When I first went to Strayhaven it was to volunteer walking dogs. Several months before I lost my last puppy, Jack. I just wanted to be around dogs, but wasn't ready to have another one. In my time going there I came across a 100lb pit bull named Honey. Honey had a bit of a rough history. She had been placed in homes, but returned. Everyone loved her, but she is a big and strong girl. She also is incredibly smart and can be stubborn. She had a bite history and had to be housed alone. When I first saw her it was love at first sight. She always looked sad and distant. But my heart would not let me pass her by. I started going and walking her as often as possible. Then I asked if she could spend a weekend at my house. As the weekend visits went on I found myself dreading taking her back. I would be miserable all week until seeing her again. The folks at Strayhaven said she seemed really depressed till she would see me again. So apparently we really needed each other. I made the decision that she didn't belong with anyone else. So I chose to adopt her. One of the greatest decisions I've ever made!!!!! She's my best friend. My traveling buddy......she loves her truck and road trips. She sleeps with me. She loves her 5 thousand toys. She's simply incredible! My life is so much better and fuller because of her! I didn't rescue Honey......she rescued me!!!!!
My wife and I went to Strayhaven as our dog and cat passed just before the Holidays / fall.
They sent us home with a dog that hates men ( not mentioning this ); dog seemed fine with handler (female) and I was able to hold the leash for a while so it seemed OK. Not told that she was abused by a man. We went to Tractor Supply and bought all new things for her. We were thrilled. Then we got home.
The dog would come nowhere near me and tried to bite twice...would flee every room that I walked into. I had to leave my house or stay out of any room that the poor thing was in. I could not pet the dog or even try to put a lead on her. My wife had to do everything. These people were told that I recently retired so that I ( A MALE ) would have plenty of time with her and make a great home for her. I have had dogs and cats all of my life and know them.
I slept in my clothes for fear of what might happen during the night if I had to leave our bedroom. I / we have Never returned any stray and have given a good home to many, many stray cats and dogs. From a shelter, or, if you came up my driveway in a bad way...you had a home for life. I have great references, even from my vet.
By morning we were heartbroken to know that this would never work. We have male grandchildren 3 and 4 years old! When we went ( SADLY) to take her back the same handler was very rude to my wife and slammed the door in her face! As we walked up to the door; one of the other handlers said " Hey, isn't that the dog that hates men?" I could not believe what had just happened to both that poor dog and to us !
This poor dog was obviously a very smart, alert and wonderful animal...we would have LOVED to have given her a home for life.....it simply could not abide men. And this dog was sent home with us, and, when it did not work ( which it never would have ) they were very rude and, as I said, slammed the door in my wife's face.
This poor dog is probably still there...but they DID change their website description to say " abused by a male" after this fiasco. Still misleading; HATES men. I am not giving the dog's name for the dog's sake but this animal should be listed as special needs and hates males.
I called several Veterinarians, including my Veterinarian ( Dr. Sumney in New Wilmington ) and they all said that I should contact a board member about this kind of behavior....just try to find out who IS or how to contact a board member. Good luck with that.
We had adopted our dog that passed from them 8 years ago; and things have changed at Strayhaven since then. We will NEVER go back there again. This was shameful on their part, NOT ours, as well as very dangerous to myself. I even gave them a big container of dog food from our deceased friend and told them that it was expensive weight loss dog food. So that it would be used properly.
SHAME ON YOU , Strayhaven. That was MOST Unkind !
Review from Guidestar
The manager and assistant manager love those animals like their own. Care for them and treat them great. They also try to keep up with the cleaning as best as they can, even when they are busy and jammed pack full of volunteers.
They are very friendly and helpful! They will work with you on what kind of animal is best for you! They really do have the best intentions for all the animals
I hold a special place in my heart for Strayhaven. All of the girls there are so kind and welcoming as well as informative, answering any and all questions (that they have an answer for) that you have about the animals. You can tell they truly love the animals they care for. We got our baby girl Doodle at Strayhaven in October and we were so pleased with all of Strayhaven’s help as well as what they provided for us. With Strayhaven’s help we were able to grow our family and the 3 of us couldn’t be happier ❤️
At Strayhaven Animal Shelter - I see people walking around with animals inside and outside - people cleaning , hugging, playing with the dogs and cats. Can't tell who are volunteers, or clients or workers . All are smiling ! The buildings are always clean and people friendly. This is where I will go when I need another loving pet - right now I have one housecat, two foster cats and a feral cat in my barn. My pup I got 8 years ago at Strayhaven passed about 8 months ago. I will be heading back for an older adult dog to love soon.
When we went looking for a new dog to add to our family we went to Strayhaven to see a dog who was injured and they had taken in. His paws had been burnt and he could not walk in them as they would bleed. They were taking care of him and they were carrying him to go to potty and every where . They were showing him so much love. We adopted him after he went thru the C.A.R.E. program and he is the greatest little guy. They are a no kill shelter and show all the animals what love is.
I love the dogs and the staff the are all nice and so are the dogs we adopted our dog Millo from there he is a silly and i love how they are a nonkill shelter .
I've adopted 2 dogs from Strayhaven and tried a home visit with a third (unfortunately, that didn't work out). The staff are friendly, knowledgable, and dedicated to finding the right home for the animals. While shelter life isn't optimal, all the dogs I saw were healthy and happy. No matter how busy they were, the Strayhaven staff took the time to work with me to find just the right companion.
I adopted my pitbull Max from Strayhaven several years ago, and couldn't be happier with Max, and my experience with Strayhaven. Max attended their C.A.R.E. program, where dogs are sent to a state prison to be trained by inmates in basic obedience. This is a great program that helps these animals get adopted faster, and I'm sure helps the inmates also. The staff at Strayhaven does a wonderful job pairing their rescues to the right homes, and is always kind and professional when I visit. I recommend Strayhaven to everyone that I get a chance to, when I know they are looking for a rescue animal. Strayhaven will be the first rescue I go to when I'm ready to adopt again.