I bought a teacup Yorkshire terrier from Puppy Depot (my second dog from their store). They charged me over $3,000 for this dog who was almost one year old. I was told he was in great health and just had to have his baby teeth excised (which they would pay for). They also told me the dog was NOT neutered and was able to be bred if I chose to. As in the past, they gave me a free visit to their vet (Coram Animal Clinic) who neglected to thoroughly check my first dog from their store. I decided to use my vet instead.
To my shock and dismay, my vet diagnosed my terrier with bilateral cryptorchid (a congenital defect in which the testicles have not dropped). This was the FIRST THING she noticed. Her assistant checked the dog as well and noticed it immediately. She also diagnosed him with an upper respiratory infection and placed him on antibiotics.
My vet told me the dog needed to have invasive exploratory surgery to remove the testicles, as they were in the abdominal cavity and he was at a higher risk of cancer if they were not removed. She also warned me that because of his size (under 3 pounds) he was more likely not to make it through the surgery. I was beyond upset. When I told her the price I paid, she was shocked. She filled out an unfit to purchase form to take to Puppy Depot. I could not understand how they had this dog in their store for over 9 months and NOT diagnosed his congenital defect.
I called Puppy Depot and spoke to a girl who could not explain how they overlooked the cryptorchid. She asked me if I could feel the testicles and I told her I was not a vet. She then told me that she would call the breeder and make sure the dog was not neutered.??? I was so disgusted with the situation as I was assured this dog was not neutered and now they are second guessing themselves. She never got in touch with the breeder and told me to call back in 2 days when the manager was available.
Two days later, I spoke with the manager. I also faxed him a 3 page letter asking for at least 50% of my money back since I was misinformed of this dog's condition and would have never bought him had I known. I also told him I would report the store to the BBB, the ASPCA and any other organization related to the purchase and care of animals. He did apologize but could not explain how the dog got a clean bill of health prior to my purchase. He also told me they thoroughly check the dogs right before they hand them to the new owner. I find this even more disturbing because if they cannot spot an obvious defect - then I can only imagine what else they are missing.
He wanted me to go another vet (West Hills Animal Hospital in Huntington) for a second opinion. It was several hours out of my day but I went (Puppy Depot paid for it). As I thought, this vet also gave my dog the same diagnosis and an unfit to purchase form. The defect was noticed immediately. The vet's assistant was shocked at the price I paid and told me never to buy another dog from Puppy Depot. She has heard bad things about them as well. My dog was put on a stronger antibiotics to clear up the infection and I had to follow up with them in 2 weeks.
I am now going back and forth to two vets, I am up all night with this dog as he coughs and sneezes, and I am distraught at the fact that he has to have invasive surgery. This dog is worth nowhere near the price they charged me. I cancelled my credit card charge until I can get this resolved. Puppy Depot said they will work with me for all my inconvenience but I am more upset at the lack of care these dogs get. They send you to their clinic so the dog will get a clean bill of health - but once you go to a reputable vet, they find several things wrong with the dogs.
I am looking for anyone with similar experiences as I am planning on writing to the BBB, ASPCA, and the media if necessary. I want to include letters and documentation from others to substantiate my complaint.
Anyone can contact me by replying to this.
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