Detroit Dog Rescue

I am writing because I have reported a severely neglected dog on two separate occasions over the last three months. Despite these reports, nothing has improved. The dog continues to be kept outside day and night, extremely underweight, surrounded by piles of feces, and confined to a very short tether on concrete with no relief. This situation has been going on since it was still warm outside, and has now continued for nearly three months. About four weeks ago, Melissa Wamble called me, raised her voice at me, and told me that if I wanted anything done about this situation, I would have to take my neighbors to court. Not only did this make no sense — considering they are the ones neglecting and endangering their own dog — but the way she said it came across more like a threat than guidance. When I responded that I was willing to do that, she immediately hung up on me. Since that call, the dog’s condition has not improved, and the rodent issue has continued to get worse due to the accumulation of waste. I also learned that Melissa disclosed to my neighbors that I was the one who made the report. While I am not personally bothered by that, it is unprofessional and inappropriate to reveal a reporter’s identity. I have documented this situation thoroughly from the beginning — including photos, videos, dates, times, and the dog’s continuous decline. In some of these videos, you will see a house and individuals present; that is a Facebook group that has come out repeatedly to try to help the dog because of the lack of action. Not once have the actual owners provided anything for this dog beyond a two-foot leash and a black metal cage with no proper ground or shelter. If anything happens to this animal, I will have no choice but to provide this full documentation to the proper authorities, and if necessary, to news outlets and social platforms. I am done asking for help. If anything happens to this dog, I will make sure that the Detroit Animal Shelter, Detroit Dog Rescue, and all responsible parties are held accountable.

DDR is a small grassroots, no kill organization with a big love for dogs. I am a long time volunteer and I highly recommend getting involved if you are able. It is so rewarding! I feel like I get more out of volunteering than I give back. We do lots of events to raise awareness, we sell merchandise and 100% of the proceeds go to the dogs. I have had several DDR dogs of my own and I also foster from time to time. Our staff is amazing, our volunteers are dedicated and our dogs are pretty cool too. Come check us out!

Unfortunately, I've been trying to get ahold of this company for a couple months. The only time I was able to ever get in touch with them is when I've seen a volunteer in person and went up to the place. And she was kind enough to go inside and had to ask to see if I could bring the dog in and they were able to take her in well other than that. I've never even got a phone call back anything from these people. In months I'd say at least 4 months

First, you need an appointment?? I went to their website, filled out the dog rescue form with a specific dog. It took them ONE MONTH to call me telling me they don't have anything that fit my description? The dog is STILL LISTED on their website. This place is pathetic! Makes me wonder what they are actually doing with these sweet dogs!!!! Seems like they don't want to even adopt them out to a good, loving home. They should be ashamed and investigated by the state!

Thank you DDR for saving Gibbs. I don’t know about all of these other peoples experiences but mine was exceptional. They arrived from the west side in the time they said they would and were so kind to this soul that someone left beaten and in the trash. Keep doing what you’re doing it’s appreciated.

No one to talk to for customer service. Hopefully it’s better on other days. I use to frequent this place a lot when it was located on Chrysler Drive in Detroit. The entire concept is off in the new location with the rude employees.

I cannot say enough good things about DDR. I've volunteered here since January and I'm so impressed with how efficient and organized it is (as much as a dog rescue can be), and how clean the shelter is! They truly care for every dog there, no matter the breed, background and age. Also, I happened to adopt my best buddy from there back in October 2023 :-)

Very poor employees and customer service. A very nice stray neutered pitbull walked up to me yesterday and after a referral to bring him here, I went. I got here before closing time and no one answered the door. Finally an older short Caucasian lady was leaving out of the building. I said excuse me ma'am, and she looked at me and ignored me and proceeded to her husbands Ford fusion and pulled off. I said wow. So after ringing the doorbell, an older tall Caucasian man with straggly hair answered with an attitude and said that they were closed. I told him that I was here before closing time. I said that I found a dog and I was referred by the humane society to bring him here. He point across the street stating that everyone was gone. I said there has to be a manager here because you've just closed. He then stated, I just told you that they were closed. He was very nasty all while shaking his head and talking at me as if I was scum of the earth. You all do not need people who are not from this city servicing the city. Those kinds of people bring negative and deep-rooted hate with them so how is it possible to receive genuine customer service and love for the animals that they're supposed to care for? My journey started at 2pm yesterday and ended at 4:30pm. I returned him to the humane society and they said that since I was really trying, they would squeeze him in. I was not going to give up until that nice dog was safe. Detroit already going through lot for Caucasian people to come here and bring their hate and nasty attitudes here. Please do better and hire professional individuals who genuinely love all people and animals.