Wishbone Pet Rescue

Lindsey Mauro

2023-05

Dear Mason,We came to see you today. It was just a visit, but if by chance we made any sort of connection we probably would have given you a new home tomorrow. It wasn’t long ago that we said goodbye to a guy who looked a lot like you. When I (your would be future mama) adopted him he had a similar back story of not being accepted in other homes, defensive and mean “resident” cats and dogs and cruddy owners. We called today to make sure you were still available. The guy at the desk wasn’t sure but said we could come see all of you who were waiting for new homes. I actually emailed about you a few weeks back. You’ve been on our minds. We showed up this afternoon shortly after we called. The man at the desk asked right away if we were the ones who called about you and was excited to shew us towards the back where you were. There were two women near your “communal room” as they call them (I think) and they too, said are you here to see mason? The one lady seemed very excited and said “good! I will let you talk with her…” and that is where you lost your opportunity at a new home. We introduced ourselves and apologized that we had not put in an application yet when she did not recognize our names. We didn’t apply yet because we know it is soon since losing our sweet boy Perry and we also want to be sure you’d be a good fit in our home. We want what is best for everyone… including our two cats at home. You see, we feed them canned food 3x a day. They also love to go in and out of our screened in back porch and fenced in backyard. Luxuries that our late Perry and these guys would have never seen if it wasn’t for our over the top cat love. We work from home so our attention is not hard to come by, just ask Arnie and Walter. The lady asked about other animals and we told her the truth. All about your would be brothers. She asked if we did a sanctuary room when introducing them… we shared that we had. She told us that we probably didn’t give it long enough. I am still unsure of how she came to that conclusion after describing the entire success story (twice). I held back tears when I talked about letting Perry go and feeling for you and your story. She replied verbatim “and you want another cat, why?” … I wasn’t okay with such an intrusive question, but held strong because I really wanted to meet you up close. I quickly responded “because we love cats and we don’t have children”. (Really not her business) I stood there bantering with this woman at almost 39 years old with my 47 year old husband explaining how we also hire someone who loves cats to SLEEP at our house when we go away. In order to keep them happy, their schedule the same and their litter spotless. Mason, I know you listened and watched it all. I am sorry that I couldn’t love on you. I think they need to update your profile because it does say you’re good with other cats (probably with some work and patience). To the lady who made us feel like crap… Mason deserves a home like ours. I hope you do find him the best. And a simple “we have decided he needs a home without other animals” will probably do for the next person. She questioned and berated us until we decided to leave. We would never give up on you, Mason. And seriously, who is this lady to judge us? We appreciate a process for a healthy and happy home for these cats….But, really not sure that’s what is happening here. Be well, Lindsey, Bryan, Arnie and Walter

C

2023-11

Read some of the other reviews and I also was a victim of a being basically put on trial and attacked with tons of questions and many that shouldnt be asked to adopt a cat ...I was first approved for my application and received a call from a elderly volunteer and was asked to come in cause she wanted to ask me questions. I came in and basically was hounded down by many questions and a lot of questions that weren't any of her business like my job and my income and hours I work and my home and so on ... because she didn't like my answers to some questions she immediately spoke to the humane society in Allegan to turn around and deny my application. I came in 3 times to spend time with the cat I was interested in and fell in love but was turned down because basically was not liked by this elderly volunteer and she didn't like my answers to her questions. I've never been asked so many personal questions and felt so uncomfortable just to give a animal a good home.... If you don't have a "sanctuary room" for a cat she immediately will turn you down .... This woman makes you feel horrible and I'm very disappointed how I was approved than immediately shot down cause of this woman. I definitely do not recommend even trying to adopt here unless you want to be basically ATTACKED

Kylie Cook

2023-05

I would recommend the Wishbone House to absolutely anyone who is looking to adopt an animal. The volunteers are SO sweet, gentle, and kind. We adopted four babies from them and they made sure we had everything we needed from food, health/weight records, informational articles, reading books, and more. They sent us home with some of the cats’ favorites items like beds and blankets. We can’t thank them enough for all their help in making our hearts full.

Madolyn Miller

2022-05

the cats are the absolute cutest babies and most are very friendly and social. love it here

Kate

2023-05

My boyfriend and I were in the area and visited this shop twice. The first day was amazing, the lady who was working the thrift shop was so kind and we loved talking to her. She told us to come the next day because the “cat ladies” would be there and they knew more about the cats. We came back the next day when the “cat ladies” were there and did not have the best experience. She asked how old we are (we are 20) and then proceeded to tell us we couldn’t adopt. My partner asked why because we adopted both of our cats at 18. She said because “at that age you’re unstable and could just throw out the cats. you’ve got college, w new boyfriend or girlfriend, and allergies” she continued insulting us for several minutes until she finally walked away and we visited the cats again. Up until we had that interaction with them we had nothing but wonderful things to say about the place and were planning on bringing a 3rd cat into our home. This place can be great but not by disrespecting customers and insulting people.

James Parker

2021-05

I have had my Cat Tikki-Boy 1 year today..from this Shelter..Great Kitty..a fine member of my household and great companion to my other Kitty.."Chubbs"😊😊😊😊This is Him 3 Years Later...Doing Great..A Sweet Boy He Is...My Other 2 Cats Love Him..Just a joy to have

Michael Hapner

2023-07

Very disappointed with the uncommunicative staff and adoption process. I drove over two hours today to meet a dog I put an app on for adoption (after calling the shelter 6 times today / no answer / after they reached out to all of my references and labeled the dog unavailable) only for the very rude woman behind the counter to shut me down for the entire adoption process over trivial matters (age of children / not having a fully fenced yard). I would go to one of the other shelters in the area if your looking to adopt because this one is not interested in finding homes for their animals.

Bob Wester

2019-05

We got our kitty here !! They are very Awesome! And our kitty is such a wonderful member of our family Crimson is a lover :)

Karen Sager

2022-05

The nicest people caring for cats that need homes. The cats have special rooms you visit them in so you can get to know a relaxed happy kitty. They have a resale shop where you can find a treasure or you can donate to and the money they make goes to support the kitties. Definitely a great place to go for your next fur baby.

Babette Rea

2023-07

If you want to meet your forever kitty...this is the place to meet them and fall in love. Unique home settings provide a relaxed environment on which to meet them.

Joseph Eves

2019-05

We just Adopted a senior cat named Sticky. The whole process was Amazing. The people that run the shelter are Wonderful. Susan & Sandy were so helpful. You can tell they really care about all the animals. They are very thorough on making sure everyone goes to a good Family & their Forever Home. They do not shop their animals. It is very important to them to find the right Adopters for all of them. They have knowledge on all animals & are very tentative to all of their needs. We highly recommend checking this shelter if you are seriously looking to adopt a new fur babie for your Family. They are very helpful & give you lots of information to help with the process.

Rochelle Hungerink

2020-05

My family and I adopted 3 kittens from Wishbone. The kittens are so lovable. We are blessed to have them. The ladies that work at Wishbone take amazing care of all their animals and make sure they go to good homes.

Lita Sandy

2020-05

I donate to the cause and give to the store as much and as often as possible. It is a fairly remote location (Douglas) and not easy to find. it is very difficult to drive to the back door where they want you to go. The sign near the door says, "don't leave things outside".I understand this but the staff often doesn't hear the knocking or the doorbell. Since they are all volunteers, it is apparently difficult to have workers actually present in the store or to be there on time during open hours. If you go out of your way - call first. Otherwise you go with a pile in your car, waiting in the parking lot for someone to show up, or you leave lose gas $$. There were 2 women who were angry with me for complaining about that. As they were swooping up my goods, they told me not to come back and told me that I was too rude. I'm sure anyone else would also feel inconvenienced unless they live nearby. Often, when they don't answer the back door, I've had to walk to the front (a few times on slippery ice in below freezing weather - no salt). The driveway to the back of the building is long and narrow. When their cars are parked there and a lawn table and chairs are next to the building, it is really difficult to back my car or truck in that small space in order to unload. I love animals and know how much Allegan County needs the money. Allegan County takes in ALL STRAYS, unlike OTTAWA COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY WHICH IS PRIVATE AND TURNS AWAY ANIMALS THEY DON'T WANT. I told the one volunteer woman that all I wished to do is help the animals. She didn't care. She insisted that I was too rude and to leave. I have to admit, I was tired from sorting and hauling things and my own dog was in my car, loudly whining at me. My little guy has had anxiety since we rescued him; always protests when I stop at a strange place. I love him but he gets on my nerves (I'm not young anymore). The 2 women together berating me, again while swooping up my large boxes, was amazing. I give some nice things, some aren't the greatest but when they took what they wanted out of this last pile, they actually sent the remainder to the Gateway charity store in Holland (I mentioned it to them as my second favorite charity and that I guess I'd have to donate there from that point on. They both said, "fine, go ahead"). A week later, I shopped in the Gateway store (very nice store, great charity, friendly staff, easy drop-off) and actually saw that the less desirable items, contained in said boxes given to Wishbone, priced and on the shelves at the Gateway store (Wishbone kept the better things I donated). I was stunned. Anyway, that's my story. I always try to be accurate if I have to make a complaint. Incidentally, I MUST SAY that the other people that volunteer at the Wishbone thrift store are very nice and courteous. I do hope they can find a better location someday.

Lindsey Oliphant

2017-05

I adopted my beautiful baby Billie here! I love visiting all the kitties and all the women working here are incredibly sweet and you can tell they have a passion for animals. I've also gotten some cool knick knacks from the thrift store area. Love everything about this place.

Jacquelyn Haas

2020-05

Love Wishbone! I adopted a beautiful kitten and she’s the sweetest,most social animal ever. It’s a process...but for the good of the animals. Talked my guy into adopting too. I thank everyone there particularly Sandy,the adoption specialist♥️

Grey White

2022-05

We went there to look for a cat to adopt. Were basically “attacked” there by one of the ladies telling us that we doing everything wrong. Ok, we are not perfect, but we had cats before and they were happy and we had a great bond. Was not very inviting atmosphere.

LGMail Account

2018-05

This resale store sells a wide array of donated products, with proceeds going to the Allegan County Animal Shelter. It looks smaller from the front than it does inside. I bought some wall hangings at wonderful prices. The staff was friendly and helpful. It's all about caring for the animals brought to the shelter.Donate slightly used items or go shopping and pick up a bargain. It's for a worthy cause.

Eric Chapman

2020-05

I had the pleasure of speaking with Amy about adopting. She was thorough; friendly and utmost informative. I did not adopt an animal but she had the information that I needed to make the right decision about a dog that fits my needs. It's clear that this organization cares immensely. 🐾

Jessica Johnson

2020-05

My friend's daughter & I will go here and visit the kitties and then shop around their consignment store. I buy cheap things I need for my home & it all goes to their rescue & I love that! Spent $35 last time & walked out with so much stuff! Can't wait to go back and play with the little ones again ❤

gayle martin

2019-05

They used to be good experiences but not anymore. There's a new coordinator and she is picking and choosing who gets the animal food. I was told so the new people would get some even though I got up at 5 to make sure I did. They could do the same. I was told that they didn't know the procedure. They knew enough about it to show up. I call that discrimination. What happened to first come first served???

Cori Sandoval

2020-05

I think it's awesome that they do what they do. I actually went here for Spay Neuter Express. They do it because they know vet bills can be really expensive, but they provide the services for a decent price so that loving pet owners can give their fur babies the medical attention they need and deserve. 💗💗💗

Lorin Blain

2020-05

Applied for a dog via Petfinder. They called all my references and veterinary office the next business day. I was hoping to hear from them soon as possible, as I was super excited about this dog and they proceeded to look over my application very quickly. A week went by, I called Wishbone and asked where said dog was located as Wishbone runs not only their own rescue but Allegan County Shelter, as well. They said she was at Allegan County, so I went there because I had not even met this dog yet, and obviously wanted to. I spoke with someone at the front desk who obviously recognized my name because after I told her verbally what my name was, she knew how to spell it perfectly—my spelling is not at all common. She proceeded to tell me that they would contact me no matter the outcome of my application to let me know-but no, I couldn’t meet the dog because she was in foster. It has now been about 3 weeks of waiting around, the dog is now off the website. Very poor communication with these people, and I am very disappointed.

Elviss Rodriguez

2020-05

I visited there to catch the mobile vet. They were really good to Kortez (my dog). They even let me know what I needed and gave him a free nail trim! Great place!

Monte George

2020-05

Great place!! They treat the cats like they were there own.I adopted the sweetest Manx.I would recommend you check them out.

Deborah Ghering

2017-05

I adopted and amazing dog (flat coat retriever). She was the best dog ever. We had a great 6 years with her before her passing.

Heather Hunt

2023-10

The kitties are well taken care of,and the ladies working there are always gracious and helpful😺The new remodel looks great.

Moonshadow Payne

2022-05

Lots of knick knacks, some very unique items and what is better than kitties lying around for pets between browsing? Nothing!

Andrea Cook

2019-05

Concerned about messy cages, bad smelling, and alot of the cats had eye infections. The staff however is great.

Doug Neal

2018-05

Fantastic! I loved looking through all the great stuff, but loved seeing & holding the kittens even more! I really admire the work you are doing!

Kathy Covert

2022-05

They took care of my little service dog when I wasn't able to have her they placed her in a sweet caring loving foster care until I was able to get her back