I began looking for an addition to my family. I spoke with Karen Ellerbach several times on the phone after seeing their add in the paper. I spoke with her throughly about hips and health of daogs at her site. She assured me all dogs are healthy with no previous problems or complaints. I then made my trip to IA.
When arriving Karen had 2 puppies in a playpen in her garage. I asked to see parents and set up and she gave some reason she was unable to show me. I again spoke to her about health and hips. She stated that they have had no problems and have world class dogs on site and stated they have been in business almost 40 years. I felt comfortable she knew all about her business as a breeder. I again explained that we would like an addition to the family. She stated she enjoys breeding and have had many satisfied customers. I purchased a puppy on Nov. 7th.
When arriving home I purchased same food given at Ellerbach's home and continued the puppies usuall diet. On August 15th Harley began limping and holding right foot up. My children asked what is wrong with him. I thought Harley may have pulled a muscle. After two and half days my son witnessed Harley fall off his feet for no apparent reason. I immediately called the vet and took him in the same day. According to my vet and X-rays Harley has very bad hips. According to my vet hip dysphasia is hereditary and in Haley is a genetic deffect. My vet also stated more than likely his mother or father has very bad hips, or possibly further generation. I was heartbroken. My vet states Harley's hips should be at 90% and his right hip is only 5%. After further cheking from University of Madison surgery will cost somewhere around $9,000 and cannot have surgery until fully grown at 18 months. Harley is only 12 months.
What do I do? I don't want him to suffer. I don't want to put him to sleep. My kids love him and won't understand. I've decided to take it day for day right now.
Then I called the Ellerbach's home. I called again, then again. There was just the answering machine. I left many messages and did not get a return call and no emergency number was on machine. After several days to just sit and think I wondered why they would not return my calls. I explained in messages why I was calling. I then decided to look on internet for any information and found this site. I also called Humane Society in their town. I then left a message at Ellerbach's stating if I did not hear back I would be forced to take further action. After 20 minutes I called back one more time. Karen stated they were on vacation and just got home. She asked for Harley's parents names and date of purchase. I gave them to her. Karen stated she would find the paperwork and call me back in half an hour. After an hour I called her. Karen stated she was unable to find paperwork and wanted to call me later in evening after looking further. I agreed. Karen called back again 45 minutes later and wanted Harley's birthday stating she could still not find paperwork. I have not heard any further.
I don't know what to do. I thought I asked all the right questions when talking to Karen. Karen told me they only breed 2 kinds of dogs and I am horrified that they have 12 or 16 or whatever. How can 2 people take care of that many animals? Isn't there a law? This has been a terrible toll on my whole family including Harley. Please help!
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