'Numerous complaints' made about B.C. dog rescue group; charity denies allegations
A charity in B.C.'s Fraser Valley that puts rescue dogs up for adoption is denying allegations it didn’t properly inform families about behavioural issues.
Gabrielle van Klaveren of Vancouver adopted “Teddy” from FurBaby Rescues in Chilliwack. The Pomeranian seemed the perfect fit for her and her daughter because, van Klaveren said, the dog was described as energetic, very friendly and good with children.
But once they brought him home to Vancouver, “this dog just lost it on people, dogs, bikes, strollers, wheelchairs. It was quite intense,” she said.
Van Klaveren told CTV News Teddy began growling at her daughter.
And the mother said she was bitten when she tried to pull Teddy away from another dog.
“I don’t think he intended to, I think he was in just such high-strung fear that I just simply got in the way,” she said.
Van Klaveren got back most of the $1,200 she paid FurBaby Rescues for the adoption, but says getting the refund was a struggle.
The BC SPCA and animal welfare organization Paws for Hope confirm to CTV News they have received complaints about the Chilliwack charity.
“So we’ve heard of them, yes, and we received numerous complaints from people who have adopted from them and either had a dog who was sick or that had behavioural issues that they weren’t disclosed from,” said Kathy Powelson, executive director of Paws for Hope.
Ashley Kipping adopted her dog Kihei from FurBaby Rescue last year, and said she soon discovered the dog was very sick.
“She got deathly ill, and I paid almost $5,000 between the two veterinary hospitals to save her life,” Kipping said.
When Kipping tried to negotiate on adoption costs and held back money, her passport, photo and personal information were then posted on the FurBaby Rescues Facebook page.
A comment from the operator was added. It read: “Was the post I made about her on here today professional? Probably not.”
Kipping says her name was clearly visible. She said she received threats before the post was taken down.
“I had people sending me messages on (Facebook) Messenger to watch my back. I was afraid to walk my puppy at night,” she told CTV News.
FurBaby Rescues of Chillwack owner Krystle Jores told CTV News she has more than 1,000 happy clients, adding she loves animals and wants to help them.
Her Facebook page is filled with smiling people holding dogs, and her only comment about Kipping and the passport photo was that the issue had already been addressed.
As for Teddy the Pomeranian, he was returned to Furbaby Rescues this week, and Jores said he is showing no behaviour problems at all.
Teddy’s pictures are back online. The dog is once again up for adoption.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.