rev:text
| - I adopted the sweetest pup from this shelter when I moved to AZ about two and half years ago. He is the sweetest little guy with the best personality.
However, I was very saddened by the conditions the animals were living in- this was before their remodel (haven't seen the place after it). But there were several small stalls just packed with dogs! There were probably 14 in the box where I got my dog from, which was about the size of my shower (bigger than a standard shower) and literally held together with thin sheets of wood about 4ft high. There were so many dogs in that tiny space, the gal didn't even know which one I wanted to see and I had to go inside to show her. Aside from that, everyone I dealt with at the shelter was nice and polite.
I was also taken aback by how easy it was to adopt him - I literally signed one or two papers, handed over the adoption fee, and they sent us on our way. The reason I was so surprised is because they did not conduct a background check to make sure I have no prior record of animal abuse (which I don't, but I wish they would check this for the sake of the innocent animals!), and they also didn't do a home check - being a small shelter, I thought maybe they would. There was no delay period, as I'd experienced with a humane society in my home state of Michigan.
After I took my boy home, I scheduled for him to see a vet at University Pet Hospital in Tempe--I absolutely recommend this place, Dr. Koch and Dr. Tascon are both great and you get a MASSIVE discount for bringing in a shelter rescue, just bring in proof of adoption. Turns out he had kennel cough and had diahrrea for many months. After many rectal exams, medications, and around $1200 (xrays and rectal exams aren't cheap when they are happening monthly, if not more), we got to the bottom of it, but I wish he'd been properly cared for before I adopted him so he could have had an easier few months without any pain!!
Aside from that, my pup is happy and in good health now and I look longingly at their pics for the time when I'm ready to bring another dog into the house! I'm not sure if I'll use this shelter again, but I love having a rescued dog - they have so much love to give if given the chance!
|