Is it right to ask for my money back?

[skywkr01]

Hi. I recently posted a thread about my 10 month-old rott Sabo being diagnosed with fairly bad HD. I had mentioned that I wanted to do something because I believed that the breeders knew that the parents had HD and/or knew the puppies had it, or would have it from past litters. I don't think that it's right for them to keep breeding the dogs due to this, if in fact they know about it. And "conviently" not mentioning this to prospected buyers. However, as much as I believe they knew, I can't prooved it, or assume that they did. I am a fair person. I learned from you all that the AKC only gaurantees that the dogs are pure bread, not that they are healthy. So I figured from that, that their was nothing I could do as in reporting them to the AKC, or whoever. I hear that in Florida, where I got the dog, that this is a big problem, and there are a lot of......shady breeders if you will. So it may be worth looking into.
My question is, would it be right for me to ask for my money back on the dog? I actually could care less about the money, but I figure that I am owed something. More than likely, I will eventually have to put Sabo to sleep because of the severity of his HD at this young age. This being after he has become a son to my girlfriend and me. If I would have known that he had this at 8 weeks when I got him, I would never had bought him. Who would. Which brings me to my next question. Can a vet tell that the dogs have or will have HD when they are first examined after birth? Meaning, could the breeders have known? I'm guessing no because it would be very hard to tell how they're little bones will develop. If that's the case, then I understand that the breeders did not know, and I guess I was just unlucky. This problem however, will cost me large amounts of money I'm sure. That's why I feel I am owed something. If the breeders do know, then I don't want any other family to buy one of these dogs, and have to find out that they may have to put down their baby, like I might have to. So, is there anything that I can, or should do? Would asking for the money back be wrong, or maybe even persuing stopping them from breeding?
Thanks a lot,
Ken

[Sharon Marples]

I believe I saw another post from someone in Florida who said that all dogs there had to be sold on a contract basis and that there was some sort of "Lemon" law in effect there?

Hopefully someone familiar with the laws in your state will respond to you. I for one would tell you to ask for your money back, especially if the parents were not OFA certified and the so called "breeders" bred them without certifications.

As you now know, it's very important to purchase from a breeder that will provide you with all health certifications. It is still no guarantee, but it's a lot closer than buying from someone who does not certify their dogs.

Good luck with your pursuit of this and if you search the archives you will find several supplements listed that can possibly help your boy with pain management, etc. as his HD progresses.

Sharon Marples

[Rott-Wiley]

Ken, first I don't know where you got that information that there are a lot of shady breeders in Florida but forget that for now. I don't breed myself so that doesn't effect me.

You are right that a vet usually cannot tell if a young puppy has HD. Did you get a health certificate when you purchased the puppy? In Florida you can't legally sell an animal without one, especially if a state line is involved. I got the idea you don't live here.

It sounds, and this is just my opinion now, like the breeders of you pup don't care about what quality dogs they are producing which would lead me to think they are breeding purely for the money. That being the case, by all means, Yes try to get your money back. You should inform them that your dog does have HD. That would be a starting place.

Now, about the HD. I once had a GSD with Grade 5 hips. That is the most severe rating and she lived to be 16 years old only to die of cancer so saying you have to put your pup down isn't really an accurate statement. My dog did swim a lot in our pool and was very active right up to the end and we didn't run up a lot of vet bills on her.

I hope you have good luck with your dog and again, yes, contact the people you got the pup from and see what they have to say about refunding your money and let us know how you make out.

[skywkr01]

Yes, I am not from FL, so I am not familiar with the laws there. I did not receive a health certificate with my dog, and was unaware that it was required by law in order to sell that dogs legally, so thanks for the info.
I'm sure that this paticualr breeder is in it just for the money. I got vibes from them from the beginning. I should have went with my insticts and not have bought from them. However, my girlfriend fell in love with our guy right away, as did I. You know how that goes. A lesson well learned for next time. There are very few Rott breeders that I could find near us in MO, so I looked while I was in FL. That's why I didn't get a chance to research the breeder very well.
I haven't given up on my guy yet, nor will I,....So No, I'm not going to just put him to sleep, if that's how it sounded. Also, as for my "shaddy breeders" comment, let me rephase. I heard that there are a lot a breeders in FL, and that there have been problems with controlling aspects of breeding this particualar breed. As in alot of news articles, etc. Sorry if I offended anyone. Thanks for the post.

[Grendl]

I had a malamute with moderate HD, and he lasted until age 13 1/2, when I finally had him PTS. With regular walks, and intermittent aspirin, he did just fine, until the last three months, when his hips finally began to give out for good. He was a good companion, but not a real active dog, as circumstances did not allow it. Rott-Wiley mentioned swimming, which I think sounds like a great form of exercise for a dog with HD, allowing the muscles to remain strong to support the weak hip(s), while not putting any weight on the joint. If swimming is an option, I would strongly consider it. Good luck.

[lblax]

for one did you buy with or without a contract... if you didnt have a contract then unless there is some florida law then you are s.o.l..... the breeders may or may not have known if you did any resurch and found that these breeders were reputable then they probably did not know and even litteers that parents and all ancesters have ofa certifications still at times produce pups that are dysplastic..... so if you had a contract or a health guarrentee then contact your breeder and usually if they are a reputable breeder they will replace the pup or refund but usually and especially if this is a freak happining in there lines they will want your pup back and it will either be put to sleep or live out its life in there kennels... this is done to protect there breedings and they can be assured that this pup doesnt pass on this... the mistakes you made were not resurching enough before you bought and if you did resurch and found a good breeder sometimes this happens i would just see how it turns out and do the best you can for your dog

[Rott-Wiley]

Here is the exact law as it applys to purchasing a dog or cat in Florida. I realize there's a lot of reading here and it all does not apply but I didn't want to just take part of it out of context. Hope this helps.

The Florida Statute s. 828.03.

(4)_ A person may not transport into the state for sale or offer for sale within the state any dog or cat that is less than 8 weeks of age.

(5)_ If, within 14 days following the sale by a pet dealer of an animal subject to this section, a licensed veterinarian of the consumer's choosing certifies that, at the time of the sale, the animal was unfit for purchase due to illness or disease, the presence of symptoms of a contagious or infectious disease, or the presence of internal or external parasites, excluding fleas and ticks; or if, within 1 year following the sale of an animal subject to this section, a licensed veterinarian of the consumer's choosing certifies such animal to be unfit for purchase due to a congenital or hereditary disorder which adversely affects the health of the animal; or if, within 1 year following the sale of an animal subject to this section, the breed, sex, or health of such animal is found to have been misrepresented to the consumer, the pet dealer shall afford the consumer the right to choose one of the following options:

(a)_ The right to return the animal and receive a refund of the purchase price, including the sales tax, and reimbursement for reasonable veterinary costs directly related to the veterinarian's examination and certification that the dog or cat is unfit for purchase pursuant to this section and directly related to necessary emergency services and treatment undertaken to relieve suffering;

(b)_ The right to return the animal and receive an exchange dog or cat of the consumer's choice of equivalent value, and reimbursement for reasonable veterinary costs directly related to the veterinarian's examination and certification that the dog or cat is unfit for purchase pursuant to this section and directly related to necessary emergency services and treatment undertaken to relieve suffering; or

(c)_ The right to retain the animal and receive reimbursement for reasonable veterinary costs for necessary services and treatment related to the attempt to cure or curing of the dog or cat.

Reimbursement for veterinary costs may not exceed the purchase price of the animal. The cost of veterinary services is reasonable if comparable to the cost of similar services rendered by other licensed veterinarians in proximity to the treating veterinarian and the services rendered are appropriate for the certification by the veterinarian.

[skywkr01]

Thanks! That helps a lot!

[Rott-Wiley]

Sure, here is the link to the Internet site where all that is written: http://www.bcrescue.org/puppyregs.html