This is a response to Marianne H.'s review from one of the officers of Carolina Great Pyrenees Rescue. Marianne's review of Shannon's business is inappropriate because she's never patronized it. Shannon runs a boarding kennel and grooming salon. This YELP page is for that business, and not the rescue. Marianne never brought her dog for grooming or boarding at Shannon's facility, and so she has no basis for her low review. Marianne's review of the rescue is also inaccurate, however, and I am glad to explain why. Neither Shannon--nor any of us--make money off of rescue. Shannon donates the use of her facility and staff. We are a 501(c)3, and the work that we do saving over 100 Pyrs each year is funded largely by donations from supporters and by Shannon, myself, and my husband. Adoption fees pay for some, but not all, of the Pyrs' vet bills and food, but If we didn't spend our own money, this rescue wouldn't exist. Marianne's suggestion that Shannon puts profit before our Pyrs has no basis in fact -- we make no profit, and we have the resources to cover our Pyrs' bills because of our planning and fundraising not because of her adoption fee. In addition, our rate of returns on dogs is about 7%, which is significantly lower than most rescues and shelters. It is so low because we screen applicants and try to make the best match, and we care for Pyrs as long as it takes to do so. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, it doesn't work out. We are dealing with living creatures, and we can't predict what will happen in homes once Pyrs leave us. In those situations, we always take the Pyrs back and fully refund the adoption fee, which is what we did in this situation with Marianne. Another reason why we have such a low return rate is that we advise new Pyr owners about how to transition their dog to their home, and we explain that new Pyrs, like all new dogs, shouldn't be left unattended unless crated until you are sure they understand house rules. The dog mentioned has never shown separation anxiety in our facility, nor in the forever home in which he is successfully living. Although we are sorry for the damage to Marianne's home, we can't take responsibility for adoptive owners who don't follow our instructions. No new dog should be left lose in their new home. That's not unique to Pyrs. That's common sense. Last, in looking back at our email correspondence with Marianne, I personally explained to her that we do not have livestock at our kennels and can't, therefore, test Pyrs with other animals besides dogs. She was the one who said that she wasn't looking for an experienced livestock guardian dog. We never claimed this Pyr was trained to guard chickens. Marianne made the decision herself to do something we see a mixed success rate with, at best -- introduce an adult dog with no known working history to chickens. That was her choice, and the responsibility for the outcome lies with her, not us. We do not recommend transitioning pets to working dogs. We've been around for 25 years, and we've placed thousands of Pyrs in loving homes. Marianne is the first person to use YELP to criticize our charity. If someone wants to discourage others from saving homeless dogs, that is her right, but I think she is wrong to do so. read more