Bad Rap
i t. said: "My husband and I just picked up our two yellow labs after a long weekend at Park-A-Pup. When Paul went to go get our dogs, they hadn't yet seen us and ran straight from their kennel to the play area. That showed us that they had been…" read more »
24 reviews for Bad Rap
24 reviews in English
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Review from Marci G.
San Francisco, CA
5/21/2012
Bad Rap...I do not know why on earth Bad Rap would get such a bad rap? Let me break it down for you... Bad Rap is run by Donna and her man Tim. They are one of the only pit bull rescues in Northern California. And when people get in a jam, such as I did with my pit, they google the Internet and find Bad Rap. And then they expect that they automatically will be placed in the Bap Rap programs. Honestly this is not the way it works. I know because I am one of those people.
My husband came home one day with a pit bull named Bella. She was not spayed, was frightened, and definitely abused. He got her from a truck driver who was going to leave her in Hunter's Point project with some "friends." My husband took one look at the driver and then looked at Bella and said, "I'll take her." Let me tell you, I did not want her. I am a dog lover, but we had just gotten married, moved into a new house, and I seriously did not want to take care of a dog. I just wanted it to be me and my main squeeze. Now I could not imagine life without my Bellie Bell.
So back to Donna and Bad Rap...We get Bella and she is just damaged. Totally scared, beaten, vocal chords damaged from being choked, terrified of water, and hates other dogs. I get scared and frantically search the Internet looking for help. I find Bad Rap. I submit my application to be in one of the pit bull programs, and a couple days later I get an email from Donna saying, "Don't cry, expect to receive and invitation to our classes in three weeks." I get so ecstatic. I mean I didn't know what to do with Bella. Three weeks goes by and alas no word from Bad Rap. I email Donna and no response. Seven months later and I finally get an invitation from Bad Rap. I can not even believe it. Am I mad that I had to wait seven months? Absolutely not, because I know that there are cases that are more extreme than mine. I also know that Bad Rap is limited with what they can do...And when I say this I mean that there are so many pit bull cases and not enough staff and volunteers. They do what they can. So please, give them a break. They have the best intentions of helping pit bulls and really honestly are some down ass people.
People wait years to hear from Bad Rap, but they do hear from them. One lady in my class said she forgot she was even on the list! But we both recognized that these people are not intentionally ignoring us, they are just so dang busy. And I commend them on all their hard work. They are amazing people.
So before you write a bad review about never hearing from them, or that they are not professional, please think twice. Maybe just maybe, they have their hands full. Give them a break and not a bad rap. -
Review from Laura S.
Hayward, CA
Updated - 4/24/2012
While I did get a nice and sweet reply as anyone can read Nothing I wrote about was addressed. Nothing about the FB stalking or the cold shoulder or the voucher I was told to rip up. I know they are doing good for the pitties and I commend them for that but the professionalism vs I guess personal is really an issue. Also I appreciated the voucher I was told to rip up so I haven't used it. (but you say the money is refundable when you keep your appointment then you honestly need to talk with Noble their policy is, it is non-refundable, non-transferable). So as of now my baby is still un-spay till I can get an appointment through another organization.
UPDATE: As you can see now over 5 months later I get an edit from Bad Rap....And if anyone can read between the lines it is a put down.
Under resourced owner???? Really now.... I had paid for everything for my baby up til the point of getting her spayed. You didn't know my financial situation but Tim still stalked my facebook to find something I went to that was a gift from my mom and told me I didn't deserve my dog getting spayed. She was up to date on all her shots thru vets. that I had paid for. As of now she is spayed and it wasn't thru you I found a very decent vet that I think is wonderful.
The new disclosure to refuse anyone now??? The only reason you are singling me out as the reason is I am the one who questioned why you were being so rude and disrespectful to us that day that many people seen including your own volunteers. I did offer to donate $ that day and I had offered to help volunteer at other events if you needed someone.
You need to set your pride aside and stop judging people. It is much more professional then yelling and bashing people that need help.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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12/13/2011
While I did get a nice and sweet reply as anyone can read Nothing I wrote about was addressed.… Read more »
Comment from Donna R. of Bad Rap 4/24/2012
While we wish every person who shows up at our events is… More » -
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Review from linda c.
San Francisco, CA
12/15/2011
Came accross an animal a month and a half ago, called Bad Rap told them about this dog, Tim called, Donna emailed...I made it my point to catch her somehow, sweet little pit bull...now that I have her...no call , no email...hey thanks! so after two days of calling and emailing,here is the email I get..wow.
Hi Linda
Very glad to hear you finally caught the pup. We are out of town doing
some work in the Midwest. I hope the information on our website is a
help to you during her transition to your home. As you may already
know, we are unable to take any new dogs right now but we can be a
resource for you as training and behavior questions come up. I hope
she's starting to settle in after her many misadventures. Thx for
being her angel.
Tim@badrap.org
Tim,
I have spent all this time trying to catch her to give her to you guys, I had no idea that now this is being passed on to me, I am now emotionally and physically attached to her and I cannot keep her-I have a shelter cat that cannot handle any stress.
This was a dog that was all bones, she has scars all over her and had a rope tied around her neck, this is no ones dog and if she belonged to someone it was so she could be use as bait not for love.
She has warmed up to me, she eats food from my hands, walks with me and even gives kisses. If I would have known this I would not be sitting here crying and begging for you to come and get her. Instead now I have to have her blood on my hands by calling animal shelter.
Linda
I was a huge fan now I am definitely not, do they do good things definitely, did they do it for me or for this little girl not...I realize you can't save everyone of them and this little girl will not give you celebrity status. But you lead me on, You made me believe you were coming straight to my house to help her.
I am working to get her a home, and hopefully I will...enough said.
(Yes donna ..you ARE ARE disappointing- this is excellent opportunity to tell you that!!!, I love how you can answer your bad yelp reviews but not your emails/phone calls) (( Funny they did an EDIT and changed everything they said, wow enough...she now has a home, and no they were not in Ohio when this all went down, not at the beginning...enough BAD CRAP!!!))Comment from Donna R. of Bad Rap 4/24/2012
We were perplexed by this post. As part of our mission to… More » -
Review from Sherri M.
Fremont, CA
Updated - 4/24/2012
Update to previous entries of 3/10/12 and 4/9/12: Donna and I have exchanged e-mails. After multiple communications hiccups over the years, I'm convinced that everyone tried their best and that my joining the Pit Bull Ed classes just wasn't meant to be right now.
As an alternative, I've signed up to volunteer at the Berkeley Shelter and hope to gain some insight into my dog's behavior (he's smiling at me as I "speak".) Again, Bad Rap does wonderful things for the much-maligned and misunderstood pit bulls of the world, and I encourage anyone reading this message to continue to support them.
Thanks for reading.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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4/9/2012
Update to entry of 3/10/12 regarding getting into the Pit Bull Ed class: still no response from… Read more »
Comment from Donna R. of Bad Rap 4/24/2012
I'm afraid that Yelp and facebook may not the best way to… More » -
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Review from Shireen K.
Oakland, CA
2/7/2012
After picking up an entire pit bull family off the street, I emailed every organization I could think of to try and find a home for the dogs.
Fortunately, Bad Rap read the email I sent them about about the Pittie Parents. Bad Rap then received another email from a couple who were looking to adopt a bonded pair of pit bulls, and referred that couple to me. The rest is history: the 2 best dogs ever are now together forever in a home with amazing parents. Thank you Bad Rap (I am now a "dog-godmother"). :)Comment from Donna R. of Bad Rap 4/24/2012
Thank you Shireen! You're the kind of Good Samaritan we love… More » -
Review from ana p.
San Francisco, CA
10/6/2010
BAD RAP is so much more than a rescue group, I'm not sure if everyone really understands that. In addition to evaluating/pulling dogs, obtaining/maintaining foster homes, the group also:
-- has a program that educates shelter workers nationwide
-- works with other orgs to mold public policy regarding pit bulls
-- tackles high profile abuse cases (think: Michael Vicks' dogs)
-- holds free weekly training classes for pit bulls and their owners
-- organizes and implements shots fairs and free spay/neuter programs in low income areas and trains other orgs to do so themselves
-- is available for emergency response (Katrina)
-- continuously generates new, educational material that is referenced by pit bull owners across the nation.
... and much, much more. The size and scope of this organization continues to grow and every step forward is another good one for the dogs. Many organizations nationwide have overturned their automatic euth policies for pit bulls based on BADRAP's work.
So glad to have them around, they are an invaluable resource and we are lucky enough to brag we have them in our own backyard. -
Review from G T.
San Francisco, CA
9/10/2008
I tried to adopt from badrap because I thought that they promoted something really great. However, it turned out to be the worst experience of my life! I had to go through so many hoops and then I was told that I was setting the dog I was fostering up for failure and she had to be removed from my home. But she wasn't taken until 3 weeks later. During those three weeks I kept asking the woman who I was working with what was going on and what I should be doing and she told me I was being pushy. Finally when the woman came to pick the dog up she didn't even come prepared and had to use my leash and collar. I blogged about the experience on another website and some one posted a reply to it saying that this was common behavior of the woman who I had worked with.
All though BR does do a lot of good for dogs in need I think the process of adopting through them is long and arduous and in my experience they were one hundred percent unprofessional and I hope no one else has to go through what I went though. (Though I'm sure they will)Comment from Donna R. of Bad Rap 6/30/2010
We agree that this situation could've been handled… More » -
Review from Christy L.
San Francisco, CA
Pitbulls will love and admire even the meanest of us. They endure so much at the hands of the cruelest - all so they can make us happy.
Case in point: The Vick dogs and the 450 dogs recently rescued in a dog fighting raid (see story here: http://twt.gs/kmzv)
A breed like this deserves our love.
A breed like this deserves to have the negative misconceptions blown away.
A breed like this deserves a second chance - a chance to run and play with reckless abandon (pitbull owners know what I mean; ZOOMIES!).
Pitbulls deserve compassion, understanding and a voice who can speak up for them.
Pitbulls deserve the amazing people at Bad Rap!
It never ceases to amaze me the ground breaking ways Donna and Tim are changing the world for Pitbulls. They all are true heroes in my eyes!
Keep the cause going
http://www.badrap.org/...Listed in: For the Dogs
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/16/2007
Thank goodness for BADRAP! If you love pit bulls, you gotta love BADRAP.
I've adopted two wonderful… Read more »
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Review from c p.
Oakland, CA
1/30/2009
BAD RAP is more than a rescue group-- it's also an amazing educational group! I adopted my dog from BAD RAP a few years ago and together we have been showing people just how loving, friendly, and funny a dog can be, no matter his breed. This group offers adopters and foster parents hands-on support through free training classes, and also gives other pit bull owners in the Bay Area the opportunity to attend the obedience classes and CGC classes as well as community shot clinics.. In addition to helping individual dogs, BAD RAP has helped educate the country about pit bulls, and promoted fair, individual assessment for each dog. They have helped encourage the humane treatment of all dogs, no matter where they came from or how people abused them in the past.
My pit bull IS family. He was just another unclaimed stray dog, but now he's a certified therapy dog, he's got his CGC, he's working towards his UCD, but most important of all, he is my best friend. I have to thank Bad Rap for saving his life and for giving me the tools I needed to be a good dog mom. -
Review from amber l.
Redwood City, CA
4/16/2008
Before I got my pit bull mix I read through their entire site. It was so great to have real info on this dog breed. I had bought into some of the media hype about pit bulls so I was shying away from adopting one (even though all my senses were telling me the dogs I was meeting at the animal shelter were great). They helped me get the real info on these great dogs.
I've yet to met a pit bull I don't like and it warms my heart and makes me so happy that this group is out there standing up for and helping so many pit bulls. They really are the best breed of dog ever :) Thanks for fighting the good fight Bad Rap. -
Review from Shannon S.
Oakland, CA
3/19/2007
Bad Rap is awesome. When I got my first dog who happens to be a pit from the spca I was totally unprepared for the breed. I read everything I could get my hands on about the breed. I read every page on Bad Rap's website and learned history and training techniques.
We even attended their FREE group training (it fills up quick, so get on the list if you're interested). Imagine 20 or bully dogs with their responsible owners and awesome Bad Rap reps working to be breed ambassadors.
They have an awesome rescue program with all the necessary pre-screening & training for pit-parents-to-be. -
Review from Shauna R.
Berkeley, CA
Updated - 2/23/2010
I have had further interaction with this group and think that they really do mean well. It's a great cause (I LOVE Pits) and they are super busy folks doing trainings, taking care of orphans, etc. I think that this is where the prior bad experience came out of. A lot of misunderstanding and not enough time to work it out.
Sometimes animal people aren't such good people people. Ya know?1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/27/2009
I have never experienced a more callous, unkind and heartless response to the public (myself) than I… Read more »
Comment from Donna R. of Bad Rap 12/31/2009
While BADRAP's wait list is regretfully long, our classes… More » -
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Review from ELLIS D.
Petaluma, CA
10/4/2006 1 photo
This is an organization dedicated to responsible pit bull ownership and the salvation of abandoned pit bulls. What else should I say about them. They are a wealth of truthful knowledge about a breed of dog that gets a bad rap. I love my pit bull but have, for 10 years felt somewhat isolated and defensive. My dog is special and I know that not all pits are like him. Bad Rap has taken the ball of defense of these sensitive animals and have not dropped it yet. Fuck yeah for them no double fuck yeah!
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Review from Dave C.
Los Altos, CA
7/5/2010
Love the concept, hate the implementation. Bad interactions with this organization led me to my local shelter, who had plenty of pit bulls to choose from with none of the bad attitude.
Comment from Donna R. of Bad Rap 7/15/2010
While we didn't have the pleasure of meeting Dave C. when he… More » -
Review from Abby S.
Petaluma, CA
10/11/2010
As a shelter dog volunteer and an advocate for pitties, I've gotten a lot of great info from BAD RAP's website info, which armed me for conversations with coworkers, family, neighbors who are sadly misinformed. The group is doing very important work, and the stories about Vick's dogs are tearjerkers, I tell ya. Just found online (and pre-ordering) the 2011 calendar "The Unexpected Pit Bull" featuring some BAD RAP dogs and if you think pitties can't be great family dogs check out the cover (so freaking cute!!) Good group to support.
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Review from Andrea C.
Boston, MA
12/18/2007 4 photos
I heart this organization too! Bad Rap has changed my life and all those who are in or part of it!
I am a new dog owner. I did not grow up with any pets and my typical thoughts of dogs were "Yuck, they jump, they bark, they drooolllll, they lick obsessively, and they stink!" Well... after a couple of good experiences with dogs and the fact that I was home more and more alone because my fiance was always traveling for business, I felt the need for a companion. But how do you find the perfect dog that matches my odd personality.
So one day I decide to take one of my autistic students with me to the ASPCA to just look at the dogs. I walked in and it was exactly what I expected. It was loud, chaotic, and all the dogs were up against the kennels jumping, barking, and looking way tooo energetic and crazy for me. I just about left the aspca when I saw another door. I open it to find "Pit Bull Hall". And that was it, a complete calming sanctuary with Pit Bulls. It was totally quiet with classical music playing in the background and all the pretty dogs sitting politely just staring at me and my student. I was soooo impressed. I walked up to the last kennel where a new dog had just arrived. She was a very plain brown and fairly tiny. She looked at me, came right up to the front and turned her body to the side and sat. I was like Wow!!!! A dog that understands me. She sat very politely and let me stroke her on her side and wasn't all over me or my hands trying to smell and lick.. She just closed her eyes and let me pet her. I was like, could this really be the one. But OH NO, it is pit bull. I didn't no anything about dogs let alone pit bulls. Well after four months of going to visit her back and forth and finally convincing my fiance after no one would adopt her. We adopted Bailey.
I don't think it could have been any easier of a transition. Bailey fit right into our lives. She was soooo well trained by Bad Rap. She got along with the cat, doesn't whine, doesn't bark, doesn't jump (until my idiot fiance taught her to :o) ), doesn't have accidents, and doesn't chew up anything including my shoe collection. She has won our hearts over along with everyone in my life. Bad Rap does a wonderful job prepping you and provides life time training for the dog along with CGC for free. It is amazing they are able to do it.
Like I mentioned earlier, I work with autistic children and began taking Bailey to work with me during the summer. She was an instant hit. She provided a bridge for the children to connect with other children, something to talk about and something to take their mind away from their worries. Many people have hesitations about the breed, but I can't think of any other breed that would be as tolerant as her. Bailey would love the children unconditionally whether they would just pet her lightly, hug her, or even if they tugged on her ears and tail. She would just sit there politely. I have been so impressed by the breed that I have convinced another coworker to adopt another pit bull from Bad Rap as well. We now have two pits in our program working with kids as therapy dogs. It is truly amazing.
I now love all dogs and am so much more tolerant of those features that dogs tend to have. Bad Rap and their dogs have changed all of our lives for the better. I couldn't imagine my life without Bailey. -
Review from Rich T.
Fremont, CA
9/1/2010
Keep Fighting the good fight Bad Rap! I work with 2 other dog rescue groups as a foster home and as a "guy with a big truck" jack of all volunteering. One is a mixed breed group and the other a boxer group, yep, not a pit group. However all of the interactions I have had through each group both with Bad Rap directly and with individual members of the Bad Rap volunteer crew have been first rate. IF you have a legitimate problem with a volunteer group you need to remember its a volunteer group. Some times its herding cats to get anything done with any volunteer group. To the lady with the problem with the long wait list- pony up and start volunteering and maybe that wait list for training might be shortened for some other person...
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Review from Christine D.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 10/11/2008 1 photo
Dango just passed CGC today after rigorous and lengthy training with Linda! Thanks Linda!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/21/2008
I never thought I would fall in love with a pit bull, but I did! We first saw Dango online and… Read more »
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Review from Eryn S.
San Francisco, CA
11/16/2007 1 photo
Bad Rap (http://www.badrap.org) is one of the Bay Area's finest organizations. They are champions of our pit bully friends, and they introdued me to my very special little dogger, Georgia. The volunteers are TIRELESS in their support of this wonderful breed, and getting the good word out on all things bully. If you are thinking of adopting a K9, please take the time to contact BAD RAP and get to know this very special breed. They will help you make an informed decision about pit bulls and you may meet some cool little doggies in the process.
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Review from Eugene G.
San Francisco, CA
10/23/2006
I wish they had something like this when I was growning up.. man there were stray pit bulls everywhere!!
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Review from Gig W.
Oakland, CA
2/11/2010
Hands down the most breed savvy and effective organization out there for pitties. We need 1,000 more BADRAPs. At least. Can we clone Donna and Tim and the gang???
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Review from CAKE E.
San Francisco, CA
6/13/2007
I heart this organization. Its name speaks to the biggest challenge facing pit bulls- the bad rap they get that seems so ubiquitous. The website is a wonderful resource for anyone who would like to learn more about this sweet, adorable breed. Go to http://badrap.org and become a fan :)
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Review from Mary C.
Oakland, CA
1/30/2009 1 photo
I don't remember how I came across the BadRap website (http://www.badrap.org), but when I did, I remember falling in love with a face. I started inquiring about the lil' guy even before he was ready for adoption. In the mean time, my boyfriend and I started visiting him at the shelter relentlessly. We never thought we would be considered, we just wanted to spend time with Mr. Friar Firkin, even if he wasn't going to be ours. We were a young couple, just starting our lives, still in the process of looking for housing. We were sure there was a better fit, someone that was already ready for a new addition, but BadRap waited for us. They helped us make it work. When we finally bought our condo, got the keys and started moving in our stuff, Firkin moved in right along with us. From that point on, BadRap has been a wonderful part of my life. From the FREE obedience classes (Firkin now Rhino, has earned his CGC) to the online community, you will always be supported. Because of Rhino, I decided to give back and volunteer with BadRap. Sometimes, Rhino comes along, as an ambassadog. BadRap is fantastic and continues to do amazing work. BadRap flies across country and conducts trainings and conferences, saves victims and nurtures their resilient spirit. So, thank you BadRap. Thank you for looking out for the underdogs.
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Review from Maria H.
Hollister, CA
7/5/2010
Very knowledgeable and hard working rescue group. Good at evaluating dogs and people. Matched us with the perfect dog for us. Have been there for questions, concerns and updates. I recommend this group with the utmost confidence. They truly care about making sure the people and dogs are happy. My experience was really positive. I have a wonderful dog - I love these folks!
