I was overwhelmed by the noise (many dogs constantly barking) and seeming choas in the place. I hated leaving my dogs there, and couldn't get out fast enough myself. It was a total contrast to the calm, organized grooming salons where I have left my dogs over the past 41 years in Seattle, I have NEVER had an experience as bad as this one. When the dogs were brought out to me, I could tell immediately that they had hardly been brushed out at all. It seemed like they had just been bathed and partially dried. I didn't comment to the staff because I got the impression that they wouldn't care, and they seemed busy in a confused way, and I just wanted to get my dogs out of there as fast as possible.
I did, however, email Elise, the owner, and send photos of all the under coat that I paid another groomer to brush out of them, the next day. It was a HUGE pile! Elise apologized and said to bring them in again for a better job, but there is NO WAY I would ever take my dogs to that environment again. When I told her that, and that I had paid $130 for such an extremely poor grooming (or non-grooming) job, she could have offered to refund my money, but she did not."
What finally cinched it for me was when I saw someone else post against DDL, here on Craigslist Rants & Raves. To whomever that was, thank you, and thank you again! Your brief post was my final wake up call. "
::Thread Response on Seattle Craigslist:: - "This thread has been going on for several days. I wasn't the OP, but was the first responder to the OP -- the person who moved a beloved pooch from DDL to another daycare -- because of the increased lack of hygiene at DDL. Well, that and the dismaying realization that my dog seemed more morose everytime he went there. After a 1/2 day trial at another daycare, he RAN to the new daycare the next day with a spring in his step and a furiously wagging tail -- something that had been missing since autumn at DDL. As for the OP being a troll, I really don't believe this is the case. And if s/he is a troll, an important problem has been brought to light regardless. I'm sorry your dog doesn't want to go into the back play areas. I've heard from several people, including staff and one co-worker, that there has been a lot of aggression in the back play area for the last several months and multiple dogs have gotten bitten. Hence the change to requiring break-away collars. Further, I feel that if we don't share information such as this, our beloved pets pay the price."
EDIT: I have to add that since this post, I have talked to at least 10 people that have had a negative experience at DDL. I realize experiences are different depending on the circumstances but what inspired me the most to write a review came from a) My puppy's condition after the service b) the price charged (almost $80 for a wash, trim and "personality check") and c) the owner's response when I voiced my concerns. As not only a customer but as someone who has managed businesses in the past, I was completely shocked by the way the owner responded to my email. She did not take any of my concerns to heart, she acted like a spoiled brat who didn't like that I complained. The juvenile, petty responses she left after my Yelp review spell it all out. That is not a way to handle a business or potential repeat customer! If this is how she handles human clients, I would be very concerned with how she would handle those clients that cannot speak! This was not a professional experience, nor was it a professional response to inadequate service. I understand that these places exist to assist those of us who cannot watch our dogs while we work but I urge everyone to look into a company with a better overall reputation. That I have had past employees contact me about the poor business practices and that the owner charges premium prices and pays minimum wage speaks volumes!"
"We recently had a HORRIBLE experience at the Downtown Dog Lounge. The following is a copy of the complaint I just filed with the Better Business Bureau:
I am extremely dissatisfied with the service received at the Downtown Dog Lounge (DDL) and am concerned for the safety of animals in their care. DDL's website claims they are "devoted to the well being and socialization of your four legged family member" and that they are "committed to provide the peace of mind that your pooch is secure and in the best of hands". We recently left our pug at the DDL while on vacation and returned to a sick, injured dog.
The following is a brief recap of events:
2/23-- _ _ _ _ was dropped off (healthy) at DDL
2/28-- DDL called our emergency contact to get approval to see their vet because he was vomiting and not socializing with other dogs. _ _ _ _ was given Centrine to settle his stomach.
2/29-- Our emergency contact called DDL to inquire about _ _ _ _'s condition. She was told that he had ceased vomiting but was not eating and was not being active or playing with other dogs. That evening, our emergency contact went to DDL to check on him in person. She thought that his eyes looked irritated, but upon consulting staff at DDL, was told he was just sick and would be well cared for if left at DDL.
3/4-- My husband picked _ _ _ _ up from DDL. He was told by staff that beginning that morning, it appeared there might be an issue withhis eyes. He was not told anything about any of the events that had occured during the week (the vomiting, loss of appetite, non social behavior, visit to vet, or medicine administered.) By the time we arrived home, it was clear _ _ _ _ was not well. He wouldn't open his eyes. We took him immediately to our vet, who examined _ _ _ _ and concluded that he had experienced some sort of trauma to his head that had caused pressure behind his eyes, causing them to be very swollen and painful. Since learning the full course of events from our emergency contact, we have corresponded a number of times with the DDL. The owner blames the situation on new staff and miscommunication at DDL. They have no explaination for the head trauma _ _ _ _ experienced. He continues to have problems with his eyes and has not acted like himself since we brought him home from DDL. Our vet believes that he will recover fully, though it appears this may be a slow process.
I am strongly concerned about this situation for a number of reasons.
1. Lack of communication - When we picked _ _ _ _ up, we were not told about any issues encountered during his stay. It's entirely possible that the drugs administered by the DDL vet (or which we were unaware) could have interacted with the drugs administered by our vet and caused serious issues.
2. Dangerous evvironment - _ _ _ _ experienced trauma to his head while staying at DDL. No explaination has been offered.
3. DDL's response to our concern - During a phone conversation with my husnad, the communication breakdown was blamed upon new staff. To "make the situation right" they offered up a free dog wash. This in no way makes up for the regret we feel for leaving our loved one in a place where he was not well cared for.
I am not interested in any sort of compensation for this unfortunate situation. Rather, I am concerned for the safety of other animals in DDL's care. Based on the series of events we've been through, it is not apparent that DDL is able to consistently deliver on their promises of well being and peace of mind. I want other potential patrons of this establishment to understand the risks before they entrust their pets to the care of DDL."
We've got more "bones" to pick...