My Nonprofit Reviews

Approximately three weeks ago, on August 18th, I adopted a dog from the Humane Society of Parkersburg. During both the adoption process and the physical adoption, I was informed that the dog was a five-year-old dog whose only medical issue was Lyme’s Disease. I was also told that he “may” have a small vision problem, but it was not an issue.

While I was not informed of this before the adoption, I was okay with his medical issue and decided to overlook the lack of information provided by the staff. However, after I drove three hours home with my dog and let him explore my home, it was startlingly apparent that he did not have a “small vision problem”, but that he is blind.

This past week, I took him to the vet to have his vision checked, hoping that I was incorrect and that the staff did not deliberately deceive me or have a veterinarian who was not properly trained. I was not incorrect. In fact, my dog turned out to have beyond a small list of medical issues, including the fact that he is 10 TO 12 YEARS OLD. Almost immediately upon arrival, the new vet looked at him and said that he was nowhere near 5 years. After an examination, it was confirmed that he was between 10 to 12 years old.

Throughout the examination, the vet listed the various medical problems that Atticus clearly had. Atticus is not only BLIND, but he has small cataracts, although this was not deemed an issue because of his COMPLETE LACK OF VISION. He has arthritis, which is why he walks strangely (not, as the staff said, because "his paws had to be shaved down"). In addition, he was diagnosed with kennel cough. Once I reviewed the medical documents, it was stated that he was given a vaccination for kennel cough, but this pertinent information was not shared with me during the adoption process. It is undoubtedly obvious that my dog’s medical issues and age were factors that could not be overlooked by the staff members.

The shelter has committed an unforgivable disservice to my dog. LNever have I experienced such disrespect and deception from a place that claims to be a “protector and advocate” for animals.