don't allow big dogs so if we allowed people to adopt chances are the apartment manager will find out and the people will have to get rid of it. I have personal experience of this- one of my foster fails came from an owner who had 2 dogs crated 18 hours a day to keep them quiet. She took them to her vet and said that either the vet take them or she'd take them to the shelter. These were 8 year old dogs who had spent their whole lives together.
- it's imperative to have a fence- chaining them or kenneling them outside just isn't a great option. We end up with so many dogs that have either run away ( and we can't find their owners) or they have spent their lives chained. Having a fence is no guarantee but it does show that the owner is open to making responsible choice for their pets well being.
We spend a ton of time vetting, training and raisin these dog. We have rules so that we know we have taken every effort to ensure that these dogs have forever homes. I work with a lab rescue and we have a lot of rules.
Twyla's has a very good reputation and I've even sent people their way for a new pet.
Please do not take it personally or emotionally. It's nothing against you- the rules apply to everyone. I had to get rid of sago palms in my yard before I could adopt my foster fail.
I'm sure you will find a new friend- Harris County and Montgomery have a ton of adoptable dogs- they don't have as many rules- of course the dog may not be fully vetted or trained 4951