Vancouver –
A charity in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley that puts rescue dogs up for adoption denies allegations of failing to properly inform families of behavioral issues.
Gabrielle van Klaveren from Vancouver adopted “Teddy” from FurBaby Rescues in Chilliwack. The Pomeranian seemed to be a perfect match for her and her daughter, as the dog, according to van Klaveren, was described as energetic, very friendly and fond of children.
But when they brought him home to Vancouver, “this dog just lost its nerve, dogs, bikes, strollers, wheelchairs. It was pretty intense, ”she said.
Van Klaveren told CTV News that Teddy growled at her daughter.
And the mother said she was bitten when she tried to pull Teddy away from another dog.
“I don’t think that’s what he meant to do, I think he was just so scared that I was just in the way,” she said.
Van Klaveren got back most of the $ 1,200 she paid FurBaby Rescues for the adoption, but says it was a struggle to get the refund.
The BC SPCA and animal rights group Paws for Hope confirm to CTV News that they have received complaints about the Chilliwack charity.
“So we’ve heard of them, yes, and we’ve received numerous complaints from people who have adopted from them and either had a sick dog or had behavior problems that weren’t revealed,” said Kathy Powelson, executive director of Paws for Hope.
Ashley Kipping adopted her dog Kihei from FurBaby Rescue last year and said she soon discovered the dog was very sick.
“She became terminally ill and I paid nearly $ 5,000 between the two veterinary clinics to save her life,” said Kipping.
When Kipping tried to negotiate adoption costs and withheld money, her passport, photo, and personal information were posted on FurBaby Rescues’ Facebook page.
A comment from the operator was added. It said, “Was the post I made about you here today professional? Probably not.”
Kipping says her name is clearly visible. She said she received threats before the post was removed.
“I had people sending me messages on (Facebook) Messenger to take care of me. I was scared of walking my puppy at night, ”she told CTV News.
FurBaby Rescues of Chillwack owner Krystle Jores told CTV News that she has more than 1,000 happy customers and added that she loves animals and wants to help them.
Her Facebook page is full of smiling people with dogs, and her only comment on kipping and the passport photo was that the issue had already been brought up.
Teddy the Pomeranian was brought back to Furbaby Rescues this week and Jores said he showed no behavior problems at all.
Teddy’s pictures are online again. The dog is up for adoption again.
