I found this breeder online and made an appointment to see her puppies last September. I drove 2.5 hours and arrived at a shady looking establishment (which I will not refer to by name). This was her place of business (not where the pups were born and raised, thank god). I met her inside, along with 6 four-week-old pups. We had specified that we wanted a male and there were two of them. The pups appeared healthy and everything seemed OK. We put a $250 deposit on one of the males and agreed to come back in six weeks and pay the rest in full and pick up our puppy.
In the beginning of October, I emailed her to see how our pup was doing and she told me that she lost two pups to low blood sugar and the pup that we had a deposit on was also not doing well. The following day, she emailed to let me know that our pup had died. Her policy and her website (at that time) stated that you could get a refund before 30 days of the initial deposit. I asked to have my $250 refunded and she said that money was tight that month and having three sick pups resulted in expensive veterinary bills. Oh, she also said that she was switching residences at the time, and that life was very hectic (yadda, yadda, yadda). She said that I could have my money back after she sold the remaining pups of that litter. OK.
So, I call her again in November, and she says that she hasnt sold all the pups yet and to call her after Christmas because she is sure that they will sell over the holidays. Money is still tight, and she has been in the hospital, and that life was very hectic (yadda, yadda).
I email her in January, and she does not email back. I call to speak to her and her cell phone number is out of service (big surprise). I visit her website and her policy has changed of course. It now states that she doesnt give refunds, period. So predictable.
I did find a new phone listing for her business online, and called a few times, but no one ever answers. Just voicemail, every time.
During all of this, I was able to find and rescue a Yorkie that I just adore. And I am ecstatic that I was able to give a good home to a dog that had a very poor start in life. I am just very saddened that a person like this so called breeder, who calls themselves reputable behaves in this manner. I think I deserve a call, an email, or better yet, my 250 f-ing dollars back.
And by the way, I signed no contract stating that I had to put the deposit towards an alternate puppy in case the initial one did not work out. If I did, she could send me a copy of that contract, right?
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