Shocked and appalled by my experience with Oakland County Animal Control & Pet Adoption Center…read more Went through the volunteer orientation process and was told at my first volunteer date, I be directed to a dog as well as walked through the setup and walking process. That did not happen. I was simply given a dog, showed to leash them, provided with no animal history or direction and was sent out for a walk.
The shelter manager was immediately rude and nasty, saying I didn't follow process, despite no walkthrough and dog info/history.
The dog I was with was sweet, but unbeknownst to me, they were other dog aggressive. On my walk, I avoided outside stimuli to the best of my ability and stayed away from other animals. Towards the end of the walk, I took the dog to the pool area. Another dog came near, barking. I wrapped the leash extra tight on around my hand. Both dogs were aggressive and I restrained the dog with my whole being.
Despite pulling with all my might, the dog broke free and went after the other. Immediately, I went to re-restrain the dog. The shelter manager, who couldn't handle the dog either, screamed at, berated and blamed me for the incident. While I was on the ground, trying to restrain the dog, with all my might, doing all I could physically could to stop the incident.
Eventually, other shelter employees were able to assist, but not without issue. I ended up with a two injuried fingers and physical and emotional trauma. As well as the other volunteer with injury/trauma - as well as issues with the dogs. To which, I tried to assist in concern, resolution and regard in anyway possible.
The lack of direction and guidance, then excessive criticism and lack of support and concern, was unacceptable. It's incredibly disheartening and disabling. I've never experienced such lack of concern and straight up attack from an organization. Nor such complete disregard for my injury and trauma - invalidating my pain, swelling and experience.
I had nothing but the most positive and helpful of intentions. I feel deeply for everyone and all animals involved, tried to/will do anything to help in the resolution - to which I implicitly expressed .
Oakland County Animal Shelter was unprofessional, blame shifting - and there actions led injury, trauma and unnecessary pain and suffering. Currently seeking medical care for it effected my normal functioning.
Especially of concern is the shelter manager, who was sexist, gaslighting and lacked any support and care for the volunteers, employees and animals. He is disrespectful, rude and completely insensitive to humans and animals. Such blatant disrespect and abuse of power is unacceptable - especially in a nonprofit setting.
The way I was made to feel was inappropriate, discriminatory disrespectful, wrongfully accusatory as well as unethically critizing and unprofessional.