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Alexis Kelley's avatar

We recently adopted 2 dogs (one female, one male) from the Best Friends on the West Side and were surprised by a couple of things. We weren’t questioned at all about our living situation or our ability to care for these animals, something every other no kill shelter has done. The dogs had been released to Best Friends only 2 days before and they were suffering badly from fleas. They had been spayed and neutered but the incision on the male looked like it was in the beginning stage of an infection. Everyone T Best Friends was incredibly nice and the facility looked more like a day spa than an animal shelter, but we felt a bit hustled to take these animals right away. We’re glad we did because they’re really incredibly remarkable little critters, but we ended up spending quite a bit of money at the vet to deal with infections, both from fleas (the male developed spots with hair loss all over his back from the fleas) and the incision. I have to say, it was nice to visit a shelter that was so lovely but it was clear to me that the dogs should have been there long enough to know if there were any serious problems and, at least, were flea free. All that said, we are already terribly smitten with these small critters.

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Dee Rambeau's avatar

I’ve been a supporter of Best Friends Animal Society for over two decades—having adopted a dog from their main sanctuary in Kanab, Utah—referred many friends to them—and seen an enormous record of success over that time.

I’ve also witnessed a rapid growth phase of BF—adding partners and facilities in a dozen communities around the US.

BF took on the abused and infamous “Michael Vick” dogs and rehabbed many of them for eventual adoption.

I’m not familiar with their activities in Los Angeles—where much of their financial support and adoptions have always come from.

I appreciate you bringing this issue into the light. They’ve always been tremendous fundraisers and marketers in an admittedly difficult business of saving dogs and cats.

I fear that their rapid growth has—like many organizations whether for profit or non-profit—caused employee and management oversight issues. It is indeed difficult for fast-growing organizations to make sure they maintain values across their facilities and employees.

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