I recently adopted a German Shepherd dog from Castaic Animal Shelter. Ellen Paiva came highly recommended so I paid her for eight weeks of training up front. Unfortunately, after just two lessons, my wife and I made the tough decision to return the dog to the shelter as she was too much to handle. Without knowing the dog's history, her spontaneous aggression made my wife afraid. Ellen was sympathetic and understanding - until I politely asked her to return the unused 75% of the training fees. At that point she ignored my week of emails and would not return my calls. I am a huge supporter of small business and strong believer in referrals (which is how Ellen got my business). However, I have zero tolerance for unethical business practices. Ellen has stolen money from me and that is FRAUD. While she is a "nice lady" and certainly knows her way around dogs, I cannot in good conscience recommend anyone who is more concerned with lining her pockets than doing the right thing by a customer. I am angry and very disappointed. Also, shame on you, Castaic Animal Shelter, for putting your good name behind an unethical woman like Ellen Paiva.
Tony F. read more