William Oser

Review of Pet Pal Animal Shelter

I am involved in Animal Rescue in the Bradenton ar...

I am involved in Animal Rescue in the Bradenton area, so I think I know about good and bad rescue organizations. I have been looking for a Shihtzu for a friend, female preferred. These are not strongly experienced people so I was looking for one that was reasonably healthy, not too young, not too old. I saw a possiblility at Pet Pals, called them on a Saturday about her. The woman gave me some basic information, a little more than was on line. I was already aware that she was a shy girl, they re emphasized that on the phone. I talked to my friend and we set a date to go up to St. Pete on Tuesday if the dog was still listed on line. She was, we went up there and had a very good experience. At first they asked us to go to the kennels to have a look/see, but when I told them we had this specific dog in mind they showed us to the play room and a little bit later the girl was brought to us. She was very shy as advertised, I asked and got the back story on her. She was at Pet Pals a year ago, went out on a 6 month adoption that went wrong in every way, multiple children in and out regularly, two other dogs, definitely not the quiet home needed for this girl. I don't know if the adopters were not honest about their home or what. I asked some pointed questions to Scott, the head of the kennel or organization who gave me honest answers that he thought the dog would bond in a QUIET home. We decided to take her and everything has been going well, she is doing remarkably well, within what we could have possibly expected. Regarding the staff, everyone treated us with respect and courtesy. The kennels and front area were spotlessly clean. I did make a trip to the kennel area and found all the dogs in very nice condition.