[FlDebra]

I would not get another dog from her either and yes, I would take legal action. You can take her to small claims court without a lawyer (which would probably cost more than you would collect). But.... a lawyer could be asked to draw up a letter telling her legal action will be started if she has not paid you the price of the puppy and the vet bills within 30 days. The lawyer will probably not charge much for doing this and the breeder may be shocked into giving you your money back instead of risk going to court, where you could ask for more (legal fees, mental anguish, travel to and from vet and lawyer, the lawyer may get very detailed here).

You can do the letter yourself and save the legal fees completely, but if it winds up going to court, she will wind up responsible for the legal fees anyway. I agree a certified (signed receipt required) letter would be a great addition to your unanswered emails and phone records if you have them.

Condolences on losing your little one. I know how quickly you fall in love with these babies and the hurt is there even if you only had them for a short time. Shop carefully for the next breeder. There are good breeders out there that gladly stand behind their puppies.

This breeder should have money in reserve for "just in case" situations! When I sold puppies, I made sure I had money to return, in case something went wrong with a puppy. I gave a good health guarantee and made sure I had the funds to back it up. Thankfully all were healthy as can be and I never had to worry.