We adopted a dog from BFPA two years ago and it was a great experience. Since our dog was a puppy, we couldn't finalize the adoption until she was spayed, and BFPA made sure she got everything she needed while living with us in the meantime (shots, meds, etc.).
We adopted a dog from a another rescue the next year and it really just reinforced to us that BFPA is the best!
My wife and 7 year old daughter looked at one of their dogs that was up for adoption (Saturday). Both my wife and daughter fell in love with the dog, so after discussion, 3 days later (Tuesday morning), we submitted the application. A staff member of BFPA contacted us later that day and indicated they were reviewing the application, and that they had contacted our vet for the dog (from Wake County SPCA) that we already had (Wednesday) and would contact the vet for the cats (from Best Buddies Pet Adoption in Virginia) on Friday after the vet appointment, but everything looked very positive for the adoption, All of this was done via a couple of emails over Tuesday and Wednesday. The staff member gave no indication that anything would prevent the 2 week trial adoption so naturally, our family is getting very excited, especially our 7 year old daughter.
Suddenly, out of the blue on Thursday,we are informed that the dog is no longer available as it was going to another family as it had already been on a 'meet and greet' and the staff member whom we had been corresponding 'had just found out'. Needless to say, the weekend was not a pleasant one as the daughter cried continuously, asking over and over why 'they promised the dog and then took it away'.
As adults, we understand it was not a guaranteed transaction, but at no time were we given any indication that the dog was being considered by anyone else. Giving us that small piece of important information could have easily precluded the heartache of a 7 year old.
In my assessment, it appears that communication between the staff is highly lacking and they may take multiple applications on the same animal without communicating the same is any other possible , allowing the hopes and feelings of adopting people to be raised, only to be dashed at a moments notice with only a 'how about another dog' comment. As the father and husband of two very hurt females, I would advise great caution as I don't feel it is a 'professionally' run organization and would absolutely NOT recommend it to any one else. We will return to the Wake County SPCA (adoption fee is approximately $100 less, btw), or possibly to another more efficiently run adoption agency, but definitely not to BFPA,