HELP! My Yorkie puppy was stolen by the breeder.
 

Hi,

I am a newish member, you may recognize my screen name from a thread I made trying to find a home for my yorkie puppy about a month ago. Allow me to tell you what has happened to that dear little boy...

When I got him, I wasn't aware that our apartment wouldn't allow him. So, we had to try and find a new home for him. Eventually, I was able to contact the breeder, Beverly Vizenor, and she said that although she could not give our money back for him (which wasn't really expected anyway), she had one puppy left and would show ours with that puppy and sell him for us - and pay us the money she sold him for. Very nice of her, right?

We handed over the puppy on Thursday and were told that she would contact us Monday. Monday rolled around and we didn't hear anything. That week we managed to contact her sister, Cindy, who said that she was up at "the lake" (which we later found out is in Checotah, about 2 hours from where we all live) and would be back later. I told her that I had found out that my boyfriend could keep the puppy in his apartment and we really missed him, of course, and could we just have the puppy back. She said she would let Beverly know.

A week goes by, we don't hear anything. I finally reach Beverly (when I call from a number she doesn't know - caller ID has not been my friend in all this) who says that the puppy is still at "the lake" with her husband, that he is sick, and she can't sell him until he is well. I tell her that we want him back (didn't Cindy tell her?) and that if he is sick we will take him to the vet ourselves. She says she will be back Friday or Saturday with the puppy.

So, Saturday, we haven't heard from her of course, can't reach her, so we show up at her apartment the next Tuesday. It has been 3 weeks now. She opens the door, tells us that she is treating the puppy to get him well (an allergic reaction of some sort) and that she'll be in touch. Then shuts the door in our faces. I knock again and ask her to sign a paper that says, "I have Amber Kelly's dog," which shouldn't take long. She refuses and says she's in a hurry. Then she tells us that she'll call the police if we don't get off her porch. Even though we told her everything, that we want him back no matter what, and that we would pay whatever vet bills she had racked up.

Fast forward to today, one month later, my boyfriend and I have filed a small claims suit because she now claims that we simply GAVE her the puppy and that she tried to do us a favor by offering us money for it and we refused. So, March 23 we will all be in court to work this out.

I'm not really sure what I hope to accomplish by typing this all up, but... any thoughts? tips? helpful comments? I haven't seen my puppy in a month and it kills me. Maybe when she receives her subpoena, she'll give us our dog back? What should I do? :(

I would go over there & beat on her door until she gave me my dog back! :D If she said she was going to call the cops, I would say good because then they can get my dog back for me! I'm sorry this is happening to you! Please keep us informed! I would seriously go over there though & not leave till I have my dog!!

sounds like by taking her to small claims court you are doing all you can do that I know of. This is a shame. No doubt she has sold him and is trying to keep the money. I would sue the britches off her.

i hope you get your puppy back.

I agree. But she prob all ready sold the pupy and kept the money. I would take her to court.

Well, we were under the impression from what she told us that he had scabies, and today she did yell at us that he had gotten all the other yorkies sick. She also claims that he is now hairless!!! What! I think if she had sold the dog, she would just start denying everything, refusing to even acknowledge that we had had any contact before.

As for standing outside her door, we already did - for two hours. She eventually just walked out and got in her car and left, ignoring us. She hasn't called the police, even though we were beating a steady beat on her door for about 30 to 45 minutes. She won't call them, even if she DOES believe we're harassing her, because she knows she's in the wrong.

And we already did go to the police station to see if we could press charges but they told us only a civil suit could handle this sort of situation.

At least, with the court situation, we know we'll get something out of it, either the puppy or the money. But how does one make the defendant pay up once they've received judgment?

I hope you get your baby back. What a terrible thing to do!

I think if you get a copy of your check or money order that you gave her for the puppy, and go to her door. If she claims she will call the cops, tell her you'll do it for her so you can show the cops the check you gave to her for the pup. If the cops arrive, show the check and clearly state the situation and that you just want what you paid for. I'm sorry you have to go through this. Another reason we should alll reallly pay attention to the kind of people we deal with. We can't be too trusting of anyone.

she is just telling you these things thinking you won't want the puppy back. Scabies is awful and very hard to get rid of and does make them lose their hair.

Call local media -- local TV station, newspaper, radio. Do it fast, so she cannot shave all the pups. If what you are telling us is true, hope you get your money back. You had the pup for just a bit. In a month, puppy will be older and you do not want to deal with that lady (if she did not sell it). You do not want to deal with her altogether, so claim that only money back is acceptable. How much did you pay for yours anyway? Does the breeder have a page? Have you seen their breeding grounds? Is it a puppymill? How did you find her?

[QUOTE=Miss Cat Ears]Well, we were under the impression from what she told us that he had scabies, and today she did yell at us that he had gotten all the other yorkies sick. She also claims that he is now hairless!!! What! I think if she had sold the dog, she would just start denying everything, refusing to even acknowledge that we had had any contact before.

As for standing outside her door, we already did - for two hours. She eventually just walked out and got in her car and left, ignoring us. She hasn't called the police, even though we were beating a steady beat on her door for about 30 to 45 minutes. She won't call them, even if she DOES believe we're harassing her, because she knows she's in the wrong.

And we already did go to the police station to see if we could press charges but they told us only a civil suit could handle this sort of situation.

At least, with the court situation, we know we'll get something out of it, either the puppy or the money. But how does one make the defendant pay up once they've received judgment?[/QUO
While you had the puppy did you take it to the vets? If so do you have records proving that? If so Hang on to them That will prove that he was checked and if he had scabies im sure the vet would of noticed. and whos to know if he didnt catch this from her dogs.

We paid $600 for our puppy. Out of the litter, he was the smallest, supposed to only get up to 4 pounds. The rest would be about 6 pounds, she said. And it seemed accurate looking at his size compared to what my other yorkie looked like as a puppy.

As for a puppy mill, no, I'm sure it isn't, but she doesn't have a website or anything. She only has two pet yorkies and sells their puppies, from what I know. But she does have the puppies AKC registered.

We think that's a really good idea, to go to the media. Any suggestions on how to go about this?

I am so sorry this has happened to you. I would go back and stand at her door untill she gave you the puppy. Its terrible to hear of such a dishonest breeder.

Just call the local newspaper, and if your local TV stations have a "Consumer Fight"-type segment, call them too. If you do go to small claims court, just tell the truth. It makes absolutely NO SENSE for you to "refuse" her money and for you to give her a free puppy especially after you just paid $600 for it, and a good judge should see that. Good luck!

Do you have the AKC papers? Has she agreed to transfer the puppy to you? I know when I got my pup, the papers were sent to me for me to register her under my name. If you had those papers, it'd be whole lot easier to get your puppy back! It'd show you as the rightful owner.

Going to the media is a GREAT idea! That way, people in your area who are interested in buying a puppy will be aware of her.

Good luck to you and keep us posted!!

do you have a receipt for the payment to her? i know that you will need this in small claims court. that is just awful! she will get whats coming to her :mad:

You can also trying contacting the AKC, and making a complaint against her.

I totally agree - call the local news and tip them off. Take an ad out in the pets section of the classifieds warning people from buying from her. Gather all documents, receipts, vet bills from the dog from when you had it in your possession. Have proof that the dog was yours. Definitely take the story to the papers and mention you are taking her to court. give the papers her name and number and address. she'll get hounded plenty.

Holy cow! you poor girl... just adds to my list of dead beat breeders with the wrong intentions in mind and I hope you get your baby back, or your money. I just can't believe the things some so called breeders do. They see MONEY MONEY MONEY. What kind of person who placed their baby in your loving arms would slam a door in your face? A MONEY HUNGRY DEADBEAT! Sorry, I just get really ill when I read these horror stories. Hey- if the breeder in question is reading this...do the right thing: GIVE THEM THEIR PUPPY!

I hope you signed a contract with her when you purchased the pup, as this would help in court. I would definitely notify AKC and make a complaint. More than likely, she no longer has the pup and is afraid to admit that to you. Good luck, this is just too sad.

What a witch!!!! A very evil dishonest person...

I am glad you are going to small claims court. And, I hope you get Judge Judy. She'd rip the pants off that lady!!!!

All I know for sure is -- you be sure and have as much documentation as possible. Every receipt, etc.

Then sit down and write down every contact you have had with her.
Dates - times - and everything was was done or said including phone calls to her or anyone else regarding this issue.

Write your documentation in a chronological order -- Put the date and time and what happened - then on to a new paragraph with a new date and time and what happened..... etc. etc.....

I'm sure in court - this old witch will end up contradicting herself so much - it will be evident that she is lying and you are telling the truth -- because you are going to be so well prepared --right!

Have with you any witnesses that can backup any part of you story.

It good that you posted all these facts on YT - This will give a lot to go back to as far as your documentation goes....

Good luck and please please please keep us up to date on what happens.

I don't know what all you can sue her for - for sure the amount you paid her for the dog - and you gave her a healthy dog and are getting a sick one back - this should be a consideration also - Perhaps you can pay $100 or so and get some legal advise before you go.... I just want you to get as much as possible - all that you deserve.

Please keep us informed....

Carol Jean

Just want to say good luck! Let us know how things turn out. Hoping you can get your baby back. Do document and date the entire situation so you have your facts straight in your head. Cancelled check and any documentation you may have. You may try to check the local vets and see if you can find the one she uses (if any).

Unbelievable how some people are. Now that you told your story, you're making me worry....I gave my engagement ring and wedding bands back to the store where I bought them, and the guy said he'd try to sell them for me. I haven't heard from him in a while. I think I'm gonna call him. Thanks for reminding me, and PLEASE keep us up to date on what happens. Don't disappear on us. :)

Awful!

I agree with what Snow WA said.

Do you have any pictures of the puppy that you could also take to small claims court?

Please keep us posted. We are all pulling for you, and the little Yorkie.

Kate

You should bring a copy of your phone calls and a detailed list with dates of when you bought the puppy, when you gave her back, when you called (this will be on your phone bill) to tell her you want the puppy back, and the numerous times you tried to get ahold of her.

She will be required to bring a vet documentation that the pup in fact does have scabies and what treatment (or lack-thereof) she has been giving the dog.

Best of luck!

I think a letter to akc is a great suggestion. I wish you all the luck in getting back the yorkie but then again if it has been under the conditions of a non caring breeder, not knowing what kind of care it has had, and the neccessary puppy shots its needed??????
I think I would preferr to get the money back and start anew with a honest and reputable breeder. You are also doing the right thing by taking her to small claims court. Not been there, know others that have, it is a good idea for you to do it. Good luck to you in what ever you choose to do and may God help you in your decision and help you to have the yorkie that is meant for you.

Thanks guys. This is all such good advice, and a lot of things I would never have thought of without others' input. Today after my classes my boyfriend and I are going to contact both AKC and the local news stations.


Sometimes I think if I was an adult, she wouldn't have had the nerve. I'm 20, but I look very young, so she probably assumed I am about 15. She will be surprised when she gets her affadavit... probably on Monday or Tuesday by certified mail.

I hope you get your puppy or your money back. Snow wa had a good post and I would do what she told you to do so that you have documnetation. This breeder is just awful hopefully she gets hers!!!!

I Second this - what goes around - COMES around. GOOD LUCK !

OMG! That woman is a complete Ass----! I would take her to court...and inform her that she has just embarked on her own personal, financial legal nightmare! :mad:

This is a good example for everyone....GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING!...


Francie

FYI - AKC phone number is (919) 233-9767. You might have to be on hold for a little bit, but I'm sure it'll be worth it.

If you paid cash, I hope you got a bill of sale. Or at the least, a receipt for the money. Hopefully, the receipt says that you paid her the money for a puppy. Not just one saying that you gave her $600.00.

If you paid by check, you should have to cancelled check back by now. If your bank is like mine, you don't get copies of the check sent to you. GO TO THE BANK and request they give you a photo copy of it. BOTH FRONT AND BACK!!!!!! Do not forget the back of the check. It will have her signature showing that she did indeed cash the check.

It's really sad the way we have to do things now. Remember when a handshake was a man's (or woman's) word? That people kept their promisses? When you did not have to worry about CYA in all situations?? It's sad....really sad!!

Good luck. I wish you the best!
Suz