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LittleBlueBug
Happy Mommy
Member since 9/06 4074 total posts
Name:
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I need to share our story in light of the Oprah show
It's almost embarrassing to post this, knowing all of the research I've done to avoid this exact situation. I want to share our story for 2 reasons, one to educate people, the next to warn them.
As many of you know, I have been researching havanese pups for quite some time. I have researched for months, gotten recommendations, etc. After some discussion w/ DH, DH found a local "breeder" who had 3 pups left. I called the guy and "interviewed" him on the phone. He really seemed legit, so I gave it the green light. We told him we would come by that weekend to see the pups.
We went to this individual's home. It was clean, etc. He claimed he bred the pups himself, in his home, etc. He provided me w/ papers, there was even an AKC champ in the bloodline and everything.
We took our new pup to our vet and he had a great checkup...BUT, the vet told us that there was no way the dog was 10 weeks old because his back molars were not in. She said he was more like 7 weeks. So, the documents we had, which included our pup's birthdate were false. The vet said it would be fine, he is healthy, and not to worry about it (she was right).
This little fact upset me, which started me on track of researching every paper trail and everything associated w/ this pup. After a lot of research, it turns out that this individual bought these pups from a puppy mill in MN (Fair View, Linda Kleven)...he did not breed them, he did not have the sire as he said. He was a pet deeler. If I tell you, every piece of documentation he has printed up lists him as a breeder. He claims he breeds these dogs for health and longevity, however the puppy mill he got them from has been under investigation by CAPS. The research I did resulted in pictures of this place that made me actually break down into tears. Our pup was taken from it's mom at 4 weeks old! In essence, it was probably a blessing he was taken so early from the mill due to the conditions there...and the fact that my dog is completely happy and healthy without a parasite in him (but I was LUCKY).
The way I am looking at this is that I "rescued" my dog, who DH and I both adore. However, I beat myself up for not being smarter, for thinking w/ my heart instead of my head, for ignoring any doubt I had in retrospect, for giving my money to people who should not be in business in the first place.
I am not sure if it's okay to place someone's business on shout like this, so if you would like the name of this guy, please FM me.
The thing is...
I could not imagine our sweet little teddy bear NOT being in our lives. I would not trade him for anything in the world (teething and all)! However, what went on and what goes on in puppy mills is NOT okay.
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Posted 4/5/08 10:21 PM  |
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Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
CallaLily
Thank you, Saint Gerard!
Member since 10/07 4937 total posts
Name:
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Re: I need to share our story in light of the Oprah show
I cannot believe he misled you like that. Do you think that you could take any legal action against him? He needs to be stopped!
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| Posted 4/6/08 12:21 AM |
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Goobster
:)
Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
Name:
:)
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Re: I need to share our story in light of the Oprah show
Posted by LittleBlueBug
It's almost embarrassing to post this, knowing all of the research I've done to avoid this exact situation. I want to share our story for 2 reasons, one to educate people, the next to warn them.
Thank you for sharing this. It's not your fault, you did all the right things. Something must be done...he lied to you, etc, something must be able to be done to stop this man from selling dogs.
Anyone????
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| Posted 4/6/08 1:09 AM |
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2BEANS
wow time is going fast.
Member since 9/07 16106 total posts
Name:
Tina
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Re: I need to share our story in light of the Oprah show
That guy is a Horrible person to miss lead people like he did. Isnt there anyway to report him?
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| Posted 4/6/08 7:37 AM |
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Shanti
True love
Member since 6/05 12653 total posts
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Re: I need to share our story in light of the Oprah show
It's easy to be fooled. Now you know, and that is what is important for the future. Since you have falsified paperwork, I would try to pursue this - if nothing else, it may stop this jerk from ever doing this again.
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| Posted 4/6/08 8:55 AM |
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LittleBlueBug
Happy Mommy
Member since 9/06 4074 total posts
Name:
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Re: I need to share our story in light of the Oprah show
We are still discussing our next course of action. The laws I have researched protect pet owners who receive sick animals, however, because the papers were falsified we may still be able to do something. It's unbelievable!
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| Posted 4/6/08 3:26 PM |
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LittleBlueBug
Happy Mommy
Member since 9/06 4074 total posts
Name:
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Re: I need to share our story in light of the Oprah show
If anyone has an idea of what avenues to take w/ this, please let me know. I am open to suggestions.
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| Posted 4/6/08 3:27 PM |
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luckysmom
Yes it is! Going as planned:)
Member since 6/07 5339 total posts
Name:
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Re: I need to share our story in light of the Oprah show
Did u sign any type of contract with this guy regarding your pup? I would say if you did maybe there is information in the contract that you know is false and you can go from that.
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| Posted 4/6/08 3:32 PM |
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Alli06
Baby #3 coming this June
Member since 8/05 6721 total posts
Name:
A
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Re: I need to share our story in light of the Oprah show
This guy is scum!! You got a wonderful, healthy dog, so be thankful for that!! I would look into maybe bringing the guy to small claims court. He lied to you about the puppy's birth date, and it is documented. You could get a written statement from the vet.
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| Posted 4/6/08 4:12 PM |
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CAH127
LIF Adult
Member since 7/07 1694 total posts
Name:
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Re: I need to share our story in light of the Oprah show
Thank you for sharing. People are so unbelievable. At least you know you saved your little puppy. Enjoy him!
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| Posted 4/6/08 7:24 PM |
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LadyH
April Baby Girl is Here!
Member since 12/07 1077 total posts
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Re: I need to share our story in light of the Oprah show
Just terrible that he did that to you. But sadly I think this happens often to people.
I was always skeptical about the number of people who think they buy from legitimate breeders.
A co worker of mine just got his dog from a "breeder." Supposedly, this dog has European champions in his immediate blood line, with the official papers to prove it. All for $1500. Something tells me this guy bought himself a mill dog.
ETA - I would probably call the guy on it (I'm very confrontational) - then I would tap into where he is advertising (posters - word of mouth) and try to ruin his reputation with shame.
Message edited 4/6/2008 7:30:30 PM.
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| Posted 4/6/08 7:28 PM |
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MsMBV
:P
Member since 5/05 28602 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: I need to share our story in light of the Oprah show
Posted by LittleBlueBug
If anyone has an idea of what avenues to take w/ this, please let me know. I am open to suggestions.
The HSUS has many attorney referrals for lawyers who will work pro bono against puppy mills, brokers, etc. You can look on their website and contact them.
Thank you for sharing. I think your story (along with many others before yours, including my own) exemplify why we educate so fervently. Even with the best intentions and a working knowledge of PMs, you can still be duped.
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| Posted 4/7/08 7:45 AM |
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MsMBV
:P
Member since 5/05 28602 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: I need to share our story in light of the Oprah show
Posted by LadyH
Just terrible that he did that to you. But sadly I think this happens often to people.
I was always skeptical about the number of people who think they buy from legitimate breeders.
A co worker of mine just got his dog from a "breeder." Supposedly, this dog has European champions in his immediate blood line, with the official papers to prove it. All for $1500. Something tells me this guy bought himself a mill dog.
ETA - I would probably call the guy on it (I'm very confrontational) - then I would tap into where he is advertising (posters - word of mouth) and try to ruin his reputation with shame.
ITA. When I first started working in the rescue PM community my idea of a ligitimate breeder is DEFINATELY way different than it is now. And a lot of people tell me that I am being "too harsh" when I try to determine if a breeder is legit. This is exactly why. I have seen too many convincing bybs, brokers, etc.
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| Posted 4/7/08 7:47 AM |
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HoneyBadger
YourWorstNightmare.
Member since 10/06 15979 total posts
Name:
BahBahBlackJeep
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Re: I need to share our story in light of the Oprah show
Posted by LittleBlueBug
If anyone has an idea of what avenues to take w/ this, please let me know. I am open to suggestions.
I'm pretty sure you can sue. You paid for an AKC purebreed dog, you did not get that. Also this guy is not a real breeder though passing himself off as one, I would think thats false advertising of sorts.
There's got to be some sort of lawsuit in that.
ETA: As far as I'm concerned you were mislead and did nothing wrong. You were under the impression, after doing your research that you were getting your dog from reputable breeder. Don't beat yourself up over this too much over it - it's not like you walked into a pet store (like shake-a-paw) and bought a pup.
Message edited 4/7/2008 11:19:17 AM.
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| Posted 4/7/08 11:16 AM |
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lucyloo
nope
Member since 1/06 9758 total posts
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Re: I need to share our story in light of the Oprah show
Was this on LI ? What county?
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| Posted 4/7/08 4:32 PM |
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MsSissy
xoxoxo
Member since 3/07 39159 total posts
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Re: I need to share our story in light of the Oprah show
Posted by LittleBlueBug
We went to this individual's home. It was clean, etc. He claimed he bred the pups himself, in his home, etc. He provided me w/ papers, there was even an AKC champ in the bloodline and everything.
Can you contact the AKC and let them know this guy is using their name and see if he is licensed with them? If they keep track of stuff like that. I'm not too familiar with the logistics of it all.
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| Posted 4/7/08 4:40 PM |
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