I adopted a little dog from Kathy named " Giggles " about 13 years ago. I had seen her for adoption had instant connection We drove to Yakima to see her, and I will never forget that day! Kathy had us sit as she let the dogs out all they were mainly big dogs as we were watching a little white dog comes out from that pack full of confidence, Kathy asked us to just sit and watch as we did this little cute smart dog jumped on my grandson lap and started to lick him. It was love at first sight Kathy told us her background which was horrible, and our hearts melted. Kathy you were right in letting her pick us for she was extremely intelligent very sensitive and always remained loyal She brought us so much joy, she on her own would do tricks made us laugh and was so loving! Four months ago, she had a seizure took her to the vet after x rays etc. was diagnosed with bad heart valves, she was 13 and would not survive any medical interventions. We hung on to her while treating her with heart and pain meds for as long as possible without making her suffer but it came to a point where she was having more bad days then good and with her expressive eyes, she let me know. We had a vet that comes to your home for euthanasia she died peacefully on the couch at home. I just want to let you know the choice you made letting her adopt us was right she had a very good life and was much loved. Thank you, Kathy for Sophie " Giggles" who brought us years of joy! Marta Johnson read more

I feel compelled to write because I had a successful adoption from Lifesavers. We couldn't be more lucky to have our dog in our house. Yes, before we were accepted, the operator was cold. She runs the organization on her own and as such, has to keep it short - she gets many requests a day after all. Additionally PUPPIES ARE A LOT OF WORK and most people don't realize the amount of time or effort they require to be good canine citizens. When we first picked up our dog, she needed to go outside about every two hours. That is a lot of work. Add in the amount of time we spent training and working with her? Tons of work. Countless hours. But now, when she goes to stay with our friends who also have the same breed, they are shocked by how well behaved ours is. But I reiterate, the amount of time, crazy. We were initially rejected because we lived in a condo, but I couldn't let it go. So I wrote back a very polite email that if she ever changed her mind, we'd take the pup. Eventually we heard back and over night, the operator changed. When we met her, she indicated that she'd received a lot of threats from people, had people turn out to be horrible adopters, and was simply very protective. While it was frustrating, I think it's important to understand the situation she is in as well. I've volunteered with other organizations since, and I now know that most people will not give a reason why they don't approve you because they don't want to insult or hurt the peoples feelings. read more

NASTY!!!!!!! I inquried about adopting a puppy from their organization and the woman who responded to my initial email was rude and condescending. She asked me a list a questions, that I answered and the response was even MORE rude and condescendng than the first. I've worked with recuse organizations in the past, I've had in home visits and I've never been so insulted when just trying to give a puppy a wonderful life in a loving home. read more

So... I was telling a friend of mine about the experience I had with this so-called rescue, and she recommended that I check the state records. Turns out the nonprofit organization called "Lifesavers Dog Rescue" with agent "Kathleen/Kathy Duff" has an inactive license with the secretary of state. LIFESAVERS DOG RESCUE UBI Number 602945649 Category REG Profit/Nonprofit Nonprofit Active/Inactive Inactive State of Incorporation WA WA Filing Date 08/07/2009 Expiration Date 08/31/2010 Inactive Date 12/01/2010 Duration Perpetual Registered Agent Information Agent Name: KATHY DUFF Address: 2706 S 86TH AVE City: YAKIMA State: WA ZIP: 98903 There's a previous listing UBI 602562843 that had previously expired. So if you adopted from "Lifesavers Dog Rescue" since December 2010, you're buying a dog from an individual - not rescuing through a legal organization. read more

After posting my review/... This is what the Kathy starting sending.. Way to be a professional....... Rianna I usually ignore such stupid remarks on Yelp because they are ALL from people I turned down for a dog for very VERY valid reasons and they were too immature to accept being told NO. A friend of mine told me about yours and so I read it............... What the hell do you mean all communication stopped? I was the one who last emailed you and YOU didn't respond back to me. Questions are asked of everyone because we in rescue want to put the dog we have in the right home for them and the people in the home especially when they are wanting a rambunctious pup and have a 4 year old child. YOU were the one who did not get back to me. Are you proud that your wrote a big lie to Yelp? Do you realize it doesn't affect me in the least BUT it could keep someone from adopting a homeless dog and if that is the type of person you are, then you are disgusting, plus a liar. I could write back about you on Yelp but it isn't worth my time....but yet then again maybe it isn't. Tell me EXACTLY what you hoped would happen by your stupid review? Do you want my rescue shut down? Do you not want anyone to adopt to me? Do you think I am a business and make money off rescue work....what a laugh! Do you think a few negative reviews both my rescue? You must be a very unhappy, not very nice person at all. Do you want ALL the dogs I have helped had rather be put to death in a shelter. You need to examine your motives and see what harm you must have wanted to cause and again, that is disgusting. I wouldn't have adopted a puppy like Bopper to you with your toddler. You may not care about your child but I do. Stand by your reviews, they fit you! read more

If there were minus stars I would do it - I just made a simple inquiry and got the most rude and nasty responses IMMEDIATELY from Kathy! And really, it was beyond rude, it was basically a personal attack against my character. Someone she has no idea about me other than two short and friendly emails I had sent her. Seriously, don't even bother!! And one more thing - here's what she wrote to me in an email about the Yelp postings she has: "It is the idiots, such as yourself who write in nasty comments to Yelp. I couldn't care less what the people I have turned down have to say. If they were the right type of dog owner or had the right type of home they wouldn't have been turned down but they are immature and can't take NO for answer." Yes, according to her, it's everyone on here's fault because we're immature idiots. Heaven forbid we are just responding to her unimaginable and unwarranted hostility! Until today I couldn't imagine being treated so horribly for simply asking a question. Be warned - for every bad comment on here I bet there are probably 100 more people who didn't post - I already heard from one of them on Facebook! read more

Recently I learned of this organization when a close friend of mine had the terrible misfortune of falling in love with one of the dogs they are advertising on petfinder.com. Never before have I been so moved by horrendous service to the point of writing an online review; but in this case, if I can prevent just one person from having to deal with Lifesavers Rescue, my time will have been well spent. Personally, I have over seventeen years spent in the veterinary field, primarily as a licensed veterinary technician and hospital manager. In the early 2000's I also established and operated a nonprofit pet rescue organization based out of Seattle. It is this background that I feel qualifies me a creditable source for the atrocious way Lifesavers Rescue is being run. Obviously, any reputable rescue organization will want to assure that the pets in their care are going to well qualified homes that are dedicated to that pet. However, what I have seen from Lifesavers Rescue, they are taking that to the extreme. They make it nearly impossible for anyone who is employed to adopt a dog from them, due to their unrealistic expectation of people's availability to be with their dog. Yes, in a perfect world nobody would work, and would spend every day at the park with their dog, but this is not reality. By setting their expectations at this level, they are preventing these animals from being placed into loving, well qualified homes, and therefore extending the time they are in foster care. Even worse than their impractical expectations they lay on applicants, is the way in which they communicate to potential adopters. The individual that was performing the screening process was condescending, insulting, rude, unprofessional, and immature. I can't begin to explain how appalled I was at the way in which she was representing the organization. There are entirely too many rescue organizations in the area to allow such an atrocity to remain in operation. If you are considering adopting a dog from Lifesavers, please do yourself a favor, and find a respectable organization to adopt from. read more

I recently adopted 2 adorable and loving sisters from this Rescue at PetsMart. They were long haired black cats (my favorite). When I got them home they started coughing and sneezing and discharge was coming from they're eyes. I called Life Savers and was told they were treated for kennel couch but cured. With how long they had been at PetsMart I would have thought the symptoms would not come back once they moved in with me. I was also told that all of their cats have kennel couch. So I took them to Ponderoso Veternary Clinic, which even Life Savers told me were the best but most expensive in the area. I was told that cats very rarely get Kennel Cough but they do get feline herpes and this is what they indeed had. They were put on lots of medications and would have to be on suppliments for their entire life. Also the symptoms would have to be treated every time they crop up. I am on disability so I cannot afford this so I called Animal Savers and they agreed to take the cats back and also pay the vet bill which was $350 and give me back my Adoption Fee. But Linda very rudely said they don't have have herpes. Why she would say this when she they told me that Ponderosa was the best is beyond me. Then I found a kitten on craigslist and took him in for his first shots at All Creatures Big and Small since they are much cheaper than Ponderosa and have a 5 star rating on Google and told them the story and they agreed that cats very rarely get kennel cough. I then decided something had to be done so they would stop fucking over people since they adopt their cats as is without warranty and do not disclose what diseases they were treated for unless you call them. The manager at PetsMart told me to call PetsMart Corporate and Corporate is in the process of putting me in contact with the stores upper management. So at the very least I am hoping that PetsMart will force Life Savers to see reason and start disclosing this imformation or stop using Life Savers for their cat adoptions. Either way I am making it my mission to make the public aware and I may even go as far as to start a class action lawsuit and sue the fuck out of them. People like this should not be in business even though helping cats find good homes is a good thing. All they care about is their fucking bottom line. read more

*Be warned to all who read this*. Wish I would have before pursuing this pet. I have had many pets in my life. I have always loved and taken care of them. When I requested information on a pet that I was absolutely in love with from Petfinder.com, within a couple hours Kathy responded with telling me to fill out a preliminary adoption form. I answered all the questions with honesty. Within two hours, I was denied the option to even continue on with the adoption process. I was denied because I was going to be leaving this dog in my yard with access to my house during the hours I was working! Like a dog wouldn't love a fenced yard and doggy door to the house?!!! But, my husband is home when I work, and he works when I'm home. There is always someone home. However, I was denied even being able to adopt this animal?l!!! I sent two more compelling and polite emails to tell her that we have been looking for a pet just like this one for four years ever since my last dog had passed away. I had finally found a dog that I was certain would complete our home as an invaluable member. I told her that I would love and cherish this dog, train it, and keep up with its every need. I begged her to reconsider her choice. I even asked for a number to call or hours of the shelter so I could visit and talk with someone in person. I don't understand how someone could judge someone. I agree with earlier reviews on how someone could not work and have a dog??? Does this shelter only adapt to people who stay home 24/7? No one in this economy can do that. It's been three days, and no one has answered me back. However, when I first inquired, I sure got an answer within hours. I doubt I will hear back. read more

Before searching for a pet, I reviewed different rescue organizations to make sure they weren't dogs for profit mills in disguise (yes that is frequent problem, especially with puppies) I have to admit that I was taken aback by a lengthy application process and home visit. But after emailing and meeting these animal guardian angels I now understand why they are so defensive and choosy about adopting out their pets.They told us horror stories about home conditions they have seen; people who chain up dogs outside even in winter, everyday, all day, chains imbedded in necks from years of neglect,dogs kicked and abused because the adopters didn't know the traits of the breed may mean barking, digging,hard to potty train, lots of energy, kills cats or even bites rowdy kids who won't leave them alone, etc. They have seen many pets adopted then end up at kill shelters shortly there after. They will take the pet back if it doesn't work for your family. Almost no agency does that except the humane society which does kill pets. So is it any wonder that they are a little suspicious and a lot cautious and want to make sure we are not any of these horrific people before entrusting these precious lives to us? They get emotionally attached to these animals who were unwanted for what ever reason and they spend huge amounts of money and time on getting them surgery, shots, etc. and training. They do not go on vacations or hardly even out to eat because they put their pets first. This is not a business where if you have the money you get what you want so don't expect to be coddled because you decided to get a pet. Like having children, so many people do not educate themselves about training or safety for pets and they are a big time requirement. If you don't have much time don't get a pet. I too was grilled by Kathy to make sure I am the right person for our lovebug Snoopy and he is a perfect fit for our lifestyle and tolerances (dachshunds dig up the yard but I don't care). If she seems like she is interrogating you, well she is because you see, she and her husband love animals more than people because animals are honest and loving unlike many people. (See the other spoiled, mean person comments) If you have researched breeds and soul searched your reasons for wanting a pet, then look at her pets who really need a "furever" home with no more changes or uncertainty. Snoopy was rehomed at least 4 times before we got him but with a little patience and a lot of reassurance he is our pride and joy now. Thank you Kathy for all you do for these little souls who cannot choose loving, safe homes for themselves and need someone who can actually tell some people "NO NO". read more

I was surprised to see so many negative reviews about Lifesavers Rescue. We adopted our dog from them about 5 years ago after seeing a dog on Pet Finders, and have been extremely happy with our boy Popeye. I will say that initially I felt that the operator was a little cold, pointing out that a puppy was not always the way to go, since I was a cautious about adopting Popeye as a 3 year old. She turned out to be quite right. Popeye was already a very well-behaved dog and turned out to be perfect for our family. WE LOVE HIM! As we moved forward with the adoption process, the operator warmed up to us and was very nice. I spoke with her several times on the phone and it was clear that she was concerned that her animals found a good home. When we picked up Popeye at her facility, she was kind and her dogs seemed well cared for. She did mention that she appreciated working with us as she had run into some problems with some adoptions. I will point out that shortly before adopting Popeye we had gone all the way to Portland to adopt from a reputable rescue group. The young puppy that we adopted became quite ill within days of our adoption and passed away a few weeks later after hundreds of dollars in doctor bills. When I checked back with the rescue to explain what happened, she argued a little bit with me and made me feel like it was our fault. Needless to say that was a VERY heartbreaking experience. For that reason I had to write and explain that our dealings with Pet Rescue were overall quite positive. read more

I feel the negative reviews are unfounded. I got a sweet little guy from her, she asked the RIGHT questions. I picked the dog up at her place, it is neat, well fenced, the dogs have room to play, good housing, and they were obviously happy dogs. She is not afraid to foster dogs with problems, she cares for all of them. She has successfully placed over 800 dogs. You do not need a piece of paper to care and contribute. There are two sides to all stories, go see for yourself before you condemn. There were legitimate reasons these people were turned down, and they did not like it. Patsy T. read more

I specifically started this Yelp account to warn other people of this organization! I wish that I had read the reviews prior to contacting them about adopting a puppy from their "rescue". I'm a little heart broke, not to toot my own horn, but being a vet tech, I thought i was more than qualified to adopt from them ... a welcomed applicant! Here are the emails that transpired between myself and kathy: Hello! My name is Kymberly Cracolice, I am very interested in Bitsy (or one of her littler mates). I have been searching for a boston puppy through a rescue for quite some time, I'm wanting a puppy because I would be looking into doing therapy work. I work for a Vet clinic here in Springfield Oregon, I have been a technician for 5 years, and prior to that, I have worked at GreenHill Humane Society. I have a fenced yard, and although I work, it's only part time, and because it's a vet clinic, I could take her to work with me :) Please email me an application. Thank you! On Apr 3, 2013, at 12:30 PM, "Kathy with Lifesavers" lifesaversrescue@live.com wrote: Kymberly The first things I want to bring up are.... the distance you are from me (we are a good 4 hours from Salem...as my daughter lives there and we make the trip often) and also I can't think of a worse place (other than a dog park) for you to take a not fully vaccinated puppy than a vet click where there are sick dogs coming in. I would need to know your working hours please and if you did leave the pup home alone, where would you leave her and for how long? Thank you for your interest, Kathy to which I replied: I appreciate and understand your concern. Distance is not an issue, I am willing to make the drive - I would rather adopt from a rescue than go through a breeder, so the time and money spent will be well worth supporting your organization. As for the pup coming to work with me, we have a strict policy on admitting sick animals, and an isolation room where they are examined. I'm fully aware of the contagious pathogens, and the pup would not have any contact with patients until fully vaccinated (app 26-20 weeks). We hold puppy socialization classes here at the clinic for clients so that they can socialize their puppies with a very minimal risk if contracting something. No puppy has ever gotten sick that participated in class - not even kennel cough. I work Monday 8-5 with a two hour lunch break, Wednesday 8-4 with an hour lunch break, Fridays 8-12 and every other Saturday from 8-12. I have always crate trained my dogs, so at night (until house broke) she would be in a crate, and if left alone, until house broke, she would be in a crate for no more than 4 hours a day. Please feel free to ask any questions you my have. Thank you for responding so quickly. Kym and now for the blow off rejection Kymberly Thank you for your reply and I really am sorry but I don't feel you offer what I am looking for so that I could adopt to you. Kathy read more

I want to write a post on this regarding the ladies (Kathy and Connie of Lifesavers Rescue in Yakima) I adopted my dog Shadow there almost 2 years ago and my other pup Charlie about a yaar later - the job these ladies do is one that I cannot fathom as humanly possible - they run this rescue single handedly - as far as I am concerned the questions they ask and the trouble they take to follow up and make sure their rescues are in safe secure and loving homes - both these ladies are angels walking here on earth for following through and picking up all the strays and the pups they do - I have nothing but admiration for their love and dedication to them helping the little 4 legged furry little pets . Connie and Kathy care for these animals at their own expense and time and energy and do it selflessly and to make sure the strayed animals in their part of the world are cared for. read more

Wish I had read these reviews before requesting to adopt from Lifesavers...I would have been much more prepared for the extremely rude treatment and hostility that followed. I applied to adopt a puppy, and answering eight questions I was simply told that it would not be wise to adopt this puppy to me. Period. No explanation, no thank you, no sorry. I wrote back telling this person I thought her response was rude and the least she could provide was an explanation and a "thank you". I informed her I worked in veterinary medicine and have worked with many rescues and would be open with my experience. She wrote a glaringly hostile email back explaining that a puppy should not be placed in a home with two other dogs and that my hours away from home (30 a week) would leave a 65 year old responsible for training and cleaning!! I'm sorry, I can't find time to train and clean up after my dogs in the 138 hours left in the week??? And a well-adjusted puppy shouldn't be in a home with other well-adjusted dogs? She ended our email saying she laughs at people who criticize rescues. What a complete abomination... read more

WOW! I can't believe I actually have to give them one star... I contacted this organization regarding a puppy they had listed for adoption. I was responded to by Kathy "aka Kathleen"(the one who gave herself 5 stars...) she simply said she didn't feel comfortable because we had " a large breed dog ". I responded that our dog was well socialized and loves other dogs, I then asked her why she was concerned about large dogs... Her response.. SHE CALLED ME AN IDIOT!!! I was blown away! I have never, ever given a bad review for any business but I was so offended that I felt it needed to be posted so no one else wastes their time and energy. For those other people who have fallen victim to this business I suggest making a statement to the BBB. read more

We had a wonderful adoption experience with Lifesavers and Kathy, so I am compelled to write in her defence. 1) This isn't your typical shelter -- it is her home and she makes the rules which leads me to 2) She makes the rules... the rules are that she will not adopt to anyone under 25, she will not adopt a puppy to anyone who will not be home to take care of it and train it, she will not adopt to anyone who does not have a GREAT space for the dog...not just good, but Great!, she wants to know that you are a really good and PERMANENT home for HER dogs... and I for one can't FAULT her for that. Most of the negatives are from young people who are either still living at home and would expect their parents to take care of the dog when they are gone or if they decided to move out (most apartments do not allow pets)... or people who live in condos or simply were not able to satisfy Kathy's strict requirements for adopting in some manner, so they are bitter. When we adopted from her she had more dogs than I'd ever feel comfortable trying to care for, including the puppies of the dog we adopted, then later that day she ended up with another 15 or so Shih Tzuhs that had been dumped on the Yakima Indian Reservation -- they were in really bad shape -- and filthy! So in addition to takiing care of all of her dogs, cleaning up the new ones (I get tired giving ONE dog a bath and she said she couldn't even identify them as Shih Tzu's until they were cleaned up) then she needs to respond to all the inquiries from people who really are not able to take care of a dog by her standards... that would get to be frustrating. If this WERE a typical shelter or a larger rescue she would have staff to take care of some of these things and it would probably have an easier go of it. As it is a VERY SMALL operation out of her house, I fully understand how difficult it is to deal with all she has going on and so I say Kudos Kathy!! and thanks for all you do in trying to give our abandoned pets successful PERMANENT HOMES. read more

We adopted our dog 3 years ago from Lifesavers in Yakima. I filled out a lengthy questionnaire. I didn't mind doing this as I believe it helps ensure a successful placement for the dog & for the new owner. I think the Lifesavers people know what they are doing based on years of experience. Our dog had been spayed & was well cared for at Lifesavers. I can't imagine the emotional strength it must take to work with these dogs, care for them, & get them ready for a new life. I know that I could not do it. I believe that the Lifesavers people in Yakima have the best interests of the dogs as their top priority. Our experience was a positive one. read more

I'm going to start my review with a step by step account of my experience adopting from Lifesavers Rescue/Kathy: I made initial contacted expressing interest in adopting "Daisy" a 5 month old Dachshund mix puppy. Kathy responded to my email within a 24 hour period. She had a handful of questions she wanted me to answer before having me fill out what she described as the "Lengthy" adoption application. I answered all her questions via email. Again, she sent a reply within 24 hours, asking me to fill out the adoption application. I sent the application back and 2 days later I got a response, as well as a phone call, and we made arrangements for me to drive from Mukilteo to Yakima to meet the puppy. Kathy sent me directions to her house and with my daughter in tow we headed to Yakima. Kathy's directions were easy to follow and we made it to her house with no problems. When we arrived Kathy, her husband and Daisy were waiting for us on their front porch. They were extremely welcoming and genuinely happy to meet us. We met several of her other foster dogs and they were all healthy and happy pups. Kathy gave us a packet of information on puppy care, Daisy's history, copies of her Veterinary records and some puppy food. After about 45 minutes we were headed back to Mukiteo with our new puppy. Now a little bit about myself: I am a Licensed Veterinary Technician (Both in California and Washington State). I have a Associate of Science Degree in Veterinary Technology. I have been a foster home for Dachshund Rescue in Sacramento and Seattle. I volunteered at a monthly Rabies Clinic at Sacramento Animal Control/Shelter prior to moving up to Washington State. I have experience working in both 24 hour Emergency/Specialty Medicine Hospitals as well as working many years in day practices. As a result of of my experiences working in the field of Veterinary Medicine I have had many opportunities to interact with various rescue organizations and their representatives. Believe me when I say that through the years I have dealt with "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly" when it comes to pet rescue. Why I give Lifesaver Rescue/Kathy a Strong 5 Stars review: I found her to be extremely friendly. Kathy was a great communicator, she answered all my emails in a timely fashion. It is obvious, especially after you meet her in person, that she REALLY loves all the dogs in her care and wants only the best for them. Kathy wants EVERY adoption to be successful for both the dogs and the potential adopters. She knows the dogs in her care better then anyone and I think potential adopters need to just trust in that knowledge. I get, from experience, that sometimes rescues have to deny people an adoption for various reasons. I also get that it's hard to be told "no" when you have your heart set on a particular dog. And it's even harder not to take it personally. But after spending time with Kathy I can say, with all confidence, that Kathy would never deny a dog to someone unless she truly thought it would not be a good match. I also know, through subsequent conversations, that she would continue to work with a potential adopter to find them the perfect dog. I highly recommend Lifesaver Rescue and in my opinion Kathy is defiantly one of "The Good". read more

These reviews are absolutely what I experienced when working with this woman. She was abusive, she called me names and she denied me for the most vague, trivial reasons. I saved all of the emails and sent them to petfinders to give them a heads up. They apologized but told me they do not have much control over the people who advertise on their website and how they go about the adoption progress. The best we can do is spread the word for people to avoid her. I just feel bad because it's not the animals fault- they need to be rescued from her!!! read more

"NASTY! does'nt even begin to describe this agencies representatives. I also inquired about adopting a puppy from Lifesavers Rescue and was given a list of questions that were extremely personal. I would not have minded answering, however, the questions and my response was being sent over an unsecured e-mail account. And was not the acutal application, just questions she wanted to know before we started the "formal" process. And when I was hesitant to answer--the woman, Kathi, is the name she used, was so insulting and rude--I actually questioned the legitimacy of the organization. I will spread the word about this agency as well. It may be that she needs to be investigated. read more

I AM EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED WITH THIS RESCUE! my family and I tried to rescue a puppy thru here and the foster parent of the puppy made this the worst experience we have ever gone thru! DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME trying to give a loving home to a dog from here. The lady I had to deal with got personal with me calling me a poor mother staying at home a sending my toddler to head start for her speech disorder! These people have no hearts and i am sad to say that i was a loyal rescuer but because of my experience i had with this rescue my family will be going to a breeder. NO STARS FROM ME! read more

I read the other reviews...so I was prepared -- and they were right. I am a lesbian, in a committed relationship, with no (human) kids who looking to adopt a puppy. (I've raised 2 puppies before -- and currently have a dog...so I'm fully aware of the deal with dogs -- and the difficulty associated with puppies.) I live and die for my dog. I have a good job -- my dog is groomed and regularly taken to the vet. I have a big dog -- 75 pounds, so I really understand the needs of a bigger dogs. I have a large, fully wood-fenced yard -- and my entire house is organized so the dog can be on all the furniture etc. I live 2 miles from work and my partner only works 3 days a week. So -- the puppy would be alone (seriously) not more than 4 hours and 10 minutes at a time -- 3 days a week. After 2 weeks of filling out long applications (probably 3 hours of answering questions on-line) -- I was informed that I just wasn't going to be able to handle a puppy. Not enough time at home. 4 hours at a time for 3 days out of 7 -- no kids, but I'm in my 30's -- so I have the energy for a puppy. Exactly, who would be a good fit? Someone retired -- they've got the energy to a big active dog? A stay at home mom -- with those dangerous kids to mess with the dog? I love my animals like they were my children. Of course they are groomed -- of course they go to the vet. I take them everywhere -- and they have more treats and toys than I have places to store them. I plan week-ends and vacations around them -- but I wasn't up to snuff. You've got to be kidding. She's a nut -- she's a waste of time -- and I don't actually think she cares much about animals. I think the adoption process is more about her crazy not about what a person can offer a dog. This experience has me so angry I'm thinking I should just purchase a dog from a breeder (which I have always thought was terrible as it encourages puppy mills). I'm beyond insulted. read more

This lady is unbelievable. After sending her an email requesting an application to adopt a puppy she responded with a list of several questions for me before sending me an application. Ok no problem, they were all straight forward legitimate questions. Do i have a fenced in yard, any other dogs in the household, if i had to leave for a couple of hours what would i do with the dog, how many hours do i spend at work and what would i do with the dog. After answering honestly that i work 10 to 12 hours a day but am lucky enough to have a very flexible job schedule that would allow me to check in on the pup every couple of hours. Also that i would be crate training the pup since that seems to be the route all the trainers are recommending now. Her response back to me was to not only deny me outright but to chastise me telling me how irresponsible i am and that a puppy should never ever be left alone and never put into a crate unless my goal is to cause severe trama to the dog. She also told me that i should invest some serious time learning how to care for a pet because obviously i dont have a clue. What the hell? Basically i guess im the worst person in the world and by even thinking about leaving a dog on its own for more than thirty seconds the poor thing will collapse into a puddle of mental anguish! For crying out loud! Ive never had anyone make such a quick brutal judgement of someone based on answering a couple of questions honestly. I could have just lied and told her everything i wanted her to hear but im not that kind of person, or maybe im going to start a dog fighting ring, im not sure now i thought i was a good person but after her sledge hammer judgement of my moral character im not so sure. read more

This organization makes me so angry. I e-mailed the rescue inquiring about a dog and briefly wrote a little about myself...and let me tell you, it was brief..maybe 2-3 sentences, just to let them know a little about me before (I assumed) they would learn more about me through an application or interview process. None of that happened. Kathy responded to my e-mail with a single sentence saying "sorry, I must turn you down for adopting a dog for various reasons." how offensive is that? without even knowing much about me. I e-mailed back asking what those various reasons were just out of curiosity but I made sure to be friendly about it and she never e-mailed me back. I am happy with my two dogs that i've rescued elsewhere (and they were much more professional and never in any way made me feel as if I wasn't good enough to rescue a dog, in contrast to Kathy) but I will never forget how rude, unprofessional and just simply condescending this lady was. I love rescues but I hate how this lady runs hers. Rescues are organizations that do great work and generally make people fond/happy that such work is being done. Don't take such a positive concept and turn it into something nasty. Kathy, if your'e reading this, learn some professionalism and stop being so condescending to people who only want to do what you (presumptively) want to do - rescue animals. read more

I had a very successful adoption through lifesavers and thanks to Kathy and her husband I came out of it with my best friend. Because I found our puppy through PetFinder and emailed about her - the initial response was short (not rude) with a few questions about our home and lifestyle. After answering, I quickly received the full application. It's definitely long but after going through the whole process I see why. After we were approved, Kathy invited us out the next day to meet with the puppies - a litter of 7 I believe. Arriving to their house it was definitely a dog paradise. They treat every dog like their own and don't seem to turn down any pup in need. Many of the adult dogs had clearly been rescued from dangerous situations and some had medical problems that Kathy and her husband take care of out of pocket. They live with the dogs they shelter and so finding a fitting forever home is a challenge. Imagine if you had to rehome your own dog, wouldn't you ask a ton of questions and want to do everything possible to make sure you were giving your dog the best chance at an amazing life? These dogs have gone through a lot and I'm glad Kathy doesn't just adopt out to whoever shows up. I love knowing my dog started her life in a great place and that all of her siblings are probably in great homes now too. I only wish we still lived in the area so that we could adopt from them again. We do work from home and I imagine that had a big impact on our success- puppies are basically babies that need constant supervision and I think people tend to forget that they can't be left at home alone during the entire workday. They do have plenty of awesome adult dogs that would be a good fit for a busier family. read more

I for one applaud Kathy for caring so much where her pets end up as well as for the special attention she pays to finding a good match. Yes she will grill you, yes she may reject you, but this isn't a drive through, she is looking to see that all the animals she sends out stay happy. We did end up with a dog from her in a round about way. The person she placed it with (a friend of mine) was not able to keep the dog so she came to my place temporarily. This shy little dog latched onto my dog and seemed so comforted in our home that Kathy offered her to us with no adoption fee. There was another couple interested in her, but Kathy chose us even though she would make NO money off of us. This is someone that has invested in these animals. If Kathy is not a registered rescue, so what, her heart is in the right place, her animals are well kept and she looks to find them permanent homes. Imagine seeing the damage that is done to these animals day after day at the hands of people (ours was in very rough shape). Can you honestly say that you would not be suspicious? Can you honestly say that you would be able to hand over an animal that counts on you to just anyone? She is not servicing you, she is servicing the pets that need homes. read more