I should have read these reviews before dealing with this organization. No wonder they have fewer than 3 stars.
After our beautiful Shih Tzu passed in Jan. almost 15 years after being with us, we longed to have another because we love the breed for its intelligence, loyalty and companionship.
I noticed LSSTR on Facebook and started a conversation with the person who handles their social media page. She told me that the do transport from Houston to CA.
After going through a very stringent application process, paying $300 and being approved we were excited to find out we'd been approved to receive a beautiful Shih Tzu that we fell in love with on the site.
We didn't mind the process because we thought that they were such animal advocates and the dogs had been through so much- they wanted to make sure that the new families were suitable. We had 4 glowing references, a 90 minute virtual in-home interview where they saw every inch of our home and yard, my veterinarian records etc.
First we were told the dog would fly on Delta with a companion and we'd meet them at the airport in about 4-6 weeks.
Then after almost 2 weeks not hearing anything I connected with Malini and was told that the dog was too big for the airline carrier. Now wouldn't they have or shouldn't they have known that being the experts they claim to be?
I was told that now the dog would be transported by vehicle with a 'few different drivers' coming from TX to CA in another 4-6 weeks.
Because I had no idea who would be coming to my home I asked if I could meet the person with the dog in a public place. I was met with suspicion, even was asked if the virtual interview was ACTUALLY IN MY OWN HOME!!!!! Really? Its 2018- it is prudent not to have strangers come into one's home. The caution I use for my family is the same care and caution I'd practice with their dog once in our home but they failed to see that out of some irrational fear about us. I even had an expert who works with animal advocacy groups contact them.
I was then told that this made 'the approval committee left with unsettled feelings' and they revoked my approval.
Feeling very perplexed by this I emailed them back that if it was mandatory to have someone come to our home we would agree since it was important to us.
They did not reply to any emails after that.
Then! The truth revealed- the dog had not been on the site for 2 days. Obviously someone else had applied, perhaps closer to the shelter and made it easier for them then to have to transport the dog to us.
If this had happened and they had told us that it was in the dog's best interest not to travel so far, we would have understood it although we'd have been disappointed.
The manipulation and lies however made it clear that this was in their best interest and what was easier for them.
They made a big mistake. We have a loving home, safe and sheltered for any animal. We could have adopted anywhere in CA and we chose them- that was our mistake.
I do not recommend this business based on their business practices and fanaticism. read more