We adopted a mill survivor from Underdog 3 1/2 years ago. It was the most rewarding experience ever! This rescue passed away at the age of 10. Last week we rescued a commercial breeder survivor from Underdog. Unfortunately things did not go well. We have a 10 year old resident dog who is also a rescue. Upon meeting, the rescue immediately showed aggression towards our dog. (our dog did nothing in response) We expressed concern that this wasn't a good fit. The Underdog volunteer suggested we give them more time. We let the dogs walk around the room for a bit. They didn't warm up but didn't have any more negative interactions. The staff assured us things looked good and that initial aggression was normal. We took the dog home against our better judgement. Long story short, the rescue attacked our dog repeatedly. We kept the dogs in the same room but separated. Hoping they could get to know each other at a safe distance. The rescue lunged at our dog and pulled my husband with her. After 3 days, things were still escalating. We felt it was in the best interest of both dogs to return the rescue so she could get matched with a family that fit her needs better. Of course, Underdog refused to refund our money. (that in itself was very frustrating because the dog was specifically listed as getting along with other dogs.) However, the most frustrating part is that rescue was relisted on their website right away. The listing remains exactly the same--- "get's along well with other dogs." Wow! They seriously are setting this girl up for failure. After this experience, I read many, many negative reviews for Underdog. What I don't understand is the total lack of integrity of the director. How can you claim to want what is best for the rescues and then do this? How does she not have the integrity to say --- sometimes we get it wrong and we will make it right? It's just common sense, common courtesy and doing what is best for these precious little souls.
We were bluntly misled about a dog we adopted. Staff were extremely hostile with us when we requested support in rehoming the dog. Most concerning, despite us sharing information about the dog not being crate or house trained, they reposted the dog as available for adoption with the exact same false description as they shared with us. Clearly they are not taking the time to properly vet animals and share information with prospective new forever homes, putting dogs and families at risk of physical, emotional, and financial toll.
The organization has failed to file taxes in 2 years and previously had its tax exempt status revoked by the IRS. It is not a registered nonprofit with the state of Minnesota. They get their dogs from dog auctions, a practice that financially supports and feeds into the puppy mill industry, and which is why their adoption fees are 2 or 3 times higher than other rescue organizations. When we raised concerns about their practices, they threatened to sue if we raised a complaint with the IRS and State of Minnesota, in an attempt to bully us into submission and to quiet whistleblowing.