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Originally Posted by magicgenie  Now that I'm requiring references up front, I'm getting far fewer puppy inquiries. I'm not sorry about this, but very curious. |
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Originally Posted by Yorkiemom1 My prospective buyers first fill out an interview application....I go over that and contact them with any questions or concerns I may have.....some people do things they just do not realize can be a danger to a small dog. In my application, my request for references are first and foremost, a vet reference and/or a groomer, anyone else that they may have a professional relationship with that would verify that this person is trustworthy and responsible. Personal references, like friends or relatives or co workers, have always been contacted by the potential buyer BEFORE they are listed on the application....that is their responsibility to clear that reference before they list them.....just like ever other reference anyone gives for job interviews, etc.....you always check with people before you list them as references! I have not had anyone tell me they think my application and request for references is an intrusion.....just as anyone can check MY references, my vet, etc on line., they are scrutinizing ME as a reputable breeder. Just like THEY dont want to get stuck with a sick baby and a breeder that disappears on them, I dont want to send my baby to someone that can not/will not afford the $$$$ to provide medical care for the puppy, or they are not set up to provide care for a puppy, etc. Some people are all excited about getting a baby.....until it cries all night long for several of nights, maybe it has an issue with potty accidents, and the newness, the excitement, the thrill of having a new puppy suddenly sux! My buyer's references are every bit as important to me as MY reputation and ethics and honesty are important to any buyer. If they dont like me, they can choose another breeder.....if I dont think they are suitable to have one of my babies, I dont approve the application.
It has been my personal experience over the years, that people think they have the right to know everything about me and my breeding program and everything I do in relation to my business, (which is actually accurate) but occasionally, they do not think I have the responsibility to screen buyers for my voiceless babies.....my babies DEPEND on ME to put them in situations that are best for them.....that is a responsibility I take seriously, without reservation!
My owners stay in contact with me for many years....I have only lost contact with maybe 4 people, from out of State.... I have never regretted sending out any of my babies to any of the buyers that have come to me for a puppy.....I know them well and they know me...I always refer to us as the "extended RHG (Rosehill Gang) family.....and it is all good! |
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Originally Posted by Yorkiemom1 I wonder if that door swings both ways? A breeder takes your cash, requests nothing from you but cash for the dog, you obviously expect nothing from the breeder, not now, not in the future, since you have paid your money....and "that idiot" had better not expect anything but money from you.......... and in 8 months your dog is diagnosed with a liver shunt or failing kidneys or a heart valve issue.....what a relief that you paid your money to the idiot and you left with your pup, so all responsibilities from either party to the other is a done deal, sealed with nothing but an exchange of cash. You know you are a wonderful person/pet owner and the breeder knows she is a great breeder, so it is a wash! Great....easy and so uncomplicated! If either one of you is not as great as you think you are, it makes no difference....you got your pup, she got her money! Neither one of you owes the other the time of day.....
I require the information I require so MY babies do not end up in a rescue or the pound in the first place! My babies are going to their furever home, bypassing the streets or the pound or the need to be rescued! |
Kudos to both of you! I see the results every single day of why breeders should take the time to scrutinize the people they sell to!!
Every single yorkie that ends up in the streets, in a shelter or in a rescue has come from a breeder. This is where the problems begin ... and I wish all breeders cared enough to stop the problem It is not just puppy mills that are the problem with homeless dogs.
I have let my guard down a few times in the past and spoken with people on the telephone prior to doing reference checks and there have been a couple that blew my mind. People can tell you everything you want to hear...but not do anything near what they tell you. One lady I remember SO well. She had all these stories about the pup she had lost to prostrate cancer at the age of (I think) 14??. Anyway...she had spent all this money taking him to this vet and that vet...and had even had cataract surgery done. She named the various specialty hospitals and vets. Wonderful conversation! I was so excited for this foster I had that she wanted. The next day, I called the vet she had listed and the girl who answered told me that they had only seen this dog one time....on the day he was euthanized. I asked why they euthanized, but she did not have that information. So....I sent this lady an email telling her what I had found out, surely she had other vets that I could call. I didn't hear from her immediately....I think a day passed?? Next thing I get is a LONG email telling me how sorry she was that she had lied and made up the story and didn't know what was wrong with the pup she euthanized
.. but that she would do better with my foster and would I please give her a chance. She begged me .. matter of fact she kept emailing me for about two weeks. She finally gave up. I had another one I thought was awesome until I found out that she had two dogs living outside in Galveston...one was heartworm positive and she refused treatment. I don't speak with anyone about adoption any more unless they complete the application to adopt and that must include references. If they find that intrusive, then they need to move along. I have no time for games. These are living beings...not stuffed animals and I believe that if a person truly cares they will do the right thing...that goes for breeder, seller, rescuer, adopter.