I am a senior adult who is a Breast Cancer survivor. I moved to California almost a year ago for my job. My family is back east so I am here alone. My doctor recommended that I get an animal. So, I went to the Placer SPCA to adopt a rescue instead of buying from a breeder or store. My coworker went with me and the SPCA person showed us the paperwork where the dog was surrendered by the family. She read the paperwork and stated they acquired him on September 26th, I believe and that he had only been in the shelter a day or 2.
From the pictures below, you can see the dog I left a deposit on is not the same dog that I got -visually. His fur was cut drastically on his face without my knowledge or consent. I had to wait 2 weeks before he could be bathed or groomed! As you can see from the pictures, he looks really bad with matted fur and he smelled horrible. Also, I could not bath him for 2 weeks post surgery. So I used wipes to try and get some of the stench out of his fur. He defecated in his cage because of how he was previously kept before going to the shelter.
When I brought him home, he did not eat the dog food that was given to me from SPCA. He appeared very depressed and traumatized but I worked with him and showered him with affection. I took him to Pet Express and got a really good high quality food which he loves. He really loves Just Food For Dogs!
After 2 weeks, I took him to the groomer and made an appointment with one of the Vets from the SPCA Roseville recommended list that I was given. I mentioned to the Doctor that there seems to be a problem with his right hind leg and he is supposed to be 3 years old. The Doctor examined him and said he is closer to 5 years of age. He stated there is a problem with his leg where the bone is moving over the other bone. I called SPCA because I was shocked! I spoke with someone who stated that he came from another shelter and was a possible stray. WHAT!! I was told he was surrendered and lead to believe it was with SPCA.
After the Vet visit I went immediately back up to SPCA and met with the manager. I explained everything to her. She took notes and said she was pass the information along but I probably would not get a refund. In the meantime, I contacted the Placer Animal Control to get more information on the dog I adopted. I was informed that 15 dogs were surrendered and his age on the paperwork that I received could be wrong.
Lastly, I spoke with Kate McGinley, Senior Operations Manager with SPCA. She said the paperwork says "2.5 - 3 year old" even though I explained the paperwork is probably incorrect, per the person from Placer Animal Control, where SPCA Roseville got him from not to mention that there was no date on the paperwork. If he is 5 and I am over 55 years of age, the dog is supposed to be free per the website and documentation in the shelter.
Ms. McGinley sent me an email that states I can return the animal for a full refund. Doesn't matter that I have had him for almost 4 weeks, nor the money I have spent and that he looks better now. You would think that since a Vet that was recommended by SPCA Roseville states the animal is closer to 5 years of age and the fact that the other shelter, he came from, said the paperwork could be wrong, she would do the best thing for animal. There were 15 dogs surrendered at one time and the age could be incorrect.
Ms. McGinley also said I "had the option of not moving forward with the adoption" when I picked him up. However, when I originally left my deposit I was told that I would lose my deposit if I changed my mind and it could not be transferred to another animal. I also expressed extreme disappointment with the appearance and said I was not sure if I wanted him several times. The staff said the same thing as Ms. McGinley, the hair will grow back. Really, that's your response for drastically changing the animal. Then why wasn't that done in the beginning not after I left the deposit?
I feel as if I have been scammed. Sure I can take him back and get a full refund. However, how do you think the dog would feel? He has just begun to run, play and be comfortable in his new home. Also, what about all the extra money I have already spent on grooming, food, cage, clothes, etc? He initially defecated in his cage because of where he came from and now he doesn't.
I am really surprised how this is being addressed by Ms. McGinley at SPCA in Roseville. Everything points to this dog being older than what was stated on the paperwork. From the Vet that was recommended to the shelter where he came from, he is older than what is written on the paperwork. Ms. McGinley is unwilling to concede that it could just be a mistake.
It's just business right SPCA, no matter who suffers? read more