My hubby found this local rescue group while searching online. They specialized in small breeds,…read morewhich was perfect, since we were looking for dachshunds. I'm all about supporting shelters and rescue groups.
It just so happened they had a pair of super sweet dachshunds for adoption, fully bonded together, and only one year old. My heart leaped for joy! We filled out an application right away and noted we wanted to adopt them both.
Communication was fairly easy, mostly through texting with Nancy, the owner and founder of Miniwonders Adoptions. She was pleased with our application and before I knew it, a meeting was scheduled for them to come visit us and our home. She had warned me that they were very skinny and had skin bacterial infections, that were not contagious and were treated with betadine. She said that they were ready to be adopted, and that it would be for us to decide yay or nay.
They arrived, and they were the cutest and sweetest pair, with a loving demeanor. How could we not fall in love with them. She presented all their paperwork- spayed, neutered, rabies shot, vaccinations, heart worm test results, and they were given their Simpirica dose. I noticed round white patches on their skin and brought it up to her- she said that they were of bacterial origin. She stated that her vet was old school and did things under the table for her...... what does that mean?!!!!! "Just apply betadine." She stated that she would be happy to pay for some of the treatment cost if it was something else.
Besides the skin issues, they looked scary emaciated. Nancy said they had no digestive issues and were eagerly eating the Purina lamb and rice without any issues.
We happily adopted our new babies. The following days were tough- mucous bloody diarrhea everywhere. When we finally got them in to see their vet, their stool both tested positive for hookworms and coccidia! Skin cultures were taken and sent off to lab. Well, that explains the emaciation! Treatment immediately followed. I texted Nancy of the issues- especially since 1. she adopts out other rescues and has dogs of her own. She needs to know and make sure things don't spread. 2. Her and her vet did not test their stools. 3. If you've had them for two weeks , wouldn't you think something was wrong if they were not gaining weight?! She acknowledged and said she would give the rest of her dogs fecal tests.
The skin culture comes back a week later....with guess what?!!! Ringworm. Poor dogs.....
Now they are on weeks of antifungal medication, medicated baths/wipes, quarantined, and I have to constantly clean their bedding and space. I once again reached out to Nancy, so that she could be aware. She acknowledged my frustration and texted me that she would happily take them back and give a full refund. I stated that we did not want to return them, that's not the point. Awareness, accountability, and responsibility are the keys for a rescue group. She eventually did pay for some of the ringworm treatment and noted that she would not use her vet again.
Oh and I forgot to mention, fecal tests also came back positive for giardia! More deworming medication!
These poor dogs originally came from a neglected home, none of it their fault, humans are to blame....
Nancy rescued them, but not sure what was really happening at the rescue group- no clear address, stated she did not notice diarrhea in her yard, question whether the dogs for adoption are kept indoors or outdoors, " old school vet, who does things under the table for me," ........
All we know now is that these beautiful dogs have a good home where they will be loved forever.
Don't think I would adopt from her again or recommend this rescue group to anyone.....