What about Myha?
It was in the summer of July to be exact when my best friend Leisa decided to purchase a Havanese for her Aunts upcoming birthday. What was supposed to be a joyous occasion turned into a nightmare for all that were involved. Lets reflect. Leisa called the 845# in the Courier post. There was a breeder in Shamong that had several Havanese puppies for sale. The woman answering the phone stated her name was Robin and she was helping her sister Donna, sell the puppies while she was away for several weeks. We found out later that the phone number belonged to Shady Oak Havanese.
The older litter born on Feb 14th was being sold at a cost of $650.00. The younger litter born on April 13th was being sold at $950.00. As fate would have it there was only one small female Havanese left of the 4-13-07 litter. She had to have that puppy
Leisa mentioned to me that the older ones might be a little harder to socialize and even though the small female had a terrible odor accompanied by a rash she felt that these issues were minor and could be taken care of with a good bath.
Leisa asked Robin a variety of questions about health history and whether there was anything in this particular breed that she needed to be concerned with. Robin stated that her sister spends a great deal of money to ensure quality dogs because she has been a breeder for many years. She stated that her sister would be available by phone in a few days to answer any questions that Leisa might have seeing as Robin herself only dealt with Bulldogs and did not know a whole lot about the Havanese breed in general.
Leisa then handed Robin $950.00 in cash and was told at that time that the AKC papers would arrive in 2 weeks. Leisa had to ask once again what the breeders name was as it was nowhere on the contract. Robin gave Leisa her sisters name and Leisa wrote it on her copy of the contract. Robin seemed very hesitant when Leisa asked her for a receipt for the cash. It was obvious she didnt want to sign the paper when she pointed to the puppy and stated she is your receipt. Finally with further prompting she signed her name Robin Lewis. Leisa was then handed a contract and a paper for caring for your new puppy and with that we went on our way.
Getting into the car Leisa mentioned that the puppy had an umbilical hernia and was a little upset that Robin did not disclose that to her. But knowing she was not going to breed the puppy she figured it would be taken care of when it came time for her to be spayed. Leisa stated at that time that this felt like more of a rescue. We had no idea at that time how sick this puppy really was. Leisa soon found out
1) The puppy choked every time she drank water
2) Her stools were so hard in the beginning she would yelp when having a bowel movement.
3) She had to be hand fed more often then not.
4) She was up constantly itching and scratching in obvious discomfort.
Her first veterinary visit was within 6 days of purchase.
When it was all said and done the puppy was diagnosed with the following conditions within a 2 week time frame.
Coccidia, Giardia, Multiple Parasites, Dual ear Infections, Umbilical Hernia & Demodectic Mange.
Leisa made numerous attempts to contact Donna by phone. No answer for weeks. Finally Leisa enlisted the help of various outside organizations and found an alternate number for the breeder. She appeared very helpful at first even telling Leisa the AKC papers were sent out and she would send duplicates.
The puppys condition was getting worse. She was losing all the hair in her hind quarters her skin was cherry red and when you looked at her stomach there appeared to be small pockets of green pus. The puppy was in so much distress that it brought tears to my eyes. It broke my heart to see this tiny animal not being able to act as a normal puppy should. The pictures are horrible and are not a true depiction of what a Havanese should look like.
Now my friend has no recourse. The vet bills are through the roof and Robin Lewis has mysteriously disappeared. According to the Judges ruling in December. The breeder was not convicted on animal cruelty charges for this puppy. The simple reason She was NOT PRESENT AT THE TIME OF THE SALE.
So as far as this breeder stating that none else sells her puppys well thats not true! She admitted running an ad and admitted giving her sister permission to sell HER puppys. She just isnt admitting that this was her puppy. Funny how all the puppies had similar conditions. Is it just coincidence or is there more here then meets the eye???
The convictions were upheld however on December 21st 2007 in Shamong Courthouse on the other 3 puppies that were purchased from Donna Roberts. Please dont let this happen to you.
Laurie is just one of several people who have lived a similar nightmare after purchasing a Havanese puppy in South Jersey and my heart goes out to her. I am very glad that these puppies went to responsible homes and were able to receive the extra care that they needed.
I am happy to say that Myha is much better now and at 10months of age her hair is finally growing back in and yes she could now be a poster child for what a Havanese should look like!
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