October 2006- my child was taken away from me as I cried on…read morethe floor of my pouch begging the so I'll worker to call the couple who had him to bring him back. Trina Saunders. she convinced me to sign away my son so that she didn't have to report me to DCFS For my daughters well-being. I never shared this with his parents. every October I feel like my womb is ripped from me. I shared with her I didnt want to let go, but she convinced me it was best - there were no resources that could help me and TWO children. They didn't exist. I've been in mourning for years. and his parents never knew. they were never told. I was advised NOT to tell them or there could be legal repercussion for me. I was told to list the father as "unknown" to avoid dispute and delays. I was told keeping my child would put my other child is harms way blog being removed from me also. They soothed the wound with paid speaking engagements where I was instructed to tell adoptive parents how wonderful the process was. my papers were vetting, gone through, and blacked out what I should not share, and additional talking points from other adoptions that were successful were added into my story where they did. it originate. the pain and hurt this has caused me since the day I started filling out the finalized paperwork has created a hole in me that will never be filled.

This company is disgusting! Their true mission is to take kids from people who don't have money,…read moreusing any means possible, to sell to people with money. All so they can make as much profit as they can. I'm a biological parent who "gave" my child to this unscrupulous company years ago. Of course, that was after they took my child to an orphanage 3 hours away, and kept her there until I got a lawyer or signed her away. Well, I was a 21 year old sophomore in college with no money. So, after three and a half weeks I signed away my child in a Knight's Inn because I couldn't stand the thought of her in some orphanage any longer. I tried to convince myself this would work out alright, and they promised me pictures every year. So, that was literally the transaction: I gave away my daughter for pictures of my daughter every year. I haven't received pictures in 13 years of my daughter. My daughter turns 18 next year, and I've been trying to get in touch with Adoption by Gentle Care to see if any pictures ever came through or what happens when she turns 18. As has been the case for the last 17 years, ABGC never returns a phone call or voicemail. They simply couldn't care less. I called again today and some lady told me to send an email, so I can get a call from them. I was a little confused since I was currently on the phone with them. Furthermore, I don't remember anything about an email requirement to get a return phone call when they got their paws on my daughter. After 13 years without a photo of her, this is the treatment I get. I suppose they are just too busy finding every angle they can to get possession of someone else's child to return phone calls that don't produce revenue. To all biological parents thinking of adoption, I strongly suggest you weigh your options before you call this unethical company. ABGC only acts in the best interests of adoptive parents, and their own profitability. I really wanted to keep my daughter in the first place, which often times I wish I had done. But, if adoption is the route you want to go, I would find a really good lawyer and a family friend to place your child with. You need someone you can trust, which is precisely the opposite of what this deceptive, evil company is. Avoid Adoption by Gentle Care at all costs!!

We just adopted our wonderful rescue dog from CDC. The shelter is amazing and the staff is so…read morecaring and generous with all of the animals at the shelter. If you are looking to adopt a dog or a cat this is the place.

Columbus Dog Connection is not a physical shelter, but rather a no-kill rescue organization that…read moresaves dogs from abandonment or abuse by placing them in foster homes until they are found permanent homes. They also take dogs scheduled for euthanasia away from over-populated humane societies and animal control shelters. The CDC website serves as a hub or network of humane organizations and adoption agencies. It represents loads of rescues and services throughout Ohio and links into lists of pets up for adoption, including those fostered specifically by CDC volunteers. It also provides links to adoptions events, reference phone numbers, and legisislative information. Local businesses and fundraisers help keep this fabulous non-profit organization afloat. Mingle with the Mutts is a popular 'mixer' for people and dogs at the Franklin County Dog Shelter (1731 Alum Creek Drive, Columbus 43207) on the first and third Sundays of the month. They take the Mingle outdoors to various parks and other venues during the summer months. It's a great way to see how the dogs interact and also help keep the shelter dogs socialized. The address listed above is the location to which you can send donations. It is not a physical shelter. If you have any questions, email the head honcho- Kellie Difrischia- KDifrischia@yahoo.com. She's a super sweet person with a huge heart for our canine friends.

NEVER contact this place. All they will do is heavily and very rudely guilt you for seeking help…read moreand guidance if you need to re-home an animal. I contacted this place as a last resort after a year of trying to keep my cats and make things work, looking for friends and family to take them, contacting sanctuaries, etc. and the only response I got was that I was doing a terrible thing and need to keep my cats. I tried to communicate with them further and let them know more of my situation and why I am entirely unable to continue caring for them and they only doubled down and said that they will continue to respond as such in the future. VERY unprofessional. I need help. Not shame. absolutely sickening, no other shelter/foster/sanctuary gave any such response even when they were completely full.

Lack of Communication & Unprofessional…read more I had placed an application for two separate cats. After waiting about three days, I left a voicemail to check on the status of my application. The following evening, I had received a follow up email on one of the cats because I had accidentally selected 'yes' if I intended to have the cat declawed, and they wanted to verify my intention which I really liked. I replied that same evening to let them know that was a mistake, and I did not intend to have him declawed. After still not hearing anything back for four days, I emailed them asking for an update and asking if they were having any trouble contacting my references and to let me know if they needed any help processing my application. No reply for another week. And I checked on the website to see the cat had been adopted. I understand that these are volunteers running this organization, but the lack of proper communication and transparency is very frustrating especially after I made the effort to follow up with them. Even a reply letting me know that another family was looking at the cat would've been acceptable. Some sort of update would've been appreciated. I had to find out by looking at the site to know that he was already gone. It was quite upsetting to find out this way. The time I was waiting on a reply, I could've been looking at other options. I see that they host a number of events, and I'm wondering exactly how organized they are if their communication with adoptions is this dry.

I strongly do not recommend using this shelter. I fostered a dog named "Courage", we called him…read moreCharlie for three days and officially adopted him on the fourth day. I was given paperwork stating that Charlie was safe to be around children. Based on what ultimately occurred, I believe that paperwork was inadequate and misleading. At the time of adoption, Charlie was sent home on four Trazodone pills per day. I was told by the shelter's veterinarian Zac, that this medication was for depression and anxiety, and that it was okay to wean him off of the medication. When I followed that guidance and began tapering the medication, Charlie's behavior changed dramatically. He exhibited clear behavioral issues, became aggressive, and ultimately bit my daughter. Based on how quickly his behavior escalated once the medication was reduced, I believe the Trazodone may have been used to mask underlying aggression rather than disclose a serious behavioral risk to a household with a child. The police were called immediately. When officers contacted Franklin County Animal Control, the response was deeply concerning. The agency argued with the responding police officer and initially refused to send anyone out, even after being informed that a dog had bitten a child. Only after a supervisor was requested and the officer insisted that the dog be picked up immediately did they take action. This situation was mishandled at every level--behavioral disclosure, medication guidance, paperwork accuracy, and emergency response. Families rely on shelters to be honest and transparent so they can make informed decisions that protect their children and homes. That did not happen here. Charlie was euthanized. Based on this experience, I strongly do not recommend using this shelter.

i cry every time that I walk in the place, I just want to take them all. i've had to put down 6…read moredogs within the past year and it kills me to see these animals without a loving home.

Superb Attorney!…read more Attorney Roy responded to our concerns the same day or by the next day. We truly appreciate that service due to concerns regarding legal issues one is already sitting on the edge of your seat anticipating and wondering what's next but working with Attorney Roy she puts the fear and uncertainty at ease and for that we were truly grateful. We will seek her Expertise should we ever require legal counsel again. Thank you Attorney Roy!

These words and rating will not express Cynthia Roy's outstanding level of expertise and integrity…read morein helping me establish the custody level I was seeking along with being awarded child support. I've dealt with many types of attorney from good to bad. She is on the level of excellent. I was in a 10 year relationship unmarried and my children mother wanted to and did take my kids out of state without consulting me & without my permission. I was in a very tough situation with short time to respond. She quickly got the courts involved and filed nessary motions, blocking the children's move, including a Guardian Ad Litem to represent our children. We know it can get costly and she worked with me finanally. I was able to get a temp court order to enroll the kids into school and temp custody until things were worked out. She was very responsive and gave me a peace of mind when I was worrysome. I was referred by a friend that she helped get custody who had a crazy story. Ive had many people ask for her contact since and I am blessed to of found her. Save your time looking for a family attorney, she is definitely a go-to. I am very satisfied with my outcome.

I would highly recommend this law firm her team has been diligent on working with my divorce. They…read moreare very thorough and don't miss anything.

Erika Smitherman represented me during my custody trial as I worked to gain more time with my son…read more She provided excellent advice and thoughtful guidance through every critical decision, always weighing the options quickly and effectively. Erika was not only smart and to the point, but also incredibly friendly and welcoming throughout the entire process. Her knowledge and insight were unmatched, and I truly felt supported every step of the way. I highly recommend Erika to anyone in need of a strong, compassionate advocate--including my own family and friends. She was accretive, sharp, and genuinely cared about the outcome of my case. M.Finken

Great underestimated shelter. 100$ for kittens 50$ for adult cats. Amazing prices. Also we got the…read morelittle love of my life there. We got the best kitten anyone could ask for. Quick process, very professional. They really care about the animals and where they go. 10/10

Due to our cat of 9.5 year's sudden passing we were recently looking for a new kitten/cat to fill…read morethe big cat shoes that were left behind. My wife and I visited Colony Cats, Cat Welfare, and Cozy Cat Cottage to name a few. With all of the wonderful potential fur kids we saw we didn't see the one that we just connected with. We decided to go to Pets Without Parents as it was a rescue that we had not been to before and it was just down Indianola from our house. We had no expectations when we went to PWP other than we knew that they were a smaller rescue that was located in an older house. When we walked in we were pleasantly greeted by a volunteer and showed where the hand sanitizer (so that we could clean our hands between kitties). The individual who greeted us was figuratively knee deep in cleaning dog cages but, she was friendly and responsive when we had questions. There, in the center cage on the bottom was this beautiful kitten! Both of our hearts melted when we saw him, as he was nearly the spitting image of the cat we had just lost. The individual working the shelter that day let us know that those two kittens were meant to be picked up today by the person that was adopting them. Our hearts collectively dropped as then we knew that of the cats at PWP, these were the ones that we shouldn't get attached. We petted all the cats that we could, well save the brand new box of feral kittens! I am sure that in no time they'll be adoptable little fluffs! Despite not seeing a cat/kitten we connected to we decided to put in an application. The application was very similar to others you might see when adoption a new animals. Asked for references, job information, current pet information, veterinary contact, as well as things the adopter's view on declawing. Much to my surprise I received a call the very next day from the PWP shelter manager! I thought that the call may have been to clarify the application we had submitted but, it was not. The adoption on the beautiful kitten (that was meant to go home the day before) had fallen through. They wanted to know if we would like to come meet the little we had seen the day before. We quickly (and gleefully) went back to PWP to officially meet & pet this kitten. Cat carrier in tow, of course, just in case! If you adopt through PWP you get a wellness check up card for use at the vet where the animal has received their vaccines & spay/neuter. We took this offer so that we could get our new little friend checked out before we established him at our vet. This was great as he had a cold (that they were treating him for) and we were able to proceed to the next step in treatment, an antibiotic shot to help knock out the remainder of the kitty cold. The adoption contract at PWP is more heavily worded than others might be. There is a provision in it where if the contract is broken that PWP can seek money from the adopter who has broken the contract. It seems to me that this is included to bring home the gravity that is the responsibility of adopting a furkid. Oh, and I can verify that the folks at PWP do check references, which is great since they are working to place pets in well suited homes. P.S. Pets Without Parents is loud. With the pupsters looking for a new home in the adjacent room, any kitten/cat adopted from these guys will likely be a-okay with loud sounds and barking dogs. Train tracks also run right next door to the rescue. P.P.S. Our new kitten is fitting in purrfectly at home.

This law firm is incompent. The ability to clarify. They only retain clients that are seeking…read morelarge amounts. Lawyer's use to be all about justice. I was told that the efforts were not worth their time to try my case.

From the owner: Columbus, Ohio law firm with over 40 years of legal experience. Our attorneys have handled over…read more30,000 personal injury cases and helped clients receive more than $150,000,000. We focus on a wide variety of legal practice areas including: personal injury, auto accidents, nursing home abuse, medical malpractice, wrongful death, legal malpractice, dog bites, divorce and family law, oil and gas leases, probate litigation and much more.

Horrible, unorganized, rude, and demanding people. They don't care about the foster parents or the…read morekids. I got into foster care for good reasons, but these people made me quit. I only gave 24 hours in a week I was not available to transport the kids to visitations and they told me I had to take the 2 sisters ( I kept them together by taking both ) during those hours with no consideration for my hardship. I was told that there were 2 sets of parents needing 2 different visitations a week only after I already came to pick them up. Then they said that the father could only come at this one time a week and the mother could only come another one time. Seriously? I'm available 2 weekdays, all weeknights, all weekends and these people can only be available for one hour and only on my workday? Bull. I think the social workers told me that the parents couldn't do weekends because they didn't want to come in then. Oh, but I volunteered MY weekends and really my 24-7 life trying to help these kids and a system that does not give you enough money to even care for the kids. They bend over backwards for the parents who broke the law and expect me to change my whole life to fit the whims of the parents and social workers. One time, they promised transportation during my workday for a visitation scheduled on my workday, confirmed it, and then pulled out the transportation and I said I had to figure it out. They think they have all the power, but I'll just pull out. I feel bad for the kids, but I will not lose my job over this, or be disrespected and taken for granted. Also, after I got one into daycare and changed my life to care for the kids, they say, oh, by the way, Kin stepped forward and we're looking into them as caregivers after 3 weeks. Fine. I don't recommend foster care to anyone through Franklin County. Go to a neighboring county.

From the owner: By Investing Time in Our Children, We Invest Time in Our Future. A Variety of Services Helps Move…read moreChildren on to Brighter Tomorrows Adoption & Foster Care 341-6060 Foster Care: Temporary Foster Parents are Need to Provide Safe and Stable Homes Until Family Problems Can Be Worked Out or the Children Move on to Adoptive Homes Adoption: Adopting a Child Can Be a Rewarding and Heartfelt Experience. Many Beautiful and Lovable Children are Waiting to Be Adopted and Once Again Become Part of a Family Volunteers and Mentors 275-2690 Children Services Has a Variety of Volunteer and Mentor Opportunities Designed to Enrich the Lives of the Children As Well As the Lives of Those Who Give the Gifts of Time and Caring Friendship Volunteers Share Time and Activities with a Child on An Individual Basis Simba & Malaika Mentors Provide Africentric Guidance and Friendship to African American Boys and Girls 24-Hour Child Abuse Hotline 229-7000 Franklin County Children Service s is Mandated by Ohio Law to Investigate Reports of Child Abuse and Neglect. Child Maltreatment May Include Physical, Sexual or Emotional Abuse or Neglect

I filled out an application to adopt a kitten. When contacted a woman answered saying she would…read morespeak with the "board" and said they do not like to adopt cats to people who are "not on their own" and questioned if I could afford a cat meanwhile I guarantee I make more money than these people and would love to compare tax returns... we work in IT and LAW then stated that they get a 100 calls a day with people saying they can't afford their pets. FIRST of all, there are many different cultures which have different family dynamics, and I apologize MOST AMERICANS lack strong family values and it is not I guess normal to have a multi-generational household. And then this person never had the courtesy to call me back to let me know if my application was denied or not. I WILL never donate a single penny or ever recommend anyone to adopt here. And by the way I have a cat now that has a pricey special medical need that I am fully capable of affording. THANKS!

They helped me and very professional nice place to go for cats staff was very helpful with a sick…read morestray