I adopted a small dog from here a year ago. He was on the at-risk list and I felt a connection to this dog, like I had to save him, so I paid a deposit online. When I walked in at opening time the next morning and requested him they told me they hadn't received my deposit (it was on my credit card bill, they definitely received it), and they made me wait a full hour, then got him from downstairs. I was disturbed sitting there waiting, wondering if a dog had ever been euthanized simply because they didn't realize someone had put a deposit down . . . and why weren't the at-risk dogs up front and center on their last day, given a fighting chance?
I knew the dog I wanted was a stray but was surprised when he was brought up to meet me, he was the worst thing I've ever smelled. His coat had grown into an eye causing infection and his rear was covered with dried feces. I knew he had been at the shelter for 9 days, and I was surprised. I would think the city would pay for a quick shave and T-shirt for these poor animals but I guess they don't give the shelter enough money for that, which as New Yorkers we need to get together and change-- he might not have ended up on the risk list if he had a decent haircut!
Next I was grilled by a volunteer, which I felt was a bit over the top but coming from a good place. I'm clearly mid 30s, well off, already have an elderly dog, already have experience caring for elderly/ill dogs, already have experience with the breed, own and live in an apartment just ten blocks away in a better neighborhood. I listed a friend who is the director of development at an internationally renowned vet hospital as my personal reference on the adoption form, and my longtime vet for my current dog, and this volunteer made me sit and wait while she called them. She asked for proof of my current dog's vaccination history etc. Part of me thinks that's great, but also disproportionate to the dog's need: at death's door, wouldn't any prospective owner who is not abusive be good enough?
After confirming my references, she warned me that this particular dog would cost me thousands in medical bills, and told me I had to surrender him back to them if I ever gave him up. Again, I think her intentions here were good but might also scare some good people off. First of all, in the year I've had him the dog has cost me less than $1000 total in vet bills, and I'm a paranoid owner who takes them in for any little thing. He's happy and healthy. I've spent five times as much on grooming, food, clothes, toys, and doggy daycare. Secondly, I would never give an animal to a kill shelter, I would find him a loving home or keep him despite the inconvenience, so I think that's a weird expectation of adopters. Anyway, I was happy to pay extra for the dog (I was never refunded that original deposit) and was out of there with him in about 3 hours.
So why 5 stars? If we don't adopt these animals, their lives are literally over. People who left 1 star reviews because the staff doesn't pick up the phone or the building smells bad or you think $150 is too high an adoption fee, shame on you. What I saw there was sad and what I went through was awkward, and for exactly those reasons I will never get a dog from anywhere else. These animals need us! I also signed up to give a small monthly donation after receiving ACC's email blasts because they clearly need it. My advice for anyone who wants a cute loving animal is to go prepared, with a few hours to spare, and ask specifically about the at-risk animals. Their admin isn't streamlined, their facility isn't pretty and the animals aren't happy, but everyone is doing the best they can.
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