Metro East Humane Society - Highland

"It’s with a very heavy heart I make this review. I’ve been thinking about making this review constantly. But haven’t out of the fear of seeming like a burden and or a Karen. But as it’s what would’ve been a year ago today my girls gotcha day. I’m doing this as a way to cope. Upon adopting her she was a Black Friday free adoption. I was told she was returned to shelters and “shelter hopped” for no good reason and that she was gentle. Dog friendly and cat friendly and tested. She was obviously a herding dog breed and resembled more of an Australian shepherd. And as such I had asked if that would be a worry to have and how to handle a dog of that breed.) They told me that breed is not important that she was an “solid super mutt” and that they do not advertise breed so they’re not adopted for just that reason and that she had “zero instincts and not to worry”. The adopted dog in question, was introduced to mine. They got along but my small dog snipped when she got too over bearing. I was told “oh that’s a great thing. That’s proving dominance and that she will show who’s boss in a fight”. As a 19 yr old first time adopter at the time. That seemed off putting. But I was very oblivious as I never done this before alone. I came overly prepared. I had questions pictures of where I lived the animals she’d be living with etc. for her application approval. But before I could ask any questions or show any proof I was literally handed her and served adoption paper’s automatically. They asked me no questions whatsoever and it was like they were trying to get her off their hands. When we arrived home the adopted dog immediately lashed out. She attacked my small dog she met and my cats almost immediately. She latched on so hard me and my guy friend could barely pull her off with both of us. I immediately frantically called unsure what to do. They answered and said she needed to destress and settle in. She could be scared. Understandable! I did my research and allowed for the 3 month settle in rule for adopted dogs. But at three months she had gotten 10x worse. She constantly attacked and latched on top other animals and wouldn’t let go. She eventually was so stressed out she’d stay in the corner of the room and spend HOURS pulling her fur out from stress. And she was long haired dog. I called repeatedly throughout the months trying to get answers solutions anything. And at one point I’m very sure that these people at the shelter blocked my number. It went to voice mail immediately after calling during business hours all day. As a fur baby momma. I knew this wasn’t going to be her perfect fit even tho it broke me. And I knew her quality of life was not best served with me. She deserved so much more. It took me months to motivate and get the courage to return her because I felt so awful. And the last straw is when she sent my cat to ER for almost killing him and nearly biting me while lunging at him in the process. I returned her next day, I had such a heavy heart and regret. I told the desk lady over and over I didn’t want to do this but I had to. She needed a better life. I constantly asked for reassurance if this was the best decision in the dogs favor. And all this lady did was scoff at me. Acted horribly annoyed with me etc. While returning her I said that she needed to go to a no dog or cat home based off my experience. Because she got very violent. I genuinely wanted the best family for this dog since it couldn’t be me. Again I got scoffed at and eyes rolled. The phone was going absolutely off the hook while I was there. She ignored it. When I finished I asked if it was ok if I gave her her collar toys and food. I was told no. I had this dog ripped away from me literally dragged away before a goodbye as she was clawing her way back to me. Customers scoffed at me, filmed me. I was shamed shunned pushed in a corner for returning her Etc while crying. It was a nightmare. Every day it’s a regret. I never seen her reposted for adoption. And to this day I believe she was put down because of me."

"Adopted our dog here. The staff was very nice and the place is clean. Highly recommend adopting from here. They make it a smooth process to adopting your forever friend.❤️"

"They were amazing and so excited when we decided not only to get the kitten we came for but also the sweetest senior kitty as well."