Safe Place for Animals

It's been one month since we adopted a dog from Safe Place and he is a terrific pet. They helped us identify which dogs would be cat friendly and he's been a great match for us. There was a bit of a wait period where our application got delayed, but that seems to be more from an oversight than anything else. They care about the animals, the place is clean, and the animals are well cared for. I have been very happy with our pup and would get another pet from them for sure.

Immediately walking in the woman with the apron seemed irritated that we were there. She brought the dog out and kept talking to me like I've never pet a dog before. After the dog warmed up and jumped into my lap I asked basic questions about the dogs personality which are absolutely necessary. I asked if the dog was good with kids. She responded "Are THEY good with dogs? What are they going to do, throw her around? I think this dog would be better for an old person", really smart and judgmental. I said I didn't have kids but I'm around kids on occasion. "Well you should just lock the dog up when people come over". I found it very odd considering people bring their dogs more places than just their home. I always have kids at the park who want to pet my current dog and Ive had a dog in the past that was terrified of kids. It was a very uncomfortable situation. It would be more professional if you asked us what we were looking for before looking at the dog. That's what other shelters do.

The lady at the front door was RUDE and very agitated as soon as we walked in. She told us to move as we were walking in the door because the dogs started to bark, as dogs do. We really wanted to view adaptable animals but she made the experience very uncomfortable. I worry about the animals she watches after because she clearly has a short fuse.

Adopted the absolute BEST dog in the world through SPA 5 years ago. Like many independent non-profits, they do have expectations for those looking to adopt, but they always look to make the best match between owner and pet. I would recommend adopting from the SPA to anyone—they have GREAT family pets!

On Friday (3/8) afternoon, I went to the shelter to see a puppy named Cisco. Upon arrival, I speak to Susie and explain my situation. We are looking for a companion for our dog, Luna, who we believe was used as a bait dog and who struggles with loneliness and anxiety. She needs a dog friend. Didn't hide Luna's history, I showed photos to Susie which showed her lack of fur and scarred appearance. Susie agreed Cisco would be a great option for us because of his calm and easy going nature. I asked if we could bring Luna in the following morning to meet with Cisco. She agreed enthusiastically. Next morning, I find a woman, explain what I discussed with Susie. I asked if we could do the meet and greet in the front office in the waiting room due to our dog being previously abandoned. We were denied. They bring Cisco out and as soon as the first woman saw our dog all of her walls went up. We are completely fine with questions regarding our dog. They are understandable. We are happy to answer questions and provide examples if need be. We also get needing to protect your dogs and needing to be on your guard. Please note: Luna is mainly ignoring the puppy and not once did she show any aggression. She begins to imply our dog may bite the puppy because Luna is working hard to get away from it by going behind my husband. We tell her that's never happened and we have a firm handle on her regardless. Despite this, for the next 30 minutes we continue to hear about how we "just never know" and about how our dog has the potential to be violent. I wonder if they'd do that if it was a scared up lab or gold retriever? I doubt it. Another woman wouldn't stop glaring at Luna and even had the audacity to ask if Luna "had ever even been AROUND puppies?!" in a hateful, short, accusatory voice while looking at Luna like she's a monster. Luna had puppies herself. As soon as they saw Luna, they made their decision on our approval status and they made it very clear. During the whole meet and greet, She told multiple stories to try prove "we just never know" because she lacked the social grace to realize enough was enough (even after we expressed our frustration at her continuous accusations). She even told a story about how she found out her "sweet" dog was racist. Dogs reflect the prejudices of their owners so we found that interesting. She even used a story regarding a dog that'd been clearly over bred to make a point that Luna could suddenly attack. It was unbelievable. The lack of social intelligence was staggering. We get the concern, but they made it clear they believed us naive and it was only a matter of time before "Luna snapped". They acted like we were horrible for wanting to get Luna a companion. Like we would endanger a puppy for the sake our own desires. They vibes made the whole thing awkward and awful. Dogs can sense that so of course Luna was afraid. I would be too if I had two women looking at me like that. I expressed my concerns regarding their behavior. I was met with even more apathy and empty apologies. We left and found a perfect puppy at the Humane Society of Sumner County. The people there were incredible and kind. This was our first experience with our sweet Luna being looked at like she was a monster. Everyone who knows her loves her. Place was also in horrible shape including the vet area. Cisco was caked in mud upon arrival in the morning meaning he probably slept that way. I hope he gets a great home. Please see attached photos of new puppy (Remus) and our "dangerous" Luna - one photo is her and a tripod cat whose her bestie. To the person who may respond to this, please, don't passive aggressively state that you are "just trying to keep dogs safe". We get that. That doesn't inhibit you from having some level of social intelligence, professionalism, and/or the ability to listen. Thank you, Susie, for your kindness on Friday. Shame on the rest Update: as expected Luna (the safety concern/liability *sarcasm*) and Remus (puppy we got from Sumner Humane Society) are absolute best friends.