As I looked at the please send us a gift mailer yesterday I thought how I never left a review for them and I was shocked to see all the bad reviews but I do understand where they are coming from so I'm going to tell my experience so you have a better idea of the one star reviews. The only reason I keep sending them donations about every three months since I got my little girl is that they are a no kill shelter because I cant rescue all of them so I hope they are feed and cared for until the day they get a home like my buddy. Please people GIVE THEM A CHANCE because there are animals who need permanent homes even with all the bad reviews. I had a shelter cat for about 14 years and she developed kidney disease so her days were numbered, the vet said you will know when her quality of life is no longer and she would have to be put to sleep. She finally stopped eating completely and her favorite toy was dead to her, that was the day I had to make the hardest decision of my life to end her life. Since I didn't know when that day would be I prepared my self by stopping in here one weekend to check out the adoption process for when that day would come because I wish I could help them all but I could only do my part and give one a home. The cat shelter is a empty house converted to a cat shelter with about 200 cats roaming free on both floors, the problem ones who didn't get along with the free roam concept were in cages. It's heart breaking because as soon as you walk in the smart ones see fresh meat and jump on your shoulders to get your attention, please take me home. What the reviewers are talking about is the crazy lady as I affectionately call her, she has a soup nazi style about her that interviews you as a candidate for one of her animals. She is a tough lady and just wants to make sure the animals go to good homes and I don't know what her guide lines are. She has an interrogator style of interviewing me I thought. I explained to her that my current kitty has her days numbered and I would be able to give an animal a home in the near future and did she grill me. I said can I look around and put a couple cats on a list and if they were still not adopted when I was ready I would like to give one a home, she had a nice woman show me around and the cats. I meet Magma that day and I heard her horrible story of how her mama gave birth to her in the shelter a year ago, all kinds of people came to look at her but no one gave her a home so I ask what's wrong with her, nothing. She was born a black cat with beautiful blue eyes, that's not this cat because she doesn't have blue eyes I said, her birth blue eyes changed to a yellow so the file pictures were not the cat people came to look at so no one who came to see her adopted her and she was left behind over and over again. So many people came to look at her over the year and no one wanted her, I'll take her. I went back to the crazy lady and said I would like to give magma a home as soon as possible after hearing her heart breaking story so I filled out the paper work and I was told she would get back to me next week after checking out my references, I had to call my vet and give them permission to answer all of her questions when she calls. While spending time with Magma after starting the process She was calling my references, an hour later the woman who was working with The crazy lady that day says to hang around just a little because you just might be the first person ever to leave with an animal on the same day. Sure enough She summons me to her office space, Magma is cutely crawling on everything as she watches us start to bond and says you will be the first person ever to leave with an animal on the same day after checking me out, I never do this but if for any reason Magma doesn't work out I have to bring her back to her and sign an agreement to that affect. Magma who was renamed has enjoyed a pampered/spoiled life for the last six years and fhas a happy forever home now, she got to live with jazz for a couple months before her quality of life left her. THE BOTTOM LINE IS She is I tough cookie and she just wants the best for the animals so PLEASE stop by because the animals still need homes. I'm so glad that I stopped by just to introduce my self as a future home giver because my chance visit ended up in Magma finally getting her forever home which she desperately deserved. I'm posting pictures of her from the six years of her forever home with me to show the joys of a rescue animal and it's not just cats, it's dogs to farm animals are here so please check them out. She is not a crazy lady really and just doesn't want to give an animal in the shelter to someone who might not be the right fit for the animal was my impression so I get it but please stop and look, she takes adoption very seriously and not everyone will pass her qualifications. Your Magma might be waiting for you to stop by and your joyous relationship is waiting for you. read more

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Please give Cindy and her dedicated Angels a very limited staff and wonderful volunteers. We did and Cindy changed our lives as well as Phoebe and Oreo's FOREVER. These amazing people work their fingers to the bone for this NO-KILL shelter because they truly love the animals. Cindy has had bad reviews because she wants what's best for all of the animals. Please, if you have love in your heart for a rescue animal and will make it a life long commitment, the animal will save you and bring you so much joy. read more

A few years ago, my daughter found a feral cat and her 4 kittens under her deck in late October. After contacting a number of shelters who refused to take them because the mother was feral, my neighbor said to contact Saint Francis in Kenosha, from whom she had previously adopted a cat. They agreed to take them all. We couldn't initially catch the mother, but managed to trap the kittens and brought them to the shelter. Cindy took them and insisted we must try again to catch the mother, even though she was feral. We finally did, and when we got her to the shelter, she was happily reunited with her kittens, who were in a cage, waiting for her. We have contributed to the shelter ever since. Cindy has a tough exterior, but the warmest heart, dedicating her life to the animals in her charge. Leonora B. read more

I was a paid employee a couple yeas ago for about 4 months. It seems the animals are taken care of at a minimum of what is required. Most of the employees cared about the animals. The reason I quit was because of the lack of consideration for the employees. When I did get my pay checks and deposited them, they bounced. It took me forever to get reimbursed what I was owed. There was always an excuse why they could not pay me. After talking with other employees the were experienced the same. I finally had to go to the state after, I quit, to get what was owed me. I did enjoy working with the animals. They were the best part of the job. read more

Please consider a different animal shelter. This lady was not honest and was VERY rude. It just to me but to all that we're there. Parents, shield your children from her ugliness. Sad for the animals there that they end up here. Clearly from reviews, it's an on going problem. I prefer Orphans if the Storm in Deerfield IL WAY Cheaper, friendly. I don't mind paying a higher adoption fee but rudeness gets your shelter a big fat 0! When I adopt an animal. I always pay a higher donation. Since our issue years ago at St Francis, We have adopted 4 dogs and the price was $65.00 at another shelter. I paid $1565.00. That extra $6000.00 could have went to St Francis but like I said rudeness gets you a big fat 0! JUST SAD! You rudeness affects the animals in the end. read more

I love this shelter, the staff, and what they stand for. I've adopted two dogs in the last 13 years. Here's some advice to potential adopters (not tire-kicking window shoppers): 1) be prepared, they do what they say and if they say they are going to do a background check, reference check, etc., they will 2) they don't care about individuals impulsivity and adopting may take a few trips 3) remember this organization (like most rescues) has seen the absolute worst side of humanity 4) check the word volunteer in the dictionary Keep up the good work FOR THE ANIMALS St. Francis Society. They need you. read more

Who ever picks up that phone is the most rude, condescending asshole! I called to ask about adopting a dog and she had a attitude, like I'm doing her a favor. If you don't want the animals to go to a good home, SAY THAT. read more

I have had very positive experiences with St. Francis Society. I adopted an angelic dog from them in 2007 and have, in the past, volunteered there by walking dogs on the weekends. I think that they care very deeply for their animals and have their best interest at heart. I would (and do) encourage friends, family and colleagues to visit the shelter when considering an addition to the family. I think that it is very unfortunate that they have received such negative feedback. read more

Rude and ignorant. Technology like email and phones confuse them. They try to find reasons to reject your application. We tried adopting a dog from them who had been there for two years. My family instantly wanted to adopt him simply based on the living conditions he was subjected to. He was in a outdoor cage on a 10 degree day. His fur was frozen in clumps. Super friendly dog who just wanted a home. So we filled out an application that Saturday. We were told that we would hear back by Monday or Tuesday. We didn't. So I emailed them since all of their sites say not to call. By Friday I still hadn't heard anything from them so I took a drive back to the shelter where they claimed that they responded to my email and had tried calling. I was able to get a cell number from one of the volunteers of Cyndy (queen bee). I called her to follow up. She was clearly disoriented and had lots of excuses why she didn't call me back. She found my application and told me she would call me back in an hour. Two hours later I got a one line reply to my email - you lied, we can't make this adoption. So I called queen bee - she was so angry. Apparently she found out that my ex wife had pets from before we were married and kept after our divorce. We were only married for 25 months. Because I never counted them as mine, I didn't put them on the application as pets I had owned. Queen bee didn't care. She considered that a lie. So now the dog they have had for two years will continue to be there hoping for a forever home. She went on a rant that I will never get approved at other rescues because I am scum. Since I have already been approved from three other shelters we will be adopting from one of them. And that poor dog will continue to suffer because of queen bee's ignorance. Please find another shelter to donate to or to adopt from. Maybe if donors and adopters dry up, she will be forced to close her 'rescue' And when they don't like your review posted on sites, they get them banned and taken down. read more

Went there to possibly adopt. I was turned away, and told they were no longer adopting out pets. The cages were full of dogs. Phone # is shut down, I have been there before, and honestly, it was a very nice, clean rescue, with great help. I just don't "get it". read more

I recently had to put my dog down and had items such as food, blankets, bed, etc. that I wanted to donate. The short time I was there I found the two people that I talked to were nice and caring individuals. It looked like a place with a big heart housing so many animals. I understand they don't turn anyone away. I think they are doing a wonderful job with what they have and hope many people will donate their time and/or money to help this shelter out. I will do the same. I want to encourage those who work/volunteer there that they are making a difference in the lives of these poor creatures who have lost their homes...families. God bless read more

These people work their behinds off for the love of animals. They run on a tight budget and don't want to adopt to the wrong family. They refused an adoption I wanted soon after the death of my beloved dog, and I was truly grateful, as soon afterward, a sweet, but previously neglected young golden retriever came into the shelter. They brought her out to me and she was our sweet Bella, whom we loved for the next ten years. I like this place, I trust their instincts and now that I am looking for another dog, this is somewhere I will definitely look. The people who have written the long, expletive - filled reviews are showing their true colors, and I am glad that the staff at St Francis stuck to their guns and wouldn't let them adopt. read more

A very rude place . Not friendly, keeps all animals in cages OUTSIDE expects all owners to be absolutely perfect. Again very rude. read more

I went to the Society Of St Francis before and was very disgusted with the overall set up. I have a lab and was looking for another dog she could play with. There is basically no entrance, just a large gate that says "No Trespassing"...After walking around outside for a while, a very impatient homely looking woman came to the gate and basically began interrogating me about why I was there. I explained my situation. She asked if my dog was fixed, and I said no because she was under 6 months old and the vet recommended I wait till she was a full 6 months to get her fixed. She began to snap that I was not "ready" to have another dog and I should come back when I feel like being more "responsible". I was so stunned. From what I could see from outside the gate, several dogs were outside in very small cages and did not look to be of good health. I talked to other people who had gone to this rescue and they all reported similar terrible experiences. One couple reported they found the perfect dog and the people began freaking out that it wasn't allowed to be adopted even though they clearly had stated any dog in this specific building. I would almost want to rate this place with a better review in hopes that the animals get adopted and taken away from this disgusting environment. And from reading other reviews, specifically the ones that say this place is "good", I can almost guarantee most of them are fake. I have never heard one good thing about this rescue....Probably the people working there trying to hype their sad rescue so their license doesn't get pulled, which I hear is in the works.... I just feel for the animals read more

I finally heard back from the only person who seems to be able to review adoption applications after I sent the 5th e-mail letting her know I would be sharing my negative experience with others. The e-mail I received from her was not only rude but insensitive. She basically told me that Max was given to another home because she does not have to the time to follow-up with any questions she may have with an applicaition and then ended the e-mail by telling me to get over it! This is the person the Saint Francis Society has making such a big decision as to placing an animal in a forever home?! I would never recommend this animal rescue to anyone. They are rude and insensitive and do not care a thing about the families who apply to open their hearts to an animal in need. There is something seriously wrong with the way they process adoption applications and with the person who makes the final decision. It is very sad. read more

The people that leave negative reviews just didn't meet the owners high standards for adopters so they come on here and say horrible things. It is easy to give animals away and not care who you give them to and then they end up in the same situation that originally led them to St. Francis. The owners have to sleep at night and know they did the best possible thing for every animal that walks through the door. They ALL receive vet care and are ALL taken care of. Comments that state otherwise are completely FALSE. They don't take in the cute fluffy puppies that are easy to rehome, they take in the pitties and harder to adopt breeds. It is a lot of work to find responsible owners that can provide wonderful homes to these animals. They may not be the easiest to get along with but the animals that are adopted out don't come back. There is a reason they are so picky, they don't want the dogs bounced around from home to home. They have my respect for doing the right thing by these animals. They are not in the people pleasing business. The negative reviews only hurt the animals. It is clean and the animals are well cared for!! If your feeling were hurt TOO BAD! Thank God for places like St. Francis a true NO KILL. Killing is easy but taking care of all these animals is HARD WORK! read more

They knew this extreme heat wave was coming but do you think they would do anything BEFORE it hit. No! Volunteers, not the owners since they were not there, were trying to save these poor animals from dying. And one dog died last night! All because they were too cheap to have air conditioners. Thankfully two others were saved last night. Now, the owners are scrambling to find fans and air conditioners. This place needs to be shut down immediately. We still have a few more days of this heat, hopefully the volunteers can help keep the animals comfortable. You can't count on owners to do anything. read more

We went here looking for a young dog. I found a little girl who just tugged at my heart and knew she had to join our family. The volunteers I spoke with were pleasant and tried to be helpful. I saw no problems with the condition of the animals here. The ones I could see anyway. We filled out an application and were told it should only take a few days by the young women helping us. We waited 2 weeks and heard nothing. Sent an email, still nothing. I finally called and left a voice mail, still nothing. I called again and got who I assumed was the owner. She was very short with me. Took my name and phone # saying she would check my app and call me back.. Needless to say I never heard from her. I wont go back again. Do they want to find homes for these animals or not ? The only happy ending for us was that we went to A shelter In Wisconsin Rapids and they were wonderful to the animals and us. Our app was approved and we adopted our new family member. read more

I have nothing but praise for St. Francis. My sister adopted a pit bull which was abandoned in an apartment for over a month. She survived by eating her own feces. Now, most may think any home would be a better home. St. Francis staff nursed "Jenny" back, then did a thorough background and interview with my sister and brother in law. I was impressed by the staff informing my sister of a few details about Jenny, which as I thought about it was in order to listen to her response to discover if it was at all possible the dog would be used for fighting. I prefer not to release these questions and conversation as I believed they were brilliant and caring in order to place this poor creature in a good home. I am happy to tell you Jenny lived a long, healthy and very spoiled life. I gave birth to my daughter about the same time as the adoption and saw nothing but love from their grateful pet. Its easy to bash anyone online if you can remain anonymous. How brave!!!! Diane Galanopoulos read more

I went to the shelter looking for a dog and got their 30 minutes before closing. It took a couple of minutes for anyone to speak to me and even then I felt as though I was intruding on a family BBQ so not very welcoming. I was told I could not see any dogs I was interested in since it was warm and most had gone inside (funny since there are doggy doors between kennel and building with dogs in and out). They took some information about what I wanted and told me they would call but in a day or two. I heard nothing from them 4 four days and when I followed up I was told I could not adopt a dog. The reason was an abandoned cat that was taken to Safe Harbor in my name was used to say that I was not worthy of having a dog. There are other details to this as well that I will not share here but this cat was never mine and I never took responsibility for the cat but wanted to give it chance to have a good home. The cowardly way they just ignored me and used this as the reason not to consider to adopt one of 100 dogs in their shelter is truly wrong. I love dogs and work from home so this god would have the utmost care. Most concerning is that I missed out on another possible adoptions waiting on St Francis to call since they chose to just leave me hanging. I was even going to speak to them about volunteering to help if I adopted an animal since I know these places could always use some. Well God is faithful and he has put me in touch with someone who needs a home for their dog and that is one that will not have to do time at St Francis which it turns out is not a very good place despite their claims. read more

gracious and caring people volunteer here. donate today and every week to keep this no kill shelter running well. they are angels of little angels tossed to the side of a road, abandoned and forgotten.....they are wonderful. GOD BLESS THEM ALL ONE AN SMALL read more

I went there to look at the dogs and was surprised by how many animals they had. I sat down to talk to the woman running the shelter and she told me shortly into my interview I would not be able to adopt due to being in the military as a reservist. I explained I would not be in the service much longer but was again told I would not be able to adopt. She then went on to say how they did not have room for the dogs they had because there were so many. I explained to her it did not make sense because I am an animal lover and provide my dogs with a very loving home and would provide one of the dogs there with a far better situation than any dog I know of. I ended up leaving feeling sorry for the animals there because here I was, a complete dog lover who would give a dog there all the love, comfort, and attention they need and she was turning me away after about 5 minutes of conversation. I think her heart is in the right place as far as wanting to help the animals but they are FAR too strict and can only imagine how many of those animals could have been potentially adopted into great homes but were denied that opportunity. I really hope this lady gives more people a chance so that those dogs do not have to stay there in those cages with no owner to love them. I did however find a dog at a different shelter and have loved her and provided her with a great home ever since day one! read more