I purchased our little Chi Grace just two weeks ago from Lynda. She was very responsive and informative during the buying process. Although we fell in love with our little girl even prior to meeting her, we were not able to meet her full price due to annual taxes due. Lynda was more than accomodating and set terms of agreement for a 50/50 payment with final payment due Mid-May.
Lynda met me at a hotel in Atlanta and Grace flew home with me. She is the cutest little doll and aside from a easily treatable case of bacteria in her stool, has done very well despite her small size (1.5) She goes for her second vet visit next week.
Two days ago the post-dated check I provided to Lynda cleared my account - one month early. This put me in a panic as I do not have the additional funds this month and made that very clear to Chi Depot.
I've made numerous attempts over the last two days to contact Lynda. The only response I received was from Robert who stated Lynda was out on an emergency with her Mom. He said he just grabbed a bunch of checks to deposit and this was included. He said he was very sorry and hoped that it didn't cause too much trouble.
I wrote back that it was major trouble but that it was easily rememedied and I provided him my bank account number to redeposit the funds. I've not received my money nor have I heard from any of "them." The caveat, an electronic image of the check shows a fingerprint and clearing my bank. The check was not deposited with other checks, it was cashed.
I found these reports and now am concerned that Grace might not have the Pedigree as provided. My biggest concern is that she may be younger than reported. Lynda covered herself on this as she wrote during the purchase process "the small youngs usually are at least two weeks behind the others" I paid a premium because I require a dog 3 lbs or less. Right now Grace is tracking that, assuming of course her age is correctly stated. I am hoping for the best.
The service rep at the bank said it best, "post-dated checks are only as good as the integrity of the person you provide them to." I am also hoping I can provide a happy ending to this story and perhaps prove to the naysayers that Chi Depot is a reputable breeder by their return of my money. I have guaranteed I will send a second post-dated check per the terms of our agreement. I do have integrity.
If it's true Lynda is taking care of an emergency with her Mom, I am sorry for that. But they make it very clear this is their primary business and I've now had communication with Chris and Robert, who if they found the time to cash my check, could have in the last two days, found time to do the right thing. With expected overdraft fees, this dog will cost 15% more than I've now paid.
My conclusion is similar to Sonya's and Les' - there are many options to purchase a puppy on the internet, why purchase from one with any sense of impropriety? Best situation is to visit the breeder's home - I did this with my other dogs and now regret not doing the same with our newest addition.
Not sure if Paula & Jill's complaints are valid as Gloria seems to defend against them emphatically, but mine certainly is and I have an electronic pic to prove it and would be happy to share it with anyone.
This is a very sad situation. I was absolutely ecstatic about my new baby, but this dark cloud of distrust has now cast a little shawdow on Grace. Only time will tell if ChiDepot sold me the dog I paid the premium for.
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