I purchased a Shar Pei puppy in Woodstock Vermont from a breeder, Foo Lu Kennels operated by Fred and Mary Hundertmark of 2016 Iver Johnson Way, who stated they have been breeders of Shar Pei's for 25 years. I found the Foo Lu Kennels / Hundertmarks on the American Kennel Club and Chinese Shar Pei Club of America websites breeder page.
The 12 week male puppy came with a dogs sales contract which included a health warrantee. When I met with the breeders I specifically asked about the health lines of the parents of the puppy and if Shar Pei fever (a hereditary condition) was in the lines and they stated no. They stated the dog was fully warranteed for all health conditions. The Hundertmark's showed both parents to to my family and I. We also viewed at least 10 other dogs at their facility.
I brought the puppy for a checkup at my vet on April 25th. At that time I was informed the puppy had a heart murmur, and hopefully the murmur would disappear as it grew. The vet also stated the puppy's eyes may be needing further tacking. On the 14th day, Saturday May 5th, the puppy showed visual signs of illness. That morning I brought the puppy to my local vet and found the puppy had a temperature and painful, swollen joints. The vet mentioned that Shar Pei fever (a hereditary condition) or it was possible a viral infection could be a cause for his illness. The puppy was prescribed medication and we were told if the symptons worsened to bring the animal to a emergency animal hospital. After a few hours the puppy did not seem to respond to the medication so I brought him to a emergency animal hospital where the emergency veterinarian stated the puppy was very sick and needed hospitalization.
The puppy's bloodwork indicated a immune mediated disorder, his joints were swollen and painful, and he was running a temperature. They suspected Shar pei fever but wanted to run numerous tests overnight to rule out other potential causes for the puppy's illness such as parvo, leukemia, etc. The puppy needed intravenous antibiotics and was in a critical state.
The next morning I called the breeders to tell them about the health of the puppy and that I was still awaiting test results. I asked them if they had a vet that they thought could be helpful. I also told them if Shar pei fever was the cause that I wished to return the dog since it is a lifelong condition that could be fatal at every occurance. They stated there was no vet they could consult with since it was Sunday, instead to bring the puppy back to the kennel located in Vermont...?
Again I informed them that the puppy was quite ill, on an IV, and in need of critical medical care. The drive to Vermont would take over 2 hours. Over the next hour or two I had several conversations and emails with the breeders and the animal hospital. The Hundertmarks asked to have the vet check for a spider bite and thought the illness could be from such a bite. Vet was informed and stated there was no bite and the symptons and lab results indicated Shar Pei Fever was the condition the dog was suffering from. The breeders were informed of the diagnosis of Shar Pei fever and were given the emergency animal hospital telephone number if they had any questions or had a veterinarian who wished to speak with them.
The puppy took a turn for the worse and died. The emergency vet hospital states the puppy suffered and died from Shar pei fever and complications from the disorder. My family and I were and are absolutely devastated. We owned the dog for 15 days. The medical care for the puppy's care totaled $1332.42. The breeder was asked if they wanted an autopsy in order to have them refund my money for the puppy. They stated no due to the cost. The autopsy would cost $642 and they did not wish to share the expense with me. Both breeders, Mary and Fred Hundertmark, said they would refund the $900 for the cost of the dog back to my credit card on Sunday May 6th. On May 7th I received an email requesting the AKC paperwork be sent back to the Hundertmarks. I called the AKC and asked why the breeder would want the AKC paperwork back. They stated to keep the paperwork and not return it to the breeder. There was no reason for the breeder to have the paperwork returned.
A week passed and the $900 reimbursement to my credit card did not occur. I called and emailed the breeders. The breeders then sent an email on May 14 stating they would not give a reimbursement as stated on the day the dog died. The breeders have been made aware by the Emergency Veterinary Hospital that the puppy suffered from a Shar Pei Fever, a disorder that was not caused by any environmental factors. They acted as though they had not conversed with the veterinarians and wanted all medical records in order to make their own determination if a refund is due. It was at this time that I realized the Hundertmarks were acting suspiciously and I began questioning their business practices and ethics. A complaint was placed at the Vermont Attorney General's offiice 5/21 regarding the breeders and Vermont Department of Animals and Agriculture. A suit has been files at the Windsor Court House. Both state departments informed me that the breeders should be handing out the Vermont Puppy Lemon Law, charging for sales tax, reimbursing for defective puppies and paying veterinary expenses. The Hundertmarks are unethical and deceitful backyard breeders. Beware!!!
My puppy suffered a painful and horrible death. The Hundertmarksshould not be breeding the animals that they own. I have been told that the Hundertmarks have been aware of the disease carried from their pets for years and yet continue to breed. BEWARE!!! Foo Lu continues to breed animals with genetic disorders such as Shar pei fever, and pass these problems on to future litters, causing future health issues, pain, expensive veterinary care, and families must cope with heartbreak as their pets suffer They have not reimbursed any monies for the purchase price of the puppy or veterinary bills. Very unprofessional, unethical business.
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