I have had two experiences with DDFL and both times, I have been impressed with the work of the shelter. The first experience was in 2003 when we adopted a cat , Sydney, whom we still have today. The second was just last week ( Sept 2011) when we adopted a dog who, unfortunately, didn't fit for our family since she didn't like cats. Even though we had to return our dog, we felt like the DDFL was sad things didn't work out yet happy to know more about the dog so that she could be fitted to an even better home. The adoption counselors are knowledgeable and caring. They wouldn't pair up an animal with a family if they thought the matching wasn't a good fit.
The dog we choose had kennel cough ( typical for ANY shelter or place where you find lots of animals) but she was checked out by the vet and given a course of antibiotics that went home with us. If we didn't feel comfortable giving her the meds, I am sure we could have left her under the care of the team with no problem until she was better. With having so many animals in one place, it's no surprise that a cold ( basically what kennel cough is) would spread through the shelter so quickly, just as colds spread through class rooms at school.
There are tons of resources available to those who adopt pets from the DDFL- behavioral specialists to help adapt the pet to it's new home as well as a free vet check up and free spaying or neutering .
I am not sure where the idea that the DDFL is in it for the money came from when I am sure they don't make a great deal of it between paying it's employees, vet care and feeding and caring for the animals. I didn't think paying 150$ for an investment in our family was asking a lot and I am sure it didn't even come close to touching what was paid out to care for the dog we choice until we adopted her. I never once got the impression that money was the focus for this operation on either of my visits to the DDFL.
I highly recommend going to DDFL and I am sure we will go there again!
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