Beware this VA breeder!!!

[LaurieB]

We purchased a puppy in Oct. 2002 from what we THOUGHT was a reputable breeder (DO NOT let a fancy color ad in Dog Fancy persuade you!). In Feb. when he started limping, panosteitis was diagnosed. Okay, that happens and it often resolves itself. Then we noticed the leg withering and turning and how hard it was for this puppy to rise. To make a long story shorter, after lots of $ in x-rays, it was revealed that he has severe hip dsyplasia in both hips, and elbow dsyplasia in both limbs, in addition to the pano. The breeder has tried to say it could have been his diet (SHE recommended we feed Walmart brand dog ... why, oh why didn't we RUN) or an injury. Nice try, but the team of Cornell vets disagreed! She's now offered us another puppy for $300 plus shipping. Henry was $1000 plus shipping. We understandably wouldn't touch another puppy from this place with a 10 foot pole. Incidentally, she advertises her stock as OFA certified. When we received the certifications, about 2 wks. after getting the puppy, the male was "good" and the female was "fair." Our vet says a "fair" dog is never supposed to be bred. It angers us to think of others she's fleecing, so if you're looking in VA, I'll be happy to share her name and our vet report with you in a private post!

[sophie's-mom]

I'm so sorry you're going through this!! No one should have to see a pup suffer!

Have you found out what your options are with this puppy?

I'd be interested in your dogs registered name, the parents registered names, their OFA numbers and your pups pedigree.

Thank you!

[Major]

Originally posted by sophies-mom
I'd be interested in your dogs registered name, the parents registered names, their OFA numbers and your pups pedigree.

Thank you!

While this is a nice way around posting the actual breeder's name please be careful about what information actually gets posted. If this thread crosses the line I will remove it.

[samanthac]

I am sorry that you had to go through this pain and heatbreak.

One of the biggest Rottweiler/Doberman puppy mills in the US regularly advertises in Dog Fancy. Just remember that these people pay Dog Fancy to print an ad. Dog Fancy simply does what the client pays for. They are not in the business of checking out every single ad submission to make sure they are a reputable breeder, nor should they be. Just as AKC is a registry plain and simple and not some breeder police organization, Dog Fancy is a magazine plain and simple.

Unfortunately this myth that only good dogs are sold through Dog Fancy and only good dogs are registerd through AKC gets a lot of owners heartbroken the first time around.

[mmgy]

I hope you know poor little Henry needs you now more than ever. Poor baby! I don't know how these people can live with themselves.

Best of luck in getting some resolution.

[LaurieB]

Samantha, you're absolutely right. What an education we've had over the last few months! When we purchased Henry, we were grieving the loss of our 6 yr Rottie, Howard, to bone cancer. We felt a puppy would help heal our broken hearts, to some extent, and our house was so lonely without Howard. Gee, how I wish we'd waited and found a breeder closer to home that we could have "checked out." I see you're familiar with the kennel - we just had no idea it was a mill!

[Miabella]

I thought that infamous Dobe/Rott factory was located in Pennsylvania? Is there another one I wasn't aware of?

Laurie, I echo mmgy's sentiments about being sorry about the position you're in, but wanting to emphasize that your pup needs you now more than ever.

As you probably realize, he's not a broken piece of merchandise that can't be returned for full price, he's a living being with feelings who is probably in pain. I know that you'll take good care of him and that you see him as more than just a "crippled Rott."

[Karyn]

Well said Miabella.

[LaurieB]

We agree wholeheartedly with you and mmgy. We love Henry, imperfect as he is. We have a wonderful Mastiff breeder here in CNY that put it very well when she told us to just love him because he doesn't know that he's NOT supposed to feel the way he does. He has always been uncomfortable and hurt - he doesn't know what it's like to be pain free. That actually helped us and makes it easier to watch him limp around every day. He has a clown-like personality and he's a kleptomaniac, so we do spend our share of time laughing... He's on Rimadyl, which helps, but we wonder about the consequences of long-term use considering he started it at nine months of age! But we'll continue to love him as long as we have him!

[LaurieB]

Sophie's Mom,
Please e-mail me and I'll give the pedigree info. and the OFA #'s.

Laurie

[samanthac]

[Laurie. Just love the little guy for as long as you can, and then, when the time comes and the pain is too much, love him enough to let him go. It could be three weeks or three years, but just love the little guy as much as possible and donlt spend a day fretting about what could have been.

Then when the time comes again next time, myself, or any of the other people here will help be bale to guide you to a reputable breeder. I know several of them in NY as well as PA, MA, VA and MD.

Again, i am so sorry that you have to go through this. And please feel free to contact me privately anytime.

[Major]

I am going to close this thread. I think the original point was made and all the ensuing discussion can take place in new threads, in other forums.

LaurieB, you may want to search Vet's Corner for alternative medications or even open a thread there to discuss current medications.