wow - sad
I again do not know much about breeding but I have a dog with issues - she has LP4, mvd, hypothyroid and atopic dermatitis. I have probably spent more than was spent on the seizures trying to get her comfortable as the allergies are the biggest issue. She is limited AKC. It all started at 6 mos of age with allergies after puppy shots. The breeder did tell me she was an accident and that she had a dog in her line die of rabies vaccination and that she was a sick little pup in the beginning and almost did not make it. Of course I was a brand new pet owner and had no clue what all that meant lol but now I do. I contacted her when it all started spinning out of control and she stated she had never had a problem with allergies in her line etc. Due to that puppy dying of rabies vaccine I have to believe her line had poor immune systems and dd being an accident and the fact that my vet said she was inbred after reading her papers the poor immune system made sense. I paid $1300 for Dee Dee as well. I never bothered breeder after it all started after that first email where she denied it in her lines. I never knew about puppy lemon laws and never read the contract real close as again a first time pet owner.
Having gone through this I find this thread interesting.
I just know for me I would have put together a package of all the documentation from the vet diagnosing the pup and proof that this was genetic and not something else that triggered it. I would have overnighted the package with a signature required along with the health contract hilighted in reference to health guarantee for genetics. I would not have waited for phone calls. In doing this the breeder could take that information to her vet and they could review it together and decide on refund. Also you have proof the breeder had the documentation by signing for it.
What scares me is some say if the person returns the puppy to the breeder that some breeders just put these dogs down - is this true? This is why some people do not want to return a puppy that is ill as they grow attached to it and are fearful of this too. I personally would have just wanted my $1300 back so i could pay for the vet bills with it. I never even asked though as I have the money and just figured what is the point as I did not do my homework so I am partly to blame for that. Now had I done my homework then I would have pursued it more if I felt strongly and vet did that it was genetic based as vet care is very expensive for sick dogs. I think the breeder and owner should work together to get that dog the best care and be a team not fighting one another.
The thing to remember is just like when you have a baby and there are no guarantees the same goes with dogs. The thing is you cannot inbreed humans for a reason and why I have a problem with inbreeding of dogs so if this is done then the breeder needs to realize there can be some consequences to this which is health problems and be willing to step up when this happens.
This topic hits home for me as I have an inbred akc dog with health issues and I love my little girl but it has been a difficult 6 years taking care of her. The money part is the easy part for us but the emotional part is the hard part as when she is uncomfortable and itchy we are too as we care deeply for her and why i try my best to get her the best specialist but not everyone can afford it so then they have the emotional pain and the financial drain which is two times the pain. |