AHAVA Afghan Hounds Cherie Bruckman Beware of Puppys for Sale, Internet

Here is the timeline of what happened to me when trying to buy my first puppy. I contacted the seller and asked for pictures. Talked on the phone. She seemed nice. Said puppy is Show quality for $800 and flight would be around $345.

I fell in love with puppy and told her I wanted him. She sent me unsigned contract stating he was pet quality (over phone said show quality). RED FLAG She then told me if I want him for show I have to pay $1000 RED FLAG ...why did I continue after this???  I told her I wanted the show quality puppy for $800 as she originally stated. Later she agreed.  I sent her $1200 by wire and signed contract.

She said she took puppy to airport, but because she bought the wrong size crate they wouldn't ship. She told me she we would have to use the largest kennel #700 and it cost $185.  I called the airline to make reservations and they said it would cost over $800 for the ticket. I called and told her I couldn't pay that much for the airline flight...she said no problem she would refund my money. She also said he would probably fit in a #500 kennel but she couldn't find one.

That night I called all airlines and found a flight  for about $600 and they had all sized crates for $100! I sent her an email stating I might re consider and get him...she never replied. I called. No reply. I emailed. No reply. I made the airline reservations and since I couldn't reach her I called her husband the next morning. He said they couldn't take the dog to the airport. I asked him to have her call me. She didn't. I sent more emails. No response.

Now I'm getting real nervous. They have my money. They have the puppy. They will not answer phone at work or at home. ..will not respond to emails. RED FLAG

I finally called the woman who she used as a reference. Anne was nice, and succeeded in getting Cherie to write to me. Cherie stated we can give this another try...then a half hour later  wrote and said someone inquired about the puppy and she wants to see what happens. Of course I'm upset...I  have already paid!  BEYOND RED FLAG

She sold the puppy to the other people. I was angry and asked her to wire my money right away. She told me she wired the money.  LIE. She did not wire anything.

A week later still no money.  Every day she says to wait one more day...I finally called Anne (The referral) again asking  for help. Anne succeeded in getting Cherie to respond to me. Cherie stated she would mail my money.  She sent a check for $800 with no note and apparently no conscience. This woman stole $400 of my money. Beware of Ahava Afghans.