Karen Zakaria Shih-Tzu Family Buyer Beware! Unethical Business and Animal Practices Novi Michigan

Found this Shih Tzu 'business' on the internet and was attracted to the location which was within driving distance from my home. Friendly over the phone and welcoming to view the puppies at her home. Found the home in a nice neighborhood, but was appauled at the living quarters. Not only is the smell overwhelming, with dogs running through the gated kitchen, in and out the sliding door, but this 'breeder' is raising a 2 1/2 year old child here, also. At first we were led to believe that there were only about a dozen adult dogs, not including the current litter, but came to realize that there were another 12+ more adult dogs in the psuedo-garage living area. The dogs are friendly, but the breeder seemed muddled on names and lineage. She identified herself as a rescue person in touch with Oakland County. So there were a few rescue dogs in addition to a few that she was "sitting" for owners who were between living arrangements. And a young child!

After several visits to identify a puppy and personality traits in the FIRST litter, we were encouraged to place a deposit to ensure our choice. After a follow-up visit, while waiting for the puppy to mature, another litter became available.  And then another!  Our choice of puppy and litter mate was halted immediately when it was discovered that the selected puppy was with one blue eye and one brown - THIS SAYS GENETIC ERROR somewhere in the lineage. The breeder was not aware of this flaw and was stunned when it was identified. With a change in job responsibilities, we respectfully requested a return on our deposit. The breeder was 'OK' that the puppy would have to be left at home unattended for 14+ hours a day. This was not our original plans in wanting to own a puppy. This was discussed and debated with the breeder who obviously did not want to give up on the 'sell' of her puppies. We made another phone call a few weeks later - "I haven't sold any puppies to have enough money to refund you' - not one time, but twice after a period of 4-5 months - with curt telephone hang-ups. To this date there has been no contact nor any check returned to us. 

We should have done our homework online to verify this breeder. She does write a 'health guarantee and shots' on the handwritten receipt, and encouraged vaccines in her home - excluding the rabies vaccine. Not sure if this is a valid practice for any healthy dog, pet or show! And from previous comments from buyers, this is a closed loop business to perhaps avoid quality vet care - even if at the expense of the breeder as she purported to cover 'any vet bills if there was a problem'. 

Buyers beware! This is a puppy mill in a suburban home with dogs that are most likely bred multiple time, given the state of the coats on the mothers. A rescue stud dog was being used for breeding. All puppies are cute, but I repeatedly stated to the breeder that I was seeking a HEALTHY dog and was willing to spend my time to chose the pesonality, coloring and most importantly a healthy dog.

I hope this updated report is helpful to all who are searching for a quality HEALTHY pet. Best of luck to you!