DOGS DESERVE BETTER Thayne/Grimes FRAUD ALERT Smithfield, Virginia

Consumer Comment 14 - "(Photo) This is George. George was a hunting dog, who lived outside, in a filthy pen, 24/7. He was dumped at AC after his owner decided he had no use for him anymore. George was hours from being euthanized and DDB
stepped up to save him. If it weren't for Tami, George would be dead.
George was adopted a few weeks ago, and now lives the good life. He is spoiled rotten, and spends his days cuddling with his Mommy, and hanging out with his doggy brothers. ANOTHER life saved by DDB. I keep posting pictures of dogs rescued by DDB, and yet you still claim they aren't rescuing. Hello? Is there anybody in there? jeeeeeez."

HELLO!  According to a center volunteer and now George's adoptive momma, "When I stopped going to DDB I knew I had to take George with me or I wouldnt be able to sleep at night. I really was not equipped to take another rescue as my health has been acting up, however, I couldnt leave him. He was prone to be attacked and it was often. What bothered
me is that because of his age and quiet demeanor I think he should have spent alot less time with some of the other dogs. Granted after having rescued animals over time, I have had accidents and some of my animals have gotten injured and even died in my care. It hurts. However, I have learned greatly from these mistakes and hopefully I will never have to
live through that experience again. As I mentioned, George was prone to being almost bullied at DDB by other dogs. I wanted him to have more separation from the packs but whenever I went there, he was still surrounded by other dogs that could potentially hurt him. I had to get him out for that reason."

http://mizunderstoodme.wordpress.com/2012/09/01/ddb-ex-volunteer-gives-an-opinion-whose-side-am-i-on-georges-side/

"(Photo) This is Ebby. She and her son were rescued by DDB. They were living 24/7 in a mud-caked pen, without food, water or proper shelter. She is staying at GNRC until her perfect family finds her. If it weren't for Tami, she'd probably be dead from starvation."

So what happened to Ebby's son?  Why won't you tell anybody that you adopted him to psychopathic animal abuser that killed him, Tammy?  Where is Riley now?  Why don't you post THAT picture?

I am a rescuer in DFW.  I was forwarded a link to this report.  A humorous email is floating around stating that DDB is claiming to be the ONLY rescue to have saved 3000 dogs in 10 years.  I had to come and see this for myself!

Are you people for real?

I had run ins with DDB in TX.  They have burned all of their bridges down her.  I read an email from the founder stating that Dallas hates dogs and rescues.  No DDB, they don't like YOU.

What happened to the dog, Hercules,  that your Washington Chapter was supposed to take?  I hear that you all bailed on the dog.  But then again that is what DDB is known for, so why should anybody be surprised?

Again, are you people for real?

Tell San Antonio Pets Alive that TX hates dogs and rescues.  And also examine the parallels between DDB and SAPA.  SAPA is moving into their new center this month.  The new center is fully operational and they will be moving hundreds of dogs to the new facility.  This is was happens when you PLAN.  This is what happens when you work for the DOGS, not for self promotion.  The center also room for hundreds more.

And guess what DDB?  They not only DIDN'T halt rescue before their move, they rescued 1400 pets in the 3.5 months prior to their move.

So stop you lying, your whining, your finger pointing, and your excuses.  You are a joke!

"Sandra wrote: "{sigh} Last year, I sent $250 to one of the Dogs Deserve Better reps to rescue a dog--and the dog "disappeared." My question was what did you do with that money? Never got an answer.".

THIS is a common occurrence. No transparency.

Then the decision to spend $600,000 on just a HOUSE just so you could "warehouse" 14 dogs was a bad decision. How many dogs could DDB have saved with that money? Thank you for pointing out JUST how bad this decision was....

Ok, so you had a dog you wanted them to take in at the center and they didn't have room. I hate to break this to you, but rescues all over the country, every single day, have to turn away dogs because they don't have room. The center is not a municipal, tax-payer funded shelter.....it's a house. It's not a freaking mansion, it's just a house. I don't know why I'm even explaining this to you all because you don't listen, but I'll say it again. It's a HOUSE. The rehab center has NOT even been built yet. The entire downstairs of the house is full of dogs. It's only 2 rooms and a kitchen. The upstairs is a bedroom for the live-in care taker (yes, everyone gets to sleep from time to time), a bedroom for the visitors and out of town workers (they get to sleep sometimes also), and an office. Do you all really expect DDB to just take in dog after dog and cram them all into the same 2 rooms together? Really? You think that's responsible rescuing and good for the dogs to be overcrowded in a house? Are you a hoarder? Did it ever occur to you that the dogs would be in danger if they were all crammed into an overcrowded house together? How many dogs do you think it's safe to keep together in a house? You tell me. DDB has decided their limit, right now, temporarily until other arrangements and improvements can be made to the property or until the actual center is built, is 14 dogs at a time. Anymore than that would be unsafe for the visitors, the volunteers, and most importantly the dogs. If DDB took in more dogs than that, then you bullies would accuse DDB of being hoarders and putting dogs in jeopardy due to overcrowding. There is no winning with you people.

Yes, you are right about one thing, the day is coming! And I can't wait.

ok, whatever you say.......

It takes time to go through the proper channels... But it will happen. Thayne thinks she is above the law. We respect the law and are abiding by the proper process. The day is coming....

If Allen and Fiala sign their names to all their posts then why aren't you signing this, Allen? Once again, I am not Thayne. You all assume that anyone who defends DDB is automatically Thayne. DDB is not, nor will they ever, charge a fee to see the sheds. Once again your leader makes an implication and her mindless followers think it's gospel and run with it. It's like a mad mob with a Hitleresque leader at the helm. It would make a good case study for a psychological experiment. The same way your leader implies that Joel is dead. Then the brain cell free followers run with it saying that DDB killed Joel. When she admitted she hired a private investigator who tracked down her ex-foster dog and she contacted his legal owner. Talk about SICK. The sheds will be turned into a memorial....look it up. It means to memorialize those who suffered there and to never forget their pain. You all make up so many lies that no one believes what you say anyway. What employee are you currently speaking with? My guess is it's an ex-employee whose personal issues put the safety of the dogs at risk. What neighbor did you talk to? The one next door who has 15 neglected penned beagles? Or maybe the other one down the street with starving chained and penned dogs.....that is who you choose to align yourselves with? Animal abusers? What vet did you talk to? The only one in town that DDB doesn't even use? There is not an ounce of truth in anything you all say. Anyone with half a brain can see through you. It's all BS. Just like the big amazing internal audit you threatened before.....what happened to that? DDB has nothing to hide......bring on your reporters, your auditors, your spies, the many animal chainers and abusers you all align with and relate to.....you won't find anything.

I wish someone, FOR ONCE, would actually show some proof that DDB is failing. Opinions are not proof. The support numbers on the DDB page just keep going up! While the losers trash DDB, DDB just keeps on unchaining dogs......

Dr. Fiala and Shannon have always signed their name to what they have had to say about this org.  They have stood by their words from day one.  So it cracks me up that you think that anybody that has anything bad to say about DDB MUST be them.  Are you so arrogant to think that these two ladies are the ONLY two people, ever,  to have had issues with DDB?

You say Dr. Fiala and Shannon are obsessed with you, yet you keep mentioning THEIR names and they are not even on this thread.

Have you even addressed the original complaint?  No!  As usual, you point fingers at everyone else because if they don't like DDB, by your assessment, they ALL must be crazy.

We are getting information from a current rep, a current employee AND a current foster. We even had a member of our group visit GNRC. Thayne never showed her face, by the way... We have talked with the neighbors and the local vets, and shelters. Thayne and DDB was hated in Pa. and are heading down the same path in Va. Just a matter of time. We have heard from several DDB reps who are looking to leave. Speaking of the GNRC, how many dog fights continue to happen at GNRC due to the inexperience of the employees? (mostly Thayne) Who has any experience to REHAB any kind of dog at GNRC? Where is the money going? When are you going to start charging admission to see the death sheds? SICK! You are NOT telling the truth, or YOU are sadly duped...

What unhappy donors? Where are they? How would you have a clue about DDB's financial state? Shrinking rep base? Really? Like Allen said and she helped write the rules.....DDB tightened the rules for the reps. The dedicated ones stayed, some left because they didn't have the time or other personal commitments, some started their own rescues (not in NM)...DDB's rep base is actually growing. Talk about skirting the issues. Unable to keep employees at GNRC? Really? Again, not true. One left because she didn't like the job, one left for extreme personal reasons that I will rise above mentioning. I know of 2 employees that have been there since the doors opened. So wherever you are getting your info you are being misinformed. And this is not Thayne, btw. DDB is failing with rescuing? Really? Tell that to the 15 dogs DDB saved just last week and see what they have to say. My guess is they would bite you....dogs can sense when they are around negative people. DDB's fan base grows by 5,000 a week......failing....I think not. Not loosing support, not loosing donors....what else you got?

What unhappy donors? Where are they? How would you have a clue about DDB's financial state? Shrinking rep base? Really? Like Allen said and she helped write the rules.....DDB tightened the rules for the reps. The dedicated ones stayed, some left because they didn't have the time or other personal commitments, some started their own rescues (not in NM)...DDB's rep base is actually growing. Talk about skirting the issues. Unable to keep employees at GNRC? Really? Again, not true. One left because she didn't like the job, one left for extreme personal reasons that I will rise above mentioning. I know of 2 employees that have been there since the doors opened. So wherever you are getting your info you are being misinformed. And this is not Thayne, btw. DDB is failing with rescuing? Really? Tell that to the 15 dogs DDB saved just last week and see what they have to say. My guess is they would bite you....dogs can sense when they are around negative people. DDB's fan base grows by 5,000 a week......failing....I think not. Not loosing support, not loosing donors....what else you got?

Continue skirting the issues. Continue blaming everyone else. You have failed to address any of the OTHER issues addressed by unhappy donors, your shrinking rep base, your poor financial state, unable to keep anyone hired at GNRC, unable to keep up with your rescue emails, ON AND ON AND ON. I could care less about Allen or Fiala. What about ALL of the others? The preverbial bus you have thrown everyone under is quite full. Do you see a trend? I guess anyone who questions you is wrong, or out to get you. Sorry, Thayne. DDB = EPIC FAIL.

I would hope that, after losing in court THREE TIMES, I might at least consider whether or not I was in the wrong. And if there are activities such as misappropriation of funds, etc. taking place, I would hope that I would have the integrity and character to register an official complaint leading to a formal investigation, rather than indulge my ego in a petty, vindictive smear campaign on Facebook, based on innuendo. Too bad none of you have any evidence. All you have is the opinion of a few people that didn't get their way. Shannon and Fiala have not moved on. They are completely obsessed with Tami and DDB. They are the only ones that continue to talk about DDB and Tami. Fiala has gotten herself in really deep, and the medical board knows everything, her court date is coming real soon. Even after that, I doubt she'll go away. Just like the movie ''Single White Female''. Fiala is obsessed with Tami, she wants to be her. She can't stand that Tami is a hero in many eyes. It drives her bat sh*t crazy.

Shannon too. Shannon needs to be the center of attention, and has to have credit and get praised for every dog, everywhere. She got a rude awakening when she left DDB and tried to rescue by herself. She just knew she would get an outpouring of support, and donations to her ChipIns, WRONG. No one wants to give money to a convicted embezzler. Yea, Shannon stole credit cards from her former employer, Va. Tech, and ran up $36,000 in cleaning products and medical supplies. Funny how a money thief would accuse another of stealing funds.

DDB doesn't need a rep in every state. They are handling what they can, where they can and saving as many as possible. Every rescue has limits. Rescues deny dogs everyday, it's pretty standard in the rescue world-but DDB is the only rescue that isn't allowed to have a limit, according to the haters.

As long as you continue to bash a good org, you'll always have something to do. Whatever would you do with your life without DDB? None of you can think for yourselves-talk about ''rose colored glasses''. You people are scary. We are glad you don't support DDB. Nobody wants people like you anywhere near DDB's dogs.

(Photo) This is George. George was a hunting dog, who lived outside, in a filthy pen, 24/7. He was dumped at AC after his owner decided he had no use for him anymore. George was hours from being euthanized and DDB stepped up to save him. If it weren't for Tami, George would be dead. George was adopted a few weeks ago, and now lives the good life. He is spoiled rotten, and spends his days cuddling with his Mommy, and hanging out with his doggy brothers. ANOTHER life saved by DDB. I keep posting pictures of dogs rescued by DDB, and yet you still claim they aren't rescuing. Hello? Is there anybody in there? jeeeeeez.

Blah, blah, blah.....more BS. Allen and Fiala have moved on? Really? Thank you for making me laugh today because that is a huge joke. Allen and Fiala are way too obsessed with TAMI to move on. (you really need to try and figure out how it's spelled since you seem to be having a lot of trouble with your spelling) A new group in town....really? Now that is too funny. The only group there has ever been is the same old handful of board, miserable, women who have no life so they sit on their computers all day trying to bully others in a futile effort to make themselves feel better about their failures. I almost feel sorry for you 3 or 4 people.....nah, the feeling passed already. New group, old group, who cares because you still have nothing on DDB. You are making yourselves look like fools. You won't stop DDB. If you're that determined to hurt animals and those who rescue them, why don't you work to weaken the laws in your own area (Va and Wa). That would be the best way you could do the most harm to the most animals. Maybe that would feed your sick obsession to cause harm. DDB says, bring on your secret Investigative Reporter.....they would LOVE to talk to him/her. I should say IT since it's a figment of your imagination. Keep breaking up the few emails you have from 2 disgruntled employees (you and that heather chick), and a couple of bitter ex-reps to make it look like a bunch of people are writing about DDB. You are really comical. And most of all, get a life.

Sorry, Tami/Tammy/Tamira.... But Allen and Fiala have moved on, but they, along with other former AND current DDB people, have provided us with enough information to continue their message. There is a new group in town. We have been given new information which is being shared outside of Facebook. Thank you for the RANT.

You know what...all you DDB haters are so jealous and bitter. You just can't stand to see anyone become successful doing what they love while you all wallow in self pity because try as you might, you don't get enough recognition for what you do. You have no idea how many reps DDB has....you have no idea how many volunteers DDB has......you have no idea how many dogs DDB rescues.....all you care about is that the DDB founder lives in a big house. Well guess what? We do know.....we've been there, we've seen it first hand and we know the truth. It's pointless even trying to reason with you people because you won't listen to reason and truth....all you want is to hear lies, run with it, and hurt dogs in the process. All those ridiculous comments from "former reps and employees" are 3 maybe 4 people saying the same old boring BS over and over again. People in the rescue world don't always get along....that is a well known fact sadly. The reason why is because of people like you....the jealous bullies. You want credit for saving this dog or that dog, or for coming up with some idea....and when you don't get it you start trying to bring down the people who do get things done. DDB is doing fine....great actually, has a ton of volunteers NATIONALLY, and is rescuing dogs left and right. And the dog that "disappeared".....when the rep went to get the dog, the dog was gone. Moved by the owners, the chainers. How can you expect DDB to be everywhere all the time. Get real. And Every person who donated to that dog was offered either a refund or to have the money go toward helping another dog. No one, not one person requested a refund. You bully haters have nothing on DDB...why? Because DDB has done Nothing wrong.....period. And in the words of former DDB rep and the one that helped write the new rep rules (and incidentally the one who was the most determined and vocal in her many letters to the medical board to report the Seattle doctor), now bitter DDB hater SEA, "the new DDB rep rules were put in place to weed out the bad reps". Her words, her rules, not mine. Please go out and do something useful with your lives. Like maybe help some dogs like DDB does instead of sitting around wasting time trying to hurt dogs. DDB is NOT going anywhere....so give up your hate campaign and try to be at peace with your life. All that jealousy and bitterness can't be healthy.

You are BOOOOOORRRIIINGGGGG. Shannon, I love your copy/paste technique-you know, the ''emails'' from former reps and volunteers that want to remain anonymous? If I was upset about an org. for doing something shady, and wanted my story to be heard, I would stand proud, and post my name. Shannon, you seriously need help, I hope your hubby smarts up soon and leaves your unstable a*s in the dust. Have him tell his boss Hi for me!

Fiala, don't forget to iron your big girl pants for your court date. When is it? Next week? I guess you better box up all your belongings from your office-and go ahead and start giving all your patients referrals.

And to whoever else, the rescue world can get dirty, but you wouldn't know that because you ''rescue'' only on facebook, so don't hate me for not being nice, why the hell would I respectfully correspond with you anyway? Call me what you want, I couldn't care any less. One day, when you grow some balls, stop by Good Newz Rehab Center, and I'll give you a tour.

(Photo) This is Ebby. She and her son were rescued by DDB. They were living 24/7 in a mud-caked pen, without food, water or proper shelter. She is staying at GNRC until her perfect family finds her. If it weren't for Tami, she'd probably be dead from starvation.

One day, you will realize that the woman you apparently have on a pedestal, is NOT the person you so sadly idolize. Like Thayne, you are blaming EVERYONE else. Of the 28 reps on the DDB group, only 10 or so are actively rescuing. PERIOD! You gloss over the problems of DDB too. You are a perfect person for Thayne to take advantage of. Gullible people are perfect targets for sociopathic people. These quotes are from former DDB people who FINALLY woke up. - *****

I was rep for this organization for about 8 months. Back then it was about rescuing and saving the dogs and I felt like I was helping change those dogs lives. After a while it became all about buying the vick property and NOT helping the dog at all. Once the vick property was DDBs, all the reps were dismissed. I helped raise money for this group and was thrown out like yesterdays trash. Every time I tried to get questions answered via emails to tami, they went unanswered. The person who ever answered emails or phone calls was Shannon Allen. Without her I would have been alone. Shannon made a big difference in my life where Tami was not seen or heard from once the vick property and her wedding started rolling around. After being dumped as a rep, I still had dogs in foster, and a couple of them needed new placement. I sent email after email and I was told they had to stay put unless I found them a new foster. No help ever came and I was stuck. This was just one more example of how the reps and the dogs were thrown aside as soon as the vick property came into the picture. I will never ever again donate my time or money to a group who claims they are here to help the dogs when all they want is their 15 minutes of fame in the spotlight. Since then I have returned to rescue on my own. I am now very untrusting of rescue groups after being used and thrown out by DDB. All my time and effort did was finance Tami's house, when she got what she wanted none of us were needed. So sad, I put my trust and faith in DDB and was let down in the worst way. But the worst offense of all is the dogs are no longer being helped and they are paying the ultimate price for DDB's greed.

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I was a DDB Rep for a year. I worked very hard and dedicated all of my free time and my -own- money to responding to calls and/or emails pleading for help. I juggled a full time job, my own household and all of my pets, and a family who I tried to see. My family saw that I was bankrupting myself and they would always be puzzled as to why I wasn't receiving more (financial) support. I never questioned the org, even though I was treated poorly througout my time with the org. For me, my commitment revolved around the dogs. So that's where my focus was. There were experiences with DDB and its leaders that brought up red flags and all of the negative experiences had to do with money. The Reps did the ground work, while the org's leaders focused on money. And money dictated how they treated the Reps, the public, and even the dogs! I NEVER could get anywhere with legistlative ideas because the org's leaders were focused on money. The founder gave absolutely no attention or support to the Reps. We were policed though. There were times I asked for help on various levels, and I got the runaround. Yet, when it came to DDB spending money, I could always count on hearing back from the coordinator or founder. I was being bullied by a fellow Rep and because "she brought in alot of money", I was forced to deal with this Rep's harrassment. I stayed as long as I could for the dogs. But finally, I had to quit after I was once again belittled by a coordinator and betrayed by a lazy foster Mom who this coordinator sided with. I stayed supportive of the org until the founder bought the Surry Co property. The Rep program was halted so they could could "campaign for money". In my mind, I was disillusioned with the idea of raising money to buy a building!? This building was also serving as a residence for the founder. The Vick house has horrific memories, and dead dogs are still there in the ground. Moreover, countless dogs were suffering, so that a building could be financed. And the bottom line was seeing, that legislation, the key to changing everything, was at the bottom of the list for DDB. Buying the Vick house was a publicity stunt that took time and money away from dogs languishing in back yards throughout the U.S. And the effectiveness of the org seemed minimal. That is my experience with DDB and I regret to say that I no longer associate myself with the group.

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I was an area representative with DDB for 6 years... from 2005 to 2011. For two years I was also a regional coordinator, coordinating several states' area representatives. In the 6 years I served DDB, I independently rescued and rehabilitated over 100 dogs. I asked for vet help only twice, and help with dogs that needed rescue on two occasions. When I joined DDB in 2005, all the reps were separate entities. We managed our own "branch" of DDB, and I always took pride in my work and had much respect for the DDB name. I was impressed yet concerned with the amount of trust that DDB freely poured into their representatives. Aside from a monthly report submission, we were essentially able to make our own decisions, manage our own fundraising and finances, and organize our own rescues. As the organization grew, much of that changed. I began as a representative for my county, dealing with the public and the dogs in my area that needed help. As the DDB name spread, more and more people from all over my state needed assistance, and because DDB had a hard time keeping reps for long periods, at times I would be the only representative for 100s of miles. I was expected to respond to calls and requests for help all over my state, which was essentially impossible for any one person to do, aside from the fact that I was working a full time job on top of my 30+ hours per week of volunteering. Also, because I was more active than many other reps, I would end up receiving calls for areas that HAD representatives... but they wouldn't return calls and answer emails. I discussed this problem several times with regional coordinators and the rep coordinator, but nothing ever changed and the expectations were always there from the organization that I should be doing more. Last summer, after 6 years of dedicated volunteering, we reps were all informed out of the blue, that the group was putting us all on hiatus... but only "temporarily". We were sent a mass email that questioned our loyalty to the group and our dedication to the cause; told us to really think about what being a rep meant to us... the rep program was going to be revamped. I spoke with the founder and she asked that I join the restructuring committee. I emailed the rep coordinator to express my interest, but was never included in the process. One day, we all received an email informing us that the rep program was now going to be completely different; that all of us reps had to work HARDER and that we also ALL needed to REAPPLY to the position in order to be allowed to be a DDB representative. Once the deadline for reapplication came and went and mine went unsubmitted, I never heard from DDB again For all of the years I volunteered for them, all of the dogs that I helped, and all of the good that i gave to their organization, I was never thanked for my service, nor was it even acknowledged that I helped them for as long as I did. I was one of only a handful of representatives that stayed with the group as long as I did. I have met and spent hours with Tami, the founder, at a tabling event, had long phone conversations and email interchanges with the regional coordinators, rep coordinators, and even Tami. I poured my heart into the group, and in the end, my existence was never even acknowledged. I think that DDB has made a mistakes putting all of their resources into the rehab center and in letting their rep progam go. They have taken away resources to hundreds if not thousands of dogs all over the country in order to develop the rehab center that can help only a handful of dogs at a time. They have burned bridges with supporters and spent so much of their funds on the center that I believe could have been put to far better uses. And they continue to solicit donations, despite the fact that their money isn't even going towards public education or rescue at this point. It is being poured into the rehab center. DDB's focus has become so near sighted, I really fear that by pouring all of their resources into the center and by dropping so many of their supporters, that they have brought more harm to the dogs than good. It's a shame because I used to have a lot of respect for this group, but I also never thought they were going to throw away their loyal representatives .

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For a VERY brief time I was a Dogs Deserve Better Rep. with DDB. My reason for leaving was the Founder/CEO. She REALLY push for money. When she was trying to raise money for Vick's old place and sent an email to all of the reps, basically blasting everyone for not giving money..that was it for me. Some of us HAD donated and others wanted to but couldn't because they found themselves unemployed etc. because of the economy. The secondary reason I decided to step out was because there was a LOT of disagreements, fights, etc. in this group - not just the people who subscribe/support it but the people who run it/volunteer etc. What REALLY upsets me is all the dogs that are not getting the treatment/care/attention they need while all the in-fighting is going on. I was in it SOLELY to help the dogs - The leadership of this group has forgotten that MOST of the people involved DONATE their time - and given MOST have families, jobs etc. that's a pretty big deal. Yes, financially supporting an organizations needs is important BUT the email was berating. I stayed on the Facebook page to try to keep up w/any dogs near me that needed homes/help etc. and/or to help w/the laws BUT not after this..obviously things have only gone from bad to worse. On a side note, for MONTHS I tried to get someone from DDB locally to meet w/the animal control director (she was MORE than willing) to get things in place to make chaining illegal where I live. NO ONE EVER followed up - even after multiple promises they would. Sad, sad, sad. IF (and I'm saying IF) the goal was for the Founder/CEO to place herself in the mansion and that was it..she will not be able to maintain it without income. Donors are being taken advantage of unfortunately.

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Blind, unquestioning loyalty is very dangerous. At the very least, this organization's actions over the past year have raised some very legitimate questions that are not being adequately addressed. I for one have one such question over the Fiala case. Why did DDB pour money, time, resources, planning, and support to reposses one dog under Fiala's care who had a willing adopter, and yet will not even take in dogs from former fosters who are begging for DDB's help? Are we supposed to keep supporting an organization that keeps exercising very questionable judgement? DDB may have won in the Fiala case but why should my donations keep going toward's legal expenses if this need not have gone to court in the first place?

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Looks the way that Dogs Deserve Better has handled the purchase of the Vick property and their reps is sort of like removing the engines from a sinking ship to keep it afloat.

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Careful what you post on DOGS DESERVE BETTER's rescue page because if you want to reserve judgement and hear both sides of the story so you leave a post asking them about the allegations that they abandon their foster dogs, use the donations (collected for these dogs) for themselves, kidnap rescue dogs from their adoptive homes and about a email statement made by founder, Tami, that to "euthanize" a dog who is known to bite is the "right thing to do" instead of rehabilitating them - they will NOT address your questions, will delete your post and then will BLOCK you - all while commenting on their page that they "do not block" anybody. Then, you can't dispute that statement, cuz you know, you are BLOCKED. Makes me wonder 1.) how many other people have been blocked? and 2.) WHY did they DELETE MY COMMENT then BLOCK ME instead of answering my questions? That only shows me that the allegations are true and they don't want their supporters/followers to know. This organization is suppose to be a RESCUE. The best interest of the dogs is suppose to be their main concern. I am sharing this because a rescue that operates/behaves like DDB (and who has a founder who is as rude and uncaring as Tami as is apparent in her email to a foster mom) it shines a negative light on other rescues who truly DO have the dogs best interest at heart, who truly DO use donations on the dogs, who truly DO support their fosters - because people could start thinking that other rescues operate this way and could be hesitant in donating or fostering. I can't post this on DDB's wall because, you know, I've been blocked (even though they "don't block") so I am sharing this here so that people can be aware of what is going on. DDB has taken one dog from his doggie daycare and away from his foster/adoptive mom (a veterinarian who nursed him back from starvation), because Joel's mom reported them for mismanaging donations (not giving the donated money to the dogs the money was donated for) and for abandoning their dogs at their foster homes. Now, they are refusing to take back another foster dog (a dog whom needs medical treatment and DDB has refused to release the funds that were donated to THIS DOG for this treatment - ask his foster/adoptive mom about this) and has, instead, told the foster/adopter, in an email, to "euthanize" the dog.

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I don`t have lots to say, but my friend attended a conference that Tammie attended, my friend had a $500.00 check in her pocket, she approached Tammie and Tammie didn`t give her the time of day, in fact my friend stated that Tammie was looking for more important people, so she stated that she put the check back in her pocket and walked away, she stated that she felt that Tammie was only looking for the big folks to interact with, and Tammie didn`t feel that she was one of those..how darn sad is that..this lady has a rescue of her own, but wanted to donate $500.00 to DDB, out of her own pocket, as she believed in this rescue because of me..makes me feel bad, but not so bad, that she didn`t give her money to DDB..that in the end made me feel WONDERFUL, but how sad of the dogs that DDB lies and says that they help.

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WTKR NewsChannel 3 SURRY For members of the rescue group Dogs Deserve Better, moving into the Bad Newz Kennels property was supposed to signify a new beginning. We were there in June when they started settling in. "We thought it would be a great fit because the whole idea of turning something negative into something positive, it's very powerful," Tamira Thayne. But three months after their relocation from Pennsylvania, former volunteers and employees are calling into question the non-profit's central mission and possible misappropriation of funds. The latest defection from Dogs Deserve Better, Shannon Allen, the group's former national rescue coordinator. "I don't agree, a lot of people don't agree with the rehab center, amount of money being spent there," says Allen. Allen says there is very little oversight on the organization's founder, Tamira Thayne. The former employee says money from past fundraising has gone missing, unaccounted for. Meanwhile, the organization put limits how many dogs they can take in at a time, and screens their picks based on behavior. "The point of a rehab center is to help dogs that don't get along with other dogs and other people," says Allen. Volunteers say Tamira's reasoning for not taking in critical care dogs is that the vet bills were too expensive. Meanwhile, they allege Tamira was fundraising for a new carport for the mansion. "These were dogs in dire straits that were in very bad condition, needed lots of medical and emotional care," says Allen. And she isn't the only one losing confidence in the organization. Allen says before their move to Virginia, Dogs Deserve Better had over 150 rescue representatives all over the country. Now there is less than 25 still affiliated with the organization. "A lot of people left because when we bought this fenced center, we were told to stop rescuing, that we couldn't afford it anymore," she says. We went to the infamous mansion in Surry to confront Tamira, but no answer. And answers are exactly what these former volunteers are searching for.

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DDB as whole has saved allot of desperate dogs. I will give them that on a National level and believe it is a greatly needed. I hope another organization forms to really help all dogs in need chained regardless of breed...and honestly bumps DDB out. Did you know the National facility that was so generously donated to does not take in PITBULLS..Ironically this is where Michael Vick killed them. What a supporter of dog rescue. Breed specific? So LEAVE THE PITBULLS chained? Dogs of all walks of abuse and chained need rescued to be ban a breed from a facility that is supposed to help all chained dogs is misrepresenting the cause. My personal story is why I left. We were told to fund raise for the DDB National org. and we were expected as a group to raise $15,000 for the Vick property purchase. We had dogs that did not have a place to go or boarding $ and when I raised the question in front of the group and my rep. I was told that we need to focus on raising the $15,000 for the facility and those dogs can wait. I left that day and never went back. Personally, I believe the founder mis- uses the funds and is shady. As a past supporter and volunteer for a local chapter in WA State I will say my experience with them has been appalling. I have experienced dogs being ignored that really needed the help. I believe the group leader and "leaders" are self righteous and have used donations for their own selfish needs. DDB just registered in WA this year but has been accepting financial donations prior to being registered in the State of WA. these numbers are not accounted for... This is truth. Check with the state of WA registered non profit charitable organizations. They are not worthy of becoming a GuidStar charity even if their cause is good, the people that run it are bad.

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DDB is all about money, NOT the dogs. They are not bothering to get their dogs back from fosters that can no longer foster them. They talk to people very badly. If you question them about anything they will block you from their Facebook page so you can no longer ask anything. I would not recommend this so called organization to anyone. Please be careful people!!

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I came to know of DDB through facebook interactions. As I began following DDB on facebook I started noticing that people who were asking legitimate questions about DDB's actions were treated very poorly and ridiculed and even called names. I myself had questions for them about a dog named Joel and how they removed (in my opinion, downright stole)) him for the care of one of their volunteers. Within a couple off days of inquiring, I was promtly banned from being able to ask questions or respond to others comments. Also, my previous posts were deleted from their page. This was actually happening to anybody and everybody that dared ask or say anything that they didn't like. I have seen some of the most disgusting name calling, accusations and downright lies being told by those that are supporting this organization. I have also read the testimony of many former volunteers and supporters, who have legitimate questions that never seem to get answered. If you are legitimate, why cannot peoples questions be answered, what are you afraid of? Personally, since I have been following the DDB organization, I think they have done more to harm the dog rescue cause than they have to help it.

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I no longer support this organization. They are difficult to work with and they do not answer emails or Facebook posts when they are asked to help. Seems to me they are spending too much time fighting with everyone instead of unchaining dogs. I found another rescue to support who is helping unchain dogs. This is the article that convinced me they are under staffed because of the wrong decision made by the founder. Something stinks in Surry, Va.

DDB Dogged by Controversy - September 16, 2011  Rescue organization Dogs Deserve Better is no stranger to controversy, but recent allegations by the groups former national rescue coordinator may have far reaching implications in the long term health of the group.  Just a few short months after their acquisition of the former Michael Vick residence, a prior employee is questioning what she calls possible misappropriation of funds and a major shift in the organizations mission. Shannon Allen, the groups former national rescue coordinator, recently resigned over a number of concerns with DDB activities. I dont agree, a lot of people dont agree with the rehab center, amount of money being spent there, says Allen. Allen says the organizations founder, Tamira Thayne, told volunteers to stop rescuing needy dogs shortly after DDB relocated to the Virginia mansion formerly occupied by Michael Vick. Allen says money from prior fundraising drives has gone missing, and shes also troubled by a new DDB policy: only dogs who pass personality screening tests will be considered for rescue by DDB. The point of a rehab center is to help dogs that dont get along with other dogs and other people, says Allen. Allen says her concerns are shared by many: she says that a few months ago, Dogs Deserve Better had over 150 rescue representatives in the US. Now that number has dwindled to less than 25. A lot of people left because when we bought this fenced center, we were told to stop rescuing, that we couldnt afford it anymore, says Allen. We want to rescue, thats what we signed up for, she said.

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I would give ZERO stars, if that were an option.  I was a volunteer for DDB Washington for 6 months, and was loaded up with ELEVEN dogs to foster in that short time. My first experience with a large rescue org certainly opened my eyes to thepotential for fraud and corruption in the world of animal rescue.  DDB never repaid (any of my fostering costs totaling over $1600 - despite receipts turned in per protocol, and promises of reimbursement. When I caught the local state rep lying, misappropriating funds into her personal bank account and otherwise acting unethically; I publicly exposed my concerns after the national chapter ignored my concerns. In an apparent effort to get me to hush up and deflect attention from my provable claims, the organization not only "took back" the almost-dead dog I had fostered adopted via verbal agreement with my state rep, but proceeded to attack my credibility and character with a national smear campaign via perjured court documents, social media attacks and proactively attempting to ruin my professional career.  This organization may have had a pure motive at its inception, and it HAS had many loyal, hardworking volunteers 'walking the walk' of animal advocacy and rescue. But the national CEO and founder, just like the former WA state rep, has knowingly engaged in fraud and illegal activities since the organizations' inception. Soliciting donations in numerous states without registering with the individual states as an active charity, thus violating the Consumer Protection Act for years (the CEO registered as a state charity in Washington state after 9 years of soliciting funds in my state the DAY AFTER I publicly exposed her org), the CEO paying herself a salary, living rent-free in a mansion and paying lawyers to fend off complaints such as mine, all with the dollars of well-meaning donors: all suggest that this so-called rescue organization is more about media attention and personal financial gain than about the dogs it purports to 'save'.  While claiming to rescue 'hundreds of dogs' yearly, the actual number of dogs taken in and placed properly in permanent homes remains unknown. Our local state chapter as well as the national group operate with the 'revolving door' principle of taking dogs in with much publicity and farming them out as quickly as possible to inappropriate and sometimes completely unreliable 'homes'. Also the animal's medical needs are often unmet. Cases in point, a pup I fostered in March, a blind, beautiful young pitbull named kYLE, is again on the 'adoption' list at just barely a year of age. Kyle, this special needs dog, is listed as being "not good with children or cats". He was fine with both when in my foster home, which leaves one to wonder exactly what lack of attention and training has led to these disclaimers as to Kyle's current temperament. Kyle's mother LADY, whom I also fostered in January and into February 2011, has been billed as being in a permanent, loving home in court testimony. Yet she has bounced in and out of at least 8 foster care and multiple failed adoptions in the past 7 months and to date STILL is a dog without a home. A wonderful dog that I fostered with her pups, there is no reason for Lady to be homeless-other than poor placement into inappropriate homes.  I have learned the hard way of the corruption and vice in animal rescue - as in every area of life there are opportunists who will use the 'underdogs' of society for their own gain.  DDB, Inc. needs a forensic audit to investigate misappropriation of funds from the state levels to the national level. Hopefully the IRS will take a much closer look at the questionable accounting practices of national fund solicitations by illegal operation in multiple states, theft by state reps, and an absence of an objective board of directors minding the store.  To the IRS: need evidence? Contact myself and my group of investigators - we have documentation for all claims mentioned herein.  People sincerely motivated to become involved in animal advocacy and rescue, steer clear of this duplicitous and fraudulent organization whose actions speak louder than their pretty photo-ops, feel-good vignettes and anecdotal success stories and endless campaign for donations.

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The mandate of DDB is great..however putting it all into perspective is a different story..I have never heard that a president of a NON PROFIT group, pays herself $40,000.00 per year, has no mortgage, receives travel allowances..and so on..  Wheter or not Shannon is crazy or not, has no bearing..What does matter is the FACTS, anyone can read the spread sheet..As for Dr. Fiala and losing Joel, because of him being at a doggy daycare, is another excuse..Joel was taken because Dr. Fiala ASKED valid questions about finances..Tell me the difference, doggy daycare versus rehab center..So why does Tami not want the financial items to be published? it is a public site..right? I have never heard of anyone that is a VOLUNTEER, getting paid this amount of money per year..it is pathetic..When was the last time you saw her in action..WITH THE DOGS? all we see is her constant begging for funds..for people to buy calendars, cards, jewellery..her complaining how stressed she is, she only has 14 dogs AND she has help..complaining that she has not left her house for a few days..WHO CARES..neither have I. Many of us have loads of rescue dogs, run around, put the animals before our family..she wanted this life..She is welcome to leave this life any time..the sooner the better for all the dog involved..Go play with your BARBIE..( I am saying, get out of the life of dog rescue..

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I was a paid employee of Dogs Deserve Better for 1 year and a volunteer for 2. I can say for fact that founder Tamira Ci Thayne has little concern for animals and a greater concern for money and fame. She was made aware in 2008 that she was illegally soliciting and accepting donations in states where she was not registered as a 501c3. She regular abandons foster dogs, refuses to pay these dogs expenses after promising to do so. People who have worked with Tami in her home office have reported seeing her kick and shake dogs, have seen her pay her house payment, car payment, utilities, and even groceries with donations. The organization would be great if Thayne would step down.

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Never reimbursed by DDB for the money I spent on one their dogs... seems to a common theme with the owner Tamira burning people and not paying up as promised.

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I had posted on their website asking them to explain why they took a formerly chained dog named Joel away from his adopter after she questioned the mis use of funds raised for the dog. She spent over $1000 dollars on getting the dog healthy and happy, she was never reimbursed, yet the DDB of Washington State continued to raise funds for Joels care. This mis use lead to the public finding out that DDB is not registered in most states as a 501c non profit. The Washington state site sent in a registration 4 days after they were questioned. DDB state organizations are raising monies illegally in most cases and are punishing those who question them.

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It is sad that they fire volunteers that did a lot of good just to bring in new volunteers The great volunteers you have been in contact with are gone and the list is always changing. It has to be poor volunteer management.

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As a representative for your organization you sure are doing a good job making DDB look worse.  Name calling again.  How old are you?

Do you honestly believe that Grimes has done things that no one else has done?  Seriously?  Have you ever been out of Virginia?  Grimes is a dime a dozen, one of many who started with good intentions in rescue then landed on the DNR list, putting her face and name on anything that will stand still.

I do rescue.  I fostered 22 dogs this year, all adopted, none returned.  I am preparing to take in two dogs from a severe abuse case who would have likely died had I personally not been to the property, collected evidence, and taken the photos to the police.  Charges will likely be filed.  If you think Grimes is the only person that puts that puts herself in perilous situations to save dogs, then you are not facing reality.  The rescue I volunteer for rescued 150 dogs in the last month.  We did it because of a huge and supportive network of fosters, donors, and volunteers.  Our founder does not get paid, he does not live in a $600,000 house that the donors paid for, he doesn't live off of the donors.  We are ALL volunteers and do much more than DDB with much less.

You need to do your research before you bad mouth PETA and HSUS as those are the very organizations that Grimes ran to when she needed publicity for stealing dogs.  While I respect neither of those two organization, I do not respect people who "get in bed" with them either especially when it is for publicity.

Grimes lost her credibility long ago.  The purchase of her "rehabilitation" center was just icing on the cake.

Am I jealous that Grimes can't pay her own bills?  Am I jealous that she has a bad name in the rescue community?  Am I jealous that 90% of her volunteers left after she moved into her brand new house that she apparently had her own volunteers paying for?  Am I jealous that she has few real friends?  Am I jealous that she has alienated even her own family?  Do you really think that is something to be jealous of?

My rescue had dealings with this woman once.  That is all it took to know that she was is rescue for all of the wrong reasons.

I don't know who you are.  I assume a teenager who volunteers after school.  You have a lot to learn about rescue.  You seem to really care about dogs.  Just be sure you are in this for the dogs and not for Grimes because your association with her organization will not bode well for you should you choose to seek out other rescues to volunteer or work for.

We don't need to plead a case. WHAT CASE? All this crap started when that scary ''Doctor'', who has openly admitted she is mentally unstable, had her FOSTER dog removed, and she threw a temper tantrum for not getting her way. What a nut bag she is! We are just standing up to bullies who are telling lies and half truths. PERIOD. You'd do the same if you were part of an org. that was successfully rescuing and saving dogs, that had bullies and haters trying to destroy it (haha, no chance!). I will not continue to round and round with you. DDB is not going anywhere, no matter what you guys say. I just unchained a dog last week. I'll be checking on 2 more Monday-unlike you, WE actually rescue dogs-we don't just play on facebook and rip off report. Have fun with your boring life, and stop being so jealous of Tami and all she has created. We love her, and the dogs love her. We WILL support her through thick and thin. She has given me (and others) tremendous amounts of support, financially and emotionally. Sure, call me ''smitten'' or whatever you want. Tami is a visionary. She has done things for dogs no one else has, or even had the balls to do. and yes, you are stupid, call me childish, blah blah blah. Do you really care what I think you think of ME? You're opinion of me, and DDB don't mean anything to us, or the dogs. We don't need you, so move along to orgs that are actually harming dogs, and killing dogs, like the ASPCA, PETA and HSUS. If you go after them, you won't even have to make up lies to make your case! It's a WIN WIN!

(Photo) This is Baylee. Thanks to Dogs Deserve Better, she was rescued from living in an outdoor pen, she was adopted 3 weeks ago. I could unchain a dog in front of you, slap you in the face with the chain, and you weirdos would still deny it.

DDB is a non-profit who has admitted illegal activity such as collecting funds in states without being registered AND misappropriation of funds. MANY former DDB reps, employees and fosters have stepped up to tell their bad experience with Tamira Thayne / Tammy Grimes. This unethical sociopath has a self serving agenda. This founder is not running an honest, transparent organization and believes she is above the law and the rules of a 501c3 organization. Trusting, animal loving people are being DUPED into donating to a cause that is fraudulent. PLAIN AND SIMPLE! Here is a quote from a former donor.... "Sandra wrote: "{sigh} Last year, I sent $250 to one of the Dogs Deserve Better reps to rescue a dog--and the dog "disappeared." My question was what did you do with that money? Never got an answer.". What is your response to THAT Angela Brown?

So DDB how many reps DO you have?  You used to proudly advertise yourself as a national organization with over 100 reps all over the US and Canada but as of late you seem to be very secretive about how many reps you actually have.

According to your Yahoo Group, you have 28 members.  Far cry from the 100+ you had one year ago.  How do you explain that?  Were ALL 100 representatives that left 'stupid' too?

Additionally, every time I read a response from DDB whether it be here, Facebook, Guidestar, you simply cannot do so without calling names such as stupid, stalker, bully, fat, crook, thief, hoarder, crazy, psycho, old, ugly, chainers, and some other words which I prefer not to repeat. 

Real nice way to represent yourself, for those against you, you are really helping to make their case.

There are more than 10 reps, just so you know. Since there are reps ranging from Washington state to Virginia, that means they are a NATIONAL org. - maybe you should look up the definition, since you don't know what national means. DDB could unchain a dog right in front of you, and you'd still deny it. DDB isn't going anywhere.

Are these the same kind of lies you are feeding your shrinking donor base?

"3,000, (THREE THOUSAND!) dogs over the past 10 years. What other rescue can say that? Not one."

First DDB has no clue how many dogs they have rescued as they didn't implement a tracking system until 3 years ago.

Second, there are tons of non-profit animal rescues that rescue 300 or more animals a year.

To name a few:

Homeward Trails and K-9 Lifesavers, Metro DC rescue 1000+ per year!

Rescue Farm in Indiana rescues an average of 600 per year

Austin Pets Alive rescued 1500 in THREE MONTHS!

Helping Orphaned Hounds in Phoenix rescues 500+ per year

Mayday Pitbull Rescue in AZ rescues 500+ per year

Boxer Luv Rescue in Phoenix rescues 500+ per year

And guess what?  They did it without a $600,000 house for their founder.

Good try DDB, but caught in ANOTHER lie AGAIN!

Angela Brown, take off your THAYNE tinted glasses. She has lost her organization. You can't run a NATIONAL rescue organization with less than 10 reps, a hand full of volunteers and a handful of employees. THAT is the reason DDB is not unchaining dogs. Stating they are still a NATIONAL rescue is FRAUD. YOU ARE BEING DUPED.

DDB is working out of a 4,600 square foot HOUSE, not quite the ''mansion'' you think it is-please, Google ''mansion'' and read the size a dwelling has to be in order to be considered a mansion. You can even find me on Facebook, ANGELA BROWN, and look at my photo album of the house. The only thing that makes it better than mine, is that it has a fireplace and lots of dogs! It is all for the dogs. The walls are lined with Kuranda beds, and there's dog toys everywhere. DDB specifically bought this property for the acreage, 14 I believe. Their goal is to build a large facility behind the house. Building the center takes time. It is unsafe for everyone and the dogs to have more than 14 dogs in the house. NO responsible rescue would put more than 14-20 in there, it's just not safe or smart. There are volunteers in and out constantly, the 14 dog limit is for safety reasons. Once they have an actual REAL rehab center, then they will be able to house more dogs. DDB is doing all they can to help chained dogs across America. They are unchaining dogs weekly. If you look at their Facebook page, you will see these success stories. You can not deny that. I don't understand why you people who claim to be animal lovers, would try so hard to destroy a rescue that has saved and helped 3,000, (THREE THOUSAND!) dogs over the past 10 years. What other rescue can say that? Not one. Since you guys all seem to know everything about rescue, why don't YOU start your own, then you can make the rules. Stop reading crap on the internet and running with it. All of you people are scary, and it's unfortunate the dogs will suffer by your actions. I hope all of you feel real good about yourself at night. When you're laying in your soft, dry and cozy bed, picture the dogs out there, chained, hungry, emaciated, sick and scared, and remember that they may have been saved had you NOT trashed DDB. If the dogs that DDB has already saved, could talk, they'd tell you if it weren't for Tami, they wouldn't have their life, free from a chain. Think about it. and STOP hurting the very dogs you claim to protect.