Complaint Review: CONNIE KRAMER Retro Doggy Rescue - Commerce Michigan

Retrodoggy rescue helped me save a dog that had been placed, hit by a car and lost a leg.  They did not hesitate.  They took time to place this pup and she now has a home.
I think its a shame that this website has a permanent place for this foolish report.  Its even nonsensical.  Writing a check is the exact way that a person keeps a paper trail of their payment to anyone anywhere.  I don't think the original complainers were very bright.  Further, if a price of $300 or more keeps riff raff away and ensures the pups go to people who are actually willing to come up off some dough to support future pups and it demonstrates integrity on their part, I say more power to you.

Thank you Retro Doggy Rescue for saving the life and future of the most beautiful 3-legged Ruby.  You have made this world a little better.

I think all the local dog Oakland County rescues are operating in a similar fashion. I don't like it either.

I always had gotten purebreed dogs from trusted breeders in the past but decided to go with a rescue dog this summer. I paid $350 and got a untrained, not house broken although I was told it was, sick dog - two infections and tested for a third but was asymptomatic. I was similar disappointed. After three months the dog is finally doing well but it was touch and go for about six weeks. My vet was quite angry with me - he thought I was reckless to have gotten a dog listed on Petfinder. I was foolish. I didn't recognize what I was getting into.

I also contacted the rescue via email and phone after the adoption, just to ask questions and they never got back. The dog went to a vet for the first time only for neutering, rabies and vaccinations after I paid 1/2 of the 'rescue' fee. None of the puppy vaccinations were ever given although the dog had been at the rescues from about 1 week of age. The rescue I used was in part supported by a local pet store. The rescue seems to get the majority of its money from the pet store donations and grants. The rescue travels out of state to pick up as may dogsas they can. I was told any money they collected from a prospective dog owner it was OK for them to pocket by non-profit law.

I would not get another rescue dog in the future. It was much to costly and stress. It is wrong for all these NW Oakland County rescues to pretend we are saving the dogs lives when they are actually being sold for profit. They aren't rescues they are business's and they need to be labeled for what they are.

I just want to say that I am and have been actively involved with Retro Doggy Rescue for several years and have also adopted a dog from them. I don't know where this person is getting her information from about them adopting out a sick dog without telling you the dogs condition. I adopted a "sick dog" from them and was given a lot of information and support. 

Last month we adopted a precious little boy from Retro doggie rescue. Any one who knows my partner and I know how much we care for our pups. This little guy was exactly portrayed by Connie and the foster mom Vicki. When we got him all that we did not know was how much and how fast he would become a member of our family.    

We would have easily spent the months nurturing and making welcome the new commer,  we anticipated  it would take.... But it  did not.  He fit in within days largely because the two we have really liked him instantly and helped to make him feel home.  And because we knew what temperament would work. Overall we are grateful that Connie let us have him.  

But mostly I want any one reading this to know that this organization is true blue. I highly recommend anyone who is looking to open their home to a dog who has been through previous transitions/homes/or from where ever!  I also recommend that a prospective adoptor  know themselves  and their own household well enough to  get a good fit with the temperament and needs of the new dog and to think a very long time about how that will play out in their own home. 

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I would also like to back up Connie Kramer and the Retro Doggy Rescue organization.  We adopted Jazzy from them about a year and a half ago.  He was a very sick little puppy who had a liver shunt and had been transferred many times.  We were his 7th home. 

Connie and Olga (Jazzy's foster mom) could not have been more driven to ensure the safety and happiness of those dogs.  When I attempted to adopt Jazzy, I had to prove that I would be a fit dog mom, they went to great lengths to make sure I was a responsible dog owner.  They checked my references, did a very (very) thorough home visit, spoke to our dog trainer (we already have one dog) and check vet records.  They made absolutely certain I understood his condition and gave me tools I needed to attend to him. 

Nearly 2 years later, Jazzy is a cherished member of our family.  He is Macy's big brother and possibly the sweetest dog I have ever known.  He did have issues housebreaking, and following commands, but that's no surprise considering what he had been through. 

I don't know what "Pets lover" issues are with Connie and Retro Doggie Rescue, but I an assure you it's not a fraudulent or misleading organization.  They put the dogs needs before their own most of the time and go out of their way for the animals.  However, they would not tollerate someone who was not attending to the dog appropriately.  Rescue dogs often have behavior issues, but that does not mean they are bad dogs, or come from a bad rescue.  When an animal ends up at a shelter, you have to assume they were "rescued" from a bad environment.  And like humans, bad environment sometimes leads to behavior or mental issues.  And like humans, dogs need rehabilitation and love to make it right again.  Just changing homes doesn't solve the problem.  you need to work with them, love them, care for them, and be their friend. 

It sounds like this complainer didn't have the time to spend with a rescue dog or give them the attention it needed.  I would adopt from Retro Doggy again in a heartbeat.  I drove over 5 hours each way to pick up my dog because I knew he was coming from a legitimate organization.  Any group of individuals that would go to such lengths to ensure proper placement for a dog MUST be in the business because they love animals.  And that was a place I wanted to extend my business. 

I know Connie personally and her rescue. She rescues Yorkies and even though they are tiny dogs, they can have HUGE medical problems. A Liver Shunt is about $4K. Orthopedic problems are really spendy, call a vet and ask. You have puppy mills cranking these dogs out with nasty congenital problems. Rescues don't make money. They depend on donations and fundraising. Lassie, Rin-Tin-Tin and Zeke-The-Wonder-Dog don't end up in rescue.

RetroDoggy Rescue is a 501c3, non profit organization. We will gladly provide documentation to anyone, at any time. It is somewhat of a problem when someone makes an anonymous allegation with vague complaints. Have the intelligence and courage to identify yourself and be specific in your claims of damage. We will gladly present our side of the story, supported of course by copious e-mails, vet bills and at times messages saved on voice mail from an unhappy individual. ANYTIME, ANYWHERE, ANYPLACE...BRING IT ON. WE WELCOME ALL SCRUTINY.

RetroDoggy Rescue, formerly known as Petrealtorz (name change due to copyright issues with National Association of Realtors, of which I am a member), has no affiliation with Beagles and Buddies from California. That Connie Kramer is an individual completely unrelated and unknown to the Connie Kramer associated with RetroDoggy Rescue. RetroDoggyRescue definitely adopts out dogs with health issues, AFTER full diagnoses and treatment, usually highly expensive tests and surgeries, with current medical conditions and prognosis from veterinarians fully disclosed to potential adopters. Our adoption fees do not come close to covering the medical expenses of our dogs. We also adopt out healthy dogs: with shots records and a senior blood profile provided to support that claim. If dentals are required, they are performed prior to adoption, and all dogs over 6 months are spayed/neutered, unless there is a medical reason prohibiting such surgery (documentation provided). If under 6 months, a significant spay/neuter deposit is held until proof of surgery is provided, at which time the deposit is returned to the adopter. Connection to puppy mills. We are frequently asked to take in dogs from puppy mills in order to prevent them from being shot, drowned, bludgeoned or otherwise inhumanely killed when they are of no further use to the millers. These dogs are usually in need of immediate and extreme vet care as well as long term rehabilitation and socialization. All potential adopters sign a contract which clearly states their obligations to the animal they are adopting, and the non refundable adoption fee. All adopters receive a copy of the contract they sign. All adopters have lengthy interviews and reference checks as well as home visits prior to adoption with continuing support following the adoption. All adopters are informed that housebreaking WILL be an issue during transition and that love and patience and structure e are required to help a rescue dog acclimate to another new environment. Our mission is to help any needy Yorkshire terrier or other small dogs, regardless of age or infirmity, to give them love, medical care, and safe haven and, to the very best of our abilities, to place them in safe, loving, carefully chosen forever homes. The dogs that come into our rescue are on a minimum of a second home. They do not come into rescue because they are perfectly healthy, wonderful companion dogs. Those dogs seldom need rescue. The majority of the dogs available from our rescue have issues, either health or behavioral. We work to resolve the problems we can, and make sure to fully explain the health, temperament, and needs of each individual dog. The average time a dog spends in our rescue is 4 months, however we have dogs that will remain in rescue forever (often a puppy mill dog who cannot make the transition to a conventional home) we take time to know the dog, so that we can accurately convey his/her personality and needs to a potential adopter. We try to make the best match possible, relying on information conveyed to us in the adoption application we require completed prior to anyone meeting any of our dogs. Problems arise when misinformation and omissions of information (which would have precluded an adoption being approved) are made on the application. The adoption of the dog in question, Bella, occurred on August 18, 2008. The RetroDoggy Rescue (RDR) representative took Bella to the adopters', Marta Duraj and Peter Horwood, residence. The RDR adoption contract was discussed and signed by Marta Duraj. During that discussion there was a conversation between the RDR rep. and Marta. Marta asked if the adoption fee was refundable or the dog could be exchanged. The RDR rep. pointed out the section in the adoption contract that specifically states The adoption fee is nonrefundable and further told Marta that the rescue does not exchange dogs. Marta Duraj signed the RDR adoption contract and took possession of Bella. A copy of the contract and all vet records for Bella were left in an envelope with Ms. Duraj when she took possession of the dog, Bella. Also during that meeting the RDR rep. discussed with Marta the specifics of helping Bella to adjust to a new home and gave her numerous recommendations to make the transition successful regarding housebreaking. She told Marta specifically that Bella would have some housebreaking issues with moving to a new home and how to use a crate to successfully house break. The RDR rep. also told Marta to purchase princess panties for Bella. These would assist with keeping the flooring in the house clean should Bella have a potty accident inside the house. As part of the adoption agreement and as stated in the contract, Marta Duraj and Peter Horwood agreed to contact the foster parent not limited to but as least once a week for the next 4 weeks following the adoption. They did not do that. During the first two weeks following the adoption, the foster parent repeatedly tried to contact Marta Duraj and Peter Horwood to find out how Bella was adjusting to the new home and offer any recommendation necessary. Neither Marta nor Peter responded to any of the voicemails or emails from the foster parent. Approximately two weeks after the adoption, Peter Horwood contacted the rescue wanting to return Bella or exchange her for another dog. At that time Connie Kramer had a conversation with Peter in which she told him to please return Bella to the rescue but that the rescue does not exchange dogs. Peter then had further conversations with other RDR representatives in which he wanted to return Bella but was unable to bring her back to the rescue. He stated at that time that they would continue to try working with Bella to make the adjustment. He was given further recommendations to try to make the transition successful. He was told if it was not successful then Bella would need to be returned to the rescue. Approximately one week later Peter Horwood again contacted the rescue and wanted to return Bella. He stated she was having housebreaking issues and was scared. When asked if they were using the crate as a training tool or had purchased princess panties, he stated that no they were not. It was requested at that time that they return Bella to the rescue. Peter Horwood made arrangements with the foster parent and did return Bella to her. Per the foster mom He brought Bella back in a hand bag so small that she could not even stand up. He told me to dump her out in my car, she was so scared that she peed on my car seat. When the foster parent returned home with Bella, she recognized immediately that Bella was not in the same condition as when she was adopted out. Bella was emotionally traumatized. hid under the bed and attempted to bite her. Peter Horwood contacted the rescue after having returned Bella requesting a refund of the adoption fee. He was told that the adoption fee is nonrefundable so he and Marta would not be receiving any funds back. It was also stated at that time that the rescue was unhappy with the poor condition of the dog when she was returned to the rescue. On September 19, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. Marta Duraj left a threatening message on the voicemail of a RDR representative. That voicemail was saved and is available to anyone interested in hearing it. In that message Marta stated the following: I have been treated like this from another lady before. I bought the dog. I took the dog to the vet. The dog was sick and she did not refund the money. This statement implies that Marta has either attempted to adopt another dog from somewhere else and it was unsuccessful, or, that she purchased a dog, and disposed of the dog in some fashion... No where on her adoption application was that stated and the RDR adoption application specifically asks if there are currently any other pets in the home and in a separate questions ask: List all pets you've owned in last 10 years, not mentioned above, and their present status: By not disclosing the information about the previous unsuccessful purchase of a dog, RDR must assume that Marta and Peter were trying to hide that information and misrepresented themselves as responsible pet owners. Further, the adoption application that Marta Duraj completed and returned to RDR clearly states that RDR has the right to nullify the adoption and reclaim the dog without reimbursement of the adoption donation. That section of the adoption contract has been included below. I declare that the information I have provided in this application is complete and correct. I further declare that I am financially and physically able to care for a rescued dog; I understand that proper food and veterinarian care may be costly, and I am able and willing to meet the needs of my adoptive dog. I understand the requirement and grant permission for Home Checks at random both prior to and following adoption. I submit that if a Home Check reveals falsification or misrepresentation of any facts on my part, RetroDoggy & Michigan Yorkshire Terrier Rescue reserves the right to either refuse adoption or to nullify the adoption and reclaim said rescued dog from my premises, without reimbursement of the adoption donation. I release RetroDoggy & Michigan Yorkshire Terrier Rescue from any liabilities I may incur from the adoption process. Although we do our very best to carefully screen all adopters, sometimes we fail, and when that happens, it is always the dogs that pay the price. This is a frivolous complaint by an insincere and possibly unbalanced individual/s. If you have any further questions, please contact us. Thank you, Connie Kramer, Director

I have known Connie Kramer and been involved with Retro Doggy/PetRealtorz since its inception over 10 years ago. I have been a foster home, and have seen first hand the condition of the dogs that come into this and other rescues. I have also viewed the fraudulent applications for adoption, the fraudulent cries for help from dog owners looking for a handout to line their own pockets and avoid paying vet bills for their own dogs, scamming rescues instead. RetroDoggy has a sterling reputation. They are one of the toughest rescues to adopt from because they don't just take your money and give you a dog. To adopt from them you must pass a home visit, provide references, etc. They want to make sure that when they adopt the dog out, it's going to a forever home where it will be loved and cherished. Many of the dogs that come into rescue and special needs dogs, most aren't housebroken (which is why many of them were given up to start with), and a number of them are in poor health. Retro Doggy is clear and honest about the condition of these dogs, any health issues, any training/housebreaking issues, etc., so that potential adopters are CLEARLY aware of any problems they can expect to encounter. MOST people who adopt these dogs are upright, honest, caring people. But they often get applications from people who think a dog is cute and want it, regardless of what issues there may be. They say that it doesn't matter to them if the dog isn't housebroken, they say that it doesn't matter if the dog isn't in perfect health. They say anything they need to in order to get that dog - even if they have to lie. They sign a contract that clearly states that if the dog has to be returned there will be no refund (especially in the cases where the people lied to begin with). It's so sad when people lie to adopt a dog, then try to dump it because it's not housebroken (although they were told that up front), and demand their money back. Retro Doggy DOES rescue sick and abused animals and yes, some of them may have been RESCUED from puppy mills. And fortunately there are some wonderful people out there who foster and adopt sick and/or abused dogs and give them wonderful homes. People like Pets Lover from Highland should be ashamed of themselves for trying to damage the reputation of an outstanding rescue when clearly they are the ones at fault. I encourage anyone to visit the website, call for references from vets (who will tell you just how hard this rescue works for the benefit of the dogs), and ask for references from other adoptive and foster homes.

and being in rescue, what the rescue group did appears to have been correct. I have only had one dog returned and the new owner had the dog for three days. The dog was fine in my home. The new owners did not once say anything within that three day period (and I called them to check on my foster dog) about any problems. When I told the new owners to bring the dog back, the dog was actually thrilled to see them leave. The second time he was placed he was so good his new parents stopped crating him at night within a month. It is always in the companion animal's best interest to not be placed, taken back, placed, taken back and that is why I am so careful when placing. I make myself available 24/7 to any new owner and discuss any problems they might have. For anyone who wishes to adopt a canine from a rescue group, I suggest you first read the book "Second Hand Dog" (my rescue group hands this book out to people when they adopt). It will give you insight into what to expect when you adopt from rescue. Another great read for anyone who wishes to go a step further in learning animal behavior is "Animals in Translation". Animal rescue people are volunteers. We spend our time and energy preventing animals from being put down in shelters. Our adoption fees cover the costs of spay/neuter, vet care and food. The only "pay" we receive is knowing that we saved a life.

NOT one dog ever adopted from this rescue is sick or abused. Fees are based on the pets age and associated costs with vetting. All dogs are up to date on shots, have had blood work done, teeth cleaning and are spayed and/or neutered. The adopters are provided a copy of the contract, WHICH THEY READ AND SIGN; and if they misplace it, it is not the rescues responsibility. Everything concerning the dogs personality and health is provided in their profile [vet records are given to adopter] on line and again face to face. VET RECORDS CAN ATTEST TO THE HEALTH OF THE DOG THEY ADOPTED AND RETURNED! The dog they adopted was house trained, but was so frightened at their house that she was hiding under the bed. They were provided advice via phone, emailed advice/articles, none of which were adhered to or followed. They were requested to call if they had any concerns and never called until they wanted to return her[in 10 days]. Dogs are like infants and cannot speak for themselves. JUST AS YOU WOULD POTTY TRAIN A CHILD WITH PATIENCE, SO SHOULD YOU HOUSE TRAIN A DOG/PUPPY. They did not disclose that they had adopted and returned another dog in IL. So for the SECOND TIME, they failed a innocent dog. Dogs are not exchanged and verbal promises are NEVER made. When someone adopts one of our dogs, they agree not to ABUSE the dog physically or verbally. This dog was so frightened and emotionally abused that she hid under the bed for WEEKS after being returned. Who knows how the dog was treated, as "Dog Lover" threatened and tried to intimidate via phone. "DOG LOVER" did not abide by the terms of the contract. And his only concern his about money, not a dog. When a dog is really LOVED, it is not replaceable or tossed out like yesterday newspaper.

NOT one dog ever adopted from this rescue is sick or abused. Fees are based on the pets age and associated costs with vetting. All dogs are up to date on shots, have had blood work done, teeth cleaning and are spayed and/or neutered. The adopters are provided a copy of the contract, WHICH THEY READ AND SIGN; and if they misplace it, it is not the rescues responsibility. Everything concerning the dogs personality and health is provided in their profile [vet records are given to adopter] on line and again face to face. VET RECORDS CAN ATTEST TO THE HEALTH OF THE DOG THEY ADOPTED AND RETURNED! The dog they adopted was house trained, but was so frightened at their house that she was hiding under the bed. They were provided advice via phone, emailed advice/articles, none of which were adhered to or followed. They were requested to call if they had any concerns and never called until they wanted to return her[in 10 days]. Dogs are like infants and cannot speak for themselves. JUST AS YOU WOULD POTTY TRAIN A CHILD WITH PATIENCE, SO SHOULD YOU HOUSE TRAIN A DOG/PUPPY. They did not disclose that they had adopted and returned another dog in IL. So for the SECOND TIME, they failed a innocent dog. Dogs are not exchanged and verbal promises are NEVER made. When someone adopts one of our dogs, they agree not to ABUSE the dog physically or verbally. This dog was so frightened and emotionally abused that she hid under the bed for WEEKS after being returned. Who knows how the dog was treated, as "Dog Lover" threatened and tried to intimidate via phone. "DOG LOVER" did not abide by the terms of the contract. And his only concern his about money, not a dog. When a dog is really LOVED, it is not replaceable or tossed out like yesterday newspaper.

NOT one dog ever adopted from this rescue is sick or abused. Fees are based on the pets age and associated costs with vetting. All dogs are up to date on shots, have had blood work done, teeth cleaning and are spayed and/or neutered. The adopters are provided a copy of the contract, WHICH THEY READ AND SIGN; and if they misplace it, it is not the rescues responsibility. Everything concerning the dogs personality and health is provided in their profile [vet records are given to adopter] on line and again face to face. VET RECORDS CAN ATTEST TO THE HEALTH OF THE DOG THEY ADOPTED AND RETURNED! The dog they adopted was house trained, but was so frightened at their house that she was hiding under the bed. They were provided advice via phone, emailed advice/articles, none of which were adhered to or followed. They were requested to call if they had any concerns and never called until they wanted to return her[in 10 days]. Dogs are like infants and cannot speak for themselves. JUST AS YOU WOULD POTTY TRAIN A CHILD WITH PATIENCE, SO SHOULD YOU HOUSE TRAIN A DOG/PUPPY. They did not disclose that they had adopted and returned another dog in IL. So for the SECOND TIME, they failed a innocent dog. Dogs are not exchanged and verbal promises are NEVER made. When someone adopts one of our dogs, they agree not to ABUSE the dog physically or verbally. This dog was so frightened and emotionally abused that she hid under the bed for WEEKS after being returned. Who knows how the dog was treated, as "Dog Lover" threatened and tried to intimidate via phone. "DOG LOVER" did not abide by the terms of the contract. And his only concern his about money, not a dog. When a dog is really LOVED, it is not replaceable or tossed out like yesterday newspaper.

Most rescue groups are not for profit. Check with the State of Michigan to find out if they are registered as not for profit and find out who the officers of the corporation are. Contac them -- do it in writing -- and demand a signed copy of your contract. I never adopt an animal without the new "parents" having a signed copy of their contract and myself having a signed copy of the contract. If they have $400.00 of your money, request the reason(s) they refused to adopt to your family in writing.