On April 29 I located an add at http://www.oodle.com/seller/46914258 for Shih Tzu puppies for sale. I noticed that the seller, Joanne (daughter of Karen Zakaria) in Franklin, MI had pics of a lovely litter. I decided to give her a call and inquire on the Shih Tzu she named Wiggles. Joanne was very pleasant and appeared to be very knowledgeable as a breeder and admit she got in the business due to her mom. She allowed my daughter and I to come over that late evening. We met Wiggles and I immediately without making comment knew why she was named Wigglesshe was clean but was whining and shaking continuously. I didnt think anything of it because Joanne informed me that she was the runt of the litter. Joanne proceeded to inform me that she had a litter of Yorkie Poos just as well and I agreed to take a look at them. She has a room in the basement that I did not have a chance to look inside to see the set up of puppy litters.
Joanne brought out 3 male Teacup Yorkie Poos and of course I immediately fell in love with them. After some time had went by Joanne informed me that she had another litter of Shih Tzus as well. She brought 2 puppies out but they were dirty and had deposits all over them. My daughter and I were hesitant to hold the 2 Shih Tzus so we admired them for only a few minutes. I recall Joanne mentioning another puppy (Shih Tzu or Yorkie Poo) that she wasnt going to bother by bringing out because it also had deposits all over him/her (Joannes words verbatim).
All in the end I decided that I would purchase the largest of the Yorkie Poo. She informed me that the puppy had just gone to the vet the day before (April 28) and that he had his first set of shots and was cleared with good health. She showed me the papers and everything appeared to be legit but keep in mind this was my first time doing business with a so called breeder. Joanne was charging $600 for each puppy. I did not have cash on me so I had to leave to go get the funds. I returned with my husband around 10:30pm. Joanne had him all dressed in nice sweater, supplied us with some food and necessary vet paperwork.
Joanne had informed me that the puppy I picked had went to Banfield Vet in Northville which is linked with PetSmart, another plus for me because I had planned to make that my puppys veterinarian. She also mentioned that when I go they can look up his vet history showing that he had his shots. So, the transaction was completed. During this time I also learned that Joanne plans to open a pet store named WOOF WOOF on Northwestern Hwy in Southfield, MI. She made reference that the store will open in 3 weeks. She had me to sign off of puppy purchase with WOOF WOOF letterhead. I also had to agree that I would keep her posted on the puppy and to send pics time to time.
Joanne also mentioned that she takes her business seriously and that if ANYTHING goes wrong she asked for me to not hesitate with calling her no matter what time it is. She also wanted to know if he was to get sick with vomiting and diarrhea. At that time I was for happy about her concern. She also mentioned that if I had a change of mind or whatever she would be willing to give me my money back because thats how serious she is about her puppies. So, my family and I leave all excited about our new family member UNTIL
Saturday, April 30th I had to go to the pet store to get some items. He only weighed 2.4 lbs based on the paperwork received. I took him with me but carried him in my arms the ENTIRE time because I knew he was still young and I did not want him to come into contact with other dogs. I wanted to properly fit him for a collar and talk to the vet. I completed my task and he never left the house thereafter. I was teased by my family because I carried him in the house or he would lie in my lap. If I sat him down he was placed in his brand new bed. He appeared to be laid back and not very active. I couldnt get him to eat the IAMS Joanne claimed she was feeding him but, he ate some canned puppy food twice while we had him. He had spit up twice that day and wouldnt eat. So, I immediately texted Joanne explaining the situation. She claimed that its an adjustment phase and check for poop on his bottom. I did all of that and finally he ate the canned food at 10:05pm and I texted Joanne with the info.
Sunday, May 1st he eats, drinks some water and plays a little but continued to spit up a few more times throughout the day. Later he became quite lazy and primarily slept. That evening he began to vomit even though he didnt have much on his stomach. He would drink water and immediately vomit (clear and yellow) sometime after. He wasnt pooping much and if he did it was diarrhea and I couldnt distinguish from the vomit. I thought for a second that he was depressed and missing his brothers. My children kept questioning me about his behavior.
Monday, May 2nd arrives and he is left at home alone for the first time due to us having to go to work and school. Well, his behavior changed for the worst with more and more vomit and no activity. I began to really stress and worry then.
Tuesday, May 3rd I decide to call and get him in early to Banfield vet in Southfield. I left work early to find out that my puppy tested positive with PARVO. He then dropped down to 1.90 lbs and was dehydrated. I couldnt afford to pay a couple of thousands to hospitalize him even though it was not a guarantee that he would live. I immediately called Joanne and spoke to her and I had her on the phone as the doctor was explaining the issues. She claimed she could not hear the doctor but couldn't believe this has happened However, she talked to me as I was leaving the facility and while I ended up having an anxiety attack over the situation. I proceeded to take him to the Michigan Humane Society to hopefully save on costs but, they do not hospitalize, I would have to bring him there daily (I have minimum days off available) and they proceeded to tell me that dogs with Parvo have a 50/50 chance of surviving. Sadly to say I had to surrender him to the MI Humane Society. Both facilities had asked me questions in regards to my care and they explained how dogs get Parvo. Considering I only had the Yorkie Poo for FOUR days they informed me that he had to contact the disease from his mom or the litter of puppies that resided at Joannes home.
All in the end I lost a handsome puppy, money, time away from work and gained extra stress because after several conversations with Joanne she may be willing to give me half my money back. She clearly explained to me that she could not take the puppy back because of the Parvo. Joanne does not believe that the puppy contracted Parvo from her home. She believes that we picked it up via our hands or shoes at PetSmart or somewhere else. After finding out that she also, like the mother has a history of selling sick puppies and both have a connect/contract deal with the PetSmart/Banfield Store Manager in Northville, MI which I have contacted, no response yet I was devastated. When I called the store they truly did not want to answer any of my questions. I also found out that Joanne &/or her mother denied vaccinations at Banfield but of course, she now states that they administer their own vaccines. Karen has the "contract" with the Banfield Store manager. Joanne admitted she just joined the business with her mom a month ago.
I am praying that she finds it in her heart to refund all my money in cash like it was given to her and consider refunding me the vet and euthanasia costs.
PLEASE BEWARE OF not only KAREN ZAKARIA but her daughter JOANNE in Franklin, MI (13 mile and Franklin Rd)!!! They truly need to be stopped and arrested due to animal cruelty. You live and learn but I hope this is beneficial and a warning to others!!
0 comments