My family adopted a puppy in September and wanted to socialize her and ensure she was staying active so we submitted and application a few weeks later for a couple days of daycare a week. I answered the questions in depth as best as I could and received an email stating there was a "long wait list" but they'd be in touch when they had availability.
Over 6 months later, I decided to resubmit my application. This time, I was able to provide more insight to our dog's behavior and show that she had been to training. I received the same email back - they still had our application but had a long wait list.
Recently, I was speaking with an acquaintance who happened to be picking up her dog from Zucco's. I admitted my jealously and how I'd been on the waitlist since September. She was confused since she had only recently started bring her pup there and did not have to wait more than a few weeks. She asked what kind of dog I had. I explained we weren't sure since she was adopted from the humane society but we guess she is part pitbull, part lab, and probably many other breeds as well. Well, she mentioned one other person she knows who had a pit mix who was turned away outright from Zucco's. No interview, no meeting the pup, no regard for their demeanor and lack of ANY aggression.
Am I to assume this is why I have not received a call? Because I guessed bout my dogs breed?. Or perhaps because she was adopted based on what I've read from other reviews. Either way, I don't appreciate being strung along for nearly a year if they have no intention of even meeting my sweet, tolerant, not-an-aggressive-bone-in-her-body puppy. She was rescued very young and has no history of abuse. I would rather they just tell me "no" than keep me on a wait list indefinitely that doesn't seem to exist for others. I would love to be proved wrong here and still hope to hear from the business but I don't have much hope.
*******UPDATE********
Hours after posting my review above I received the email below. Childish. I should also note that my pup was 3m old when I first applied. And bully breeds? How awful.
Email:
Hi there,
We appreciate your interest in Zucco's Dog House. At the Dog House our daycare is now FULL and we are no longer accepting adult dogs. We are only accepting puppies at this time (10-24 weeks). We have also changed our policy on adult dogs if accepted. Adult dogs will be CONSIDERED only if they have been to a previous daycare and if they are not presently attending a local daycare. If at a present daycare we recommend remaining at the present daycare, due to limited space at all local daycares.
We have learned through research and experience that high prey drive breeds do not do well with our open concept. These dogs generally go above threshold due to excessive stimulations. Examples of these breeds: Bully breeds, working breeds or herding breeds (German Shepherds, Pitbulls or pit-bull mixes, collies, cattle dogs etc...). These pups generally do better in smaller group play and as we have recommended in the past FireFly Kennels in Dixmont is a great place. 207-852-4560
This email is to let you know that we will no longer be holding your application on our wait list. read more