I bought a puppy from Justin Sullivan at a Pet Expo in Leon Valley on Bandera Road on July 9. Justin advertised on the internet. He claims to run a family business with clean healthy puppies. He boasts that he has a warranty for his puppies. When I arrived at the Pet Expo on July 9 families were lined up outside to buy a puppy.inside there were many breeders with adorable puppies ranging from $175-$600.
I purchased my Dax, a mini dachshund for $175. Justin gave me a cute bag with puppy food, toys and a blanket. I also received a card with a claim of one booster for Parvo virus given on July 7. I was offered a PAWS warranty but declined. I also received a folder with information in tiny print about my warranty. Once home I carefully reviewed the warranty. The warranty guarantees a full refund not the cost of treating an ill puppy. There are also other stipulations, you must take your puppy to the vet within the first three days and you must purchase NuVet Wafers a daily supplement from www.nuvet.com or the warranty is void.
I knew that I would not return my puppy for a refund of $175 if he became ill. I was in love with little Dax and knew I would pay for his care if anything ever happened so I didn't follow the steps required to get my $175 refunded.
At first DAX was full of life. His belly was a little big, I didn't know this was a sign of PARVO. He had some watery stool with white rice looking things in it. I thought he ate something he shouldn't have and was getting adjusted to his new home. I had just purchased a new home, I have not had any other dogs in my home and DAX was not around any other dogs. I took special care of him and I called and set up and appointment for his follow up booster. There are three required to prevent the PARVO VIRUS.
DAX threw up on Thursday night, July 14. Then lost his appetite, became less active, stool became watery. On Saturday morning he threw up again. I took him to the vet. He was diagnosed with tape worm (the white things in his stool), and the PARVO virus. According to the information I gave the Vets, we have been in three hospitals, it is thier opinion that DAX had this deadly virus when I purchased him and any puppy that was in his kennel was exposed.
I immediately contacted Justin Sulllivan, the Humane Society and Animal Control. I asked Justin to please help my puppy and warn the other buyers that thier puppies needed to go to the vet. He casually responded in an email, "Did you purchase the PAWS warranty?" "Send your first vet check and I will look over your paperwork to determine if you are eligible for a refund." I pleaded with him to warn others in two more emails. He had the same response.
The attorney for the Humane Society stated in a letter that this is a common occurance with puppy breeders but due to issues of liability they are unable to warn people about particular breeders. Animal control in Leon Valley has not returned my call.
Dax is still in the hospital. I have spent $1500 in treatment so far. It is not looking good and he may not make it. I learned that responsible breeders should give ALL THREE boosters before selling a puppy to prevent this deadly virus. I also learned that Justin has done this before, so he knows his puppies are at risk. There were families with children buying puppies from Justin Sullivan. They may be going through the same thing that I am; watching a suffering puppy fight for his life. I pray that God blesses them with strength and courage and I also pray that Justin Sulliven acquires a conscience.
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