TN. St. Bernard Rescue, National St. Bernard Rescue, Kaye Andre, Carol Varner Beck rip off irresponsible adoption practices Bartlett Tennessee

If the rescue group had you sign a contract, didn't it state that Does the dog have a microchip? You aren't sure about a rabies vaccine being done properly? This rescued dog was sent to a home full of children and there was no supervision from the rescue group? I'm sorry, but that scares the daylights out of me. Hopefully the SBR will learn from this experience.

If they are adopting out caninne companions out of their area, they should have contacted a local rescue group in that area to do a home visit and to be there when the dog arrived (although I would have a problem sending one of my foster dogs to a home without me being there personally).

The local rescue group should also be willing to do check ups for the first several months to ensure that everything is going well. There should always be a written contract stating that, by law, the canine MUST be returned to the rescue group and NEVER dumped.

The contract gives the rescue group legal recourse and the microchip ensures that any canine that is dumped can find it's way back to the rescue group.

I cannot judge the way Kaye has done business with other people, I can only speak from my own experience just as you are. I have never owned a St. Bernard and the whole reason for this rescue was I was doing research because I have been waiting on a puppy to be born that I am purchasing from a local breeder. When you go to the SBCA website and you go to wanting a puppy they explain a few basics and present the Rescue Organizatioin. They say think about an older dog.

My husband and I talked and we decided we had enough room and the financial means to care for more than one animal. We have 5 children ranging from ages 4 to 14 and they loved the idea. I do now know about the Rabies shots being illegal to self administer but again I found this out the hard way after the fact. This is the kind of thing that I put my trust in her as the "Rescue Volunteer" to have checked out. The night I met with Kaye all she told me was he was a "handful" in the puppy sense. I loved that, our house is very active in all ways and I wanted a dog that could romp and play with us. In the Rescue articl (pg 114) they state "Wherever the Saint comes from and however it finds its way into rescue, the first thing that happens when the rescue takes over is vaccination, a thorough health check by a veterinarian, and temperment and behavior assessment by experienced volunteers. Dogs deemed potentially adoptable then go into foster care for weeks or months, where volunteers feed, groom, train and rehabilitate them as family pets until permanent homes are found." This is from their own article so imagine how upset I was to find that none of this was done. Kaye knowing the rules should have asked the previous owners about the rabies tag and then when they could not produce one she should have done what the article said. I understand that the people behind this are volunteers but when you represent yourself as a part of a Rescue that is set up as a tax exempt organization, maintains liability insurance for its members and accepts donations you do not have the right to decide which rule you choose to follow. I know there are Rescue Groups out there that are doing a wonderful job, thats why we wanted to help and rescue a dog. If I did not care I would not have driven 3 1/2 hours each way and paid $350.00 for this animal. Plus the $50.00 for grooming the next day, $61.00 worth of canned and bagged Pro Plan food, $40.00 for a new collar, leash and bone and others amounts for numerious toys. I also took a day off from work to spend with him to help him get adjusted. How many people do that for a dog they just adopted. I have always loved this breed and this was/is finally the time I was able to get one. I placed my trust in this organization and that was misused from the beginning. As for talking me out of the dog, no she was trying to talk me into a female dog that she knew from the beginning I did not want a female. Putting the mistreating issue aside, the way she has represented herself and the organization was reckless and irresponsible. That is why she was not returned the dog. I could not forgive myself if I returned the dog to her and she let it go to another family and he bit someone. You see its not about the money its about doing the right thing, I even in the beginning stated I would take another dog but I did not want any of the dogs Kaye had at that time (I did not want a female dog). I asked if they could find another.

I think the Rescue Organization or Ms Andre should step up and do what is right. As far as how he is doing in the shelter. He is in a large pen but all the dogs there are let out atleast twice a day for play time to run and romp. The people with this organization are also volunteers and this is not a state run shelter they survive strictly on donations as well and they have a commitment to all the animals they save. I do beleive he is cared for very well.

Georgann, a Rabies vaccination can not be self-administered. If the previous owner told you that, he lied. Rabies vaccinations can only be purchased and administered by a licensed veterinarian.

This, obviously, was not the dog for you. I definitely believe that Kaye, as she told me the night she gave you the dog, tried to talk you out of that dog. When you realized that it was not going to work out you should have immediately taken the dog back where you got it from. And worked out the money thing later. No kill shelter or not, that dog will probably sit there for years. And if it does, it will probably go nuts. Large dogs don't usually do well in a cage environment for a long time.

To the person in Kansas, you're right. When I read what this lady wrote I was angry and, to you, I apologize. There are bad rescues, but Kaye is not one of them. I have worked with dogs, first as a vet tech and now with the Humane Society, for 23 years. (And not with the agency that would investigate this.) I have never seen Kaye mistreat or misrepresent a dog.

Just to respond to Ms Taylor, I was never shown the papers where the original owners turned over the dog. I just happened to talk to the original owners. And again to repeat what they were saying they turned the dog over because it was getting aggressive with their 5 year old and he was getting too scared of the dog. As far as temperment checked, I do not beleive any of that was done properly in 48 hours.

I have read the article in the St. Bernard magazine (the Popular Dogs series) and everything they claim to do on a rescue was not done here. I did turn the dog over to the rescue league in my area which is a no-kill shelter and they have strict adoption policies.

This was the only way I could ensure others safety and what was best for the dog. I would gladly send you a copy of the shot record that has no proof of a rabies tag (license #) and if you are such a great supporter can you send me where she got the dog vet checked prior to placement because I did not seem to get that info.

About the food, I was given some kind of Natures brand of food in a Petco bag that I had just bought a new collar and leash in. The previous owners turned in a bag of Nutra that the dog eats. I also got the dog with diarrea and Kaye told us it was because he had gotten into old corned beef off the counter or out of the trash(she told us 2 different stories) but when Janet at the rescue asked about the diarrea she told her she knew nothing about it.

Funny how the mind goes blank! I do not think its fair to say that Im out for the money when Kaye is the one pocketing the cash. Seems like a good business to place the dog in the wrong evironment and then when they call to return it say sorry no refunds get the dog back and resell.

The only person who offered me my money back was Carol Varner Beck the President of the Rescue because she obviously knew something was not right.

I am without the dog and other expenses I put out. The only sad thing here is that I made a complaint about the physical way she handles the dogs (like hitting them in the mouth) and how they were in general(appearence and stench) to the area agency and you are probably the one that would investigate. Ms Andre did nothing that the breed rescue represents, may be she should read the article in Vol. 37 and update her policies.

I have all evidence that she acted irresponsibly and if you do not beleive me ask her for the home inspection sheet from when she came to my house. Oh, thats right she never bothered to do any of that. Get the point!

To the person responding as a friend of the rescuer, I SAID I hoped it was all a misunderstanding. It if was NOT and these events actually happened as described, then appropriate action should be taken against said rescue group. Don't expect me to apologize. There are bad rescue groups out there. And that is sad...it takes away the reasons for rescue.

I have known Ms. Andre for quite a while now and had heard this story from her while it was happening. This is a fraudulent claim and I'm ashamed of the people that responded. They immediately jumped on the band wagon to agree with this woman, with absolutely no evidence.

This dog WAS temperament tested and I know he was with small children that live in Ms. Andre's home. She has a signed owner release form from the dog's previous owner that does not, in any way, state that this dog was aggressive. Georgann stated that Kay kept everything the previous owners had given her for the dog. The dog got a different collar, because the one that he had on was too large for him. Kay said she did give Georgann the dog food that the dog was currently eating. This is a standard practice for the transition period. I don't know any rescue organizations that have the time to turn over a half bottle of shampoo or vitamins. This dog was fully vetted and Georgann received a copy of the vet records, where the dog had been neutered and VACCINATED BY A VETERINARIAN.

The Saint Bernard Rescue organization offered to return her money if she gave the dog back. She refused. Georgann turned this dog over, which she didn't happen to mention in her compaint, to a local animal shelter. She refused information as to where the dog was. Kaye called me during this time looking for help or information as to how to locate the dog.

Kaye Andre is a compassionate, caring woman. She has pretty much devoted the last year of her life to Saint Bernard Rescue. I am the Vice President of my local Humane Society and met Kay when she rescued a Saint Bernard from our shelter. I found and called her and she came to me and took this dog from our shelter. She found that dog, as well as several others, a wonderful, "forever home". I have even received photos of dogs with their new families. My organization has also received her help when we had a pet adoption day at the Bartlett PetCo. ALL of the dogs that we adopted received vet records and adoption contracts which state that if the adoption does not work out for any reason that the dog must be returned to the rescue organization.

I am shocked at this woman's accusations. As far as I'm concerned, it's all about the money with Georgann. She dumped the dog and still expects her money to be returned. Kay has a very hard job and does it extremely well, at great personal cost to her, I might add. Kara Taylor

I have known Ms. Andre for quite a while now and had heard this story from her while it was happening. This is a fraudulent claim and I'm ashamed of the people that responded. They immediately jumped on the band wagon to agree with this woman, with absolutely no evidence.

This dog WAS temperament tested and I know he was with small children that live in Ms. Andre's home. She has a signed owner release form from the dog's previous owner that does not, in any way, state that this dog was aggressive. Georgann stated that Kay kept everything the previous owners had given her for the dog. The dog got a different collar, because the one that he had on was too large for him. Kay said she did give Georgann the dog food that the dog was currently eating. This is a standard practice for the transition period. I don't know any rescue organizations that have the time to turn over a half bottle of shampoo or vitamins. This dog was fully vetted and Georgann received a copy of the vet records, where the dog had been neutered and VACCINATED BY A VETERINARIAN.

The Saint Bernard Rescue organization offered to return her money if she gave the dog back. She refused. Georgann turned this dog over, which she didn't happen to mention in her compaint, to a local animal shelter. She refused information as to where the dog was. Kaye called me during this time looking for help or information as to how to locate the dog.

Kaye Andre is a compassionate, caring woman. She has pretty much devoted the last year of her life to Saint Bernard Rescue. I am the Vice President of my local Humane Society and met Kay when she rescued a Saint Bernard from our shelter. I found and called her and she came to me and took this dog from our shelter. She found that dog, as well as several others, a wonderful, "forever home". I have even received photos of dogs with their new families. My organization has also received her help when we had a pet adoption day at the Bartlett PetCo. ALL of the dogs that we adopted received vet records and adoption contracts which state that if the adoption does not work out for any reason that the dog must be returned to the rescue organization.

I am shocked at this woman's accusations. As far as I'm concerned, it's all about the money with Georgann. She dumped the dog and still expects her money to be returned. Kay has a very hard job and does it extremely well, at great personal cost to her, I might add. Kara Taylor

I have known Ms. Andre for quite a while now and had heard this story from her while it was happening. This is a fraudulent claim and I'm ashamed of the people that responded. They immediately jumped on the band wagon to agree with this woman, with absolutely no evidence.

This dog WAS temperament tested and I know he was with small children that live in Ms. Andre's home. She has a signed owner release form from the dog's previous owner that does not, in any way, state that this dog was aggressive. Georgann stated that Kay kept everything the previous owners had given her for the dog. The dog got a different collar, because the one that he had on was too large for him. Kay said she did give Georgann the dog food that the dog was currently eating. This is a standard practice for the transition period. I don't know any rescue organizations that have the time to turn over a half bottle of shampoo or vitamins. This dog was fully vetted and Georgann received a copy of the vet records, where the dog had been neutered and VACCINATED BY A VETERINARIAN.

The Saint Bernard Rescue organization offered to return her money if she gave the dog back. She refused. Georgann turned this dog over, which she didn't happen to mention in her compaint, to a local animal shelter. She refused information as to where the dog was. Kaye called me during this time looking for help or information as to how to locate the dog.

Kaye Andre is a compassionate, caring woman. She has pretty much devoted the last year of her life to Saint Bernard Rescue. I am the Vice President of my local Humane Society and met Kay when she rescued a Saint Bernard from our shelter. I found and called her and she came to me and took this dog from our shelter. She found that dog, as well as several others, a wonderful, "forever home". I have even received photos of dogs with their new families. My organization has also received her help when we had a pet adoption day at the Bartlett PetCo. ALL of the dogs that we adopted received vet records and adoption contracts which state that if the adoption does not work out for any reason that the dog must be returned to the rescue organization.

I am shocked at this woman's accusations. As far as I'm concerned, it's all about the money with Georgann. She dumped the dog and still expects her money to be returned. Kay has a very hard job and does it extremely well, at great personal cost to her, I might add. Kara Taylor

I have known Ms. Andre for quite a while now and had heard this story from her while it was happening. This is a fraudulent claim and I'm ashamed of the people that responded. They immediately jumped on the band wagon to agree with this woman, with absolutely no evidence.

This dog WAS temperament tested and I know he was with small children that live in Ms. Andre's home. She has a signed owner release form from the dog's previous owner that does not, in any way, state that this dog was aggressive. Georgann stated that Kay kept everything the previous owners had given her for the dog. The dog got a different collar, because the one that he had on was too large for him. Kay said she did give Georgann the dog food that the dog was currently eating. This is a standard practice for the transition period. I don't know any rescue organizations that have the time to turn over a half bottle of shampoo or vitamins. This dog was fully vetted and Georgann received a copy of the vet records, where the dog had been neutered and VACCINATED BY A VETERINARIAN.

The Saint Bernard Rescue organization offered to return her money if she gave the dog back. She refused. Georgann turned this dog over, which she didn't happen to mention in her compaint, to a local animal shelter. She refused information as to where the dog was. Kaye called me during this time looking for help or information as to how to locate the dog.

Kaye Andre is a compassionate, caring woman. She has pretty much devoted the last year of her life to Saint Bernard Rescue. I am the Vice President of my local Humane Society and met Kay when she rescued a Saint Bernard from our shelter. I found and called her and she came to me and took this dog from our shelter. She found that dog, as well as several others, a wonderful, "forever home". I have even received photos of dogs with their new families. My organization has also received her help when we had a pet adoption day at the Bartlett PetCo. ALL of the dogs that we adopted received vet records and adoption contracts which state that if the adoption does not work out for any reason that the dog must be returned to the rescue organization.

I am shocked at this woman's accusations. As far as I'm concerned, it's all about the money with Georgann. She dumped the dog and still expects her money to be returned. Kay has a very hard job and does it extremely well, at great personal cost to her, I might add. Kara Taylor

Good for you for reporting this matter to these agencies. I have to say I am surprised that this rescue group did not do a home visit at your home, did not meet your entire family and was not there at the initial meeting between your family and the canine companion you were looking for. I work for a large breed rescue group and we not only do home visits, we are very careful in placing any canine in a home. I do not have small children in my home so my foster dogs are not exposed to small children. I do not have cats in my home so my foster dogs are not used to cats. I do have small animals in my home that my foster dogs are exposed to but I NEVER place a dog without being there in person or without another member of my group being there if I am not available. NO canine leaves foster care in our rescue without up to date shots and either spayed or neutered, heartworm test, and a vet check up. This rescue definitely needs to be investigated. Good luck.

I drove to Tn. to meet with her. After I got to the exit for the Petco store she was meeting me at, she then told me she would load up the dogs and bring them there to me. I thought this was strange not being able to go to her house but the President of the Rescue (Carol) told me this was normal because the people did not want to risk having the dogs stolen. First thing Monday morning I called the Memphis Humane Society and reported her. I also reported her to Carol Varner Beck and she justified her actions. I told her that the 3 female dogs she brought (even after I specifally told her I was not interested in a female)were left in a small pickup truck with limited back seat space with no windows down for over an hour she said this was okay becuase it was a cool night. What kind of thinking is that! I am in the process of sending letters to the various agencies for my state as well as TN. I am also sending letters to the Better Business Bureau, TN State Atty. Office and the US Atty. Office. Thank you for the advice in the other agencies. Just to answer about the papers, I never recveived a foster parent sheet and she was well aware of my children. I have also since discovered that she told me he was up to date on all his shots but I never received the Rabies Tag and the original owner said he self administered this. The local shelter here said this act is illegal that a dog must have a rabies ID tag from the vet. In response she had never been to my house or even asked my address. All correspondence was via e-mail (pictures of him) or phone. I am starting to believe the only way to get my money back is hire an attorney because they (Kaye and the Rescue Foundation) do not think any of this was wrong. When I asked Carol Beck if there was a quarrentine time for the dogs they rescue before they adopt them out and she said no. In the Dog Fancy magazine for St Bernards (volume 37) they state how they temperment check and vet check and work with all dogs they rescue. This is also on their website on the Newsletter page. How can all this be done in the 48 hour time frame she had the dog?

If the rescue group is in TN, contact the state and find out who licenses this group. The contact the appropriate agency and tell them what the problem is and ask them to investigate. If they are acting as a rescue group in your state, you need to contact that state agency as well. You should have received adoption papers and a foster parent information sheet that gives you the dog's background. If these people truly adopted out an aggressive dog to a person with children, their insurance company will cancel them. Did they bring the dog to your home or have one of their members visit your home and meet your children? If this person was hitting the dog in the face, you should have reported her to the local humane society immediately. I sincerely hope this is all a big misunderstanding. It is dangerous for all rescue groups when one group acts like you say they did.