Sometimes, when the shelter won't work with BRAT, we can get one of our screened folks down to get the dog…
In my area, if I get a basenji into a shelter and they won't release the dog to BRAT, I send everyone down to the shelter to "adopt" the dog...
That is everyone we have on the BRAT list who looks to be a good b owner, I send info on the dog in the shelter
Once I hear one of these folks have the b, then I can support them, and if needed, take the dog into foster care...keeping it out of the shelter.
We only do what we can.
But oh, these old dears just break my heart...