LONGMONT, Colo. — A Longmont man who was diagnosed with a terminal illness said his family was duped out of thousands after his wife of 27 years attempted to buy a service dog..
“He has a terminal lung illness and post-polio syndrome which effects his ability to walk,” Briggs Geister, who is married to Robert Geister, said. “I want to do whatever I can to make his life comfortable."
To help her husband walk comfortably, Geister reached out to Noelle's Dogs Four Hope in Colorado Springs to purchase a service dog. She bought a 16-month-old Golden Doodle for $9,000.
In the eight days she had the dog, however, she said the dog would growl and run when approached by strangers.
“The dog just barked and backed up and peed on the floor,” Geister, who decided to take the dog back hoping for a refund, said.
“In the contract, it states specifically there are no refunds for the dog,” said Geister.
She said the non-profit offered to replace her dog, but Briggs was hesitant after learning two other women had similar problems. Nicole Badamo says the puppy they she took home for her son with epilepsy was sick, and Rocio Celina says the dog she took home displayed some odd behavioral issues.
All three-women, including Geister, filed a complaint with the Colorado Department of Agriculture and the attorney general’s office.
“It's not right at all that people can do that and get away with it. It's not about helping people it's about making money "
Denver7 reached out to the nonprofit via phone and the owner tells Denver7 all issues with Geister and the other women have been resolved. Shortly after that phone call several people contacted Denver7 vouching for the nonprofit on its behalf.
