| FlDebra | 04-17-2009 07:56 PM |
Quote:
Originally Posted by yesyesyorkies
(Post 2581684)
I put a deposit on a Yorkie pup on 3/28. I was sposed to pick Basil up on April 5th after coming back from a trip but when I came back and called the breeder, she said he did not seem well and his bm was black. She said she didn't want to send him home and stick us with a vet bill. I called every other day for a week to see if he was feeling better and ready to come home with me. Finally on Wednesday 4/15 I picked him up. He was very quiet and the breeder assured me it was because he was not used to being in her office area. I took him home and he drank water and ate a lil bit. He was very quiet and only had small bm once yesterday. Then he was dead this morning. How should I handle this with breeder?
| I am so sorry for your loss. That had to be devastating to find such a tiny baby suddenly gone like that.
First thing, check your sales contract. Did you get a health guarantee?
Second, call the breeder. She may do right by you and return your money even if there is no contract, if she is a decent person. If she returns your money, that would end it for me with this breeder. I would find another puppy from another breeder.
If she does not give your money back, first contact a vet and ask about documenting the death and maybe performing an exam to see if cause of death is obvious. Not sure of $$ for a full autopsy. Tell him about the black BM the puppy just recently had.
Also check with your state law. Florida where I live has a very good Pet Lemon Law. It protects the buyer very well. They have 14 days to document infectious disease and up to a year to document hereditary disease or conditions. The buyer can demand a refund or replacement PLUS be reimbursed for vet expenses up to the price of the dog. I think I agree with the previous poster that said they would not want another pet from this breeder. I do not know if Ohio has a similar law or not. But small claims court could be an option even if there is no law in place. Document everything. From the first time you put down the deposit and each phone call about the dog being sick, to picking up the puppy, it's death, and every subsequent conversation. Write down who, what, where and when.
I know it is difficult to think of the legal angles when you are still mourning the loss of such a tiny innocent puppy. But, you have to think of the big picture. You are standing up for yourself, your family, and all the puppies and families this breeder is responsible for after this too. Hopefully, she is a good honest person who just made a poor judgement call when she let a puppy so recently ill go to a new home. If that is the case, you should have your money back very soon. | 