My Nonprofit Reviews

What started very positively unfortunately ended horribly, mirroring the other two negative review posts. Chicagoland Dog Rescue (CDR) are not listed as a top shelter nor have any Google reviews for a reason.

In my opinion, Chicagoland should be avoided and not trusted by anyone wanting to adopt a dog. My experience with the supervisor/representative was unorganized, rude, dishonest, amateurish and the most expensive at $450. This is about 30% higher than most highly rated and reputable shelters. You can stop now or keep reading.

There is an old saying: He who hesitates is lost. I am guilty of this big time and learned a hard lesson. Upon first meeting the puppy and the supervisor / representative in charge, I sensed the rep knew I was about to decline adopting the dog and he/she suggested I take her home for a few days or a week, and basically just let them know. I should have trusted my initial instincts and not brought the pup home. Realizing this the next morning, I asked to return her (within 24 hours) whereas the same representative encouraged me to try a little longer so I agreed. I cared and loved her 8 more days to be exact. What I have now discerned, he/she really had little expectation that the dog would be returned.

Taking her on daily walks, the local dog park every day, successfully potty training her and falling for her head over heals, I came to the difficult conclusion though that I was not the best choice for the puppy because of an existing issue I could not find a solution for. So I asked to return her the second time after 8 days (Thu) suggesting a home with children or another dog may be better suited. Because they do not have a facility (shelter-less) I was told by the same person that it wouldn’t be until the following Tue (5 more days) because he/she was going out of town - I promptly & respectfully agreed. I heard no more.

Then on Saturday - two days later when I believed the CDR representative was out of town, I made a last ditch effort to now adopt her offering to electronically send the $450 immediately. (I found a solution to the main issue keeping me from taking the dog). He/she promptly said no, that it was “too late.” Unbeknownst to me, he/she did not go out of town and made alternate plans to PU dog the same day I made my last minute effort to adopt her. Remember, this is three days prior to what we had agreed upon. This is when everything went south as he/she projected & deflected back to me that somehow I really messed up his/her weekend adding that I tried to “dump (the dog)” twice before. Really? I guess my mind reading powers weren’t working that day. Furthermore, the representative obviously could not control her/his emotions. A simple no, it’s too late would have sufficed; I had hesitated and lost.

He/she said she had another adoptee that was taking the pup the following morning who was “commited.” Ironically the dog is listed again today on their website. Very sad situation because CDR are more concerned with doing things “quickly” as opposed to what is best for the animal. Yet I offered to “quickly” send payment in full. Now the dog may be passed through a few more unnecessary homes.

I would strongly recommend you do not adopt a dog from CDR so they are able to organically disappear and these animals get to the professional shelters and people who will find them good, proper homes. I feel really bad for this puppy and hope to God she ends up in a loving situation as I was and would have provided.

If this helps only one person it will have been time well served. Thanks for reading.