See, when I read it I automatically assumed it was a high profile auction- one with a Select guest list; It would have then had an inventory list available so they knew what (and who) was available. I also assumed the pup was from a mill bust, but I'm sure the circumstances would have been discussed with anyone interested prior to bidding; a charity wouldn't want to lie to a high profile cleb about the origins of a rescue pup they are spending $10,000 on, the bad publicity they would get if that got out!? Not to mention the bad reputation the shelters etc involved would get- it surely wouldn't be worth the risk.
the osbornes do seem to be great animal lovers, so I would have doubted they would impulse-buy a puppy...
I have no idea the circumstances remember, I am Just assuming! but from the paragraph and a half that was allocated to the story, I figured they had probably just explained it as vaguely as possible to get in the cute picture! JMHO!
