Cyndi Epplin of Lil Maltese/Lil Poodles ripped my husband and I out of $1500. We purchased a Maltese in February that was "not supposed to get over 4lbs." Additionally, we had a contract against "congenital defects" that was good for 1 year from the date of purchase. Two days after we purchased the puppy, it was admitted to the ICU for "Puppy Mill" syndrome - kennel cough in addition to being "way too young to have been taken away from his mother." (quote from 2 vets)
I contacted Cyndi immediately and she said to do whatever we had to do to keep that puppy alive and she would reimburse the vet bills 100%. Two weeks after that, the puppy ended up back in the ICU for a hole in his heart — a congenital defect as diagnosed by a cardiologist who specializes in small dogs. After contacting Cyndi yet again, she said she would reimburse us the entire $1500 and she felt bad.
That was the last I heard from Cyndi for over 6 months. Finally after tricking her and calling while I was away on business from a different area code, she answered her phone. She said she would immediately send the money when she had it. I received a letter from her stating she owed me the money but did not have it. Times were tough for her and she had three weddings and two funerals to attend.
After consulting with an attorney (I want a guilty verdict so they will investigate her for being a puppy mill), I was instructed to file a small claims case against her. I did and after she was served the papers, I received a money order for $500 stating "1/3 reimbursement for maltese." She has missed our last two court dates and if she does not appear next week, she will be held incontempt of court and a warrant will be put out for her arrest. However, because of court costs — she know owes me well over $1500. If she can sell $1500-$3500 dogs, she can afford to reimburse when congenital defects arise. I will not stop until the issue is resolved. Moral of the story: Do NOT buy from Cyndi Epplin as she has terrible business ethics.
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