ComplaintsforUnderdog Rescue, Inc.

• Initial Complaint

  04/25/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  We adopted a corgi for $795 and she died less than 2 weeks later. We were told that she was cancer free and that she was 31/2 years old. Turns out she was closer to 10 and full of cancer. We spent $2400 total in 2 weeks. I reached out to the rescue and received a condolence card with a memorial of $275. I would like the other $520 back. I don't even think the complete $2400 is asking that much, but I realize that would never happen.

  Business response

  06/01/2022

  As we expressed, we were all shocked and deeply saddened that Mishka passed unexpectedly. Our hearts went out to you and to her. We want nothing more than the happiest of endings for every dog we rescue. No one could have predicted this unfortunate tragedy. Mammary tumors in dogs have a 50% or higher likelihood of being benign vs. malignant. Since we did not know what type of tumor had been removed, we did our due diligence of taking chest X-rays to rule any signs of metastatic cancer. As far as Mishkas age, we were given documentation that she was 3-4 years. Accurately estimating a dogs age, for example, from their dental condition is not possible, particularly in a dog such as Mishka who had a life of constant breeding, physical stress, and neglect, prior to us rescuing her. A four year dog who has had a life such as hers could easily appear twice or more the age of a dog who had only known good care. For instance, during her dental, she had 18 teeth removed. That is very unusual for a dog of any age who has had quality care throughout its life. Our adoption fees cover only a percentage of costs involved in the vet work do for a dog such as Mishka. When trying to help rescue dogs, there is no way a guarantee or warranty can be extended. Fortunately, an outcome, such as Mishkas is as rare as it is devastating. Again, we are so truly sorry for your loss.

  Customer response

  06/02/2022

   I am rejecting this response because:
  
  In the medical records from the vet in **** which you forwarded to us, said a cancerous tumor was removed and needed to be monitored. He also stated that he suspected that she was much older than what the previous owner had said. I hope in the future you make sure that all medical records about the pet they are adopting are sent before the adoption is final. We were told that Mishka was cancer free and that was not true. Knowing may have helped our decision.

• Initial Complaint

  01/14/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  We were very excited to adopt a dog from Underdog. We were told the dog was mostly house trained, crate trained, and cuddly. Upon adoption, it became immediately clear the dog was not properly vetted and/or portrayed. He was not anywhere near house trained and was extremely violent if left in a crate. We reached out for support within 2 days. Underdog became hostile and unhelpful. The dog, despite being walked 5 miles a day never once went bathroom while on a walk. He continued to go potty in the house. Upon review, they are not a registered nonprofit and have failed to file taxes, in addition to other nonprofit violations. They have very poor reviews on GuideStar and Charity ********** When we raised these concerns with them, they threatened legal action in an attempt to bully and quiet us. Eventually, they took back the dog but refused to refund our money. In short order, they reposted the dog for adoption with the exact same description - misleading yet another family and putting the dog in a potential situation in which it may not receive the support it needs. In researching their practice of purchasing dogs from auction, it's an extremely questionable practice which supports the puppy mill industry, something they are not transparent about, but clearly recovering costs as their adoption fee was $900. In that regard, while I am unsure, I question if they charged the family that adopted the dog after us the same fee - essentially 'double dipping on very high adoption fees. It breaks my heart to think of the animals that are cycled through, unvetted, and potentially put in situations where their needs are not met because of the lack of transparency. It's sad that an organization would be so hostile to its clients and would fail to follow simple tax and transparency rules.

  Business response

  01/27/2022

  The description of the pet that ************** adopted was accurate based on the information that Underdog had available. Nothing was misrepresented, and no promises one way or another were made. Pets are living creatures; are a responsibility; and are unpredictable. This is common knowledge but is also set out in the adoption contract ************** signed. It is unfortunate that this placement did not work out for Mr. ******* that he did not choose to put in the work necessary as a pet owner. As soon as ************** indicated he did not want the pet, Underdog indicated that it would retrieve the pet. Under the contract ************** signed, Underdog has 14 days in which to do so, in order to work to find a ****** home for the pet. Nevertheless, Underdog agreed to retrieve the pet as immediately as possible. ************** became angry because we would not return his nonrefundable adoption fee and began making baseless accusations and threats. It was only then that we had our legal counsel reach out to ************** to ask that he communicate through him rather than harassing our staff and volunteers.
   
  ************** signed an adoption contract which stated that the nonrefundable adoption fee, which goes toward payment of costs for the pet, including but not limited to feeding, veterinary bills, and Underdog overhead and operation costs. It is clearly stated in the contract that the adoption fee is not refundable under any circumstances. Underdog was as helpful to ************** as could reasonably be expected and we deny that we were hostile in any way. 
   
  Mr. ****** allegations that Underdog is not a registered nonprofit, while having nothing to do with his adoption, are baseless and incorrect. Underdog is a registered nonprofit corporation under Minn. Stat. 317A, and under 26 USC Section 501(c)(3). Its tax returns are publicly viewable on the federal ************************ web page. Nonprofit organizations have expenses like any other company or entity. The adoption fees paid cover more than costs of any particular pet or adoption, including wages, rent, marketing, food, veterinary costs, and other operational overhead. Underdog does not sell petsit places them with ****** and adoptive homes. Mr. ****** complaint includes a lot of allegations, misinformation, and popular buzz-terms, but is utterly and completely without basis. Underdog is happy to report that the pet mentioned has been re-homed and is doing great with his new family.
  

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