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Report: #29376

Report: The Puppy & Kitty Nursery

Reported By: (St. Petersburg FL)

The Puppy & Kitty Nursery - Selling Puppies with Congenital Defects Never Again will I buy from a pet store Largo Florida *UPDATE ..just look at my dogs picture

... Be Informed BEFORE you buy

3Author 24Consumer 2Employee

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The Puppy & Kitty Nursery

7190 Ulmerton Road
Largo Florida 33771
U.S.A.
Phone: 727-536-4900
Web Address:

Category: Pet Shops & Supplies

Submitted: Sunday, September 08, 2002

Last posting: Sunday, February 01, 2009

I purchased a chinese shar-pei puppy (Zeus) from "Puppy & Kitty Nursery" in December of 1998. He was fine until May of 2000 when he suffered a ruptured Cruciate as a result of having a luxating patella.

He required surgery which cost $2964. I was told at that time that his other leg had a luxating patella and would probably require surgery. He also has mild hip dysplasia.

These are all hereditary conditions which can be ruled out before buying the puppy by researching the health of the parents. Unfortunately I was a very uniformed consumer at the time and taken in by all the cute puppies running around the store.

This hereditary and congentital defects were discovered after the "one year extended warranty" against such defects had expired. I never contacted the store for a refund for this reason. Maybe I should have, but according to the contract I signed they are not required to do anything.

Since then other hereditary medical problems have surfaced. Zeus suffers from a condition known as Familial Shar-Pei Fever which until we finally diagnosed it cause him to spend a week in the hospital every month on IV fluids. So far in treating Zeus's hereditary illness' we have spent over $10,000 dollars.

I continue to do research looking for alternative medicines and trying to find something to keep him healthy. He is 3 years old now and I love him as much as I would love my own child. He has suffered a great deal but he seems healthy for the moment.

If I had any idea what I was getting into the day I walked into that store I would have run the other way as fast as I could. The fact is they don't know the history of the dogs they are selling and it could take a couple of years for health problems to show up. Buy then you are in love with your dog and would do whatever it takes to keep him healthy.

As far as "The Puppy & Kitty Nursery" go I don't expect to recover any money for Zeus's medical expenses but it would be nice to get a refund.

Kimberly
St. Petersburg, Florida

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3Author 24Consumer 2Employee

Update By Author

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Puppy and Kitty Nurser - Selling puppies with hereditary defects

- ()

SUBMITTED: Thursday, September 12, 2002 POSTED: Friday, December 06, 2002

The breeder's name is Steve Kruse from Iowa, I have since found out that he has is a puppy miller.

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WE WERE ABUSED BY PUPPY KITTY TOO----OUR STEVE KRUSE BULLDOG PUPPY DIED TOO.

Kimberly - Largo, Seminole (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Monday, April 28, 2003 POSTED: Monday, April 28, 2003

dEAR kIMBERLY,

i AM SO SORRY TO HEAR THAT YOU AND ZEUS SUFFERED SO MUCH. MY ANGUISH HAS TURNED TO ANGER AND I AM READY TO DO WHAT I CAN TO ENSURE THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN TO ANYONE ELSE. REGINA IS A STINGY MALICIOUS WITCH. AND STEVE KRUSE NEEDS TO BE RECOGNIZED AS THE PUPPY MILL THAT HE IS.

WE ATRE REPORTING ON ABC THIS WEEK....IF YOU GET THIS PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL ME SO I CAN GIVE YOU THE SPECIFICS. I WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO TELL YOUR STROY TOO.

OUR TRAGIC STRORIES NEED TO BE TOLD SO WE CAN SAVE OTHERS FROM ENDURRING THE SAME HEARTACHES.

I HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON.
BEST.

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How the breeder was found

Angelina - Tampa (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Friday, June 06, 2003 POSTED: Friday, June 06, 2003

Hi, I rcently purchased a Puppy that i thought was healthy and she turned out to be sick from puppy kitty nursery in the Dale Mabry location, and i would like to know how you were able to find the info of the breeder. It would really help me out in my fight against this store. Thank you

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How to do research.

Kimberly - St. Petersburg (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Sunday, June 08, 2003 POSTED: Sunday, June 08, 2003

Do your homework before you buy any animal from any source. One excellent website I found that helped me track down Zeus's breeder was "nopuppymills.com".

I had the AKC registration number and name of the sire and the people at the nopuppymills site found the breeder's name.

This site is very informative and I recommend it to anyone thinking of getting a pure breed.

Also if the seller is claiming that the pups are AKC registered you can find out for sure on their website "akc.org" for a small fee.

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Thanks for the info

Angelina - Tampa (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Monday, June 09, 2003 POSTED: Monday, June 09, 2003

Dear Kimberly,

Thanks for the info on the breeder's information. Well unfortunately its too late, my husband and i brought the puppy back to the store after we received bad news from our vet. She was seriously ill and that they had sold us and unfit dog, they sent her home with severe Coccidia, and also severe ear mites. She got very ill on us over the weekend and we made the decision of taking her back. But my husband and I arent stopping there. The owner of puppy kitty nursery got very nasty me. So I have decided to go to the news station and newspaper with my story and i wanted to know if you would like to contribute your story along with mine. I would really appreciate if you would and possibly contact me through my e-mail address at Contactmanning@aol.com. Thank you for all your help and information.

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Hereditary Diseases - A Chance That YOU Take!

RJ - Camden (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Wednesday, June 25, 2003 POSTED: Wednesday, June 25, 2003

A highly respected magazine (Consumer Reports) very recently wrote the following:

"The demand for ever-more-perfect purebread dogs has concentrated bad recessive genes and turned many pets into medical mightmares. The best way to protect yourself, especially before you buy your next puppy, is to know the genetic diseases your favorite breed is prone to suffer. You really want to avoid an animal predisposed to getting a genetic disease, because treatment is expensive and onset of the disease is emotionally very, very draining."

It also reads, "Mixed-breed mutts did not suffer from hereditary diseases."

In other words, don't blame the seller. They don't KNOW for sure any more than you do that the dog will become sick or die. You can't usually see an inherited disease. It's the chance YOU take and the money you must spend to have that PUREBREAD.

Adopt a mutt and be happy!

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I beg to differ

Angelina - Tampa (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Thursday, June 26, 2003 POSTED: Thursday, June 26, 2003

I beg to differ with you comments about mutts that aren’t prone to hereditary diseases. My mom has a mutt, Lady is 1/2 golden retriever and 1/2 German Shepard and she has hip dysphasia, a hereditary disease among retrievers, so all dogs are prone to diseases no matter what, and as far as blaming the store, I do because after we returned here they told us they forgot to tell us she has severe ear mites and stomach parasites/worms. So I do blame the store because they have been founded already to sell dogs from puppy mills. All these places are looking for is the money for these dogs, they don’t care how the dog’s health is, and people should realize that all they do want is money because look at the astronomical prices for these animals!!! Please research your facts before any statements are made.

Ex-Employee

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Horrible Company, Employees would smoke in the building with the dogs, one even gave a sick dog a wine cooler.

Melanie - Palm Harbor (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Saturday, October 18, 2003 POSTED: Saturday, October 18, 2003

I got a job going in the mornings to clean up after the dogs. I always made sure I did a good job but not everyone was as careful as me. Employees would smoke in the building with the dogs, one even gave a sick dog a wine cooler. Managers were never around in the mornings to supervise. I hated the job, but needed the money...Which I never got. In the 6 weeks I worked there I reveived 2 paychecks. Then oneday, with out any warning, I went into work and thought we had been robbed. There were no animals and the place was a mess. There was a note on the desk to leave the key and a check would be mailed to me. Well I never received any money from them. But I managed to work out a deal to get a $600 cat from them to make up for the loss. They told me no one would be paid until everyone could be paid...This was a week after I talked to my old boss who told me he was putting the paychecks in the mail that day. Thankfully my cat is healthy, but I saw first hand all the sick animals (kept in the back) and the few that did die. At first I didn't think anything was wrong because a vet DID come in once a week to check out the animals and give shots...But he ovbiously was working with the company.

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Puppy Mills a NO-NO

Bill - Jupiter (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Saturday, January 10, 2004 POSTED: Saturday, January 10, 2004

If people only knew what puppy mills are all about. Those poor animals are forced to live their entire lives in small cages and all they do is give birth. So, you end up purchasing their puppies. Next time you want an animal, contact a non-profit agency. Some of the female parents they sell are rescued from the mills.

#10

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Did you check your husbands genes!?

Emmi - Paderborn (Germany)

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, January 13, 2004 POSTED: Wednesday, January 14, 2004

Sorry to hear about the dogs bad health (top story), but in my opinion it is just fate what stroke you. When you were going to marry your husband - did you check his genes to see if you two would eventually have children with hereditary diseases!?
I don´t think so and if you two would have a child with an hereditary disease - who would you sue for this?
God?

#11

Update By Author

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Pet Shops and Puppymills

Kimberly - St. Petersburg (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Thursday, January 15, 2004 POSTED: Thursday, January 15, 2004

In response to Emmi from Germany: Allow me to clarify. Pet shops are not only selling dogs with hereditary defects, they are selling dogs that are just plain sick. Puppies and kittens with giardia, coccidia, kennel cough and parasites. Although these illnesses are curable, the pets should not be sold until they are well.
By (Florida)law any seller of any pet is required to provide the purchaser with an accurate and up to date health certificate signed by a licensed vet. This certificate is only valid for 30 days from the date of the examination.

After my experience with my dog, I started working for a vet and I still do. We see several clients with dogs and cats purchased from pet shops. These pets were sick when they were purchased and they should not have been sold until they had completely recovered. In addition as these animals get older they do present with serious hereditary illness.

Of course you take a risk with any living creature, however the demand for cute purebred puppies and kittens has created a tragic situation for these innocent animals.

My original post was to raise awareness about the puppy mill industry and the pet stores as willing participants. Perhaps that was lost in the translation. And if you misunderstood then maybe so do others.

I urge anyone who reads my report, to please take the time and visit the website I mentioned in an earlier post. It is very educational and goes into much more detail about the pet shop industry and pet sellers. The url is: www.nopuppymills.com

#12

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someone who bought a sick puppy from their store

Mary Ann - Plainfield (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Friday, June 18, 2004 POSTED: Friday, June 18, 2004

i work at an animal hospital and this certain pet store comes to have their pets treated at our place. its all for money,the dr. gives a very quick overlook at the puppies,then someone buys the cute little pet at the store and comes to us for a free visit. then almost the same day,they are in with a cough,it takes forever to go away. i think they are selling them too small,and they are all together,their lungs arent strong enough to handle this stress. they all get the same thing from eachotner .it is hard to get rid of. the breeders,[or so called] should get in trouble for selling these dogs so young..please look into this. thanks,mary slota

#13

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Purebreeds, Purchases

S.n - Bucyrus (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Saturday, June 19, 2004 POSTED: Saturday, June 19, 2004

As long as people insist on purchasing animals from pet stores supplied by puppy mills sick animals are going to be sold. A one year warranty for a pure bred dog does not cover any hereditary defects that I am aware of. These defects do not show up in the first year of a dog's life. If you must have a pure breed, find a reputable breeder. Ask questions, research the breed yourself to find out what medical issues might arise. Ask to see both parents of the puppy you wish to purchase. Check the breeder's background and ask for references. A great source for discovering the pros and cons of a particluar breed is to find a rescue group for that breed. Again, if your vet is willing to attest to the fact that your animal was ill at the time of purchase, go to the District Attorney's office where the pet store is located and file a complaint.

#14

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Use Your Own Veterinarian

Linda - San Diego (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Saturday, June 19, 2004 POSTED: Sunday, June 20, 2004

whenever you acquire a new pet, you should always have it checked out by your own personal veterinarian immediately. Never trust that exam to one recommended by the place you made your purchase. If you don't have a good vet, ask your neighbors or other pet owners for a reference.

The animals from these puppy and kitty mills are often very in-bred, so their predisposed ailments are multiplied. Until we can force pet shops to buy from reputable breeders, the risk will always be there when you buy from them.

#15

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response to a response - its those people who sell them, they are supposed to know better.

Mary Ann - Plainfield (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Saturday, June 19, 2004 POSTED: Sunday, June 20, 2004

i didnt get the dog from a pet store purposely, i dont care if i have a pure bred, i knew that any dog from a pet store was a risk, but when she was at my work, she was already sick, but i just got attached to her. its those people who sell them, they are supposed to know better.

#16

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Puppy Mills and Breeders

S.n. - Bucyrus (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Monday, June 21, 2004 POSTED: Monday, June 21, 2004

Yes, you are correct, people SHOULD know better. They don't. There are responsible breeders then there are the BYBs (backyard breeders) and greeders who care about nothing but the $$$$. I encourage everyone to shop for a responsible breeder before purchasing any animal and I encourage reporting those breeders that are not responsible. ALWAYS research the breed before you buy and know not only what questions to ask a breeder but what their answers should be. As an animal advocate, I also encourage those looking for a particular breed to look for a breed rescue group in their area. Breed animals are dumped as often as "mutts" And please spay or neuter your pet whether it be a canine, a feline, a lagamorph, or a rodent.

#17

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Lost of Olde Bulldog

Heather - St. Petersburg (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Tuesday, June 29, 2004 POSTED: Wednesday, June 30, 2004

I am in shock to have found this. about a year and a half ago we bought an Olde Bulldog "Max" from Puppy & Kitty Nursey also. He seemed fine, healthly, etc. We paid 1700.00 for him. Well about 10 months later his hind legs started to not work any more. To make a long story short we took him to our vet, they took Xrays; he had been born with no hip sockets, had serve hip displasia, and nerve damage because of this surgery would cost 5-6 thousnad dollars and that would have just helped the pain..

The vet said it was cause from bad breeding and Max had been suffering since he was a puppy. I went threw hell with Puppy & Kitty Nursery in Largo, they finally had us give Max back and gave us a refund. They would not pay for the bills nor his surgery that was needed. Regina was very rude. When we gave them Maxwe asked what would happen to him? Why couldn't we just keep him. She stated if we wanted a refund she had to take him so she could send him back to the breeder. this hit our family very hard, he was our baby, it took many nights to get over this loss. I wish there was something I could have done......NO ONE SHOULD HAVE TO GO THROUGH THIS...THEY NEED TO BE SHUT DOWN.....

#18

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How Did They Dispose of Max?

S.n. - Bucyrus (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Wednesday, June 30, 2004 POSTED: Wednesday, June 30, 2004

I do not wish to make a bad situation worse, but the chances are when you returned this dog, he was killed because he was notgoing to be in any condition to be sold again. Did you ask them how they planned to euthanize him? I realize the loss of the amount of money you spent is a big thing to you, but Max would have benefited if you had been the one to take him to a good vet and had him humanely put to sleep. If this breeder/puppy mill/pet store is as bad as everyone here says it is, I guarantee you Max as not destroyed in a humane manner with someone that cared aobut him with him till the end.

#19

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I had to give him back......

Heather - St. Petersburg (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Thursday, July 01, 2004 POSTED: Thursday, July 01, 2004

When we had to say good-bye and give him back to the Stroe, they told us when we asked what would happening to him that they where sending him back to the breeder so they to could get a refund. I remember asking cuz we told them we would keep him with his family, with us. And they said, "NO!" It really sucked now that I am thinking about it again, I really miss him and like I said stores like that should be closed down!

#20

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To Mary Ann, Plainfield, IL

Jo - Chicago (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Saturday, July 03, 2004 POSTED: Saturday, July 03, 2004

This message is intended for Mary Ann of Plainfield, IL. You stated that you work for an Animal Hospital that services the pet store where you purchased a puppy. I'm wondering if it is the same store, where I purchased my own puppies. Its initials are HIP, and they have multiple locations, including Arlington Heights, Naperville, Downers Grove, Orland Park, and more in Illinois. I did not want to purchase these puppies from a store, but I was afraid for these puppies' welfare. One maltese in particular had been in the store for over 2 months. Another was way too young to be away from its mother. I was afraid of what might happen to these individual puppies if no one purchased them. The store had these bulletin boards covered with pictures of satisfied customers, and the workers assured us that the puppies were not from puppy mills. We took the puppies to the store's retained vet, who seems to be doing very well from all of the business. He has multiple "state-of-the-art" clinics generally in the same towns as HIP's locations. The puppies were definitely not in good shape when we brought them home. They were all treated for kennel cough and ear mites. So far they have no shown any genetic problems, but they still show signs of trauma having been in the pet store. And I have finally found proof of their origins. Our maltese came from Steve Kruse in Iowa. Another and the others from mills in MO. Furthermore, I have learned that the store's primary vet has had his license suspended in other state for animal cruelty and allowing an unlicensed person to practice in his clinic. I hope that you do not in fact work for this particular vet. I am heartbroken to have proof of our puppies' orgins. Something has to be done.

#21

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response to person in illinois who wants mary ann

Mary Ann - Plainfield (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Saturday, July 03, 2004 POSTED: Saturday, July 03, 2004

no,they are in will county. i used to live near you,but moved out here. they are too young to be sold,and the pet stores shouldnt be as responsable as the back yard breeders that sell them to the pet store.they are usually too young;. my pup is better now but now she sounds like she will always have asthma. i am lucky i work for a vet ,but people who have to pay out of their pockets,they could go broke. they shouldnt have to put up with such misery. thats not fair. they dont know what they are getting into when they buy from pets stores. good luck to you.

#22

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Take Action in Your Petstores

Bobbi - Orange (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Sunday, July 18, 2004 POSTED: Sunday, July 18, 2004

Reading this report makes me think of ways to help the animals that are purchased this way, and I come up blank. The only thing I can think of that would help is to pretend interest in puppies in local petstores and find out if they're from puppy mills, and then go to the local paper if they are.

I worked in an animal shelter for 4 years and saw so many purebreds euthanized! PLEASE try to rescue a pet before buying one, any petstore purchase should be carefully considered. Almost all of the animals sold there have rescue efforts for their breed, check the internet.

I'm sorry you and your dog had to suffer through this,

#23

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pet shop undercover

Sam - WheatRidge (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Wednesday, July 21, 2004 POSTED: Wednesday, July 21, 2004

please just go in they useally have these tags frm the brder an ####"A"### means breeder > ####"B"#### broker both BAD you can go in an investagate info on a breeder w/USDA freedom info act just get down the #'s an http://www.nopuppymills.com can give you help in this also. ask after getting info about parents did they see them? is your breeder in state? etc..an dont buy rescue pups you just help mills make more suffering!

#24

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the emotional purchase

Stefanie - Tacoma (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Thursday, July 22, 2004 POSTED: Thursday, July 22, 2004

This is my opinion to all breeders and to new puppy parents to be. We have a responsibility on both ends.As a breeder I believe it is my duty to truely check out each and every puppy that leaves our home. I require that the families visit with the puppy 4 times prior to the puppy leaving my home and do a home visit. they must also have a vet chosen that i may call and talk to in person about the placement of my baby. this does take alot more time and energy but the fact is I choose to bring these little lives into the world so I am responsible.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE..to the new puppy parent to be do your homework. There are so many cute and cuddly or big and brawly healthy happy puppies that need homes.DO NOT GET CAUGHT UP BY EMOTIONS..just because you see the puppy in the window. Find out what it is and go somewhere where you can see the MOM and DAD and where and how the puppy was raised. Interview many breeders to get a clearer view. Make sure the breeder interviews you as well. The breeder should be as concerned about where the puppy is going as you should where it is coming from.

We are a microwave society..We see it and we must have it now. Patience and slowing the process down in searching for your new best friend will give you the time you need to think clearly and not be caught off guard by the emotional purchase. Leave all credit cards, check books, and cash at home. For the ladies, take your husband with you on you r search. Mine works well when I want to spend money without thinking it over first.The bottom line is that The word Breeder has become something of a TABOO, because these certain type of breeders and pet stores feed one another.

But true honest great breeders do exist. Just a great puppy parents exist.To all the great breeders..lets help the new puppy parents tout by offering great info and make our selves available to them...even if that means they get a healthy puppy somewhere else.Knowledge is power.Puppy parents to be...Seek out good and honest breeders...we are out there..YES WE ARE BREEDERS..but we breed for the betterment of the breed. We are loyal to our dogs and they are treated as 100% members of our families. Stop looking in the widows of pet stores and find us. We will be waiting to here from you.

#25

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Puppy & Kitty Nursery reported to Better Business Bureau

Melissa - Spring Hill (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Sunday, September 26, 2004 POSTED: Sunday, September 26, 2004

My husband and I purchased a cocker spaniel pup in 2000 from the Puppy and Kitty Nursery in Palm Harbor,Fl. The first conversation we had with them they stressed how the health of the dog was more important than anything. We brought her to the vet that they recommended,which was the same one that came in once a week to do checkups on all of the animals. We were told that the dogs parents were purebred and registered with the A.C.A. and that we would receive the papers within 90 days. When we took the dog to be checked the vet said that she had very bad teeth and one had to be extracted. Since we were having her spayed the vet suggested on having the tooth taken out at the same time. We called the nursery and they agreed to pay for the tooth extraction. Four months later we still had not received our papers. So my husband called them and was told to give it a little more time. Which he did. He called back again 2 months later and was told to call their corporate office, again he did and was told another request for the papers would be made. He called back 2 months later and then 2 months later after that leaving a message both times but never received a call back. So we called the BBB and reported them. That was June 26,2001 and we received the papers July 5,2001. Action speaks louder than words.Since we bought our dog she has had nothing but problems with her teeth and skin. I kept looking at her and looking at pictures of other cocker spaniels, and I told my husband I just did not think she was pure bred. It doesn't matter to me now cause she has the sweetest disposition and I would never trade her. We also have a Bichon Frise whom we purchased at a pet store in Atlanta, and I am having my doubts about him too. I just happened to be doing a search on the ACA and found this site. I was in shock to see all the reports about this puppy nursery. I've never even heard of puppymills before and it really makes me sick to think that there is such a thing. What can be done about this? These nurseries know they are buying and selling sick non purebred dogs and cats.They know whom they are buying from,puppymills.They only see $$$$$$. They should be held accountable.

#26

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Happiness is Pets in Arlington Heights, IL-Steve Kruse the breeder in Iowa

Susana - Chicago (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Saturday, November 27, 2004 POSTED: Sunday, November 28, 2004

To anyone that buys puppies from H.I.P. I have myself bought 3 puppies from Happiness Is Pets. All my dogs were healthy. I took them to the vet that they listed for a free evaluation, and I have had no problem when it has come down to them paying for any minor thing that the puppies had from being around so many puppies. Two of the three have come from Steve Kruse. Alot of times these animals are sick from pure coincidence. There is no real way for these breeders to know which puppies are going to be sick. Alot has to do with genetics. The type of breeds that they are is important too. Big boned dogs are prone to hip problems and there is no way to know that they have it until they are 1 yr old. Obviously its not the breeders fault that these dogs have these types of problems. Its just the breed. So if you buy puppies from pet stores: 1. Talk to people in the store 2. Keep your ears open to what other people in the store are saying. 3. Visit the store more than once. 4. Think real hard before you get an animal because pure bred or not they may get sick.

#27

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Another Florida Breeder to beware of is ENVY CHIHUAHUAS Vicky Bisard Whipple

Sherry - El Segundo (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Sunday, April 30, 2006 POSTED: Sunday, April 30, 2006

This lady is a liar and a cheat! If you want a Chihuahua puppy I would warn to go somewhere else. All the horror stories I have heard after I bought my puppy who died from a heart defect. Her website is too nice and she even has OFA listed for her dogs knees. No wonder so many people get fooled. Some of these websites could fool anyone!If it looks too good then that should be a concern .

#28

Ex-Employee

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Spur of the moment purchases

Tara - Pinellas Park (U.S.A.)

SUBMITTED: Sunday, April 30, 2006 POSTED: Sunday, April 30, 2006

I worked for the Largo Puppy & Kitty Nursery for three and a half years and have 4 dogs from them. I started as cleaning crew and then moved to sales. First of all, the cages those puppies sleep in is cleaner than most peoples houses. Those puppies live better than most people do. Everything is sanitized daily and fresh supplies are used.

The problem is that any breed of dog over 50 pounds adult weight has a very very good chance of developing hip problems or arthritis. And 75% of small breed dogs have some form of patella luxation. As far as parasites or giardia or coccidia, they are all treatable and very very common when there is more than one dog around another. They are still able to get these diseases even when they get home if there is another animal in the home. But I have watched for three and a half years as the health inspectors have told us we were the best pet store in pinellas county, and that we followed all rules as far as quarantining any sick puppies.

And when you purchase a puppy you sign a form acknowledging we told you about the condition and if you still purchase the puppy well then that seems like you are the one setting yourself up for a possible vet bill or heartache.

If everyone did their research before purchasing any puppy there wouldn't be these problems. You can not tell just from looking at a puppy or it's parents for that matter and make a decision on whether or not that dog will have a defect. The funny thing is that all of the defects complained about in this report are common to the breed the owner purchased and if they had done their homework they would have known that. And a lot of people purchase dogs that are not the right breed for them and then health problems arise from not recieving the proper care.

You are taking a risk no matter what unless you breed your puppy yourself. Pet stores only can go off of the information supplied to them by the breeder, same as if you went to a breeder looking for a puppy, you can only go by the info you get from them. If you wanna complain about a pet store, look at Petland in Largo Mall. Their pups are in glass cages and yuo can see how sick they are just from looking at them. I have never heard anyone make a comment like that about our puppies. And to clarify, there was never a Puppy & Kitty Nursery in Palm Harbor. Our original store is still in it's original location on Ulmerton RD, and our second location was opened on Dale Mabry and we have one in BRadenton.

So as far as I'm concerned, customers have just as much a part to be played in this game. DO YOUR HOMEWORK!

ANd in regards to the SHar Pei story. It should not have taken three years for you to find the luxating patella. They are born with it, so obviously your vet didn't do a very good job examaning your pup for three years. Because if any treatment was necessary it could have been given and the situation prevented. SO I find that on your end of the fault line.

#29

Consumer Comment

Respond to this report!

Be Informed BEFORE you buy

Concerned59 - Pembroke (Canada)

SUBMITTED: Sunday, February 01, 2009 POSTED: Sunday, February 01, 2009

When purchasing a pet, it's not like buying a car or appliance where industry standards are in place to ensure that a quality product is manufactured. It's very much like having or picking out a baby. You really don't know what you might end up with. This is why it is imperative to do as much research before hand as possible.

In this case and at the very least, a 5 minute Google search would have yielded a complete list of the possible health issues that a shar pei, or any other breed for that matter, might encounter during their life span and how to recognize potential problems in a puppy that may not develop problems until later in life. At best, consult with a veterinarian before you make the purchase. You could then make an informed decision as to whether or not you were willing to accept the variables and risks.

If you make the purchase impulsively, you can still have your puppy examined by a vet directly after the purchase. If any problems had been found within the first few days most pet stores would be more than happy to have you return the puppy for a refund.

With respect to this particular puppy's issues, both the luxating patella which led to the ruptured cruciate and the 'mild' hip dysplasia may be hereditary but not necessarily. It is not uncommon for young dogs with growing frames that are not yet fully developed to be over exerted through exercise or play and end up with these conditions or making what would have been a manageable condition worse. Again, if the puppy had been taken to a vet soon after the purchase these conditions at the very least would have been discussed.

We should also consider making a purchase from a pet store. No matter how well branded they are, no responsible, registered breeder sells to them. So right there you have to be aware that there is a risk of health issues as a result of poor or unmonitored breeding. Buying an extended warranty does not guarantee the health of the pet where as a breeder will and typically for 2 or more years until the animal has reached a fair level of physical maturity.