This is Canine Crusaders of Atlanta. Unfortunately the last review from Matthew Long aka “responsiblepetowner” was turned down on his application and denied 2 of our cats because he turned out not to be a responsible cat owner at all.
After reviewing his application and speaking with his vet we were going to plan a meet and greet with 2 cats.
BUT, after speaking with him at length we discovered his current cats accidentally get outside on more than one occasion.
After asking how this happens, we found out he keeps the litterbox in the garage where they currently park their cars.
Our cats are all indoor only cats and if accidentally got outside could end tragically. We care more about the safety and well being of our animals than we do of offending irresponsible pet owners.
We take our application process very seriously and take great pride in our adoption procedures.
Sadly those turned down usually don’t agree and some even write a bad review because they don’t get the pet they wanted.
I’m sure any reasonably and smart, caring animal person would agree.
I adopted both my current dogs from Leigh, as well as a previous dog. She is a caring and careful person. I greatly respect how she screens people and does home visits to be careful dogs are given to a good home. She devotes her life to this. One of my dogs lived with Leigh for a few years before I got her---I take her to the same vet--all her vet visits were up-to-date--all Leigh's dogs are loved and well cared for. I would read between the lines on these negative reviews here, really--- unfortunately we need better laws regulating dog ownership, so I am VERY glad that Leigh has a strong screening policy. Thanks, Leigh, if you are ever reading this. The picture is of Frida and Diego. Diego wouild have been put down if I hadn't adopted him. Thank you, thank you, Leigh. -Beth Damon
We just adopted a friend for our other dog and it was a match made in heaven. We spent a couple of weeks emailing and talking with the volunteers about our dog and our home so they could find us the right dog. After discussing several with them, we decided on one that wasn't originally our first pick. Things couldn't have worked out better and we're happy we took the time to find the "right" dog for us and for our other dog.
I fostered for Leigh before and she has the dogs best interest at heart. A good rescue group should really check out who and where the dog is going before adopting the dog out. Rescue groups put a lot of time and money into a dog and they do not want to see all of that go down the drain by adopting to someone who will not continue the proper care that the dog needs.
We recently had a very nice experience with this group. They didn't end up having a dog for us, but they took the time to help us look for the right dog for our family. They looked online and made calls to their rescue friends and found us the best possible match we could have hoped for. They're top notch in our opinion and we would refer them time and time again to our friends and family.
I adopted a dog from Leigh last year and had nothing but a positive experience from beginning to end. We got the dog we wanted, and she only had the standard adoption application, which I have been asked to complete every time I adopt. Yes, she has strict rules (many rescues, though not necessarily in GA) require fences. This is only to protect the dog and you (liability issues). I'm surprised at the negative reviews here because our experience was completely positive all the way through. She even called and came by several times after the adoption to check on our "new" family member.
I just adopted my third dog from Canine Crusaders of Atlanta and Leigh handled all 3 adoptions over the last 10 years. She's the nicest and has the biggest heart out there. I believe she works hard to place the right dog with the right home and all 3 dogs have been the right match for my family every time! I wouldn't second guess one decision she makes in regards to the dogs in her care. She does whatever it takes for a dog. I don't believe for a second that she would refuse to take a dog back. I know for a fact that she's taken back several over the years. She's dedicated her life to those dogs, that I know!
This is Leigh with Canine Crusaders of Atlanta. It's obvious most here are upset because they didn't get a dog they inquired about adopting. Some of our dogs have specific needs and some must be adopted after only certain requirements are met.
In response to the July 1, 2014 comment....We do not adopt out of state, period. We do a home visit prior to adoption. All dogs do not require a fence, only certain dogs need them, but not all.
We always return calls and emails and if someone meets the requirements of our group and for a particular dog, they will be able to adopt that dog.
In response to the September 12, 2014 comment....WOW! This woman actually boarded her chihuahua at a kennel for Christmas and never came back. He sat there for 6 months and no return calls from anyone. After the kennel owner called her and spoke with her husband, he told her they no longer wanted him and to find him a home. After 6 months, she called and said she wanted her dog and would sue the kennel and me. Wow! Guess what? She actually never called back again which showed she wasn't serious about taking her dog back ever. People like that should never own a dog.
In response to the October, 5, 2014 comment. This woman, Dana adopted Becca from my group. Becca had been abused and I told Dana she had not bitten anyone after being with us for about 8 months, but has snapped at many people out of fear. Dana and I had kept in touch for 2 years....2 years! We were Facebook friends, she would text me updates and pictures of Becca. Never, not once did she EVER tell be Becca was biting in the entire 2 years she had her. I even went and visited Becca in this summer. In October, she called and told me Becca had bitten her sister in the face and that Becca had been biting for 2 years. I was dumbfounded. I couldn't believe she had never told me about any of this. It turns out the sister was drunk, and the two women were fighting and I was told by Dana that her sister was yelling while leaning over Becca the dog. No wonder why she bit her. This dog was a fear biter and was abused. Although she never bit anyone in our group, she had snapped at people in the beginning, including myself. Once she got used to someone and could trust them, she was a different dog.
For 2 years, Becca could have been getting help with a behaviorist but instead, she was allowed to continue to bite....for reasons I will always wonder why. Something terrible must have been going on in that home for her to bite like that. I loved Becca, we all did. I told her owner Dana to call a behaviorist we use. I said if I took her back she would have to live in my basement temporarily because I have other dogs. Becca didn't get a long with other dogs. Never in my worst nightmare would I have though Dana would have killed Becca, ever! After that first phone call, I never heard from her again. I called and called and she would never return my calls. I called our behaviorist friend and he never heard from her. I finally got her on the phone and she said she had her put down. Becca was NEVER given a chance. We don't adopt out dogs for anyone to get hurt, but if a dog has issues, we will disclose them. Our adoption contract states we take all dogs back. I would have taken Becca back but was never asked or given the chance and regret that daily. I will always love you Becca and will regret your adoption to Dana until the day I die.
Previous Stories
I've volunteered with Canine Crusaders for 3 years. The bad review written in 2012 was obviously written by someone who was turned down for a dog. It's a shame people are so vindictive and can't be respectful of the adoption process. I know this group pride's themselves on quality homes versus quantity. They keep their dogs until they find the right home and best possible match, no matter how long it may take. They'll never turn their backs on the dogs and go the extra mile to find the right home. They do not function like a shelter where you can choose what dog you want and go home the same day, even if it's not e right dog for your family. If this is what you want, then go to your local shelter. If you want to work with a group who will help you find the right dog for you and will give you the time to spend with the dog to get to know them and get a feel if it's a good match, Canine Crusaders is the group.
Leigh adopts dogs that bite! When she was asked to take the dog back she refused. The dog had thousands of dollars spent on her for training and health issues. The dog eventually bit someone in the face and had to be put down. When she contacted me to find out what was going on with the dog, and was informed of what happened, she started blowing up my phone calling me a killer!!!! This lady is absolutely crazy and a true mean person. Do not donate!!! This lady needs to be shut down! She keeps the dogs that she wants and adopts out dogs that don’t fit in with her agenda.
This woman took my pet! I had a problem with the Kennel he was in and they turned my dog over to Leigh. The kennel called her and explained to her that the issue had been resolved and she was NOT suppose to be given my pet! I called her and told her that she was given my dog by mistake and I was coming to pick him up. I went to her house which is also her place of business and she never answered the door. When she finally answered the phone she told me to SUE her! She stated that she had been SUED before! I believe the negative reviews that have been posted! She is a cold hearted and unprofessional person! I am planning to sue her for my baby! See you in court!
Emailed this charity about a dog that would have been perfect for me. I live in a rural area on 1/2 acre in Powder Springs, Ga. The owner, Leigh, emailed me back. I explained that I was moving to this home and had a dog that had lots of friends in our apartment community. She sent me the application. There was a discrepancy about the size of the fence. Leigh wanted me to have a fence that was at least 5 feet high. Mine is 4.5 feet high. I told her that I would go to Home Depot to get the fence heightened. We were supposed to get my dog together with the dog that I chose. It never happened. I never heard from Leigh again. Once I was in the house I emailed Leigh to see if she could do a home visit and see if my dog and Chester got along. I have yet to hear back from her. I guess that means I am denied. My dogs eat only the best food. They are loved and get vet care. I have yet to hear from this agency. Maybe the other reviews are correct in that she doesn't want to adopt the dogs out. Maybe she just gets attached to them. That doesn't make her a bad person. Just not a good facility that will adopt an animal out.
Had my best friend for 14 1/2 years , rescued when I was a police officer, recently had to put him to sleep and wanted to help another needy dog. I called twice because they didn't call when I left a message.......they don't adopt out of state, don't adopt without a fence ( never needed one in almost 15 years ) my dog was an inside dog. Seems like if a dog can get a good home they make it TOO DIFFICULT to get a good home for these poor animals. I feel sorry for these dogs as they must abide by the rules of certain ignorant humans that are in charge of them. If canine crusaders would have checked me out and GONE THE EXTRA MILE instead of saying I gotta go now......they would have found out that I have traveled across the US twice with Louie, taken him to 2 countries spent thousands on care at the vets, meds when he got older, quality food ALL his life bought at the vets.......birthdays, Christmas...everything he did WITH ME....oh did you ask to see the 500 pictures I have of him taken in the last 14 1/2 years?...I wasn't asking you to come check out my house and full acre property in the NEXT STATE over, Alabama.....I am positive the PAWS local group and shelter would have checked me out for your lazy employee....I could have picked up the dog myself. I applied at the shelter and paws and was approved....... If only the animals you have only had a choice........you can say I was just upset because they wouldn't adopt one to me.........WELL YOU ARE CORRECT.....I am over-qualified, a proven pet lover and DO NOT respect your adoption rules as they are not fair and just.
Review from Guidestar
Leigh is such a sweet lady and loves these animals so much. I don't think she has a lot of help. She was very helpful and we are so happy we found her because we got the absolute perfect dog for us.