I think it's terrible what these people are doing, and I am glad that it is getting out, so people will be more aware.
However, I feel badly for honest breeders who are *not* scammers, and sell their dogs or advertise via the internet. Like another member posted above, I had to look online for my baby becauseI couldn't find a breeder anywhere near me! I combed SOOO many webpages, and just about every one was a scam! BUT one wasn't, and I recieved my beautiful baby boy. I don't know what I would have done had my breeder not advertised online, or if he refused to ship the puppy. I don't think I would have a baby right now. Also, my ex-husbands late grandmother bred dachshunds. She was a very good breeder, but in her old age she depended on her children to take care of the dogs and help place them. The easiest way for her was the internet.
I guess what I am saying is, be careful! There are some really good breeders, and the internet can connect you with them, but reeeeeaaalllly do your research on whom you are sending money to, and why. A really good indicator that it is an okay breeder is that they have pictures of the puppies playing in the home, pictures of the parents, are they willing to email pictures, can you get references from other customers from them, are the puppies overpriced or super cheap (they shouldn't be), CAN YOU REACH THEM BY TELEPHONE, is there an address and phone number, do they invite you to come and visit the facility and/or pick up the puppy.... The more contact they make available to you, the more likely they aren't a scam. I took a risk and bought my puppy without ever seeing the breeder's home or the litter in person. That was my choice, and had I not been so picky about who I bought from, then it may have been disasterous. I say if you aren't 90% sure that it isn't a scam, it probably is a scam!
-O |