My daughter and I rescued a little Chihuahua from Marilyn's Voice in 2007, then we added a friend in 2010 (a Terrier mix). Not only were we given the whole story, the foster moms kept in touch with us via Facebook. When the Terrier mix started exhibiting separation anxiety we called the number listed on the agreement and talked to the director, Christine. She had their behavioral coordinator call me the next day and even came out to the house several times to work with us. I recommend this agency to all my animal loving friends. By the way, the Terrier mix is doing much better after the help we received.
We adopted a jack russell terrier in 2014. She was a year old and we were told she was found running on a highway, probably a puppy mill dump. She had obviously been bred- my guess is that she lost her litter (too young and small) and was not profitable at that point. Their loss, our gain!
The adoption procedure was thorough, and I respect that. The foster family was absolutely wonderful. We have gained a delightful little dog!
Having read some negative reports from adoptions that did not go as well as ours, my heart goes out to these families. I have been involved with animals coming from abusive situations for many years. Dogs that have not been raised in loving families, particularly in their early years, can have issues that alter them from other dogs. We also have an adopted dog from a local shelter, now 12, who was pretty much a ferrell dog until she found herself in the dog pound and I brought her home at 11 months old. While she is a wonderful dog now and the absolute love of my life, she is still "different" and her adapting to family life was not easy. I think people need to understand that some of these dogs may or may not completely become "normal" pets, but the reward is great if they can at least adjust and learn to love in their own way. They just may not bond to humans in the same way as a "family raised" dog.
As I said, our adoption experience has worked out so well, we have a wonderful little dog that warms everyone's heart who meets her. She was obviously not emotionally scarred which is a bonus for her and us. She has changed over the months here, coming into her own little personality, and we are thrilled that she is ours. Jack Russells are a dog on duracell batteries! I am thankful for rescue groups out there on the front lines of fights we should never have to fight. I know the heartbreak of rescuing, but also the good endings of many. I will always be thankful for those who picked up and rescued our little dog!
We rescued 2 dogs from Marilyns Voice over the years after doing tons of research about puppy mill rescues. The dogs we rescued had some issues that they needed help getting over and truth be told one dog is still having some issues but im sure we all would if we endured what these animals endured. I would not recommend this rescue if you are an inexperienced dog owner or if you dont fully understand the unique needs of a puppy mill rescues. The staff conducted a thorough interview of us and asked questions aboutout home. The foster moms of our dogs were always helpful and honest in the issues the dogs were having and we still talk with them and share photos of our babies progress. We drove to Ohio from NY to pick up our second dog and with our first the foster mom met us in Pennsylvania. Again, with any rescue, do your research on puppy mill dogs and their unique issues before considering using these folks. They are a lot of work but worth the effort.
You will NOT be provided with the entire history behind their rescues, just bits n pieces.
They will give just enough to bait you with the warmth of a rescue. We were told of 2 issues on the 8 yr. old sweetheart that we took home on a Saturday. After reading the vet reports we found out that this poor lil sweetheart had been to the vet 6 times in a matter of 6 weeks including a surgery we were NEVER told about! She had severe emotional scaring, rotting teeth, heart murmur (we found this out as we walked thru a Pet Smart Store with one of the volunteers!) No one told us before we made our huge emotionally torn decision. There is so much more to write but enough hurt has been endured by us & Lil Sweetheart that we had to return her to the Foster Mom after 3 days of discovering more major life/ health issues. Such horrible, sad & needless hurt & pain from this so called compassionate organization. They have hurt & it's deep!!!
Recently adopted a dog from Marilyn's Voice. I was not made aware that the dog was not house broken (instead I was told he was doing really well with his house training...really well to me means rare accidents...not multiple times a day.) I was also never informed of the dog's agression. All of the reps from MV were INSISTANT that he was the sweetest little angel while in foster care. But how does a dog magically start biting the second he gets to another home? We went through trainers, every potty training idea in the book, money, and tons of time all to have to give the dogs back after almost 5 months. We loved the dog but couldn't risk him biting the wrong person (after he'd already bit every one of our neighbors multiple times.) Not only did we have to give up basically one of our family members but MOST of the staff at MV was very defensive and rude through the process. Do not adopt from MV...they omit the truth and then refuse refunds.
Marilyn's Voice is a grass roots puppy mill rescue group. Founded in April 2007, to date, we have rescued, rehabilitated, and found loving forever homes for over 300 dogs. We have done this solely with donations and volunteer support. I have been with this organization almost since it's inception, and while we have come a long way; there is still a long way to go. Our goal is to help end the puppy mill industry particularly in our home state of Ohio, but also all over the country. We have developed a growing reputation for excellence and professionalism in our community and within the rescue world. We take pride in what we do, growing stronger and more determined with each puppy mill dog we rescue. We take each dog into rescue, rehabilitate them physically and psychologically; and through an adoption application process, find the best and most appropriate home for each dog. We are active in protests of pet stores selling dogs obtained from puppy mills; educate the public through community outreach programs in colleges, schools, 4-H, etc. We are active in the legislation process to secure better regualtions to make sure that treatment of these helpless creatures is at least humane, until an end is in sight. We are a voice for the voiceless.
