2 people found this review helpful
Review from Guidestar Dogs Deserve Better, Inc.
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December 1, 2011
2 people found this review helpful
I have volunteered with Dogs Deserve Better since 2004 and wish to state that DDB is an outstanding organization. They have helped educate the public about chaining, obtained veterinary care for dogs just off the chain and have fostered many dogs. I've worked with them on many projects including rescuing Doogie (see website) and dozens of other events. Dogs Deserve Better has been an unrelenting force in the mission to get dogs off chains and back into loving homes.
Recently there has been a group, you know who you are, who have been maligning DDB because an ex fosterer had the dog removed from her care because she indicated she intended to chain the dog outside from time to time. She took DDB to court and lost the case. Now her group is maligning this great group on FB and other sites like this. They are putting a lot of time and effort into taking down DDB because this one foster had to relinquish her foster. It's irrational people such as this who do not understand that they are not helping the cause of anti-chaining but are attempting to move it backwards in time. There are far too many petty jealousies inside animal rights movements and I believe it is only to the detriment of the animals these organizations are representing.
I have 7 years of intimate knowledge of DDB and I can assure you that this is without a doubt the best anti-chaining advocacy groups to be found. Kudos to DDB and all it's very diffiuclt work.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Quite well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
December 1, 2011
2 people found this review helpful
All the people giving 1 star reviews to DDB are just following the rants of a rejected adopter and a disgruntled ex volunteer. They are blindly following and believing lies posted by these 2 people, Shannon Allen and Suzanne Fiala. There is ZERO truth to what they write. DDB is rescuing dogs and every single dog posted to their website is addressed and the majority of them are rescued. DDB is a wonderful organization that has saved countless lives and will continue to do so. DDB has done nothing wrong, has not broken any laws, and has done nothing unethical. The scorned and disgruntled ex volunteer and rejected adopter claim they know how many reps DDB has, how many volunteers DDB has, how many dogs are at the center when the truth is, they are clueless. Nothing they say and nothing their "followers" has one ounce of truth to it. They are doing their best to try and stop a reputable rescue organization that saves thousands of lives and is the first and most effective anti-chaining group in the world. All I can say is that they must hate animals. DDB is the best.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
too many ways to count
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
nothing needs to change, they just need the evil haters to leave them alone. In fact, it is my hope that everyone who has posted a false comment about this great org is named in a libel suit.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
What one change could this group make that would improve your volunteer experience?
no change needed
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
absolutely
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
empowered and gave me the opportunity to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
December 1, 2011
15 people found this review helpful
I would give ZERO stars, if that were an option.
I was a volunteer for DDB Washington for 6 months, and was loaded up with ELEVEN dogs to foster in that short time. My first experience with a large rescue org certainly opened my eyes to thepotential for fraud and corruption in the world of animal rescue.
DDB never repaid (any of my fostering costs totaling over $1600 - despite receipts turned in per protocol, and promises of reimbursement. When I caught the local state rep lying, misappropriating funds into her personal bank account and otherwise acting unethically; I publicly exposed my concerns after the national chapter ignored my concerns. In an apparent effort to get me to hush up and deflect attention from my provable claims, the organization not only "took back" the almost-dead dog I had fostered adopted via verbal agreement with my state rep, but proceeded to attack my credibility and character with a national smear campaign via perjured court documents, social media attacks and proactively attempting to ruin my professional career.
This organization may have had a pure motive at its inception, and it HAS had many loyal, hardworking volunteers 'walking the walk' of animal advocacy and rescue. But the national CEO and founder, just like the former WA state rep, has knowingly engaged in fraud and illegal activities since the organizations' inception. Soliciting donations in numerous states without registering with the individual states as an active charity, thus violating the Consumer Protection Act for years (the CEO registered as a state charity in Washington state after 9 years of soliciting funds in my state the DAY AFTER I publicly exposed her org), the CEO paying herself a salary, living rent-free in a mansion and paying lawyers to fend off complaints such as mine, all with the dollars of well-meaning donors: all suggest that this so-called rescue organization is more about media attention and personal financial gain than about the dogs it purports to 'save'.
While claiming to rescue 'hundreds of dogs' yearly, the actual number of dogs taken in and placed properly in permanent homes remains unknown. Our local state chapter as well as the national group operate with the 'revolving door' principle of taking dogs in with much publicity and farming them out as quickly as possible to inappropriate and sometimes completely unreliable 'homes'. Also the animal's medical needs are often unmet. Cases in point, a pup I fostered in March, a blind, beautiful young pitbull named kYLE, is again on the 'adoption' list at just barely a year of age. Kyle, this special needs dog, is listed as being "not good with children or cats". He was fine with both when in my foster home, which leaves one to wonder exactly what lack of attention and training has led to these disclaimers as to Kyle's current temperament. Kyle's mother LADY, whom I also fostered in January and into February 2011, has been billed as being in a permanent, loving home in court testimony. Yet she has bounced in and out of at least 8 foster care and multiple failed adoptions in the past 7 months and to date STILL is a dog without a home. A wonderful dog that I fostered with her pups, there is no reason for Lady to be homeless-other than poor placement into inappropriate homes.
I have learned the hard way of the corruption and vice in animal rescue - as in every area of life there are opportunists who will use the 'underdogs' of society for their own gain.
DDB, Inc. needs a forensic audit to investigate misappropriation of funds from the state levels to the national level. Hopefully the IRS will take a much closer look at the questionable accounting practices of national fund solicitations by illegal operation in multiple states, theft by state reps, and an absence of an objective board of directors minding the store.
To the IRS: need evidence? Contact myself and my group of investigators - we have documentation for all claims mentioned herein.
People sincerely motivated to become involved in animal advocacy and rescue, steer clear of this duplicitous and fraudulent organization whose actions speak louder than their pretty photo-ops, feel-good vignettes and anecdotal success stories and endless campaign for donations. /
Suzanne Fiala, MD / Seattle, WA
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
a volunteer capacity for a half-year in 2010-2011.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Hold it morally and financially accountable for past activities, and restructure it from the ground up.
8 people found this review helpful
November 30, 2011
8 people found this review helpful
The mandate of DDB is great..however putting it all into perspective is a different story..I have never heard that a president of a NON PROFIT group, pays herself $40,000.00 per year, has no mortgage, receives travel allowances..and so on..
Wheter or not Shannon is crazy or not, has no bearing..What does matter is the FACTS, anyone can read the spread sheet..As for Dr. Fiala and losing Joel, because of him being at a doggy daycare, is another excuse..Joel was taken because Dr. Fiala ASKED valid questions about finances..Tell me the difference, doggy daycare versus rehab center..So why does Tami not want the financial items to be published? it is a public site..right? I have never heard of anyone that is a VOLUNTEER, getting paid this amount of money per year..it is pathetic..When was the last time you saw her in action..WITH THE DOGS? all we see is her constant begging for funds..for people to buy calendars, cards, jewellery..her complaining how stressed she is, she only has 14 dogs AND she has help..complaining that she has not left her house for a few days..WHO CARES..neither have I. Many of us have loads of rescue dogs, run around, put the animals before our family..she wanted this life..She is welcome to leave this life any time..the sooner the better for all the dog involved..Go play with your BARBIE..( I am saying, get out of the life of dog rescue..
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the last 8 years
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
get rid of Thayne, and her friends who are boardmembers, seel the Vick house, buy some property and a mobile and turn it into a VALID and wonderful rehab place..
November 29, 2011
7 people found this review helpful
I was a paid employee of Dogs Deserve Better for 1 year and a volunteer for 2. I can say for fact that founder Tamira Ci Thayne has little concern for animals and a greater concern for money and fame. She was made aware in 2008 that she was illegally soliciting and accepting donations in states where she was not registered as a 501c3. She regular abandons foster dogs, refuses to pay these dogs expenses after promising to do so. People who have worked with Tami in her home office have reported seeing her kick and shake dogs, have seen her pay her house payment, car payment, utilities, and even groceries with donations. The organization would be great if Thayne would step down.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
They abandoned 7 foster dogs at my house and refuse to cover their vetting expenses. They even had one vet bill for one of their dogs transferred out of their name and put into my name.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Get rid of Tamira Thayne
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
No
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Badly
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
No
What one change could this group make that would improve your volunteer experience?
To stop worrying about publicity and start worrying about dogs.
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
The effect of dealing with Tamira Thayne resulted in me developing an ulcer, insomnia, anxiety, and depression.
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
Joining DDB was the worst mistake of my life. Saving dogs was the best thing in my life, I did this however on my own with little help from DDB although they took the credit for the 50+ dogs I saved.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
December 6, 2011
DDB is a premier Animal rescue for chained and penned dogs and the owner and employees go above and beyond the call of human compassion to help chained/penned suffering dogs across this country. They lobby laws in many states against chaining and none compare to them! DDB has had to defend itself against scorned ex-employees and fosters. When yo have to remove a dog from a foster and ex-employees take advantage of your kindness, you are open for attacks which take on the MOB MENTALITY which to me, has no credability. Keep up the good work DDB!
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
June 8, 2011
DDB is the one of the few organizations that specialize in helping dogs get off chains 24/7 and change laws regarding chaining in many states. I have worked with DDB and many of the reps over the years and I can say that they are professional, kind, honest and the passion they have to make sure people are educated about what happens to dogs on chains compares to none. I can't wait until they open Good Newz Kennels so I can volunteer some time to help them get ready for dogs that have been chained for years and will have a chance at a new life of kindness and love. They are a premier rescue with high standards.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Removing chained, abused and abandon dogs in to wonder foster homes and permanent loving home.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Assist them more with education and charity events.
1 person found this review helpful
June 8, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
DDB is an amazing organization! The many volunteers are devoted, hard working people, and the founder is one of the strongest women I know! I've known Tami for almost 15 years now, and I can't even count how many of her rescues I have actually met and watched blossom from terrified shells of once beautiful souls to romping, playing, loving beings of pure love and light. It makes my heart break to think of how many dogs would have remained voiceless if it hadn't have been for DDB! Thank you, DDB, for all that you've done, and all that you will continue to do! The new property is a blessing!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
direct work within the organization.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
never change a thing! You couldn't ask for a more dedicated bunch!
1 person found this review helpful
June 8, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
Dogs Deserve Better is an awesome organization. We adopted a dog from them and have been involved in volunteering ever since. Without them, our dog would still be chained to a dog house in GA 24/7 and what kind of life is that? Thanks for all you do, DDB!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
volunteering at different events and I was able to educate others.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
not change a thing. They are a great organization.
1 person found this review helpful
June 8, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
BEST ORGANIZATION anyone could ever volunteer for or support.. DDB IS the voice for the chained dogs across the nation.. Without DDB so many forgotten chained dog would die at the end of a chain..
GREAT WORK DDB!!! Proud to be a part of it all..
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I volunteer
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
They are perfect!!!
7 people found this review helpful
June 8, 2011
7 people found this review helpful
Never reimbursed by DDB for the money I spent on one their dogs... seems to a common theme with the owner Tamira burning people and not paying up as promised.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Losing a bunch of money that was supposed to be reimbursed; if you question the founder or get on her bad side, she will turn her back on you, leave you with outstanding vet bills, and in one recent case even steal you dog@
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Fire the founder, bring in a new CEO
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