Hopefully people looking to purchase a pet will research their pet stores ahead of time and google "Happiness is Pets" Unfortunately, I went there under the recommendation of a friend and immediately fell in love with a 3 1/2 month old Shihtzu. When I decided to purchase her I inquired about the breeders and was told that the family-owned business has used the same breeders for years and they are reputable and good. The sales girl even told me that she bought her dog from them as well.
It was not until I got my puppy home that a family member had noticed she was limping. I assumed that maybe she was stressed -unsure of her surroundings - surley nothing could be wrong with her! Two days later I took her into the vet for her "free physical" The doctor immediately told me she had kennel cough, and when I mentioned her limp she suggested they x-ray her. I am no veterinarian - FAR from it, but when that doctor brought the xray back, it was obvious that something was terribly wrong.
Her right back thigh bone was noticably smaller than ler left, and there was a sliver of a bone floating on the side of her leg. Turns out that sliver was her knee cap! The doctor knew it was serious and said she definately would need surgery and told me she would call the pet store. I decided that I would stop by the pet store and address the matter immediately. Mind you, by this time I had already named my dog, (Bernadette) bought her her bed, accessories, food, - essentially had already fallen in love with her. My five year old and husband did also.
When I went in the Happiness is Pets where I had purchased her three days prior, I was informed that the doctor had already called. They explained to me that I could get a full refund or an even exchange. I certainly had not anticipated this. It wasn't as if I had purchased a defective appliance. This was an animal! I asked the sales girl where the option was that I get to keep her and they help cover surgery costs. She then called the owner and he said that sometimes as the puppies grow their bones will "fall" into place (clearly he had no idea what the situation was). He said that if her knee cap did not heal itself and the surgery was necessary, I would be reimbursed for half of what I paid for her. - 300.00 for a 2,000 surgery!!!
I am furious with this business. They are selling sick animals and they are a disgrace of a business. I love my dog and wouldn't trade her for anything. I believe this business takes advantage of their customers - using the emotional attachments people build with their pets to the business' advantage. Who is going to exchange a puppy after they have taken her home? - most likely to be put down?
My dog, Bernadette, needs to have this surgery in a couple months and I intend on demanding that Happiness is Pets cover the expenses. I do not mind that I spent 600.00 on my puppy - she is worth every penny - however, I purchased her under the pretense that she was healthy. - not with kennel cough and a gimp leg. If Happiness is Pets does not comply I am looking into taking them to small claims court. If anyone else wants to file a class action law suit, COUNT ME IN.
For anyone considering purchasing a pet from a pet store - PLEASE DO YOUR RESEARCH. Do not support businesses that con their costumers, such as Happiness is Pets.
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