Complaint Review: Catmandoo Animal Rescue - Playa Del Rey California

 My boyfriend and I recently went to petsmart to adopt a dog and I should’ve known something was off just by how the animals were treated while being there. First of all, these dogs and cats are kept in tiny crates for 12 hour long days without anyone really cleaning them. The dogs were covered in their own poop and pee. They kept yelling at the puppies every time they barked. There was also a puppy we were looking at that bit me several times and drew blood and they just gave me hand sanitizer and a paper towel. That puppy later that night got adopted and they didn’t say anything to those adopters about what happened ten minutes ago with that dog.

I 100% believe they do not do any basic training and potty training for there dogs. One of the ladies was really pushy with us basically shoving adoption papers down our throats and was like "uh-oh” when we were having second thoughts. We were told we can do an adopt to rescue and be refunded if things don’t work out but at least give the dog two weeks and if the dog and my current dog didn’t get along then we can return him sooner with no risks. The puppy we got was very different when we brought him home. He was snapping at our dog, growling at him, and kept trying to put teeth in him.

The puppy (6 months btw) was not potty trained at all and peed on me several times and peed every five minutes even after taking him out numerous times. He also barked a lot and our neighbors called the cops on us. Luckily we just got a warning from the cops but we knew that he couldn’t be with us and it wasn’t the right environment for him. I texted them saying what happened and she said she can take the puppy back. We had to drive to her which and when we got there she refused to give us a refund saying that it’s unfair to the puppy. I was shocked because they said that we would be ok if the dogs didn’t get along and our dogs did not get along.

We also could’ve been kicked out of our apartment because this puppy was barking late st night and we couldn’t get him to stop. She acted all surprised that the dog was barking but not surprised that he didn’t get along with our dog. She just drove off as soon as we gave her the dog. I feel like it’s more unfair to the puppy if we kept it for two weekend and it became attached to us than it is giving it back before the relationship could even grow. It’s also unfair for my current dog to have to go through the trouble this other puppy was giving him. I really believe these people are just trying to adopt these pets out for money.

I was blessed to be introduced to Suzanne & Catmandoo several years back when every other rescue organisation in SO CA told me they could not help me or would help me if I donated $600 per abandoned kitten I'd found. Suzanne was already overwhelmed and had no space to take them, but asked if I would foster until she could find them homes. She took care of their shots and all vet visits and never asked me for a penny! She was amazing, so amazing I have continued to foster kittens for her and over the years have seen her invest her heart, soul and every penny to see that these animals get the best chance at a healthy and happy life.

The woman who wrote this sounds like she has issues with people and animals. How she could even suggest that Catmandoo is a scam is just insane. PetSmart thoroughly vets the organisation and people of the charity that they allow to use their store, and Catmandoo has been affiliated with PetSmart for as long as I have known Suzanne. Also, getting 501C status is no easy task and the board that issues charity status is looking hard at applicants for just such issues. I think the only scam here was the woman making the complaint. I say this because all rescue organisations I have looked into do not allow for refunds, but will allow you to choose another animal should it prove not to be a good fit or the animal dies of a health complication. She was actually trying to pull one over on the charity as it sounds to me.

Rescue animals have been through trauma and harsh situations, they do not end up at a rescue looking and behaving like a show-animal, and recovery does not happen overnight. I've never seen Suzanne hand over an animal that did not have current shots and flea treatment. 

Over the years I have met dozens of people coming back to adopt from Suzanne & Catmandoo who had 10-15 years previously adopted from her and were so happy with their pet that they wouldn't go anywhere else.

I've watched Suzanne work with volunteers, many are children, and the patience she demonstrates, the knowledge she passes on and the opportunity she provides these children to do good are priceless. Suzanne and Catmandoo have so enriched my life and helped me to save little lives and be part of enriching another living creatures life. Shame on this woman for trying to tarnish the work and reputation of people who sacrifice so much of their lives and contribute so much to make the world a better place.

Catmandoo and Suzanne are loving, conscientious, responsible and selfless beyond expectation. I know firsthand that you can not have a better adoption experience or find rescue animals that are given more love, or emotional and medical attention, as well as socialisation. I've fostered close to 80 kittens for Catmandoo and more than half of the adoptive parents send me updates and photos of kittens and always they are so happy with their adoption experience and the special addition to their family.

Suzanne works relentless to rescue anything and everything dropped on her doorstep, or at Petco. Which happens weekly. Scam to collect $? I don't know how she survives with the money she invests in saving these little lives. She has stepped in to help me numerous times with foster animals. 

I have to totally disagree with the writer of this letter.  I have known Heidi for many years and also know the work that she and Suzanne do for Catmandoo.  Both Heidi and Suzanne are dedicated animal lovers who ALWAYS have the best interests of the animals that they work with at heart.  I know the dog that the writer is talking about and I'm also aware that there is a whole other side to this story - quite different from what the writer said.  Heidi worked very hard with the dog in question.  She came to Heidi scared of everything, unable to walk on a leash, understanding no commands - she had been in the streets for who knows how long. 

Heidi showed her constant love, gave her appropriate correction when she misbehaved, and built the dog's confidence up incredibly.  I saw the dog after it was returned - and she looked very healthy to me -- no obvious fleas or wounds. This loving animal now has a wonderful home in Oregon with a person who is absolutely in love with her.  I believe that the placement with the person writing the letter below was an unfortunate mistake - on both sides.  When someone adopts from a rescue organization, they typically sign an agreement acknowledging that the money is non-refundable - BUT they can select another animal from the organization. 

I would guess that this happened in this case.  Heidi, Suzanne, and everyone else who work with Catmandoo are loving andwant the best for their animals.  They sacrifice much of their own time and their own money to keep these animals safe, fed, and healthy.  They will choose to go without something in their personal lives so that they can provide for the animals in their care.  They are not rip off artists and this is not a scam.  To say such a thing is incorrect and hurtful.  These people should be praised and financially supported for the wonderful work that they do!

Heidi Hagford is my neighbor.  I have known her for 11 years.  She befriended my daughter first.  My daughter, now 24, lives with Autism and loves cats.  She finds companionship and solace with these  precious creatures.  Heidi advised that she contact Suzanne at Catmandoo with volunteer opportunities.

Suzanne and my daughter hit it off immediately and there began a very special relationship.  There are not many people out there that understand Autism and know how to work around the special quirks.  My daughter can be quite challenging.  Suzanne and her animals have been a lifesaver for my girl.  She found a purpose there and soon grew (with Suzanne's help) to socialize with the prospective adoptees.  She was able to socialize the animals immediately!  Suzanne and Heidi have been part of my daughter's life now for 11 years.  She trusts and looks up to both woman. 

Both my daughter and I are very saddened that this opportunity has been taken away.  I am sure there are other opportunites out there but not everyone is willing to take on a helper with special needs and help them to live a normal life.

I have known Heidi for11 years and Suzanne for 5 years. In the years that  I have known them, they have been nothing but wonderful.

Heidi: must be one of the most selfless people I have ever known and cares about all animals. She has watched my own pets throughout the years and I have never had any problems, my dog comes  home better trained then when he left. 

I know this story and the lady that wrote this report is crazy! She wanted to adopt the dog, then wanted to return her, then was okay, this went back and forth. Heidi was willing to help with the vet bill. Heidi drove many miles to drop the dog off, then when the adoptee finally decided that she did not want the dog, Heidi drove half way to meet her and pick up the dog. 

Then this lady wanted her money back (what adoption place gives anyone a full refund, and who would ask)! I personally know this dog and when she first came to Heidi she was terrified, was abused. Now my children pet her, give her treats and  so do I!

This lady has been harrasing Heidi and I told her to put a restraining order on this woman.

As for Suzanne, this woman is super! She has helped me on many occasions with my animals, is very informative and does this all for the animals.

I believe that these two woman are incredible in what they do, most people would not care nor spend the time and efforts they do. This is what you would call a miracle worker!

As far as this report that this lady wrote, she is off her rocker and has no  idea who these people are. I still believe a restraining order should be given to her and she needs to focus her life on good things and not be such a negative person. This only brings unpleasantness to everyone and no one likes a person with horrible mojo!